Paper vs. Online FAFSA
In your Financial Aid Office is there a benefit to having the student complete the paper FAFSA versus the FAFSA online process?
I believe that there are some cases in which you must use a paper FAFSA such as when a parent is not able to access the FAFSA on the web because they are in another country but other then issue with a parent I do not see any benefits to having a student use a paper FAFSA. The online process is quick and easy
Rosezza,
I think all of us would agree that having the option of the paper FAFSA is beneficial in certain circumstances. However, the FOTW process is much quicker and easier for th student and the parent. Also, the return of results to enable us to package and award the student is more efficient.
Appreciate your participating in the forum. It is always good to see what others are doing and the approach taken to online processing.
Sincerly,
Chyrl Ayers
Hi Chyrl,
Our institution obviously prefers our prospective students using FOTW. If students don't have internet access (dependent or independent), we have secure computers for the student and/or parent to use if they so prefer. This also allows us to help any questions they may have during the FASFA process.
Myles.
Myles,
I agree that using online is far more effective than using paper FAFSAs these days. It's good that you keep it consistant for all of your potential students and their parents.
Regards,
David McGuffee
The only time I can really see a paper FAFSA being adequate is in a case where there is some kind of cyber meltdown with internet access. The online process is quick and easy and gives you an idea immediately on what your eligibility is and is highly preferable. I know the DOE will be doing their maintenance again on FAFSA website once the 14-15 FAFSA comes out, so it might not be available at the time the student is applying. A paper FAFSA could be useful and putting it through a needs analysis could help in giving the student an idea on their eligibility.
Katie, I agree with you. Having a student complete a paper FAFSA these days should only be done on a case-by-case basis. The online process is the quickest and easiest way and does provide an immediate way of letting the student know what they may be eligible for from a Title IV perspective.
Regards,
David McGuffee
It depends on the student's computer literacy. Many of my students have problems with the online form especially early in the year when the default year moves up and we still have six months left in the current FAFSA year.
Darrold,
I definitely understand your point and how January - June may be confusion to the students. Some students are more comfortable with the one-on-one Financial Aid assistance instead of completing the FOTW. It is important to understand your student which experience will be best for that student.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
In my institution there is no benefit for any of our students completing a paper FAFSA. For us it just delays the process. No matter the level of computer literacy it is still effective and efficient to help them navigate the FOTW to ensure results are received and submitted properly.
Catalina ,
Most of the participants in this forum share your thoughts. FOTW is a more streamline and efficient process than the paper FAFSA.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
Our Insititution uses Paper only when the student feels unsure about how to answer questions due to the lack of English. Our Financial Aid Officer would use the "paper "application as a worksheet to help, when the student feels that all questions are answered adequately upon review from the Financial Aid Officer, they then have the option to submit via mail or FOTW using the application as a worksheet.
Tri,
I think your approach is the best for your students. It is critical that the students have options depending on their abilities and confidence. Great job on managing your students based on their needs.
Sincerely, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
Hi Chyrl,
We prefer the online application. It seems to make less room for error and corrections.
Elizabeth,
I agree with your comments. Also, I believe the online process empowers and allows them to contribute to the timeliness of the process. The online process has grown and continues to improve the overall experience for the student.
Best wishes in your continued online educational pursuits.
Respectfully, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
We prefer the FOTW; this is the most efficient way to process requests for funding. However, I think it is important to bring attention to making sure everything is accurate before submission. Errors occur, especially with numbers. It is imperative that the input is checked prior to submission!!
If there is any type of error (in one situation it was a SSN), we had to use the paper FAFSA and snail mail it. Another situation was identity theft. Again, a paper filing.
Unfortunately, both of these situations, though not done by our students, fell to them to correct, which delayed their funding.
Laura,
All of your points are very worthy for us to keep in mind. These types of situations do occur and it is our responsibility as Aid Administrators to ensure our students are taken care of in these situations. It is important to make sure the students understand the importance of accuracy and where to come in the event of an issue.
Best wishes in your continued online education process.
Respectfully, Chyrl
Chyrl Ayers
We process 99.99% of our applications online. We either walk the student through the process via the phone or have them come into the financial aid office for assistance. FOTW is much better today than in the past. Also, the IRS Data Retrieval process seem a lot smooth than in days gone past. We have only used a paper FAFSA for a very few ocassions over the last couple of years.
Joy, I believe most participants in this forum share your thoughts regarding the use of online FAFSA as compared to paper. FOTW is a more streamlined and efficient process than the paper process. Along with the IRS Data Retrieval, less errors should occur.
Regards,
David McGuffee
