Don’t Wait—File the FAFSA Now Before Shutdown Delays Take Hold!

Why Filing the FAFSA Early Still Matters—Even During a Government Shutdown
By Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert®

When the federal government shuts down, it doesn’t just halt national parks or delay agency operations. For millions of students, it directly impacts something far more personal: their ability to pay for college.

With FAFSA processing stalled and families unsure whether their applications will be reviewed anytime soon, it’s understandable that some students feel tempted to wait. Why submit forms if no one is on the other end to read them?

But as I’ve shared in recent interviews, that thinking could cost students thousands of dollars in financial aid. In fact, filing early, especially during a shutdown, is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Let’s break down what students and families need to know.

What Actually Happens to FAFSA During a Shutdown?

When the federal government shuts down, staffing is reduced and processing slows dramatically. However, the FAFSA portal itself remains open. That means students can still complete and submit their applications, even if no one is actively reviewing them.

And here’s the most important point:

FAFSAs are time-stamped.
They’re processed in chronological order once operations resume.

So even if your application sits untouched for several days or weeks, the timestamp matters. Being early in that line can determine whether you access limited federal grants, work-study opportunities, or campus-based aid that is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Waiting only pushes you further back, often behind millions of other students.

Why You Should Submit Now Instead of Waiting

Delaying your FAFSA might feel logical, but it puts you at a real disadvantage. Here’s why acting early remains essential, even during unpredictable government shutdowns:

1. You secure your place in line.
   When the government reopens, the backlog is enormous. Students who submitted early will be processed first, giving them priority access to limited funds.
2. Some aid runs out.
   Pell Grants don’t run dry, but many forms of campus-based aid, like Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), do. Arriving late means missing out entirely.
3. State and school deadlines don’t pause.
   Even if the federal government is gridlocked, colleges and state agencies still have their own timelines. Submitting now helps prevent missed deadlines.
4. Corrections take time.
   With fewer staff available to catch errors, accuracy matters more than ever. Submitting early gives you time to fix mistakes before deadlines hit.
5. FAFSA delays shouldn’t stop your college planning.
   Colleges will continue awarding scholarships, reviewing applications, and preparing financial aid packages. Staying on track matters.

Simply put: your financial future is too important to leave on pause.

Double-Check Everything—There’s No One to Catch Mistakes Right Now

Because departments operate with minimal staffing during a shutdown, automatic checks that catch errors or inconsistencies may not function normally.

This makes accuracy absolutely critical.

Before you hit “submit,” make sure to:

• Confirm that your Social Security number is entered correctly
• Verify income and tax information
• Ensure your parent information matches federal records
• Check that all required signatures are included

A single mistake can delay your aid package by weeks or even months when processors resume activity. It’s better to slow down now so you don’t fall behind later.

FAFSA Shouldn’t Be Your Only Strategy

Even during normal years, relying solely on FAFSA is risky. During a shutdown, it’s even riskier.

For years, I’ve encouraged students to diversify their college funding strategy instead of putting all their eggs in the federal basket. That means proactively seeking out additional sources of aid, many of which are unaffected by Washington gridlock.

Here are smart alternatives students should pursue immediately:

• State-level grants and loans
  Many states offer generous aid programs with their own deadlines and requirements.
• University scholarships
  Schools often award significant merit scholarships separate from federal aid.
• Private scholarships and grants
  Local organizations, nonprofits, community foundations, and national scholarship programs offer billions in awards every year.
• Local and regional opportunities
  City councils, county programs, and community groups frequently provide scholarships tied to residency or community service.
• Major-specific or identity-based scholarships
  Students in STEM, business, education, and health fields, and students from underrepresented backgrounds, often qualify for targeted grants.

These funding streams don’t pause during a federal shutdown. Students who pursue them aggressively can dramatically lower their college cost regardless of what’s happening in Washington.

What Students Should Do Now

Rather than waiting on federal processes to restart, students can take meaningful steps right now to protect their financial aid opportunities.

Here’s where to focus:

1. Submit your FAFSA immediately to secure the earliest possible timestamp.
2. Double-check every detail – you won’t have a reviewer to catch mistakes.
3. Track state and school deadlines so you don’t miss priority windows.
4. Apply for scholarships weekly – build it into your routine like studying.
5. Use resources like testing and admissions prep to strengthen your overall profile and increase merit aid eligibility.

Shutdown or not, proactive students always win.

Why This Moment Matters

In every interview I’ve given on FAFSA reform, shutdown uncertainty, and federal aid delays, I’ve emphasized the same message:

Students shouldn’t wait for Washington to get its act together.
They should focus on what they can control.

Financial aid, like admissions, is increasingly competitive. Delays, backlogs, and policy shifts only make it more important for families to take initiative.

Submitting the FAFSA early, exploring alternate funding, and building a strong academic profile are strategies that will always pay off, no matter the political environment.

A shutdown might slow the system down, but it doesn’t have to slow down your future.

Final Thoughts

For students and families anxious about how government disruptions might impact college affordability, know this: your actions matter far more than the headlines. By filing early, checking your application carefully, and diversifying your funding sources, you can stay ahead of delays and secure the resources you need.

Success in the college admissions and financial aid process always favors those who prepare early, act decisively, and build resilience along the way.

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Dr. Shaan Patel is a Shark Tank winner, bestselling author, and founder of Prep Expert®, an education company that has helped students improve test scores, win scholarships, and gain admission to top universities. He scored a perfect SAT and is passionate about expanding access to education worldwide.