Shutdown in Washington. Now What for California’s High Schoolers?

How the Government Shutdown Impacts California Students — And What Families Can Do
By Dr. Shaan Patel, CEO & Founder of Prep Expert®

The government shutdown has officially tied for the longest in U.S. history, and while the headlines focus on political gridlock in Washington, its ripple effects reach much further, to students across California and the nation who are trying to afford college.

As federal employees remain furloughed, questions have poured in from parents and students: Can I still file the FAFSA? Will my financial aid be delayed? Should I wait until the shutdown ends?

The short answer: Yes, you can still file, and you absolutely should.

Let’s break down how the shutdown affects student aid, why California families need to act quickly, and what steps you can take to stay ahead

Federal Aid Isn’t Frozen, But Processing Is Slowed

Here’s the good news: federal student loans and Pell Grants are funded through mandatory spending, meaning they are not directly halted by a government shutdown

But here’s the catch, while the money is there, the people who process those applications are not. Thousands of Department of Education and Federal Student Aid employees have been furloughed, meaning new FAFSA applications are sitting in digital limbo.

You can (and should) still submit your FAFSA. The application remains open online and time-stamped upon submission. But don’t expect instant updates, applications will be processed in the order they were received once the government reopens.

That makes timing everything. Filing now could save you weeks, or even months, of waiting later.

Why California Students Should File Early

California has one of the nation’s largest populations of college-bound seniors. In 2024, over 400,000 California high school seniors completed a FAFSA. With that volume, even small delays in federal processing can cause major bottlenecks for state-level aid.

Programs like the Cal Grant rely heavily on FAFSA data. If your FAFSA isn’t processed in time, you could miss priority deadlines, even if you filed before them.

The Cal Grant deadline is typically March 2, and the California Dream Act application for undocumented students runs parallel to it. Filing early ensures your eligibility stays intact, even if federal systems are delayed.

As I’ve shared in multiple interviews, “Don’t delay just because the government’s shut down. FAFSA applications are still being accepted, and when the government reopens, they’ll be processed first-come, first-served”

What Families Should Do Right Now

The FAFSA process has actually improved in recent years. The new form is shorter, smarter, and allows you to connect directly to IRS data, reducing manual entry and errors.

Still, the process requires planning, especially when families are juggling multiple income sources, separated parents, or independent students.

Here’s how to stay on track:

1. File now, not later. Even if processing is delayed, your timestamp secures your spot.
2. Gather financial documents. Collect W-2s, 1099s, bank statements, and brokerage summaries for both parents, if applicable.
3. Double-check for errors. Incorrect or missing signatures can cause longer verification delays once processing resumes.
4. Keep copies and confirmations. Save screenshots or PDFs of your submission for reference.
5. Stay connected with your school’s financial aid office. Many colleges can make provisional estimates while awaiting final federal data.

Dependent or Independent? Know Where You Stand

One of the most common FAFSA questions we hear is whether both parents need to fill out the application. The answer depends on dependency status and guardianship.

• If your parents are divorced or separated, the parent who provides the most financial support should fill out the FAFSA.
• However, in many cases, both parents’ financial information is required, especially if they share custody or contribute jointly
• For students aged 19 to 21, dependency depends on whether parents still claim them as dependents or provide significant financial support

If you’re unsure, check with your high school counselor or financial aid office, they can clarify which parent’s data you should include.

Don’t Rely Solely on the Federal Government

When shutdowns happen, families quickly realize how dependent they are on federal systems. That’s why I always recommend diversifying your funding strategy.

In addition to FAFSA:

• Apply for state-based grants. California’s Cal Grant, Middle Class Scholarship, and state university aid programs remain open and unaffected.
• Search for private scholarships. Billions in private funds go unclaimed every year because students don’t apply. Start with local organizations and national databases.
• Utilize 529 plans. Families can use these savings not just for college tuition, but also for test prep, which helps students qualify for merit-based scholarships.

As I noted in the interview, “Don’t just depend on the federal government and FAFSA, because when there’s a shutdown like right now, it can be very stressful”

Final Thoughts

Government shutdowns are political battles, but their effects are deeply personal for students and families. Delays in FAFSA processing can mean delayed financial aid packages, delayed admissions decisions, and in some cases, delayed college dreams.

The solution is preparation.

Filing early, organizing documents, and diversifying funding options aren’t just bureaucratic steps, they’re strategies that protect your child’s future.

At Prep Expert®, we teach students that preparation is the antidote to uncertainty. Whether it’s mastering the SAT or navigating FAFSA during a government shutdown, those who plan ahead always come out ahead.

So while Washington debates, don’t wait. File your FAFSA, secure your timestamp, and take control of your college future.

Because your education shouldn’t shut down, just because the government did.

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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.