Before March of 2020, I had never considered what it would be like to help clients to navigate their FAFSAs virtually. Now it seems very normal. I have noticed several positives since we started offering online FAFSA completion appointments.
First, virtual FAFSA appointments save clients travel time. Some clients can save over two hours of travel time by utilizing virtual appointments. It also appears that having the opportunity to complete the FAFSA from the comfort of home seems to make many clients feel at ease. Our virtual appointments have been a great option for clients to save time and work on their FAFSA from the familiar environment of home. In addition, if for some reason the client isn’t able to complete their FAFSA, the client can pause their FAFSA and log back in at a different time, and/or we can simply reschedule another virtual appointment for the client. The function that allows a student to pause the FAFSA and log back in later is the “Save Key,” and the “Save Key” is created after the student initially logs in to begin the FAFSA.
Second, although our virtual appointments are not in person, they have still remained personalized and conversational. I was pleasantly surprised with how well the conversations and interactions have gone during our Zoom appointments. Working remotely has made me learn each page of the FAFSA in great detail because I have to be able to help clients navigate the FAFSA step-by-step. Because Zoom gives me the opportunity to help my clients to navigate their FAFSAs in realtime, it's almost as if we're in the same room. The online appointments also allow enough time for clients to ask other questions about the financial aid process. Even though our appointments are virtual, we can still assist our clients in a professional way that meets their needs.
Third, because virtual appointments allow clients to actively engage in navigating the FAFSA, clients are building confidence and familiarity with the FAFSA form during their virtual appointments. I have noticed how quickly that clients are learning to navigate the form after receiving some guidance and coaching.
Finally, I have been very inspired by the initiative that high school students have demonstrated in helping their parents during virtual appointments. I have experienced several examples of students helping their parents to navigate the internet and learn new technology, and I have also been impressed with how students have taken the initiative to learn more about the financial aid process during their appointments. In conclusion, I have experienced many examples of positive interactions with clients during our virtual appointments, which is a service that we just started offering in March of 2020.
Troy - ICAN Central Iowa Advisor
