What is the FAFSA Submission Summary and what should I check on it?

After you submit the FAFSA, the Department of Education sends a FAFSA Submission Summary (which replaced the old Student Aid Report). It confirms the data you entered and shows your Student Aid Index (SAI), the number colleges use to build aid packages. Review it carefully: check that income, family size, and asset figures transferred correctly, especially data pulled directly from the IRS, and that your list of schools is right. If you spot an error or your finances have changed since filing, you can make corrections online. Your SAI on this summary drives eligibility for Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and school aid, so catching mistakes early can meaningfully change your offers.