They don't always know why schools do the things they do. Students are confused by the different state, federal and school deadlines. Only 6 schools can be listed on one form. Schools tell the students to fill out 2 applications so they can list more schools, but then it's not clear which one is the primary application. It can be done, but it's confusing.
Students miss deadlines because they're waiting for renewal applications to come.
It takes 3-4 weeks to make SAR corrections. Some high school students think their high school guidance counselor is their Financial Aid Administrator. A lot of students don't know what a Perkins Loan is or how to get one. The Stafford Loans are the only loans the schools tell students about. Information on Perkins Loans is hard to come by.