FASFA getting "paused"?
Hi again guys! thanks for all the tips and tricks from my past questions! Now another huge problem came up. My Criminal Justice teacher told us seniors that Trump had apparently he "paused" FASFA from giving anyone access to financial aid. Im not sure how long this will happen for or if its coming back. Can anyone help me find a way to get financial aid without fasfa? Ill still apply if its possible but i just would like help!
5 answers
Christa’s Answer
Jerome’s Answer
Dr’s Answer
You're definitely on the right track! It sounds like you’ve laid a solid foundation for your journey toward becoming a forensic psychologist. Here's the breakdown of what you're doing well and what courses to keep an eye out for:
What You're Rocking:
General Ed & Core Psychology Courses: You're checking all the essential boxes with courses like Biological Psychology, Social Psychology, and Research Methods. These will help you build a solid understanding of the core concepts of psychology, which is crucial for forensic work.
Human Development & Human Sexuality: Great choices! Understanding human behavior and development at various stages will come in handy when you’re evaluating individuals in forensic settings.
What to Focus on Next:
1. Criminal Psychology: This course will be directly related to forensic psychology, helping you understand criminal behavior, profiling, and the psychology behind crime. You’ll definitely want this in your toolkit.
2. Abnormal Psychology: This one dives deep into mental disorders and their impact on behavior, which is essential for forensic psychologists when assessing defendants, witnesses, or victims.
3. Forensic Psychology: If your school offers it, take it! This course covers the intersection of psychology and the legal system—pretty much the bread and butter of forensic psychology. You’ll learn about criminal investigations, legal procedures, and the role of psychologists in court cases.
4. Psychological Assessment & Testing: Forensic psychologists often perform assessments and evaluations, so getting familiar with the tools and techniques used in this area will be helpful.
5. Ethics in Psychology: Since forensic psychologists work with sensitive legal and mental health issues, understanding the ethical considerations and guidelines for this field is essential.
6. Criminal Law/Criminal Justice: Understanding the legal system will make your work in forensic psychology more effective, as you’ll be interacting with law enforcement, lawyers, and courts. If your school offers a course in criminal law or justice, it would complement your psychology background well.
7. Internships/Practicums: While not technically a course, hands-on experience is a must! Look for internship opportunities or volunteer positions at forensic settings like prisons, law enforcement agencies, or mental health centers specializing in criminal cases.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on graduate programs, as forensic psychology is often pursued at the master’s or doctoral level. Graduate courses will build on what you’ve started with your undergrad degree, diving deeper into specialized topics.
You’ve got a strong start—keep that momentum going! You're well on your way to cracking the case of becoming a forensic psychologist. 👏🕵️♀️
Candis’s Answer
Karin’s Answer
I don't think anyone has definite answers what will be paused or cut right now. It's all a mess and can change any time. Payments are likely to be delayed even if they are not permanently cut. You need to have a backup plan to at least tide you over for a few months. Look for scholarships that are not coming from the federal government. Has your state government come up with a plan?
I also foresee a lot of law suits coming up challenging illegal and unconstitutional presidential orders, and that might hold things up long enough to limit the damage.
I would recommend to follow the messaging from your university, your state government and from journalists and independents on social media. Bluesky is pretty good for that right now.
Good luck!
KP
Edited to add:
https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/28/trump-spending-pause-richmond-virginia
https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-pause-federal-grants-aid-f9948b9996c0ca971f0065fac85737ce
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/01/28/education-federal-funding-freeze-student-loans-trump/