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Many people are shocked to find out that financial aid isn’t final yet! Yes, it can still change even after school acceptance. This happens for a variety of reasons, but it can be confusing and disheartening, especially if you weren’t aware this could happen.  Here’s a look at some of the reasons why financial aid might change and what to do if it happens to you.  Financial aid offices are managing thousands of student files at once, and many colleges continue finalizing awards long after students commit. Sometimes schools are simply finishing their review process. Other times, additional information is needed before aid can officially be finalized.  It’s also important to remember that financial aid is based on estimated costs. Therefore, changes in financial circumstances can lead to adjustments, either by the school or through an appeal by you. Why Financial Aid Can Still Change It is still possible to receive verification requests for financial aid, whether due to missing or incomplete documents, corrections to FAFSA or CSS Profile information, new tax or income information, or even scholarship adjustments or other scholarships being awarded. All of these can result in financial aid changes, which are sometimes very small, and sometimes have a bigger impact. Other times, it might simply be clarification they are seeking before finalizing your account. While it can feel stressful to see updates happening this late in the process, it does not automatically mean something is wrong. Sometimes these updates or verification requests are the result of bigger items directly affecting aid. For instance, if a student receives external funding, a school will adjust their aid package as that particular student would no longer need as much funding. In other cases, a student may change their enrollment status. If a student decides to attend school part-time instead of full-time, that would change the amount of tuition and expenses needed and as a result, aid eligibility. Additionally, some scholarships and grants have specific requirements, such as a certain GPA. Failing to meet the scholarship requirements will result in that funding being reduced or cancelled. What Families Should Do Right Now Even though the college decision may already be made, students should still check their email and student portal. If something does change or needs verified, you will likely see it come through your portal first. Continue to check portals and emails regularly throughout the spring and summer. Once a week is ideal.  It is also important to note that you might need to officially accept, or decline, your financial aid, whether grants, loans, or work-study offers.  You can typically do this in your student portal. Failure to complete this step might cause aid to not be applied correctly. If you do see a request for more information or a change  come through, it is important not to panic! Respond promptly to anything the financial aid office requests. Delays can slow down timelines and disbursements. The faster documents are submitted and questions are answered, the smoother the process tends to be.  Seeing a revised award letter or receiving another request for information can immediately make families nervous.  However, updates are often part of the normal review process. In most cases, colleges are simply ensuring they have accurate information before finalizing everything for the school year. Lastly, and most importantly, if you receive something you don’t understand, ask questions! Your financial aid office will help you if you unsure of what something means or what is needed.  More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

Decision day is around the corner! May 1st is National College Decision Day, which is the deadline most colleges expect students to officially commit by submitting an enrollment deposit. With May 1st approaching rapidly, many students are taking this time to make their final selection. If you are feeling the pressure to make the “right” decision, here’s how to make a smart college choice by May 1st and feel good about it. How to Make a Smart College Choice by May 1 Know What You Are Committing To Committing to a school means you’re ready to invest your time, energy, and money there. You’re not just choosing a campus; you’re choosing a community, a support system, and a place to grow, learn, and live for the next four years.  Before you officially commit, make sure you’ve looked at all the factors. Finances are a major component in this decision, so make sure you consider your entire financial aid package. You should be able to answer questions like these: What’s a grant vs. a loan? Which aid is renewable? What is the total cost of attendance, not just tuition?  And the most important question: what is your net cost, aka the money you are responsible for paying out of pocket?  Also consider the academic and social benefits from the school. What is the job rate after graduation in your field? Which school offers the best academic program in my field of study? What other opportunities are available? How did the campus feel? Could you be happy there? What activities or campus groups were you excited about? All of these things and more should be taken into consideration, because you want to make sure all the components feel like the right fit. Compare Schools  As you prepare to make this decision, be sure you are comparing the numbers and these other factors of all schools in consideration.  When it comes to financial aid, not all aid packages are created equal. Some schools might offer you more scholarships or grants up front, which appears to be the better option, until you realize they have higher living costs or total cost of attendance, hidden expenses, or fewer scholarships that renew after your first year. I highly suggest making a quick spreadsheet if you haven’t already, or use an online comparison tool. This will help you keep information organized and easily compare schools on your list.  Notify Other Schools  Once you commit to your choice school, take a moment to decline the other offers. It’s good manners, helps free up spots for other students, and avoids unnecessary emails and reminders. It’s the polite thing to do and most schools require a response either way.  Changing Circumstances Saying “yes” and putting down a deposit doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind. Life happens and circumstances can change. Transferring later is possible if necessary, but try to commit based on what you know about your school choices, finances, and how you feel now. That said, those deposits are usually non-refundable, so make sure you’re fairly confident before you submit. Now, Celebrate! Whether you’re headed to a state school, a liberal arts college, a community college, or something else entirely, take a second to breathe and pat yourself on the back. This journey has been a long one, and you made it through. Congratulations!  More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

Admitted Student Days are one of the most exciting parts of the college decision process. Students have been accepted, the pressure of applications is behind them, and now they have the opportunity to return to campus and imagine what life could really look like there. These visits are often filled with excitement as students meet future classmates, explore campus, and celebrate this huge milestone. These days are also designed to help families understand the real cost of attending. Here are a few things to consider and questions families should ask about financial aid and college costs. More Than Just a Campus Visit Unlike earlier tours, Admitted Student Days are much more detailed and practical. Students can learn and ask questions about housing options, meal plans, orientation, student activities and groups, academic programs, and course planning.  These visits give students a clearer picture of what their day-to-day life will look like academically and personally. Why Financial Conversations Matter During These Visits While the academic and social experience is important, the financials play a major role in the final decision. A school may feel like the perfect match in every way, but if the cost isn’t realistic, then it’s important to be honest with yourself about that, as it can quickly become a stressful situation. That’s why Admitted Student Days are a valuable opportunity to ask real, practical financial questions. Many colleges offer dedicated financial aid sessions during these events, and they are absolutely worth attending.  What Families Should Ask About Financial Aid and College Costs Before your visit, take time to review the school’s total cost of attendance, your student’s financial aid award, any scholarships or grants offered, and the net cost of attendance. Remember net cost is the amount you are expected to pay, whether through loans, savings, or income, after your grants/scholarships – aka free money – has been applied to the total cost.  As you review your award letter and financial situation, jot down any questions you have so you don’t forget once you are there.  Then, use your time on campus to ask those questions and any others that arise while you are there.  Here are a few questions to consider.  Understanding the True Cost Ask how the college calculates total cost and what expenses families should realistically expect to be responsible for beyond tuition. This includes housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Scholarship and Grant Details Clarify whether scholarships are renewable and what is required to keep them. Some awards depend on maintaining a certain GPA or enrollment status. Billing and Payment Timelines Understanding when bills are due and how payments are structured can help families plan ahead. Ask about payment plans and whether the school offers options to spread out costs over time. If you are going to use a payment plan, make sure the payment schedule is realistic for your situation.  Financial Aid Adjustments or Appeals If your financial situation has changed or your award doesn’t reflect your circumstances, this is a good time to ask about an appeal and what that process looks like, what documentation is needed, and the timeline of an appeal.   Keep Your Financial Reality in Mind It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of these visits, which is completely understandable. This is a major milestone worth celebrating; however, it’s also important to keep your financial reality in mind. Before committing to a school, make sure you clearly understand what your out-of-pocket cost will be each year, how that cost will be covered, and whether the plan is sustainable for all four years.  A college should be a great fit academically, socially AND financially. Finding Clarity Before Making the Final Decision For many students, Admitted Student Days are where the final decision begins to take shape. Sometimes you feel the energy and can picture yourself there, or it might be a conversation with a professor in your desired field, and sometimes, it’s finally understanding and feeling confident about the financial side. These visits give families the opportunity to ask the right questions, gather the right information, and move forward with confidence. Because choosing a college isn’t just about where your student is accepted. It’s about choosing a school that truly works, in every sense of the word. More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

As May 1st approaches, high school seniors are faced with one of the biggest decisions they’ve had to make – choosing which college to attend. It’s completely normal to feel both excited and overwhelmed. After months of applications, acceptances, and financial aid offers, everything comes down to one choice. Here’s how to make the final college decision with confidence.  Start With the Numbers  Before anything else, take a close look at your financial aid offers. This means going beyond the initial award letter and comparing all the numbers side-by-side. When you do this, the differences can be more significant than they first appear. A school that seems more “affordable” upfront may actually cost more over four years. Clarity is key, because your decision isn’t just about where you’ll go, but what it will cost you long-term. Look at the total cost of attendance of each school, which includes everything from tuition to living expenses. Next, compare the total amount of grants and scholarships (free money) being offered from each school. How much loan money is being offered and work-study options. Compare the total cost of attendance for each school, minus the offered free money from that school. That leaves you with your true out-of-pocket cost. That amount left will need to be paid by you, or covered by loans, which will need repaid.    Review More Than Just Cost While finances are critical, they’re not the only factor. Take time to revisit the campuses of your top choices, if possible. If a visit isn’t possible, check out virtual tours or reach out to current students for their insights. Whether you are able to revisit the school or not, you’ll want to compare all aspects including, academic programs and strength in your intended major, campus culture and environment, extracurricular opportunities, and internship and career support. I suggest making a pros and cons list to help you weigh your priorities and see which school fits best with your long-term goals and values. Consider how each school aligns with those goals: Does one school offer stronger programs in your desired field of study? Does another offer unique opportunities like internships or study abroad? Think about how each college can help you grow academically and personally. Confirm Deadlines   May 1st is the national decision deadline, but not everything follows that exact date. Be sure to confirm the following deadlines:  Enrollment deposit deadlines Housing application and priority deadlines Honors program or scholarship acceptance deadlines Missing one of these can impact your experience, especially when it comes to housing availability. Trust your Gut While practical factors matter, don’t forget to trust your instincts. Where do you feel like you’ll thrive the most? Which school feels like the best fit for you, both academically and socially? If you’re feeling uncertain, it’s usually not because you’re making the wrong choice; it’s because you need clearer information. Once You Decide, Take Action Once you’ve made your decision, follow the steps to officially commit! Usually this is done by submitting a deposit and completing any necessary paperwork. It is also important to officially decline all other offers   Remember that there is no perfect choice. You’re deciding between great options, and wherever you go, you’ll have opportunities to grow and succeed. You can always adapt your path if needed. Trust your decision! You’re on your way to an exciting journey ahead. More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

Once acceptance letters begin arriving, families quickly move from the application phase into the decision phase. Students admitted to a college are often invited back to campus for special events called Admitted Student Days. Many families wonder if these admitted student days are worth it, and while I know, depending on the location of the school, a lot of planning may be required, but for most students, the answer is yes. These events play an important role helping students decide if a school is the right fit. Touring the campus again allows students to see if it is truly where they want to spend the next four years. Here is a look into why attending admitted students days are with it.  Why Visiting After Acceptance Feels Different If you toured campuses earlier in the process, you probably remember those visits feeling more informational, as they were more of an overview of the school. Students were trying to get a sense of what different colleges offered. At the time, it was about what programs they had and what they could expect as a student on campus in a broader sense.  However, visiting after acceptance usually feels very different. Knowing that the college wants them changes the perspective completely. Students begin to envision themselves at a school and dig more into campus life questions to ensure they will be happy there. This is exactly why Admitted Student Days are so helpful.  While every school does it a little differently, students often have opportunities to sit in on classes, meet professors or department advisors, connect with students, tour residence halls, learn more about clubs, internships, and campus life opportunities, and ask more in-depth questions now that they know they are in.  These visits tend to feel more personal and immersive than the initial campus tour. Students begin to imagine their daily routine if staying on campus, such as studying in the library, eating in the dining hall, and obviously, going to class.   Admitted Days are Also a Good Time to Ask Financial Aid Questions Admitted Student Days can also be a great time for families to ask questions about financial aid. If your student has already received their award letter, or expects it soon, you might be able to meet with someone from the financial aid office during your visit. This is a great time to clarify questions you may have about the aid offer, billing and payment timelines, payment plans, or any other questions about grants, scholarships, or loans. Sometimes a short conversation can bring clarity to information that felt confusing on paper. Don’t Ignore a Gut Feeling While comparing financial aid offers and costs is a critical part of the decision, if you visit a school and your gut is telling you something, listen to it!  Good or bad, it is important to tune in to what your gut is telling you, and not ignore it. Walking through the student center, sitting in a classroom, checking out the recreational spots, or simply watching how students interact can help students picture whether they truly feel comfortable at a school. What if I can’t Attend All Admitted Student Events?  Of course, it’s not always possible to attend every admitted student event, especially if schools are far away. Travel, schedules, and costs can make it difficult. If that’s the case, try to prioritize visits to the schools your student is most seriously considering. Attending just one or two admitted student events can provide valuable perspective on what will be the best fit.  Making Your Final Decision Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions students make during high school. While research, rankings, and financial aid comparisons are important, there is great value in experiencing a campus after acceptance. Admitted Student Days allow students to move beyond brochures, websites, and spreadsheets at home with data and start imagining their future life there. More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.