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If you don’t receive enough help, you might not be able to attend the college of your dreams. So, that is why it is important to know the answers to these very crucial questions – what are three types of college financial aid deadlines and When Do Financial Aid Applications Actually Open? As October approaches, so does a major milestone in your college journey: financial aid applications. Knowing when Financial Aid Applications open, and their deadlines, can make the difference between receiving thousands of dollars in grants, scholarships, or loans, or missing out completely. The key is knowing when these applications open up and which deadlines apply to you, and then staying ahead of them. Let’s break down the three main types of financial aid noting when the applications open and making note of their deadlines. Completing the proper applications on time opens up the door to vast quantities of financial aid, but that availability doesn’t do you any good if you don’t submit your application on time. Keep yourself out of trouble, and learn these crucial college financial aid deadlines: 1. FAFSA Deadlines (Federal Aid) The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the foundation of your financial aid package. It determines your eligibility for federal grants, student loans, and often state and school-based aid as well. FAFSA applications will be available online beginning October 1-that means you can start applying this week!  While the deadline is months away, don’t wait to apply as funding is limited and some aid is first-come, first-served. That means that once that money has been disbursed, you might miss out on a source of funding that could make the difference between attending a “target” school or a “dream” school. To maximize your chances, aim to file as soon as possible after October 1. 2. State Financial Aid Many states offer financial aid programs which are separate from the federal financial aid opportunities. You can find out if you qualify for most state financial aid programs by completing the FAFSA first, but be aware that state financial aid deadlines may be much earlier than the federal deadline. In some states, the deadline may be coming up much sooner than you realize. In fact, some states close applications in October – just weeks after FAFSA opens. To stay on track, check your state’s exact deadline. 3. College & Institutional Financial Aid In addition to FAFSA and state aid, many colleges have their own financial aid requirements and deadlines. These often fall earlier than the federal deadline, especially for students applying for early action or early decision. Each college sets their own application requirements and deadlines – so it is important to do your homework!  Some schools require only the FAFSA to apply. Other colleges will ask for FAFSA and the CSS Profile, an additional financial aid form that also opens October 1st!. Others might have their own school-specific aid applications. Each college sets its own deadlines, so make sure to check the financial aid page of every school on your list Learn more about what you can do prepare for the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Don’t Forget Scholarships One other deadline-sensitive form of financial aid is college scholarships. These come in many forms, and have their own deadline requirements. Some rely on the FAFSA for their financial background information, while others do not have any income-based criteria. The point is that you also need to be aware of these deadlines so that you don’t miss out on any financial aid opportunities. If you noticed one thing, it’s that a lot of these financial aid resources depend on your FAFSA, therefore that should be your number one priority! FAFSA opens October 1, and it is required to receive any federal aid, and could also be necessary to receive state, or institutional aid. Don’t wait on your FAFSA application – complete it first so that you have that information should your other financial aid application require this information. When it comes to financial aid, deadlines matter. Start early. Stay organized. And don’t wait until the last minute! Give yourself the best shot at every dollar available to you by applying as close to October 1st as you can! With the FAFSA application opening up this week, it’s time to make sure you’re prepared! Review our tips on how to prepare for your application and what to do if you receive any verification requests, so that way you are prepared for everything when it comes time to submit! It’s important to fill out your application quickly and correctly the first time.   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.  

The world of financial aid can feel overwhelming, between all the acronyms, terms, forms, and deadlines, it can be hard to know where to start. However, as we look ahead to October 1st, the official opening of the FAFSA application and CSS Profile, two of the most important logins families need to be familiar with are the FSA ID for FAFSA and the College Board login for the CSS Profile. These accounts unlock the financial aid process, and having them ready ahead of time will make your application journey smoother and less stressful.  Here is what families need to know about FSA IDs and College Board logins. Read more about  What You Can Do Now to Prepare for FAFSA and CSS Profile. Why These Logins Matter The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Without an FSA ID, you can’t file the form or legally sign it online. Similarly, many colleges, especially private institutions, require the CSS Profile, which is done through the College Board. This form collects additional financial information to help schools fairly distribute their own aid dollars. Together, these two applications determine how much financial support you receive.  Getting Started with the FSA ID The first step in filing FAFSA is to create your FSA ID. Your FSA ID is a unique username and password that serves as your electronic signature for FAFSA. Therefore it is essential. Both you and a parent will need a FSA ID, as both need to sign the application. Keep this login information somewhere safe and accessible. You’ll use this login every year you file FAFSA! Also remember that FAFSA is free to file.  Only use the official Federal Student Aid site (studentaid.gov) and don’t get tricked by third-party sites that charge money. Read my recent blog on what documents to gather before you file!  What to Know About College Board Logins and CSS Profile Not every school requires the CSS Profile, but if yours does, you’ll need a College Board login to get started. The good news is that you might already have a login! If you’ve taken the SAT, PSAT, or AP exams, then you already have a login, as the CSS profile uses the same College Board username and password. Custodial parents will use the same account as the student. Noncustodial parents, if required, create a separate account. What to know about the application: Like the FASFA, it also opens October 1st, but unlike FAFSA not everyone needs to file and you’ll need to check each school’s deadline, as they are all different. Only those students applying to a school that requires the CSS Profile need to apply. The CSS profile is for Institutional aid (grants and scholarships directly from the college).  Another difference between the CSS Profile and FASFA is cost – While FAFSA is always free, CSS profile is only free for domestic undergrad students with family income under $100,000. Otherwise, it’s $25 for the first school and $16 for each additional school. The great news is that you can start the application process, stop and save progress, and come back to it later. No need to do it all at once – just don’t forget about it!   A word of caution when filling out the CSS Profile – pay attention to the questions! Sections and questions will clearly indicate if the answer is for the student or the parent. However, according to the CSS Profile website, “one of the most common mistakes parents who are helping their students make is to answer ‘Student Status’ questions for themselves and not for their student.”   In the event you make a mistake, don’t worry! You can correct your CSS Profile through your dashboard.  After submitting, you can also check your dashboard for next steps like uploading documents or adding additional schools. You can complete the CSS Profile at https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/  The Key to Financial Aid Yes, financial aid forms can feel intimidating, but with the right logins set up and documents gathered in advance, you’ll be in great shape. Think of the FSA IDs and College Board logins as your keys to the financial aid process. Take care of them now so you’re ready to unlock the opportunities and financial resources ahead. If you have questions or need help walking through the process, don’t hesitate to reach out. You don’t have to navigate FAFSA or CSS Profile alone! I’m here to help your family every step of the way. 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.

Applying to college is exciting, but it’s also full of moving parts. Between essays, recommendation letters, and multiple applications, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important pieces of the puzzle: financial aid deadlines. Missing a key date could cost you thousands of dollars in grants, scholarships, or low-interest loans. However, with a little planning and organization, you can stay ahead of the curve and maximize your opportunities.  Here’s your guide to the financial aid deadlines, plus a few tips to keep you on track. Why Deadlines Matter So Much Financial aid isn’t just about filling out the FAFSA when you get around to it. Many types of aid, especially grants and institutional funding, are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting the maximum aid available. Each type of application, whether it is college admissions, federal aid, state aid, or scholarships, has its own timeline. Missing even one can affect your options and the total amount of aid you receive. Key College Application Deadlines to Know While we are focused on financial aid deadlines, it is important to keep in mind your college admissions timeline as well, as it impacts your aid eligibility too. Here’s a quick refresher: Early Decision: Early Decision applications are a binding agreement – meaning you apply only to one school and acceptance to that school is binding. These deadlines are early, usually in November. If you are 100% committed to one school, then this is a great option. Early Action: Early Action applications are similar to early decision, but they are non-binding. The deadlines are still early, typically in November as well. The benefit here is that you can still apply to other colleges and there is no commitment if you are accepted.   Regular Admission: Standard deadlines that are later, typically December or January. It is important to keep in mind that many college will have filled a good amount of their class spots by this date, which is why early action or early decision at a school might be a better option to secure a spot.  Rolling Admissions: There are colleges out there that continually accept applications, which are reviewed as they come in. However, the early applicants still have an advantage. Rolling admissions are a better option for schools that are lower on your list, not your priority schools. Financial Aid Deadlines You Can’t Afford to Miss FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) FAFSA Opens October 1, 2025 for the following school year. Technically you have until June 30 to submit your FAFSA, I do not recommend waiting. It is important to apply early as many programs run out of funds. FAFSA determines eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.    Pro Tip: Gather documents now (tax returns, W-2s, bank statements) so you can file ASAP when it opens. CSS Profile The CSS profile usually opens October 1st, however not all schools will require it, so it is up to you to determine if your school needs it. Most private schools will request the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA. The deadline for the CSS Profile varies depending on the school. Check out more tips on the blog about the CSS Profile if you need to complete it for the schools you’re looking at!  Pro Tip: Check each school’s website; deadlines vary. State Financial Aid State Financial Aid Deadlines will vary by state, but are often as early. It is imperative to apply early as state funds can run out quickly. I highly encourage students to submit as soon as the applications open to secure eligibility. Institutional Aid For institutional aid, you will need to check the schools of which you are applying as deadlines vary and are set by each school. Once you find out the deadline for your preferred college, also make a note of when they begin accepting applications that way you can apply early! Some colleges require separate forms for their own scholarships or grants. Missing these dates means missing out on free money. Scholarships Scholarships are tricky because the deadlines will be all over the place. That is why financial aid planning starts NOW! It is essential you sit down and organize the due dates for every scholarship you plan to apply for. Some may close before senior year even starts, others run into spring. Pro Tip: Keep a running list of scholarships you’re applying to and their deadlines. Apply early, and keep searching year-round. Tips to Stay on Track In a recent blog, I discussed creating a master schedule that includes all of these deadlines (admissions, FAFSA, CSS Profile, state aid, and scholarships). Check out those tips here! In addition to creating a master calendar, here are a few tricks to help stay on track with your application deadlines:  Start Early: Use August and September to start gathering documents, jotting down ideas for possible essay topics, and gathering personal recommendation letters. The end of summer is also a wonderful time to review your resume and collect information on your grades, volunteer work, and job experience – all of which you’ll need to complete applications. Set Personal Deadlines: Aim to complete all of your application tasks a week before they’re actually due, as this gives you wiggle room if something comes up. This avoids the mad rush at the end to submit something, and the potential for mistakes. Once you know the deadlines you set for yourself, schedule regular check-ins with your parents, teachers, or guidance counselors to track your progress.   Check Requirements Twice: This is an overwhelming process, which is why taking the time now to plan and get organized is worth it. Confirm deadlines and requirements directly with each college and scholarship provider. If you know what’s ahead of you, then when you sit down to file everything, it will feel way easier! Always check requirements twice and double check for accuracy before submitting anything!  Apply Early and Receive More Aid Deadlines

As summer winds down, it’s easy to think the college financial aid process doesn’t really kick into gear until fall. I mean the deadline is still months away after all. But here’s a little secret: August is the month to get ahead on college financial aid, and it’s one of the most important months for families to prepare financially. Start now, and use this month wisely because what you do now sets the tone for the future. When done right, you’ll prepare yourself for a smoother, less stressful, and potentially less expensive college journey.  Application & Financial Aid Deadlines Are Closer Than You Think August is the perfect time to get your calendar in order. Many colleges have early application deadlines as early as October, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens October 1, which seems far away, but trust me, it comes fast. By mapping out application and financial aid deadlines now, you’ll avoid last-minute scrambles that can lead to mistakes, missed opportunities, or incomplete submissions.  Getting Ahead Increases Your Chances for Aid Many people don’t realize that some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Scholarships, state aid, and even certain grants can run out if you wait too long to apply. Submitting your applications early gives you the best chance at securing the maximum possible aid. On top of that, procrastinating on your application will just create stress. Preparing now to apply in the fall will allow you to enjoy your senior year so much more because you will not be scrambling to submit forms and applications on top of an already busy schedule.  August is Prime Time for Organization Once the school year starts, you’ll be balancing classes, activities, and a healthy amount of senior-year fun. That is why it is crucial to maximize your time now so you can not only be ahead of the game, but enjoy your senior year a little more without worrying about missed deadlines. Use the month of August to get organized! Items to Add to Your To-Do List This Month: Both students and parents should have a FSA ID for FAFSA access. Do this now, if you haven’t already!    Create a master list of each college you plan to apply to, along with application and aid deadlines, as some schools require early action on forms like the CSS Profile.  Add key dates to a master calendar or spreadsheet that everyone in your family can access. This ensures everyone is on the same page and avoids potential confusion or missed dates.  Identify scholarship opportunities and note their deadlines by adding them to your list of key dates. Read more about when you should begin looking for scholarships.  Gather documents you’ll need for financial aid forms, such as tax returns and bank statements. It is also helpful to list the specific requirements for each application, such as essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and financial information. Once you have a list, work backwards from the deadline date to assign your own due date for each component, setting mini goals for yourself so that you stay on track.  Once you have your list of deadlines and assigned dates – create a reminder system a few days to a week before the due date! A calendar of dates does you no good if you don’t check it often. As a fail safe to make sure no deadline passes you by, create a reminder on your phone or computer, whether it is an alarm or a notification from a calendar app, create a system and stick to it. Organization now will save you from that panicked “Where did we put that form?” or “Did I miss that scholarship deadline?” moment. Juniors Should Start Early If you are entering your junior year, it might seem like you have all the time in the world to plan and prepare and this topic might not seem to applicable to you. The truth is though, planning starts now, and August is the perfect time to dip a toe into the process. Begin researching colleges, visit campuses if possible, and learn about the financial aid process so you’re ready to hit the ground running next year. It all goes way faster than you think, and many deadlines are earlier than you might expect. Read my guide on college application timeline and tips for high school students.  Small Steps Now Create Peace of Mind Later The college financial aid process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into manageable steps makes it so much easier. August is your month to prepare before the deadlines start coming at you fast. Bottom line: August isn’t just the end of summer, it’s the beginning of smart planning for one of the most important financial decisions your family will ever make. If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, I’m here to guide you through every step of the financial aid process, from understanding the forms to finding hidden funding opportunities. Together, we can make college more affordable and less stressful. 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.

Starting college is a huge milestone, and along with the freedom of living on your own comes a new responsibility: managing your money. Whether you’re receiving financial aid, working part-time, or relying on help from home, learning to budget is a life skill that will serve you well beyond your first year. Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s simply about being intentional with how you use your money. A smart budget helps you avoid surprise expenses, reduce stress, and make your money last all semester. Understand Your College Budget Numbers Budgeting starts with knowing your numbers. Take some time to figure out all the money you’ll have access to. This might include contributions from your family, savings from summer jobs, scholarships, or income from a part-time job. Once you total that up, you’ll have a clearer picture of your monthly or semester income, which is essentially your spending limit. Next, think about your expenses. These can be divided into three main categories. Fixed expenses are the ones that don’t change much, like rent, your phone bill, or a transportation pass. Some of these may not be applicable to you if you’re living on campus. Variable expenses can change from month to month. Think about things like groceries, eating out, textbooks, or entertainment. Then there are occasional expenses that pop up less frequently, like traveling home for the holidays, buying supplies for a class project, or pitching in for a friend’s birthday gift. Track Your Spending Once school starts, try tracking your spending for at least a month to more accurately build your college budget. You can use a budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet. This one step is often eye-opening; it shows you where your money is actually going and helps you decide where you can cut back or shift priorities. After tracking for a bit, start setting realistic spending limits for each category. Make sure to leave a little room for fun—your budget should be flexible enough to enjoy life, not just restrict it. Common College Budgeting Pitfalls There are also some common pitfalls to keep in mind. Textbook costs can sneak up on you, especially if you’re not buying used or digital versions. Food delivery, late-night snacks, and frequent coffee runs can drain your budget faster than you’d expect. Keeping a close eye on those small habits can go a long way toward stretching your money further. Remember to enjoy yourself – but pace yourself, too! Finding ways to save money on textbooks can be a huge help to the budget, too! There’s rental options and oftentimes you can buy used to cut the cost down.  Make sure that you know how to monitor your student account portal. Unpaid fees or charges can snowball quickly, and staying on top of those balances is key to avoiding bigger problems down the line. This is something you should be checking regularly. Most schools will have notification systems or calendars of deadlines – so keep track of those too!  Build Up Savings My last tip is to build up some savings, even if it’s just a little each month. Having a financial cushion (no matter how small) can help when unexpected expenses come up. If you receive pay from a summer job, graduation gifts, or other family members between now and when school starts, consider saving a portion of that so you walk into the next year with a cushion!  Budgeting is one of the most empowering skills you can build in your first year of college. It gives you control over your choices and reduces the financial stress that can take away from your college experience. Start simple, stay consistent, and remember—it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being prepared.    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 a high school senior, you’re juggling a lot—essays, recommendations, deadlines, and, of course, the pressure of figuring out how to pay for college. Among all these decisions, one of the most important is when to apply. Should you go for Early Action or stick to the more traditional route with Regular Decision? If your family is navigating the financial aid process, the timing of your application can impact your financial aid strategy, too. Early Action vs. Regular Decision: The Basics Early action applications are typically due in early November and you hear back by mid-December. It’s also non-binding. If you’re admitted, you’re not required to attend. You have until May 1st to decide. You will still receive your financial aid package along with your acceptance decision. But you’re not required to make a decision on financial aid immediately. Regular decision applications are due in January and you’ll receive decisions in March or April. Students then have until May 1st (National College Decision Day) to decide where to attend. You can apply to as many schools as you like. You’re not committed to attend any particular school until May 1st. Additionally, you’ll receive your financial aid package after your acceptance (typically in March or April), but you have more time to evaluate the offers. How Does Timing Impact Your Financial Aid? The timing of your application—whether you choose Early Action or Regular Decision—can influence both the financial aid options available to you and your ability to make a fully informed decision. With Early Action, you may receive your admission decision in December, but financial aid offers often won’t arrive until later. This can create some uncertainty if you’re admitted early. You must make decisions about your future without knowing your full financial picture.  On the flip side, Regular Decision applicants typically hear back in March or April and will receive both their admission and financial aid offers at roughly the same time. This gives you more time to review the financial aid packages from all of the schools you’re considering, which is especially important when comparing grants, scholarships, and loans. Comparison Shopping for Financial Aid When applying via Regular Decision, you have the benefit of applying to multiple schools and having a clearer understanding of your financial aid options. This is crucial for families who are trying to balance college affordability with their ideal school list. If you’re accepted to multiple schools, you’ll be able to compare the financial aid offers you receive. This includes comparing scholarships, grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities. By receiving your financial aid package later, you’re in a better position to make a fully informed decision. With Early Action, while you may have your admission decision early, the financial aid offers typically don’t arrive until later. Therefore you may not have as much time to compare offers. Additionally, some schools may prioritize financial aid packages for Regular Decision applicants to ensure they’re fully funded before offering aid to those applying earlier. The Risk of Missing Out on Potential Aid Some schools have limited financial aid resources, especially merit scholarships, and they award aid on a first-come, first-served basis. For students applying via Early Action, there may be an advantage if you’re applying to schools that give out merit-based scholarships.  However, applying early does not guarantee better financial aid. In fact, some colleges may allocate the majority of their available financial aid funds to Regular Decision applicants. This is particularly true at schools where aid is not awarded on a rolling basis. Need-Based Aid and FAFSA Timing Need-based financial aid is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many schools use the FAFSA and CSS Profile for additional aid analysis. These forms open on October 1st each year (December 1st this year!!). It’s advisable to submit them as soon as possible, regardless of whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision.  Which Should You Choose? Early Action or Regular Decision? Ultimately, whether you choose Early Action or Regular Decision should depend on your specific financial aid strategy and your priorities.  If you’re relying on need-based aid and want to compare financial aid offers from multiple schools, Regular Decision is likely the best choice. It gives you more time to evaluate your options. You can receive all your financial aid packages, and make a more informed decision. If merit scholarships are a significant part of your financial aid strategy, applying Early Action may help you secure funding sooner. This is especially true at schools that offer automatic merit-based scholarships for early applicants. If peace of mind and knowing your college admission status early are important to you, Early Action can relieve some of the stress of waiting for an acceptance decision. Just be prepared to potentially wait a little longer for financial aid offers. No matter which route you take, make sure to stay on top of FAFSA deadlines and research your schools’ financial aid policies. Don’t forget to seek advice from your school counselor or aid advisor to make the best decision for you and your family. Happy applying, and good luck with your financial aid planning! 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.

Applying to college can feel like a daunting task with numerous deadlines to keep track of. From admission applications to financial aid forms, staying organized and aware of key dates is crucial when you’re applying for college. This guide outlines the essential deadlines you need to know to master the college timeline and ensure a smooth application process. Admission Application Deadlines I’ve mentioned these application deadlines in previous blogs this month, but they’re worth repeating! When it comes to college applications, there’s four types of deadlines. You need to understand the repercussions of each type of application deadline so you know what is the best fit for your college journey. Remember to check each school’s application so you’re positive about their exact deadlines!  Early Decision: This deadline is typically around November 1st for most schools. Early Decision is a binding agreement, meaning you commit to attending if accepted. It’s ideal for students who have a clear first-choice school and know that’s the place they want to attend.  Early Action: Similar to Early Decision, usually around November 1st for many schools. Early Action is non-binding, allowing you to apply early and receive a decision sooner without the obligation to attend. This is a good option if you’re pretty sure about where you might want to go but aren’t ready to commit the day you apply.  Regular Decision: Regular decision deadlines are between January 1st and January 15th for many schools. Decisions are typically released in March or April for students to make their final decisions. . Rolling Admission: Schools with rolling admission review applications continuously and make decisions on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Pay close attention to when you can submit the applications.  Standardized Test Dates: As of now, many colleges still require the SAT and ACT. The SAT and ACT are offered multiple times a year. Key dates are in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. Students register about a month before the test date. I recommend taking it once after studying and deciding if you need to retake it. Check each college’s requirements for the latest acceptable test dates and which exams you need. Financial Aid Deadlines The other major set of deadlines to pay attention to are the financial aid deadlines. Again, check your specific school(s) details for any school or state related financial aid.  FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): The FAFSA should open on October 1st of this year (2024-2025 application cycle was different because of the new changes). The deadline that it must be completed by varies between each state and college, but submitting as early as possible is recommended. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal, state, and college-based financial aid. Many schools award aid on a first-come, first-served basis, so early submission is crucial. CSS Profile: Not all schools require the CSS Profile, so determine if your school(s) will need it. Some private schools request the CSS Profile.  If you do, it also opens October 1st, and the due date will vary. Read more tips about completing the CSS Profile here!  State Financial Aid: Each state has their own due dates, but they’re often early in the year (e.g., March 1st for many states). Research your state’s specific financial aid deadlines to ensure eligibility. Scholarships: National and private scholarship deadlines vary widely. Some will be due as early as summer before senior year, others throughout the fall and winter. Search for scholarships early and regularly. Create a list of potential scholarships and their deadlines to stay on track. I have more tips on scholarship searching here!  Mastering the college timeline requires careful planning and organization. Review my timeline for college application success here – so you know how to strategize beyond just your senior year! By staying aware of key deadlines and proactively managing your time, you can navigate the college application process successfully. Remember to start early, stay organized, and seek support when needed. Good luck on your journey to college!   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.

Summer is not just a time for relaxation and fun—it’s also a great opportunity for high school and college students to take proactive steps towards managing their finances and setting themselves up for success. Whether you’re saving up for college expenses, planning for the future, or looking to gain valuable financial skills, here are some effective money strategies to consider during the summer months:  #1: Work and Earn Summer jobs or internships can provide valuable work experience and a steady income. Whether it’s lifeguarding at the local pool, working in retail, or interning at a company related to your field of study, earning money during the summer can help you build savings and develop budgeting skills. The best way to learn how to manage money is to simply do it. Find a budgeting software you like (or a worksheet) and manage your income and expenses.  Additionally, summer jobs and internships not only provide income but also valuable skills and experiences that can boost your resume and future career prospects. #2: Explore Freelance Opportunities If you have a particular skill or talent, consider freelancing during the summer months. Whether it’s graphic design, writing, tutoring, or photography, freelancing allows you to work flexible hours, earn extra income, and build a portfolio that could help after graduation.  #3: Learn About Investing and Saving Summer break is an ideal time to educate yourself about investing and saving for the future. Take advantage of online resources, books, or courses to learn about money options (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) and practice investing! These little investments can add up. Start saving for college tuition, a car, or even retirement by setting up a savings account or exploring investment options that match your risk tolerance and financial goals. #4: Take Advantage of Educational Opportunities Summer can also be a time to expand your knowledge and skills through educational programs or workshops. This is the perfect time to find scholarships and grants to reduce your next year’s college costs. You can also learn more about personal finances from local seminars, webinars, or experts. If you’re not planning to work, consider signing up for summer classes through a local college or your university. It’s another great way to reduce costs (especially if you go through a community college) and knock out some GenEds!  #5: Plan for College Expenses For high school students entering college soon, summer is a crucial time to prepare financially. Finalize your research on financial aid options, like loan types and scholarship offers. You can also start comparing college costs between your top options.  Estimate your anticipated expenses and create a budget that includes tuition, books, housing, transportation, and personal expenses.  Summer presents high school and college students with a valuable opportunity to not only earn money but also develop essential financial skills, plan for the future, and prepare for the next academic year. Start now, and use this summer wisely to build a solid foundation for your financial future! 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.