Financial Aid

With August just days away, many families are starting to think and plan ahead knowing the school year is just around the corner. These final weeks of summer are important when it comes to preparing for college and financial aid, whether you are returning college students, a rising senior, or a rising junior. There are still things you can do now to set yourself up for success as the new school year begins. Here is your August financial aid checklist to help guide you through the steps you need to take.  For Rising Juniors:  If you are heading into your junior year, now is the time to lay the groundwork for financial aid success. Start by getting familiar with how financial aid works: learn the basics of the FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and the potential of your family’s contribution. Many families find it helpful to use this summer to research the typical cost of colleges you may be interested in, just to get a sense of what’s ahead. This is also a wonderful time to have family discussions  about what’s financially realistic for your family. Discuss college savings, potential financial aid, schools you want to attend and any limitations. It’s important that everyone is on the same page before senior year begins.  For Rising Seniors:  If you’re about to enter your senior year, summer is all about preparation. The FAFSA opens in the fall, but there’s plenty you can do now to be ready so that you are not scrambling once the application opens. First and foremost, gather key financial documents like tax returns and income statements. Next, make sure you and your parents each have an FSA ID for FAFSA access. You can create that now if you haven’t already done so! August is also a great time to research college-specific financial aid deadlines, as some schools require early action on forms like the CSS Profile. For Returning College Students  Financial aid is an ongoing process that you must reapply for every year that you are in school. However, now that you’ve done it once, the process should feel much smoother. The same steps still apply, and I suggest using this time to gather financial documents and verifying logins. This is also a good time to chat with family about budgets and financial aid. Sometimes a family’s financial situation changes from a previous year and that can affect financial aid. Having the conversation now and looking at your own financial records can eliminate some surprises later and help you form a plan together.  For all students, from rising juniors to current college students, I always suggest looking into scholarships. Make a plan for how you will track and apply for them. Many local and private scholarships require separate applications. The more you can do now, the less pressure you’ll feel once the school year starts. It is never too late or too early to begin the search for scholarships!  Summer is the secret weapon for busy parents and students to get ahead. By taking small, intentional steps now, you can reduce stress later and approach the college process with more confidence and clarity.   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 break might feel like a pause button for students: no school, no homework, and a bit more breathing room for busy families. However, when it comes to preparing for college financial aid, summer is actually one of your most powerful tools. With fewer school-year distractions and a little extra flexibility, this season is the perfect time to get ahead of deadlines, organize documents, and start key conversations about college costs. As a college financial aid advisor, I’ve seen families scramble at the last minute to pull everything together, often under stress. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether you’re just starting to think about college or gearing up to apply, summer is the best time to prepare and make progress. Here’s the best thing families can do before senior year starts. Understand the Financial Aid Process  Start by getting familiar with how financial aid works: Understand the basics of Financial Aid, scholarships, grants, and the potential of your family’s contribution. Many families find it helpful to use this summer to research the typical cost of colleges you may be interested in, just to get a sense of what’s ahead. This is also a great time to talk openly as a family about what’s financially realistic for your family. Discuss college savings, potential financial aid, and any limitations. It’s important that everyone is on the same page before senior year begins.  FAFSA doesn’t open until the fall, but there’s plenty you can do now to be ready. Gather key financial documents like tax returns and income statements, and make sure you and your parents each have an FSA ID for FAFSA access, which you can create now! It’s also a great time to research college-specific financial aid deadlines, as some schools require early action on forms like the CSS Profile. You can also start looking into scholarships. Make a plan for how you will track and apply for them. Many local and private scholarships require separate applications. The more you can do now, the less pressure you’ll feel once the school year starts.  Summer truly is the secret weapon for busy parents and students when it comes to financial aid prep. By taking small, intentional steps now, you can reduce stress later and approach the college process with more confidence and clarity.  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.

For many families, getting through freshman year of college feels like crossing the finish line. After navigating senior year of high school, college applications, FAFSA forms, award letters, and then move-in day, many think they are finished with financial aid. However, financial aid is an annual process that continues throughout college. That means each year brings a new cycle of forms, deadlines, and award offers. The good news is that once you’ve been through it once, the process is usually smoother and feels much more manageable.  Yes, You Need to Apply for Financial Aid Again If your student plans to continue receiving federal financial aid, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA each year. Depending on the college, you may also need to complete the CSS Profile or other institutional forms annually. The good news is that unlike senior year of high school, returning families don’t have to worry about college applications, acceptance letters, and choosing a school. The financial aid component is all that is needed, which should hopefully remove a lot of the pressure many students feel the first time through the financial aid process. Your Financial Aid Offer May Change Another common misconception is that the aid package your student receives as a freshman will automatically remain the same throughout college. The truth is, financial aid can differ from year to year, typically due to changes in family income or assets, the number of children in a family attending college, or enrollment status. Adjustments to college policies or institutional aid as well scholarship renewal requirements can also cause aid packages to change.   Sometimes these changes are small, and sometimes they can be more significant. That’s why it’s important to review each year’s award carefully instead of assuming it will look exactly like the year before. Scholarships Often Have Renewal Requirements Many merit scholarships are renewable, but they usually come with conditions. It is important to know the requirements ahead of time. For instance, sometimes students need to maintain a certain GPA to be eligible for a scholarship. Other requirements might include, full-time enrollment, remaining in a particular major or program, or completing a certain number of credit hours.  Understanding these requirements can help students stay on track and avoid losing valuable scholarship dollars. Summer Is the Perfect Time to Prepare One advantage returning families have is experience. Without the pressure of college applications and admissions decisions, summer can be a great time to get organized before the next financial aid cycle begins. Simple things like confirming FAFSA and College Board login information, organizing tax returns, W-2s, and financial records, and noting scholarship renewal requirements, can all make a difference come fall.    The Process Gets Easier While financial aid remains an annual responsibility, most families find that sophomore year and beyond are much less overwhelming than the first time around. This time, families know what to expect and understand the terminology and timelines. This experience becomes extremely valuable.  Stay proactive and organized, paying attention to deadlines to ensure your student continues receiving the aid they’re eligible for all the way through graduation. College Is a Four-Year Journey and So Is Financial Aid The financial aid process doesn’t end once your student moves into their dorm room. While every year may look a little different, the goal remains the same, and that is to help families make college affordable and keep students on track toward graduation. 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.

High school students are preparing for college and admission letters are finally rolling in. Now students and their families are getting ready to receive their long awaited financial aid award letters. This is one of the most exciting, and sometimes stressful, moments. Colleges often send out different offers with varying amounts of financial support, and it can be tricky to figure out which one is the best option for you. With tuition and other expenses quickly adding up, it’s crucial to compare your options carefully. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to read a financial aid award letter without panic. 1. Compare the Total Cost of Attendance (COA) The first thing you’ll want to compare is the Total Cost of Attendance (COA) for each college. This includes tuition, room and board, textbooks, fees, transportation, and personal expenses. Each school might have a different COA, and it’s important to understand the full picture before you decide.  Once you have that total cost, then subtract any grants and scholarships offered, as well as any savings your family plans to apply to this year’s costs. The amount that remains is your out-of-pocket cost for that school. This is the most important number to focus on, not just the total aid amount listed in the award. Now that you know what you will be responsible for paying for each school, it helps to evaluate each award offer more clearly and accurately. 2. Focus on Grants and Scholarships  Grants and scholarships are the best forms of financial aid because you don’t have to pay them back. They’re considered “free money,” and they should be a major factor when comparing packages. If one school is offering a larger grant, that’s free money you don’t have to worry about repaying, and it can make a huge difference in the total cost of attendance.  3. Understand Loans  Loans are another part of your financial aid package that you need to take seriously, as this is money that must be paid back, typically with interest. When comparing offers, look closely at how much you’re being offered in student loans, and what your out of pocket expenses are for that school. Also, pay attention to the interest rates on loans and repayment terms.  4. Work-Study Jobs Work-study is a great way to earn money while in school, but it’s not free money. These are part-time jobs that you can use to cover some of your living expenses or other costs, but remember that you’ll have to work for this money.  This can be a great way to offset some of your costs, but it’s important to realistically assess how many hours you can work while balancing your studies. When comparing work-study offers, check the amount of money you’ll be able to earn and whether you feel comfortable fitting those work hours into your schedule.  If manageable, this is a great way to gain experience and earn money without taking on more debt. 5. Look for Additional Fees or Hidden Costs While you’re comparing aid packages, don’t forget to consider other costs that might not be included in the initial aid offer. Some schools have additional fees for things like technology, transportation, student health services, or parking.  6. Think Long-Term College is an investment! It isn’t just a four year commitment when you take out loans, as students will likely be paying on loans well after graduation. Compare offers carefully and ask these crucial questions:   How much debt will I graduate with? How much, if any, will parents borrow? What are expected starting salaries in this field? Does this choice leave financial flexibility after graduation?  You don’t want to make decisions now that will negatively impact you in the future. If you’re unsure how to interpret an award letter or compare loan options, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m always here to help you make sense of your options and build a financial plan that works for your family. 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.

February and really most of the winter months can feel quiet when it comes to Financial Aid. You’ve submitted all the paperwork, uploaded all the necessary documents, and completed all the necessary steps. After doing so much for so long, the waiting time can feel uncomfortable and … long. However, February isn’t about action or visible progress, it’s about readiness. A little organization now, will make March much easier. Here’s how to stay organized while waiting for financial aid offers.  Monitor Portals and Email  Right now, your student’s college portals are the most important place for updates. Schools often post document requests, verification notices, or status updates directly in the portal, sometimes without sending an email at all. That’s why checking regularly matters.  However, regularly does not mean constantly. I recommend choosing one day per week to log into each college portal. Checking daily tends to create anxiety. Checking once a week is enough to stay on top of any requests without creating unnecessary stress. In the portal, check both admissions and financial aid sections and look for missing documents, alerts, or “action required” messages. Also, confirm any previously submitted documents are marked as received.  If everything looks complete, that’s a good sign. It simply means your file is moving through the review process. Create a Master List  One of the easiest ways to stay organized is to create (or update) a simple master list that includes: All colleges your student applied to Portal login information Financial aid login details This doesn’t have to be complicated. A spreadsheet, a notebook page, or even a shared family document works perfectly. When award letters begin arriving, having everything in one place makes comparing offers much easier. You won’t be scrambling to remember passwords or searching through old emails. Be Ready to Review Offers Thoughtfully Financial aid award letters will start arriving soon! Decisions can feel emotional and urgent. That’s why being prepared ahead of time helps. Start thinking about how you’ll evaluate offers. You’ll need to know the total cost of attendance at each school, how much of the aid is grants and scholarships (free money) and how much is loans (money that must be repaid), and what the net cost looks like for your family. You don’t need to calculate anything yet, but being mentally prepared for comparison mode is helpful so you can think through things logically, ask good questions, and make confident decisions. Keep in mind that award letters can vary significantly between schools, even when the tuition is similar. That’s normal, as each college uses its own formula and institutional funds. Award Letters are Coming! February may feel quiet, but important work is happening behind the scenes, and soon there will be much more for you to do.  When March arrives and award letters begin rolling in, you’ll be grateful for the little break and that you stayed organized during this quieter season. More about Jodi Okun of College Financial Aid Advisors Jodi helps with the financial aid process, 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. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

If you’ve submitted your FAFSA, CSS Profile, and supporting documents, February can feel… strangely quiet. After months of forms, deadlines, and action steps, it may seem like everything has suddenly come to a halt. Many families start to wonder: Did we miss something? Should we be doing more? Why haven’t we heard anything yet? The good news is that quiet is not a red flag. In fact, it’s a very normal and expected part of the financial aid process. Here’s what is actually happening behind the scenes. Why February Feels Quiet in the Financial Aid Process (and Why That’s Normal) Even though you may not see much activity, February is one of the busiest months for financial aid offices. Colleges are processing thousands of FAFSAs, CSS Profiles, and IDOC documents, reviewing information, resolving verification, and preparing financial aid packages. This work takes time. Aid offices don’t process applications one-by-one in real time. They work in large batches, follow internal timelines, and coordinate with admissions decisions. So while your portal may look unchanged, your file is likely moving through internal systems you can’t see. Why You’re Not Getting Many Emails Many families expect regular email updates, but most will not receive any updates unless something is needed. It’s also important to note that most colleges rely heavily on student portals for communication during this phase, not email. Missing document requests, verification notices, and status updates often appear in portals before, or sometimes instead of, email notifications. The Waiting Phase is Part of the Process This stage is less about doing and more about being ready. For most families, February is a holding pattern while schools finish reviews and begin finalizing award offers. In many cases, financial aid packages won’t be released until March, especially for Regular Decision applicants. So if you are sitting in silence right now wondering if something is wrong, know that you are right where you should be, and your application is just going through the proper channels.  There isn’t much for you to do in February, but that’s normal and important work is still happening even if you can’t see it. The quiet isn’t a problem. In fact, no news is often good news!    More about Jodi Okun of College Financial Aid Advisors Jodi helps with the financial aid process, 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. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

You’ve submitted the FAFSA. You may have completed the CSS Profile. Documents are uploaded. Portals are checked. And now… it feels very quiet. For many families, January brings a strange mix of relief and anxiety. The big financial aid applications are done, but instead of answers, there’s silence. No emails or award letters. It feels like there is no clear next step. If you’re wondering whether something is wrong, let me reassure you right away: this quiet period is completely normal. Here’s a look at what’s actually happening behind the scenes and why January feels quiet after submitting, which is normal!  Why January Feels Quiet After You Submit Financial Aid Even though it may feel like nothing is happening, January is one of the busiest months for college financial aid offices. Once applications are submitted, colleges begin the process of reviewing FAFSA and CSS Profile data, matching it to admissions files, verifying information when needed, and calculating institutional aid. This takes time, especially when financial aid offices are reviewing thousands of applications at once. On top of that, colleges are also catching up after winter break.  In many cases, financial aid offices can’t finalize an award until admissions decisions are confirmed, verification (if required) is completed, and institutional aid budgets are finalized. That’s why January often feels so quiet. The work is happening; it’s just all behind the scenes.  Why You Might Not Hear Anything Yet Families often expect immediate feedback once forms are submitted, but financial aid timelines don’t work that way. Award letters typically arrive weeks after submission, and often after admissions decisions, especially for regular decision applicants. Early Decision families may hear sooner, but even then, January can still feel slow as final details are reviewed and processed. Silence does not mean: your FAFSA is lost, you did something wrong, or you won’t receive aid. It usually just means your application is in line. What You Should Be Doing Right Now While you wait there are still things you can do to stay engaged with the process and make sure there isn’t anything holding up your application. That’s why I continue to stress the importance of checking student portals and College Board dashboards once a week, at least. You want to be on the lookout for requests for verification, missing documents, or IDOC uploads. If you see something is requested, respond promptly to keep things moving! If nothing is showing as incomplete, that’s a good sign. January is also a great time to begin or continue scholarship searches. You can never apply for too many scholarships, as this is free money that will help you fill in any gaps in funding. I also suggest organizing financial aid documents on your computer and emails into designated folders for submission documents, requests received, and eventually award letters received. As a family, this is also a perfect opportunity to continue talks as a family about college affordability and expectations.  Waiting Is Part of the Process The financial aid process has a natural rhythm, and January is often quiet. It’s the pause between submission and decisions, and while it can feel uncomfortable, it’s expected. Soon there will be movement as award letters begin to arrive in February and March.   I know – waiting is hard, but it means you’re right where you should be! More about Jodi Okun of College Financial Aid Advisors Jodi helps with the financial aid process, 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. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.