Preparing for College

It’s hard to believe that August has arrived. For rising high school seniors, that means that college application and financial aid season is almost here. While the FAFSA and CSS Profile may not have opened yet, August is one of the most valuable months to prepare. The families who spend a little time getting organized now are often less stressed come fall. Instead of scrambling to gather documents and remember deadlines, they’ll be ready to focus on completing applications with confidence. If you’re wondering what you should be doing this month, here’s your ultimate August financial aid checklist. Talk About College Costs One of the most important things you can do is have a family conversation about finances before senior year begins. Open family discussions help prevent confusion later. Make sure everyone is on the same page about your family’s college budget, monies that are available, scholarship and student employment expectations, and potential borrowing. These discussions help students build a college list that’s both exciting and financially realistic, so they’re not putting in time and effort applying to schools that aren’t practical. Finalize Your College List Before you complete financial aid applications, make sure your college list is as up-to-date as possible. If your student has visited campuses over the summer or changed their mind about where they’d like to apply, now is the perfect time to revisit the list. As you narrow your options, research each school’s financial aid requirements. While every college accepts the FAFSA, many private colleges also require the CSS Profile or have additional institutional financial aid forms. Knowing these requirements now will help you avoid surprises later. Create a document with your list where you can add notes and deadlines to keep yourself organized.  Gather Your Financial Documents One of the best ways to reduce stress this fall is to organize your paperwork before application season begins. I suggest creating a paper or digital folder that includes documents such as: Federal tax returns W-2 forms Records of untaxed income Bank and investment information Other financial documents you may need Think of it like preparing for tax season. Filing always goes much more smoothly when everything is organized ahead of time instead of searching for documents at the last minute before the tax deadline. Confirm Login Information One of the most common delays during financial aid season, aside from missing paperwork, is forgotten passwords. Make sure both the student and parent know how to access their FSA ID accounts, College Board account (if the CSS Profile is required), and College portals. Store usernames and passwords somewhere secure so they’re easy to find when applications open. Review Deadlines Not every college follows the same timeline. Some schools have priority application deadlines, while others have separate deadlines for scholarships or institutional aid. Take time this month to review each college’s application and financial aid deadlines and add them to your calendar. Knowing when everything is due for each school and each component of the process, can help prevent last-minute stress later. Continue Researching Scholarships Scholarships aren’t something you have to wait until spring to pursue. August is a great time to begin researching local, community organization, employer-sponsored, and national scholarship opportunities.  Create a spreadsheet or folder to track deadlines, eligibility requirements, and application materials. Even if applications don’t open for several months, you’ll have all the information ready and know where to focus your efforts. Keep Checking Email and College Portals As schools prepare for application season, they often begin sending important updates. Get into the habit of checking email and college portals regularly so you don’t miss information about admissions, scholarships, or financial aid. A few minutes each week can save a lot of confusion later. On top of that, this is a habit you need to get into, as checking portals weekly will be on your to-do list for the next several months! Enjoy Senior Year August marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for rising seniors. Yes, there are forms to complete and deadlines to meet, but there will also be football games, homecoming, senior photos, family traditions, and countless memories you’ll treasure for years to come. Preparing for financial aid doesn’t mean spending every free moment thinking about college and crossing off items on your list. It simply means taking a few intentional steps now so you can enjoy senior year without feeling overwhelmed. Financial aid season can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. The families who feel the most confident during the fall are the ones who took the time to prepare.  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 before senior year is a unique season. It’s a time to relax after a busy junior year, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy a well-deserved break before one of the busiest years of high school begins. However, summer is also one of the best times for rising seniors to prepare ahead for financial aid. I always encourage my students to take advantage of these quieter months, as they can make a big difference come fall. In between the days at the pool and time spent with family and friends this summer, here are five things every rising senior should do before school starts.  #1 Confirm Your College List  Before applications and financial aid forms begin, it’s helpful to have a solid idea of where you plan to apply. Summertime is perfect for scheduling college visits and determining which schools offer the academic programs you want AND are going to be realistically affordable.   While you are making your list, pay attention to each school’s financial aid requirements, as some colleges require only the FAFSA, while others also require the CSS Profile. Knowing these requirements ahead of time will help you stay organized once deadlines begin approaching. #2 Confirm or Create Account Logins  Even though FAFSA doesn’t open until October, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a head start on the application process. One of the easiest things you can do now is to confirm your account login or get your FSA ID if you don’t have one yet. This can take time, which is why I suggest doing it now. Most new applicants don’t realize that both the student and the parent need their own FSA ID. In order to create a new account, you will need the Social Security number of both the student and parent as well as email addresses.  If you already have an account, or just went through the steps to set one up, confirm you can actually log in successfully. Once you’ve done that, store your login information somewhere safe and where you’ll remember! #3 Learn What Documents Will Be Needed and Start Gathering Them It is never too early to start gathering information and documents. For many rising seniors and families, this is all new. The terminology, deadlines, and even the timeline of the process can seem overwhelming. Taking time now to research what’s needed and what certain terms mean can be extremely helpful. Here is a great list of the documents you’ll need for financial aid to get you started, as well as important financial aid terms you should know for college planning.  #4 Research Scholarship Opportunities Summer is the perfect time to research possible scholarships. I suggest students spend a small amount of time each week searching for scholarship opportunities. There are so many offered both locally and nationally. Many students don’t take full advantage of the opportunities out there. Others can be competitive and getting a head start on them can put you one step closer to being awarded free money, as scholarships don’t need to be repaid! No amount is too small, as every dollar awarded can help you cover smaller college expenses like books and fees, to the larger expenses like tuition and room and board.  As you research, start a list that includes the name of the scholarship, website and other important information, as well as eligibility requirements and application deadlines.  Also Remember, scholarships aren’t just for incoming freshmen. Many are available throughout a student’s college career, so developing good scholarship habits now will continue to pay off in the years ahead. #5 Continue to have Conversations as a Family about Budgeting  Conversations about money and budgets are so important when it comes to college planning. By having these talks now, you’ll know if a school is affordable or not as you are making your final college list. Having clear expectations of budget, who is going to be responsible for paying what, and even whether students are expected to work during college all helps when it comes time to apply and make decisions.   These conversations aren’t always easy, but they help students build a college list that reflects both their academic interests and financial situation. Understanding the big financial picture early also helps families make informed decisions when admission offers and financial aid packages begin arriving.  These 5 things are simple ways you can get ahead this summer on financial aid. While you deserve this break from school, spending just a small amount of time on these items each week will make a big difference in the fall. Whether you’re organizing documents, researching scholarships, or just having open conversations about budget and expectations, every small step counts. Remember, financial aid isn’t just about forms. It’s about building a strategy that fits student’s goals and family’s budget. 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 in full swing and many families are enjoying the sunshine and a little down time too. As your student takes a break from school, now is the perfect time for families to start thinking about the future, especially when it comes to financial aid planning for college. I know it might feel like there’s plenty of time to figure things out, but getting ahead now can make a big difference when those deadlines are quickly approaching. I’ve seen first hand how early preparation helps families make more informed decisions. Not only that, but it helps to reduce the stress that often comes with college applications and financial aid. I often tell families that the students and parents who feel the least stressed in October are usually the ones who prepared ahead of time.  Here’s how you can begin financial aid planning now!  Know Which Schools Require the CSS Profile Most families are familiar with the FAFSA, however the CSS Profile isn’t always as well-known but it is just as important. Many colleges, particularly private institutions, require the CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA. The key difference between the FAFSA and the CSS Profile is that the CSS Profile is administered by the College Board and allows colleges to award their own institutional aid. Therefore, unlike FAFSA not every school requires it, which is why summer is the perfect time to review your college list and determine which schools require only the FAFSA, which ones require both the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and whether any schools have additional financial aid requirements. Researching this information now and keeping track of it all helps so much in the fall when you are actively applying and submitting multiple applications.   Secure Logins   One of the most common frustrations families experience during financial aid season is forgetting usernames and passwords, or needing to set up their account. Both students and parents need their own FSA IDs to complete and electronically sign the FAFSA. In addition, you’ll likely have multiple college portals and College Board accounts to manage. I recommend setting up your accounts now if you haven’t already as it does take some time.  Once accounts are created, log in to each account to make sure the information is accurate and you can log in. Then, create a secure system for storing all your usernames and passwords.    Get Organized   Fall has a way of arriving quickly. Between senior sports, activities, school events, and college applications, it can feel overwhelming to track down paperwork at the last minute. Summer is the ideal time to begin gathering all your financial information, including tax returns, w-2s, documentation of other income sources, and investment and savings information.  On top of financial information, you can also start tracking and organizing other items that will be a part of college applications like extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any part-time jobs or internships.  Simply knowing where all the documents and information is located and having them organized in one place can make the process significantly easier. For all of this information, I suggest creating either a digital folder or spreadsheet, or a physical folder if needed, to keep everything organized in one place. Begin Scholarship Research Scholarships are a wonderful way to pay for college, and while many students wait until spring of senior year to look for scholarships, I highly recommend starting the summer before you enter senior year. It is never too early. Begin compiling a list of scholarship opportunities, tracking deadlines, requirements, and eligibility. That way you have all the information you need when it’s time to apply. Even spending a few hours researching now can save valuable time later, and put you ahead of the game when it comes securing scholarships to pay for your college education.  Have Honest Conversations About College Costs Summer is also a wonderful time for families to discuss finances openly. Ensuring everyone is on the same page before the process officially begins is extremely important. Discuss as a family what you can realistically afford, the expectations regarding student loan repayment, what savings are available, any scholarship or financial goals, and the financial responsibilities for both parents and students. These conversations may not always be comfortable, but they help students make informed decisions when building their college lists. Financial Aid Planning Starts Before The FAFSA Opens As important as preparation is, remember that this is also a special season and college planning doesn’t have to take over your entire summer. Just a little preparation now goes a long way toward reducing stress later in the fall, because the truth is, financial aid planning starts before the FAFSA opens. Families who begin preparing during the summer often find themselves feeling far more confident and ahead when the busy months of senior year begin. 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 most students and families, summer feels like a chance to take a break from school schedules, homework, and college planning.  If you are a rising senior, after a busy junior year, that break is well deserved! The reality for incoming seniors might also be hitting them too – they are about to enter their final year of high school! Senior year brings many fun, exciting, and memorable experiences, but it is also a year of planning and preparation for the next stage of life. Summer provides valuable time to get ahead on items related to college admissions and the financial aid process. That doesn’t mean spending every day working on college applications. It simply means taking advantage of a season when there is a little more time and a little less pressure. Here’s what rising seniors should be doing this summer to prepare.   Start Building Your College List One of the best things rising seniors can do this summer is begin finalizing their college list so they know exactly what schools they want to apply to. If your student has already visited some campuses, now is a great time to reflect on what they liked and didn’t like. If they haven’t visited schools yet, summer offers a perfect opportunity to schedule campus tours and information sessions. As students build their list of schools, make sure to consider the academic programs and majors offered, the campus size and culture, the distance from home and whether it is realistic, and last but certainly not least, the expected cost and affordability. Working on your list now, before senior year begins, makes application season much less overwhelming. Create or Confirm Your FSA ID The FAFSA may not open until later in the year, but there is one important task families can complete now: creating their FSA IDs. Many families don’t realize that both the student and parent will need separate FSA IDs to access and sign the FAFSA electronically. Create these accounts and logins now so you’re ready to go!  If you’ve already created your FSA ID – great! Just take a few minutes to make sure you know your username and password, your email address is current, and you can successfully log in. If everything works, then store this information somewhere safe. Every year, families lose valuable time trying to recover forgotten login credentials during financial aid season. Gather Financial Documents Early One of the biggest causes of stress during the financial aid process is trying to locate documents at the last minute. Summer is the perfect time to start gathering these documents and creating a file for everything that you will need later. Here are a few different financial documents you will need:   Federal tax returns W-2 forms  Other income documentation  While this isn’t an exhaustive list, as oftentimes more detail and information is needed, especially for the CSS Profile, preparing documents now puts you one step ahead, making the FAFSA and CSS Profile process much smoother.   Talk About College Costs as a Family Summer is also a great time to have honest conversations about college finances as a family. Many students create college lists without fully understanding what their family can realistically afford. Having these discussions now can help avoid disappointment later. These conversations are crucial and should include discussions about budget expectations and limitations, scholarship goals, potential student loan borrowing, as well as goals related to paying for college. These conversations aren’t always easy, but they help ensure everyone is on the same page and assist families in making informed decisions throughout senior year.  Enjoy the Summer Too As important as preparation is, don’t forget to have fun too! This is your last summer before senior year. You should absolutely take time to make memories, go on vacations, and simply enjoy the season. College planning over the summer is important, but it shouldn’t be burdensome or take over the entire summer. A little preparation now can make the months ahead feel much more manageable. When application deadlines, financial aid forms, and college decisions begin arriving this fall, you’ll be grateful you used the summer to get organized. 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.

With the end of the school year coming to a close and big decisions made, many are ready to detach and enjoy the summer before things start changing. I completely get it too, because after months of applications, financial aid forms, acceptance letters, and decision-making, finally committing to a college brings a huge sense of relief.  It’s an exciting milestone worth celebrating. However there are a few things that can slip through the cracks over the summer if you aren’t careful. Here’s what families forget after they commit to college.  What Families Forget After They Commit to College One of the biggest misconceptions families have is believing that once a student commits, everything is officially “done.” In reality, committing to a college is less of an ending and more of a transition into the next phase of the process.  I know that this time of year through the summer is busy. Seniors are graduating, celebrating, traveling, working summer jobs, and trying to enjoy their final months before college begins. Parents are juggling calendars, paperwork, and preparations for a major life transition. It’s all completely understandable. What’s important to remember though is that colleges continue communicating with students all summer long, and missing small requests or deadlines can sometimes create unnecessary stress later. Trust me, you don’t want to open up your email on a whim at the end of July and realize you missed an important housing form deadline or registration due date. Continue to Check Student Portals and Emails Therefore it is important to continue checking emails and student portals throughout the summer. Many should be used to this routine already as you should have been checking in weekly for financial aid applications. This is just a continuation of that process.  Check in weekly to ensure there are no messages or requests about financial aid, billing and payment deadlines, housing, orientation, class registration, health and immunization requirements, or course placement or advising information. As you can see, there is still quite a bit of things that are going on behind the scenes in preparation for you to come in the fall and you don’t want to miss anything.  Keep Track of Deadlines  Many families are surprised by how many separate items and deadlines appear over the summer. There is no need to panic though. Just stay organized and continue to check in and respond to anything that comes in.   Summer has a way of making people feel like there’s plenty of time, until suddenly there isn’t. Many colleges have separate deadlines for: Housing deposits and roommate selection Orientation sign-ups Tuition payment plans Health records and immunization forms Placement testing Loan paperwork The families who stay organized now are usually the ones who avoid last-minute stress later. I suggest marking any and all deadlines on a calendar that will get checked regularly. If it is a digital calendar set up due date notifications, that way you can stay on top of every deadline.  Remember to also save copies of submitted forms and confirmations. If you followed earlier advice when you were applying to schools and Financial aid, you should already have an organized folder (either a physical file folder or digital one on your computer) that you can save these to.   These small steps help prevent important items from getting buried during a busy summer. Enjoy the Summer This season should absolutely be exciting. Graduation celebrations, family time, vacations, and preparing for college are all part of this transition, and students deserve to enjoy it.  The key is to stay lightly engaged with the process throughout the summer to ensure there are no unexpected surprises waiting in August. The students and families who stay organized now are usually the ones who head into the fall feeling the most confident and 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.

You did it! Congratulations! You made your decision and said “yes” to a college offer, and that’s a big deal! I hope you’ve taken a moment to celebrate this milestone. As a financial aid advisor, I’ve seen this moment come with a mix of joy, relief, and a dozen new questions. This is completely normal, and I’m here to help you through what comes next. The truth is, committing to a college isn’t the final step. It’s just the transition into a new phase of the process.  Now that you’re committed and told the college that you’re attending, the fun begins as you start preparing for your big move later this summer! Here’s what actually happens after committing and what you need to do.  From Applicant to Student  The past few months you’ve consistently been referred to as an applicant, but once you commit to a school, you are now an incoming student. This exciting change is more than just semantics, it means that things are happening behind the scenes. You’ll begin to access a student portal or see updates with the portal you’ve been using. This will continue to be your main communication hub along with your school email. Colleges will begin sending important information about housing, orientation, meal plans, tuition bills, and financial aid to your school email instead of your personal email. Keep in mind that each school handles things a little differently, so communication may come in waves or all at once. The key is simply to keep an eye on  your email and the student portal so nothing is missed. I suggest checking your portal and email weekly, and mark any deadlines you know of on a calendar. Just like when you were preparing to apply for colleges and financial aid, being proactive and organized now can save you stress later. Review The Financial Pieces    Once you commit to a school, the financial part of the equation becomes more real and concrete. Take a close look at your financial aid award. It likely includes a mix of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Decide what to accept and complete any follow-up steps that you can now, like signing any documentation for loans. You will also be expected to complete entrance exam counseling for first-time loan borrowers before any money is disbursed. This counseling details your obligations and expectations as a loan borrower.  Colleges typically send billing statements over the summer, and that’s when you’ll see exactly how your financial aid is applied and what your remaining balance looks like. If anything about the bill feels different than expected, don’t ignore it. This is the time to ask questions and make sure everything is accurate. If you have questions, or if something doesn’t look right, your financial aid office is here for you, and so am I!  Have a Plan in Place To Pay the Balance Even with financial aid, many students still have a remaining balance. Colleges usually offer payment plans that spread this out over the semester or year if you need additional help breaking things up over time. Be sure that you know when tuition is due as well as your payment schedule. Don’t forget to also review your scholarships or extra savings you plan to use to pay.  Remaining Details and Requirements If you’re living on campus, watch for housing application deadlines. Registering for orientation is also key, as this is your first real step into college life and often required before registering for classes. It’s important to stay on top of deadlines and sign up dates for everything leading up to move-in, so watch your portal announcements carefully.  You will likely need to submit final documents upon graduation from high school, such as your final high school transcripts, possibly along with immunization records or placement test scores. These items can hold up your registration if not submitted on time. So, it’s important to know up front what is needed from you and when it is needed or expected by. Staying organized, as always, is crucial at each stage of this process.   Now Get Excited!  This time between commitment and move-in day is a season of preparation and transition for both students and families. You don’t need to have all the answers today. All you need to do right now is stay engaged, organized, and respond to any requests or deadlines as they come in.  Committing to a college is a major decision; one that reflects careful thought, planning, and a lot of hard work. And you did it!  As you transition to this new and exciting chapter in  life, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Your college’s staff, your financial advisor (like me), orientation leaders, professors, and support offices, and of course, your loved ones, are all cheering you on.  Congratulations on all that lies 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.

Receiving your financial aid letter is a huge milestone in your college journey, but it can also be overwhelming and confusing. Understanding your financial aid award letter and knowing what’s actually free money and how much you are required to pay now, or pay back later, is key to making the right decisions for your future. Here’s how to read and understand a financial aid award letter. Look at the Free Money First: Grants and Scholarships Grants and scholarships are the best parts of your financial aid package because they don’t require repayment. These are the numbers to focus on first. Grants are often based on financial need, while scholarships can be awarded for academic achievement, athletic ability, or other criteria. Be sure to check if any scholarships are renewable, meaning they can continue each year as long as you meet certain criteria.  Money You Have to Pay Back: Loans Loans are the money you borrow to help pay for school, but remember: this is money you’ll have to repay, with interest. There are federal student loans, which often come with lower interest rates and better terms, and private loans, which can vary in cost and typically have higher interest rates. Always be aware of how much you’re borrowing and how it will affect you after graduation. Work-Study Work-study is a great way to earn money while in school, but it’s not free money. These are part-time campus 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. Therefore you will need to factor in your schedule and if you have the time to make it all work. There are limits on how much you can earn through a work-study program, and your school will set a maximum number of hours per week you can work. It’s still a good opportunity to gain experience and earn money without taking on more debt. Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Letter  While loans, work-study, and grants are the main components of most financial aid packages, your award letter should include other information, like renewability, deadlines, and other eligibility criteria. Ensure that you understand what you’re signing on for and if this funding will help you through your college journey.   As you prepare for college, understanding the world of finances can feel like learning a new language, especially when you start looking at your financial aid award letter. But don’t worry, you’re not alone!  Understanding the differences between grants, loans, and work-study will help you make an informed decision about which offer is best for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about any part of your financial aid letter. Knowing what’s free and what’s not will set you up for success in the future! Take your time to read through all the details, ask questions if you don’t understand something, and make sure you’re clear on how each type of aid works. Paying for college is a big responsibility, and it’s important to know exactly what you’re agreeing to. 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.

March brings some of the happiest emails! Many students are receiving emails beginning with “You’re in!”, “Congratulations!”, or  “We are pleased to offer you admission…” This is such an exciting time! After months of applications, essays, FAFSA forms, and lots of waiting the past couple months, acceptance letters, and soon award letters, are finally arriving. This is truly worth celebrating. Some students will find that they have been accepted to several colleges, which means that after the excitement settles, they have to start asking new questions and make big decisions. Now that you’re accepted, how do you decide which school to choose?  When looking at which school to go to, there are few things to consider. While a final decision likely won’t be made until that award letter arrives, there are still things you can think about to narrow down your choices. I suggest looking at the full picture. What school is going to be the best academic fit, provide the campus experience you want, and then, which is most affordable or aligns with your financial situation. Here’s a walk through how to make a confident, thoughtful choice. Step 1: Read Every Admission Letter Carefully Don’t just skim the congratulations at the top. Admission letters (and portals) often include important details about honors programs, special scholarships, housing priority deadlines, required next steps, and enrollment deposit deadlines.  Remember that each college sets its own timeline. Some deposits are due as early as April, while others follow the traditional May 1 deadline, which is also known as National College Decision Day! Make sure you know the exact deadline for each school along with the deposit amount and whether or not it is refundable. Missing this date could mean losing your spot at the school. Therefore, make sure it is marked on your calendar!  Step 2: Revisit Academic and Personal Fit While you wait for financial aid information and award letters, revisit the non-financial factors.  Students should consider how they feel about each campus – are they excited about it? Are the academic programs strong in student’s intended areas of study? What opportunities are available at each school – such as internship opportunities or career placement outcomes? Can you picture yourself there for 4 years? These are things students should think about, as you might be able to rule some schools out based on these items.  If possible, I highly suggest students attend admitted days. Sometimes being able to walk the campus again and talk to current students provides clarity. Step 3: Wait for (and Review) the Financial Aid Offer Affordability will likely be the ultimate deciding factor. Admission and financial aid are separate processes. Just because a student is admitted to a school does not mean the school is affordable. The financial aid award letter is what turns an acceptance into a real option. When award letters arrive, you’ll need to review every detail thoroughly. Look and compare each item. If you’ve been offered grants or scholarships, that is money that doesn’t need to be repaid! Take these into consideration, especially in comparison to loan amounts and the total cost of attendance. Once you’ve looked at the numbers and have your estimated out of pocket responsibility you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision.   Step 4: Compare the Real Cost   Colleges can sometimes format their award letters differently, which makes comparison confusing. One school may look generous at first glance, but includes more loans or has a greater out-of-pocket expense. Another may appear smaller in award, but actually offers more aid that doesn’t need to be repaid or the overall cost is more affordable. This is why side-by-side comparison matters. When you see that school A is offering $25,000 and school B only offers $18,000, it might seem like school A is the winner. However, these numbers don’t tell you the full story.   A larger scholarship at a higher-cost school may still leave you paying more overall. It’s important to remember that the goal isn’t the biggest scholarship; it’s the best overall financial fit.  It is also worth mentioning that the “best” school is not always the most prestigious one. It’s the one that balances opportunity with financial sustainability. Step 5: Don’t Rush the Decision March feels urgent. Friends are announcing their school choices, schools are asking for decisions, and you’re anxious to finish the process and move onto the next steps.  However, you do not have to decide right away. Take the time to review every offer carefully, ask questions – lots of them, clarify confusing award details, and lastly, sleep on it and discuss thoroughly with your family.  You don’t want to make a decision under pressure or from stress. Make a confident choice with thoughtful consideration.  Congratulations on Your Acceptance!  Being accepted is something to celebrate. You earned it! Selecting a college is about finding the right balance between academic opportunity, ideal campus environment, and your financial reality.  Your final decision should feel exciting, but also sustainable. 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.