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.