As a high school senior, you’re facing one of the biggest decisions of your life: where to go to college. But this decision isn’t just about choosing the school with the best programs, campus vibe, or student culture. It’s also about how to make it work financially. That’s where the timing of your college applications can have a big impact. While options like Early Action and Early Decision may sound appealing for getting a jumpstart on the admissions process, if financial aid is a priority for you, Regular Decision might be your best bet. Here’s why applying through Regular Decision gives you ..read more

 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 ..read more

As a high school senior, the college application process can feel like a marathon. Between preparing your essays, gathering letters of recommendation, and making sure you meet all the deadlines, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. One option that can ease some of that stress is applying through Early Action. If you’re looking to gain admission to your dream school without the added pressure of figuring out your financial aid package right away, Early Action might be the perfect choice for you. What Is Early Action? Early Action is an application process that allows students to apply earlier than the ..read more

As college application season heats up, many high school students are weighing their options, and one popular choice is applying for Early Decision. If you’re considering this path, it’s important to understand what it entails and how it can impact your college journey. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about early decision college applications! What is Early Decision? Early Decision is a special application process that allows you to apply to your top-choice college early—usually by early November. If you’re accepted, you’re committed to attending that school and must withdraw ..read more

Completing the FAFSA is one of the first steps that students and families must complete to start their journey to college. Through this application, schools determine how much funding a student is eligible for. This includes federal loans, grants, and work study programs. Last year, the FAFSA underwent some big changes and now, there’s a few more that families should know about before beginning to file their FAFSA. Here are a few key things you should know to maximize your financial aid opportunities:  Understand Dependency Status:  Your dependency status determines if you need to pr ..read more

This time of year means that college applications are in full swing for high school seniors! There’s paperwork to submit, essays to write, and financial aid applications to send in. The most important financial document that students will file with their families this fall is the FAFSA, the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For the 2025-2026 application cycle, the FAFSA will come online in December. Since it is a shorter opening for the application, it’s imperative to be prepared to fill it out as soon as you can. Even without being able to file the form right now, there’s still ..read more

The world of financial aid can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is one of the most important for students and families to file, if not the most important form to be completed. The FAFSA is the way that students qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. All of these programs are designed to make higher education more accessible. The process can feel scary if you don’t know where to start, which is why today I’m breaking down the FAFSA so you can understand the application process more cl ..read more

As students prepare for the exciting journey of attending college, one of the most important steps you’ll take is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This form is your ticket to accessing crucial financial support for your education, including federal grants, work-study opportunities, and low-interest loans. The earlier you complete your FAFSA, the better your chances of receiving aid, as many programs are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. This year, the application appears as if it will be fully live by December (instead of in the fall ..read more

The world of financial aid for college can feel overwhelming. But with the right tools and knowledge, you can unlock the support needed to pay for school. The whole process becomes way easier once you understand what you’re reading and what you’re filling out! Two of the most important forms you’ll encounter are the  FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)  and the  CSS Profile . These forms are essential for both high school students entering college and current college students seeking financial aid. They help determine how much money you can get to pay for school – s ..read more

Wading through  the world of financial aid can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re met with acronyms like SAI, SAR, and FAFSA. But don’t worry—I’m here to make it simple! Whether you’re applying to college or the parent of a soon-to-be-college student, understanding these terms is key to getting the financial support you need for college. Here’s a few basics you should know:  What Is SAI? Let’s start with SAI, or Student Aid Index. This is the number colleges use to figure out how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive should you attend their school. Despite its name, th ..read more