Part 2 of a Two-Part Series What happens when a noncustodial parent won’t cooperate? Here’s what families need to know about the CSS Profile, waiver requests, blended families, college strategy, and financial aid appeals. In Part 1 of this series, we covered the basics of college financial aid for divorced and separated families: which parent
Part 1 of a Two-Part Series Which parent completes the FAFSA? Does the noncustodial parent complete the CSS Profile? Here’s what divorced and separated families need to know before applying for college financial aid. As families of high school seniors prepare for the college application process, divorced and separated parents often have an extra layer
If you’re a high school senior or the parent of one, you’ve likely heard plenty about the FAFSA. But every year, families decide not to submit it because they assume they make too much money to qualify for financial aid. After helping families navigate the college financial aid process for more than 16 years, I
Financial aid deadlines vary by college, state, and application type. Here’s how to stay organized and avoid missing important aid opportunities. For the past 16 years, I’ve guided families through the college financial aid process. Every fall, I see the same thing happen. Parents panic because they believe the FAFSA must be submitted on October 1. Fortunately,
Understanding the differences between the FAFSA and CSS Profile can help you maximize financial aid and avoid costly mistakes. As summer comes to an end, college application season quickly becomes a reality. Along with applications, essays, and campus visits comes another important step: applying for financial aid. Most families know they need to complete the FAFSA. What
The FAFSA sibling discount is gone—but families still have options. For years, families with two or more children attending college at the same time could count on an automatic break in their federal financial aid calculation. That changed when the FAFSA Simplification Act went into effect for the 2024–25 academic year. The change caught many
Does applying for financial aid hurt your chances of admission? The answer may surprise you. Most families assume that a college admissions decision is based solely on a student’s academic achievements. While GPA, course rigor, extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation are all critical factors, finances can also play a role in the admissions
Why Early Decision Can Feel Like a Gamble for Families Watching College Costs Summer is an important time for rising high school seniors as they prepare for the college application process. Students spend months researching colleges, visiting campuses, and building their college list. One of the most important decisions they will make is how to apply. Many
What Does That Actually Mean? As college costs continue to rise, many families assume that private colleges with high sticker prices are simply out of reach. But for families who qualify for need-based financial aid, that isn’t always true. In fact, some colleges that commit to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need may ultimately cost less than your in-state
A practical guide to building a smart college list, understanding financial aid, and staying organized before senior year High school juniors are wrapping up one of the most important years of their academic journey and heading into their final summer before senior year. This summer is a critical time to begin preparing for college applications,
