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FAFSA & CSS Profile Deadlines: When to File and Why October 1 Isn’t Your Deadline

Julie Gross Lenthe August 20, 2026

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,

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FAFSA vs. CSS Profile: What Every Family Needs to Know Before Applying for Financial Aid

Julie Gross Lenthe August 12, 2026

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

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How to Access the Sibling Discount for College

Julie Gross Lenthe July 1, 2026

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

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Need-Blind vs. Need-Aware Admissions

Julie Gross Lenthe June 18, 2026

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

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Early Decision and Financial Aid: What Families Need to Know

Julie Gross Lenthe June 10, 2026

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

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Colleges That Meet 100% of Demonstrated Need

Julie Gross Lenthe June 8, 2026

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

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Does Moving Off-Campus Affect Your Financial Aid?

Julie Gross Lenthe May 13, 2026

A common question from families—and what you need to know before making the move Throughout my years of working with families, one question comes up often: Will financial aid change if my student moves off campus? While many colleges require students to live on campus during their first year, it’s very common for students to

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What Is Scholarship Displacement? (And How It Can Cost You Thousands)

Julie Gross Lenthe May 7, 2026

Why winning outside scholarships doesn’t always lower your college costs Applying for outside or private scholarships has become a standard part of the college process, right alongside completing the Common Application, FAFSA, and standardized testing. Families invest significant time and energy into finding these opportunities, hoping to reduce the cost of college. And understandably so,

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