For high school juniors, senior year is right around the corner! But before you get too caught up in the excitement of graduation, let’s talk about something that’s just as important: college financial aid. If you think financial aid prep starts in the fall of senior year, think again! It’s never too early to start getting ready for college financial aid applications. Here’s a few things you can do as you transition to being a high school senior to help prepare for your college journey!
Research Scholarships Early
Scholarships are a great option when it comes to easing the cost of college. As a junior, you’re in the perfect spot to start hunting for those opportunities. Many scholarships have deadlines before senior year even starts, so the earlier you start, the better. You don’t want to be scrambling for a scholarship essay while everyone else is wrapping up their final assignments.
Set aside time each week to search for scholarships. You’ll be surprised how many scholarships are out there for things you never even thought about—like specific majors, extracurriculars, or even your background! Here are more tips on finding scholarships.
Get Familiar with the FAFSA
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is your golden ticket to need-based financial aid. While the FAFSA doesn’t open until October 1st of your senior year, it’s never too early to get familiar with the process. Take some time now to understand what documents you’ll need. This way, you won’t be scrambling to gather tax forms, bank statements, and other documents when it’s go-time.
Have a Family Talk About Finances
Talking about finances can feel awkward, but it’s crucial to have an open conversation with your parents or guardians about paying for college. What are they expecting from financial aid? What are they able to contribute? This conversation will help you set realistic expectations and prepare your financial aid forms accurately. Also, talking early means no surprises later when you’re sorting through offers and comparing colleges. The more you know upfront, the smoother the entire process will be.
Get Your Grades in Gear
Let’s talk about the obvious—your grades. A strong academic record is essential for receiving both financial aid and scholarships. Many scholarships, like those based on merit, will look at your GPA, test scores, and class rank. If you’re aiming for those awards, make sure you’re staying on top of your coursework and making the most of any study resources available. Also, don’t forget about your senior year grades! Financial aid and scholarships may consider your final GPA, so it’s important to finish strong.
Consider College Costs
Thinking about college can be overwhelming. The price tags on some schools might seem scary, but the good news is there are options! Research the costs of schools you’re interested in and think about how much aid you might need. Cost of attendance includes more than just tuition—it also covers room and board, books, fees, and personal expenses. Start considering how you’ll pay for it all, and keep in mind that financial aid packages can vary by school.
Keep an Eye on Deadlines
Mark down deadlines for everything: the FAFSA, scholarship applications, and even college admissions. Senior year is fast-paced, and missing a deadline could mean missing out on money you could’ve gotten. Keeping an organized calendar or planner with all your important dates will make life so much easier. Here’s some of my tips on application deadlines!
So, while your friends may be focused on that summer vacation, you’re getting ahead by planning your financial aid strategy. It’s all about the little steps now that will make a big difference later. When the time comes for senior year, you’ll be ready to roll—and you’ll be in a much better spot to handle the stress of applications and deadlines. The earlier you prep, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to apply for financial aid.
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I’m excited to announce that sign-ups are now open for the next class of college-bound students and returning students! If your family will be navigating the financial aid process for the 2026-2027 academic year, now is the time to secure your spot. Spaces are limited, so reach out today to reserve your place and ensure you have expert guidance every step of the way.
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.