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Summer is a great time to hit pause and relax, especially the summer between junior and senior year. But if you’re considering going to college, the summer might also be the perfect time to begin their scholarship search. As a financial aid advisor, I often remind families that waiting until senior year to search for scholarships can mean missed opportunities. The good news? You don’t need to spend all summer buried in applications. With a little planning and a few strategic searches, you can make steady progress around your summer plans. Here’s a few of my favorite tips for students (of any age!) to look for scholarships this summer:  Research Options: There are numerous scholarships available from various sources such as universities, private organizations, corporations, and government bodies. Researching these options over time gives students a broader perspective on what is available and what they might qualify for. Remember to look at bigger options and smaller, more localized scholarships. They’re often overlooked and less competitive. Even smaller awards can help cover books, fees, or other random college costs!  Not sure where to look? Talk to friends from the class of 2025: Think about your friends who just graduated from high school. Did any of them get really great scholarships that were not provided by the college? Talk to them now and find out how they did it! There are lots of scholarships, but it takes time to find those that are the best fit for your unique abilities.  Understand Requirements: Scholarships often have specific requirements regarding academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, community service, and more. Starting early allows students to align their activities and achievements with these criteria as they go back to school in the fall. Buffering up your application with meaningful activities can be helpful for both admissions and scholarship opportunities.  If your resume doesn’t look that impressive, you don’t have to wait until the fall to fix it. Try to do something different this summer that you can use on your application. Help out in your community, do something related to your field of interest, or get involved with a club. It might even turn out to be fun and meaningful! Prepare Strong Applications: Scholarship applications often require essays, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documents. By starting early, you can make good decisions about who you’ll be asking to write for you, and prepare a strong application. Even if the next year’s applications aren’t released yet, you can check out the past application for an idea of what you might need to have on hand – and add the date to your calendar to circle back!  The scholarship search doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and summer is the perfect time to get a head start. By dedicating even an hour or two each week to researching and organizing opportunities, you’ll be ahead of the curve when application season ramps up. Remember, scholarships aren’t just for straight-A students or athletes—there’s something out there for nearly everyone. You’ve got this! 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.

 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’s also non-binding. If you’re admitted, you’re not required to attend. You have until May 1st to decide. You will still receive your financial aid package along with your acceptance decision. But you’re not required to make a decision on financial aid immediately. Regular decision applications are due in January and you’ll receive decisions in March or April. Students then have until May 1st (National College Decision Day) to decide where to attend. You can apply to as many schools as you like. You’re not committed to attend any particular school until May 1st. Additionally, you’ll receive your financial aid package after your acceptance (typically in March or April), but you have more time to evaluate the offers. How Does Timing Impact Your Financial Aid? The timing of your application—whether you choose Early Action or Regular Decision—can influence both the financial aid options available to you and your ability to make a fully informed decision. With Early Action, you may receive your admission decision in December, but financial aid offers often won’t arrive until later. This can create some uncertainty if you’re admitted early. You must make decisions about your future without knowing your full financial picture.  On the flip side, Regular Decision applicants typically hear back in March or April and will receive both their admission and financial aid offers at roughly the same time. This gives you more time to review the financial aid packages from all of the schools you’re considering, which is especially important when comparing grants, scholarships, and loans. Comparison Shopping for Financial Aid When applying via Regular Decision, you have the benefit of applying to multiple schools and having a clearer understanding of your financial aid options. This is crucial for families who are trying to balance college affordability with their ideal school list. If you’re accepted to multiple schools, you’ll be able to compare the financial aid offers you receive. This includes comparing scholarships, grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities. By receiving your financial aid package later, you’re in a better position to make a fully informed decision. With Early Action, while you may have your admission decision early, the financial aid offers typically don’t arrive until later. Therefore you may not have as much time to compare offers. Additionally, some schools may prioritize financial aid packages for Regular Decision applicants to ensure they’re fully funded before offering aid to those applying earlier. The Risk of Missing Out on Potential Aid Some schools have limited financial aid resources, especially merit scholarships, and they award aid on a first-come, first-served basis. For students applying via Early Action, there may be an advantage if you’re applying to schools that give out merit-based scholarships.  However, applying early does not guarantee better financial aid. In fact, some colleges may allocate the majority of their available financial aid funds to Regular Decision applicants. This is particularly true at schools where aid is not awarded on a rolling basis. Need-Based Aid and FAFSA Timing Need-based financial aid is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many schools use the FAFSA and CSS Profile for additional aid analysis. These forms open on October 1st each year (December 1st this year!!). It’s advisable to submit them as soon as possible, regardless of whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision.  Which Should You Choose? Early Action or Regular Decision? Ultimately, whether you choose Early Action or Regular Decision should depend on your specific financial aid strategy and your priorities.  If you’re relying on need-based aid and want to compare financial aid offers from multiple schools, Regular Decision is likely the best choice. It gives you more time to evaluate your options. You can receive all your financial aid packages, and make a more informed decision. If merit scholarships are a significant part of your financial aid strategy, applying Early Action may help you secure funding sooner. This is especially true at schools that offer automatic merit-based scholarships for early applicants. If peace of mind and knowing your college admission status early are important to you, Early Action can relieve some of the stress of waiting for an acceptance decision. Just be prepared to potentially wait a little longer for financial aid offers. No matter which route you take, make sure to stay on top of FAFSA deadlines and research your schools’ financial aid policies. Don’t forget to seek advice from your school counselor or aid advisor to make the best decision for you and your family. Happy applying, and good luck with your financial aid planning! 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.

Applying to college can feel like a daunting task with numerous deadlines to keep track of. From admission applications to financial aid forms, staying organized and aware of key dates is crucial when you’re applying for college. This guide outlines the essential deadlines you need to know to master the college timeline and ensure a smooth application process. Admission Application Deadlines I’ve mentioned these application deadlines in previous blogs this month, but they’re worth repeating! When it comes to college applications, there’s four types of deadlines. You need to understand the repercussions of each type of application deadline so you know what is the best fit for your college journey. Remember to check each school’s application so you’re positive about their exact deadlines!  Early Decision: This deadline is typically around November 1st for most schools. Early Decision is a binding agreement, meaning you commit to attending if accepted. It’s ideal for students who have a clear first-choice school and know that’s the place they want to attend.  Early Action: Similar to Early Decision, usually around November 1st for many schools. Early Action is non-binding, allowing you to apply early and receive a decision sooner without the obligation to attend. This is a good option if you’re pretty sure about where you might want to go but aren’t ready to commit the day you apply.  Regular Decision: Regular decision deadlines are between January 1st and January 15th for many schools. Decisions are typically released in March or April for students to make their final decisions. . Rolling Admission: Schools with rolling admission review applications continuously and make decisions on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Pay close attention to when you can submit the applications.  Standardized Test Dates: As of now, many colleges still require the SAT and ACT. The SAT and ACT are offered multiple times a year. Key dates are in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. Students register about a month before the test date. I recommend taking it once after studying and deciding if you need to retake it. Check each college’s requirements for the latest acceptable test dates and which exams you need. Financial Aid Deadlines The other major set of deadlines to pay attention to are the financial aid deadlines. Again, check your specific school(s) details for any school or state related financial aid.  FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): The FAFSA should open on October 1st of this year (2024-2025 application cycle was different because of the new changes). The deadline that it must be completed by varies between each state and college, but submitting as early as possible is recommended. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal, state, and college-based financial aid. Many schools award aid on a first-come, first-served basis, so early submission is crucial. CSS Profile: Not all schools require the CSS Profile, so determine if your school(s) will need it. Some private schools request the CSS Profile.  If you do, it also opens October 1st, and the due date will vary. Read more tips about completing the CSS Profile here!  State Financial Aid: Each state has their own due dates, but they’re often early in the year (e.g., March 1st for many states). Research your state’s specific financial aid deadlines to ensure eligibility. Scholarships: National and private scholarship deadlines vary widely. Some will be due as early as summer before senior year, others throughout the fall and winter. Search for scholarships early and regularly. Create a list of potential scholarships and their deadlines to stay on track. I have more tips on scholarship searching here!  Mastering the college timeline requires careful planning and organization. Review my timeline for college application success here – so you know how to strategize beyond just your senior year! By staying aware of key deadlines and proactively managing your time, you can navigate the college application process successfully. Remember to start early, stay organized, and seek support when needed. Good luck on your journey to college!   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.

Summer is not just a time for relaxation and fun—it’s also a great opportunity for high school and college students to take proactive steps towards managing their finances and setting themselves up for success. Whether you’re saving up for college expenses, planning for the future, or looking to gain valuable financial skills, here are some effective money strategies to consider during the summer months:  #1: Work and Earn Summer jobs or internships can provide valuable work experience and a steady income. Whether it’s lifeguarding at the local pool, working in retail, or interning at a company related to your field of study, earning money during the summer can help you build savings and develop budgeting skills. The best way to learn how to manage money is to simply do it. Find a budgeting software you like (or a worksheet) and manage your income and expenses.  Additionally, summer jobs and internships not only provide income but also valuable skills and experiences that can boost your resume and future career prospects. #2: Explore Freelance Opportunities If you have a particular skill or talent, consider freelancing during the summer months. Whether it’s graphic design, writing, tutoring, or photography, freelancing allows you to work flexible hours, earn extra income, and build a portfolio that could help after graduation.  #3: Learn About Investing and Saving Summer break is an ideal time to educate yourself about investing and saving for the future. Take advantage of online resources, books, or courses to learn about money options (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) and practice investing! These little investments can add up. Start saving for college tuition, a car, or even retirement by setting up a savings account or exploring investment options that match your risk tolerance and financial goals. #4: Take Advantage of Educational Opportunities Summer can also be a time to expand your knowledge and skills through educational programs or workshops. This is the perfect time to find scholarships and grants to reduce your next year’s college costs. You can also learn more about personal finances from local seminars, webinars, or experts. If you’re not planning to work, consider signing up for summer classes through a local college or your university. It’s another great way to reduce costs (especially if you go through a community college) and knock out some GenEds!  #5: Plan for College Expenses For high school students entering college soon, summer is a crucial time to prepare financially. Finalize your research on financial aid options, like loan types and scholarship offers. You can also start comparing college costs between your top options.  Estimate your anticipated expenses and create a budget that includes tuition, books, housing, transportation, and personal expenses.  Summer presents high school and college students with a valuable opportunity to not only earn money but also develop essential financial skills, plan for the future, and prepare for the next academic year. Start now, and use this summer wisely to build a solid foundation for your financial future! 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.