Start Early – Freshman and Sophomore Year
Many families think they can wait until junior or senior year to worry about financial aid, but that’s a costly misconception. Here’s what you can do early:

• Begin exploring career interests and majors

• Build a strong academic and extracurricular resume

• Start understanding the difference between need-based and merit-based aid

• Learn how family income and assets will affect aid eligibility

Junior Year – The Critical Planning Phase
This is the time to get serious. Colleges start evaluating students based on junior year performance and family financial profiles.

• Research schools and compare Net Price Calculators

• Attend financial aid workshops or webinars

• Estimate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

• Begin collecting financial documents for the FAFSA and CSS Profile

Senior Year – Deadlines Matter
Everything you’ve prepared for starts here. Missing a single deadline can drastically reduce your aid options.

• Submit the FAFSA as early as possible (October 1st or as soon as it opens)

• Complete the CSS Profile if required by your schools

• Watch for institutional deadlines—some come before federal ones

• Prepare and submit financial aid appeal letters if necessary

After Acceptance – Negotiate and Finalize
Even after you receive your award letter, there’s still room to advocate for more aid.

• Compare financial aid offers based on net price, not sticker price

• Reach out to schools to request additional aid if circumstances have changed

• Finalize your choice based on financial fit and academic value

The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have—and the more money you’re likely to save. Waiting until the last minute often means settling for less aid and fewer choices.

Contact Us Today:
Want a customized timeline for your student’s college journey?

📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Jarad
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/