Don’t Forget This Crucial Step in the College Planning Process
Don’t Forget This Crucial Step in the College Planning Process
When families think of college planning, they often jump straight to applications, test prep, or school visits. But there’s one vital step many skip: building a financial strategy before building the college list.
Why Financial Planning Should Come First
Choosing schools without knowing what you can afford—or what those schools typically offer in aid—is like shopping without a budget. You risk falling in love with a school that will put you in a financial hole.
Instead, reverse the process. Look at schools that meet your academic and career goals and offer generous aid for families like yours.
Start With These Essentials:
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Determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or Student Aid Index (SAI)
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Learn how merit aid works and which schools offer it
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Consider how different assets and income affect aid eligibility
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Estimate 4-year cost—not just one year—and compare by net price
Why Most Families Miss This
Unfortunately, most families don’t even start this process until fall of senior year—long after the aid window starts to close.
With some basic planning, you can avoid overpaying and keep your student’s options open.
Contact Us Today:
Want help building a smarter, financially sound college list?
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Mike
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
FAQs: Don’t Forget This Crucial Step in the College Planning Process
What is the “crucial step” most families miss?
Why does a written plan matter so much?
What belongs in a College Planning Playbook?
How do we set the four-year affordability target?
How does the playbook shape our college list?
Where do Net Price Calculators fit in?
What deadlines do families most often miss?
How should testing be handled inside the plan?
What about majors and program requirements?
How do we track demonstrated interest?
How do we keep the plan from becoming stale?
How does Diversified College Planning help with this step?
About the Author:
Mike Dusombre, CLTC, CRPC (NPN 20689693), is a Family Financial Aid Expert at Diversified College Planning with more than 4 years of experience guiding families through complex college funding decisions. Mike focuses on financial aid strategy, Student Aid Index (SAI) reduction, and identifying merit-based scholarships.
He helps families evaluate college affordability, build a college list that maximizes aid, understand how financial aid formulas work, and keep student debt to a minimum.
Last Reviewed: September 30, 2025 |
Reviewed by: Jarad Stolz, CLTC, CRPC
College Funding Advisor, Diversified College Planning | NPN: 17371953
Fact Checked by: Mike Dusombre, CLTC, CRPC
Family Financial Aid Expert, Diversified College Planning | NPN: 20689693
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