How Junior Families Can Still Maximize Aid—Even If They’re Behind
For families with high school juniors, college may feel like it’s just around the corner—and if you’re feeling behind, you’re not alone. The good news? You can still take smart, strategic steps right now to dramatically improve your student’s chances of receiving financial aid and reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
Here’s What You Can Still Do as a Junior Family
While it’s always best to start early, there are several high-impact moves you can make in the second half of junior year and the summer before senior year:
1. Identify the Right Colleges Now
It’s critical to look beyond name-brand schools and understand which colleges are likely to offer the most financial aid based on your family’s profile. Focus on schools with generous merit or need-based aid—ideally both. A strong college list built around affordability and fit is the single biggest opportunity for late planners.
2. Understand How Aid Works Before You Apply
Too many families go into the college search blind, not knowing how colleges determine aid or what they’re likely to receive. Get educated now on how the FAFSA and CSS Profile work, how merit aid is awarded, and how assets and income impact aid eligibility.
3. Position Yourself for Aid
There’s still time to make smart financial decisions that may reduce your expected family contribution and increase your aid eligibility. For example, avoid unnecessary asset accumulation in the student’s name and hold off on certain large financial moves until you understand how they’ll be counted.
4. Prepare for Senior Year Deadlines
Senior year moves fast. Once school starts, applications, essays, scholarship forms, and financial aid deadlines will stack up quickly. Use this summer to get organized, start applications early, and create a checklist of all forms and deadlines for each school.
5. Consider Professional Guidance
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to make up for lost time, now is the moment to reach out for help. The right guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes, discover schools you didn’t know were an option, and build a plan tailored to your student’s success.
Contact Us Today:
Don’t let time constraints cost your student thousands in missed opportunities. We specialize in helping families—no matter when they start—build powerful college funding strategies that maximize aid and protect their financial future.
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