What to Do if You’re Late Starting the College Planning Process

August 1, 2025

What to Do if You’re Late Starting the College Planning Process

If you’re a rising senior or junior and haven’t yet started the college planning process, you’re not alone—but the clock is ticking. Every month that passes limits your ability to reduce college costs and position your student for the most aid. The good news? Strategic action now can still make a big difference.

Diversified College Planning works with families who feel like they’re late to the process. Whether your student hasn’t built a smart college list, you missed early deadlines, or you’re unsure how to complete the FAFSA, we can help you catch up and maximize your results.

What to Do if You’re Late Starting the College Planning Process

Key action steps if you’re behind:

Complete your Student Aid Index (SAI) projection right away
Prioritize schools with strong merit and need-based aid
Avoid applying blindly—target financial fit schools first
Understand how your assets and income affect the aid formulas now

We’ve helped families in the same situation cut their college costs by $40,000 to $80,000—even when they felt behind. Our planning process is designed to create quick wins and long-term strategy, regardless of your starting point.

Contact Us Today: Feeling behind? Let us help you catch up and still save big.
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Mike
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/

FAQs: What to Do if You’re Late Starting the College Planning Process

What can I do immediately if I’m a rising junior or senior and behind?

Complete your Student Aid Index (SAI) projection right away, prioritize schools with strong merit and need-based aid, avoid applying blindly by targeting financial-fit schools first, and understand how your assets and income affect aid formulas now.

Will it still matter if I missed early deadlines?

Yes. While missing early deadlines limits some opportunities, many colleges have later deadlines or rolling admissions, and aid-strategies like merit-based scholarships can still be pursued. Acting quickly increases your options.

How important is the Student Aid Index (SAI) projection?

Very important. The SAI helps estimate your need-based aid eligibility. Having a projection early helps you make informed choices about schools, merit aid, and how much you might need to borrow or contribute.

Can I still target financial-fit colleges and save money?

Yes. Focus on colleges that offer generous merit and need-based aid, compare net prices rather than just sticker price, and build a list including safety, match, and reach schools considering financial fit.

What role do income and assets play at this stage?

They’re critical. Colleges consider family income and asset levels—especially assets in accounts, real estate, and investments—when calculating aid. Reviewing these now helps you plan giving, savings, and timing of certain expenses.

How much can planning late still reduce college costs?

Diversified College Planning reports that families in similar situations have cut costs by $40,000 to $80,000—even when they felt they were significantly behind—if they take strategic action now.

What services can help me catch up?

Help includes building a smart college list, forecasting net price, identifying merit/need opportunities, guiding through FAFSA/SAI processes, meeting remaining deadlines, and advising on possible appeals or scholarship options.

What to Do if You’re Late Starting the College Planning Process

FAQs: What to Do if You’re Late Starting the College Planning Process

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