Why Sophomore Year Is the Smartest Time to Start Planning for College Aid
Families often ask, “When should we start planning for college costs?” The answer is earlier than you think—sophomore year is ideal. That’s when financial decisions, academic pathways, and testing strategies begin to have a real impact on aid eligibility.
At Diversified College Planning, we help sophomore families get ahead by mapping out a strategy that includes:
-
Reviewing your expected Student Aid Index (SAI)
-
Optimizing assets before the aid calculation window opens
-
Identifying merit-friendly colleges based on GPA and test scores
-
Planning summer activities and AP/IB coursework for admissions impact
What many don’t realize is that financial aid eligibility is based on prior-prior year income—so by the time junior year arrives, much of the opportunity to position your finances has already passed. And if your student is applying to private colleges, things like CSS Profile and supplemental financial forms will require even more precision.
Need help figuring out what colleges will offer your family the most aid? We also offer proprietary tools and strategies to help you reduce your SAI and increase your aid eligibility. Learn more about the asset protection strategies some families use—including annuities—by visiting Diversified Insurance Brokers annuity rates page.
Contact Us Today:
Planning early gives your family more options and more aid.
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Jarad
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
