Getting Ready for Financial Aid Season - Three Tips for Success
As I sit outside enjoying this beautiful summer day, I'm reminded how quickly the school year is approaching. With that, comes a familiar mix of emotions for so many families. Personally, I'm grateful for what summer offers. For me this includes time outdoors, time with family and friends, and a chance to reset before the new school year begins.
For many families, though, this season also brings worry, anxiety, and excitement, especially for seniors entering their final year of high school. Students and parents are often navigating the college application and financial aid process for the first time. As a current school counselor with over 25 years in the financial aid profession, I've guided families through this process again and again, and there are still new twists to discover every year. Here are three things to keep in mind as this season begins.
1. Complete financial aid applications before the deadlines
One of the most common mistakes families make is skipping the financial aid process altogether by either not applying at all, or leaving sections blank instead of entering zeros or "n/a." Many families assume they won't qualify for aid and decide not to apply. But eligibility often surprises people, and many merit-based awards, work-study programs, and student loans require a completed aid application, regardless of financial need.
2. Track every college's deadlines for both admissions and financial aid
This step gets missed more often than you'd expect. Some colleges want financial aid applications submitted alongside admissions applications, so it's always best to apply for aid early. Check each college's website to see which forms are required:
FAFSA - always required
CSS Profile or additional institutional form - required by some colleges and universities
Note the deadlines or recommended filing dates for each. Treat recommended dates as firm deadlines! They exist so colleges can award the most aid possible to students who meet them. Many schools also tie early admission applications to higher merit-based scholarships, so apply by the scholarship priority deadline to receive the best possible award.
3. Set up accounts and gather documents before October 1, 2026
The 2027–2028 FAFSA and CSS Profile forms launch online on or before October 1, 2026. Get ahead of it now:
Create online accounts (or confirm you know your login credentials) for both the student and at least one parent/guardian (aka “contributor”)
Gather the student's and parent/guardian's 2025 tax information (these forms use prior-prior year taxes)
Collect information on assets and investments
Having everything ready means you can complete the forms the moment they go live.
As you head into this new college application season, I wish you a calm process. Take some deep breaths, attend the information sessions available at your high school, and try to soak in the excitement. This is an adventurous next chapter for you and your student!
Not working with us yet? Feeling stressed about the college search process or applying for financial aid? Golden Educational Consulting can help!
Comments