These poor seniors, they started their high school career at the peak of COVID and are now dealing with the many challenges of FAFSA. Looking at the bright side, these students will enter college with resiliency!
By now you may have heard that FAFSA has hit another obstacle - it is now predicted that colleges and universities won’t receive students’ financial aid applications until March (instead of late January). This delay is putting pressure on students to decide on a college with minimal time to compare financial aid packages. It is also putting pressure on colleges as they scramble to try to figure out how to work within these timelines.
If FAFSA is new to you this may not seem like a big deal, however in ordinary years financial aid letters were sent around the same time admission letters were sent, this allowed students plenty of time to compare financial aid offers. As you can imagine, financial aid plays a large role in the college decision process.Â
There are a few things you can do now to prepare yourself. First, families should continue to complete their 2024-25 FAFSA forms. Second, students should start looking for alternative resources for merit-based aid and scholarships; check with a school counselor or college and career specialist for opportunities that are available.
There is a good chance that college and universities will extend their decision day to give students and families more time to compare their options. Most college decision days are May 1st, but with the delay in FAFSA this may be extended, be sure to check with the college or university you are interested in attending.Â
If you have any questions or would like some guidance reach out to me at info@atozeducationalconsulting.com or 612.735.1261