A word to the wise regarding those college acceptances -- wait until AFTER you receive your financial aid awards from ALL colleges you've been accepted to, BEFORE you say YES to any college!

The next step in the college admissions game (after you've submitted the last of your applications) is to get the money you need to pay for college. 

If you have received that coveted letter (or email, text, Tweet) and you've been accepted to the college of your choice, congrats! Now sit back, relax, and wait for those other acceptances to roll in. [Remember, you have until May 1, 2016 to tell that college, "I'm coming." They made you wait. Now, the tables have turned. Play the game and you may be able to turn that acceptance into money (or more money than you thought) for college!]

What next? [I thought you'd never ask.] Here is your "To Do" List (be sure to check it twice):

  • On or After January 1: Prepare and submit the FAFSA. [Yes, every college requires FAFSA. No, you cannot submit FAFSA before January 1. Yes, you should submit FAFSA regardless of income, assets, or any other indicia of wealth. No, do not wait until you file your 2015 tax returns. JUST DO IT!]

  • Complete and submit any and all college-specific financial aid forms. Be aware of college-specific deadlines for financial aid!

  • ONGOING [until that last tuition bill has been paid]: Search and apply, apply, APPLY for scholarships, both school-specific and outside scholarships. [You CAN graduate college debt-free!]

  • AFTER You Receive Financial Aid Awards from All Colleges You've Been Accepted To: Compare. Contrast. Be prepared to negotiate for more money from the college of your choice. [Yes, almost all school-based awards are negotiable. Don't be afraid to ask for more. The worst they can say is, NO!]

Having done all of the above (in most instances, by early March), you are ready to say YES! 

MAXIMIZE YOUR FINANCIAL AID AWARD!

  • Contact COLLEGE CONNECTION to schedule a session (with parents) to prepare and submit the FAFSA. 

How's that scholarship search going? Needle in a hay stack? Given up? Haven't even started?

  • Contact COLLEGE CONNECTION to schedule a session for The Great Scholarship Search!


Deferred from the college of your choice? READ THIS.

Denied by the college of your choice? READ THIS.

Waitlisted? READ THIS.

Whatever you do, DON'T LEAVE MONEY FOR COLLEGE ON THE TABLE!
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Plan. Prepare. PREVAIL!

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The College Whisperer™ is the Trademark of COLLEGE CONNECTION, Official Sponsor of College Admission Success™. The road to college begins at COLLEGE CONNECTION! Whether you are applying to college, planning for college, paying for college or simply thinking about college, COLLEGE CONNECTION can help! Call TODAY for a FREE telephone consultation. 516-345-8766