FAQ

Absolutely! Merit-based financial aid is not based on how much money you make, but in order to receive merit aid, many colleges require that you fill out the FAFSA.

If you haven’t started yet, when a student enters high school, it is time to start thinking about college admissions and financing. The classes you take, the grades you get, your community involvement, will all affect your admissions (and scholarship) opportunities. So you must start planning early! By the junior year, it is time to start focusing on college and “getting it done”!  Do not wait until the senior year to start!

It may reduce your financial aid package, if you are receiving any need-based financial aid.  You are expected to report any scholarships you receive outside the college. The college will may reduce one area of your financial aid package. Call the college to ask them how that works! Do they practice Scholarship Displacement or do they "Stack" financial aid?  Unfortunately,  getting a scholarship sometimes helps the college more than the student! Bummer!

First you must decide if you will take the test. In California, most colleges no not require it. Sometimes test optional colleges may still award scholarships based on test scores. Some colleges also use the scores for class placement. You can take the tests as many times as you like. We recommend no more than 2-3 times. The SAT and ACT are different types of tests and colleges accept either. You may do better on one than the other. Stick with the one that gives you the best score! We can help you determine the best test for you!

It is not always a good idea for the same reason it is not usually good to say, “I’ll take it” before you know the price of a new car.  Early Decision (ED) may (or may not) give you an admission advantage, but you may also pay retail for your education. Early Decision is binding. If you are positive about where you want to go and price does not matter, then Early Decision is an okay choice. But if you are unsure of your college choice or cost is a factor, then DO NOT apply Early Decision.

For the most part, CPAs and financial planners are not familiar with all the nuances of the financial aid process. They may be able to help with filling out financial aid forms. If you want more help, see our "Paying for College page.

Yes, BUT…… The FAFSA will count the parent’s assets at 5.6% but the student’s  assets will be counted at 20%. It is better to have assets in the parent’s name, rather than in the student’s name. The financial aid process is complex.

There are many factors that determine the SAI. Just because you make the same amount of money does not mean you will have the same SAI.

No is the simple answer, although there may be a few colleges that meet 100% of your need. Colleges may provide anywhere from 40% to 100% of your need. It varies from college to college. You should figure out the % need met before getting too excited about a particular college.

Yes, and please do. Financial aid officers make mistakes. It is up to you to review your SAR for errors.