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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to help you navigate your paying for college options.

When should families/students start planning for college?

Financially speaking, starting to save for college anytime is a great idea. You can open a college savings account (529) at any age. This can help offset the amount of loans you may need to borrow in the future.

Academically, college planning begins in ninth grade. Colleges consider students’ high school coursework and involvement, so students should choose courses thoughtfully, participate in school or community activities, and keep a record of their experiences. Many high schools use tools such as Naviance or Skyward to help students track activities and explore future options.

Topic: Planning for College

Do students need to choose a field of study before applying to college?

No. Many students apply to college without knowing exactly what they want to study, and that's completely common.

Whether you need to choose a major depends on the college:

    • Many colleges allow students to apply as "undeclared" or "undecided." This gives you time—often your first year or two—to explore different subjects before declaring a major.
    • Some programs require students to apply directly. Fields such as nursing, engineering, architecture, music, or other specialized programs may have separate admissions requirements or limited spaces, so students often need to indicate their intended major when applying.

Topic: Planning for College

How do we know if a school is right for the student?

Finding the right college is less about identifying a single "perfect" school and more about finding one where you'll have a good chance to thrive academically, socially, and personally. A college is likely a good fit if it aligns with your goals, preferences, and needs in several key areas. Sites such as collegeboard.org offer great search tools to help you identify which schools may be a good match for you.

Students should consider the following:

  • Offer majors or programs you’re interested in
  • Opportunities for research, internships, study abroad, or hands-on learning
  • It fits your style, whether you have a large or small body.
  • Campus settings, rural, suburban, or urban.
  • Clubs and activities that align with your interests.
  • Costs are manageable after scholarships and financial aid are applied.

Topic: Planning for College

What is the difference between Early Action and Early Decision?

Although they may seem similar because they have early deadlines, the major difference is that Early Decision is binding. This means that if the student is accepted to that college, they are obliged to attend regardless of the cost or financial aid package. Note: You can utilize the college's net price calculator, provided on each college website, as a tool to help you get an idea of what it may cost you. This is not a definitive answer, but it does give some insight into what you are looking at.

Early Action, however, allows the student to submit their application for review earlier, and the school can make an admissions decision sooner than with regular decision. There is no obligation to attend, so you can wait until you receive the financial aid award letter before making a final decision.

Topic: Preparing for College

When does the Common Application open?

The Common App opens on August 1st. You should start your Common Application at commonapp.org. The Common Application officially refreshes for the new application cycle on August 1 each year. Most colleges update their supplemental essay prompts, application requirements, and deadlines around that time.

While some parts of the application may shift slightly, much of the platform remains the same from year to year. That means students can get a major head start in junior year and over the summer.

Topic: Preparing for College

Should the student write a resume?

Yes. This is the best way to ensure your application includes all your activities and accomplishments and to build your list as you go. Remembering everything four years later is challenging. A resume is also helpful to submit with your request for recommendation letters.

Your resume can include:

    • School clubs and extracurricular activities
    • Volunteer and community service events
    • Awards and accolades
    • Jobs and internships
    • College classes and college-prep programs
    • GPA and class rank, if applicable

Topic: Preparing for College

Should the student submit standardized test scores?

It is important to develop a test strategy. Take the SATs in junior year. If you didn’t take your SAT or ACT in your junior year, you can still take them early in your senior year.

Once you take the tests and receive scores, the student will have to decide whether to use your scores, retake the test to try to get a higher score, or simply not share your scores with colleges.

For colleges that are test-optional, there’s no right or wrong choice. You have to look at your individual score in the context of your application.

Topic: Preparing for College

How is the Cost of Attendance defined?

The cost of attendance consists of what is typically referred to as direct costs and indirect costs. Direct costs typically include fixed costs, such as tuition, room & board, and fees. Indirect costs typically include variable costs such as travel, books & supplies, and miscellaneous costs.

Topic: Paying for College

Should all families fill out the FAFSA form?

Yes, you should almost always fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid even if you think you make too much money to qualify. Sometimes, merit money is tied to filling out the FAFSA

Topic: Paying for College, FAFSA

What will I receive when I fill out the FAFSA?

Grants: Free money for school that you do not have to pay back.

Work-Study: Jobs on campus that help pay for school expenses.

Loans: Borrowed money that you must pay back with interest.

Topic: Paying for College, FAFSA