As summer winds down, it’s easy to think the college financial aid process doesn’t really kick into gear until fall. I mean the deadline is still months away after all. But here’s a little secret: August is the month to get ahead on college financial aid, and it’s one of the most important months for families to prepare financially. Start now, and use this month wisely because what you do now sets the tone for the future. When done right, you’ll prepare yourself for a smoother, less stressful, and potentially less expensive college journey.
Application & Financial Aid Deadlines Are Closer Than You Think
August is the perfect time to get your calendar in order. Many colleges have early application deadlines as early as October, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens October 1, which seems far away, but trust me, it comes fast.
By mapping out application and financial aid deadlines now, you’ll avoid last-minute scrambles that can lead to mistakes, missed opportunities, or incomplete submissions.
Getting Ahead Increases Your Chances for Aid
Many people don’t realize that some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Scholarships, state aid, and even certain grants can run out if you wait too long to apply. Submitting your applications early gives you the best chance at securing the maximum possible aid. On top of that, procrastinating on your application will just create stress. Preparing now to apply in the fall will allow you to enjoy your senior year so much more because you will not be scrambling to submit forms and applications on top of an already busy schedule.
August is Prime Time for Organization
Once the school year starts, you’ll be balancing classes, activities, and a healthy amount of senior-year fun. That is why it is crucial to maximize your time now so you can not only be ahead of the game, but enjoy your senior year a little more without worrying about missed deadlines. Use the month of August to get organized!
Items to Add to Your To-Do List This Month:
- Both students and parents should have a FSA ID for FAFSA access. Do this now, if you haven’t already!
- Create a master list of each college you plan to apply to, along with application and aid deadlines, as some schools require early action on forms like the CSS Profile.
- Add key dates to a master calendar or spreadsheet that everyone in your family can access. This ensures everyone is on the same page and avoids potential confusion or missed dates.
- Identify scholarship opportunities and note their deadlines by adding them to your list of key dates. Read more about when you should begin looking for scholarships.
- Gather documents you’ll need for financial aid forms, such as tax returns and bank statements. It is also helpful to list the specific requirements for each application, such as essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and financial information. Once you have a list, work backwards from the deadline date to assign your own due date for each component, setting mini goals for yourself so that you stay on track.
- Once you have your list of deadlines and assigned dates – create a reminder system a few days to a week before the due date! A calendar of dates does you no good if you don’t check it often. As a fail safe to make sure no deadline passes you by, create a reminder on your phone or computer, whether it is an alarm or a notification from a calendar app, create a system and stick to it.
Organization now will save you from that panicked “Where did we put that form?” or “Did I miss that scholarship deadline?” moment.
Juniors Should Start Early
If you are entering your junior year, it might seem like you have all the time in the world to plan and prepare and this topic might not seem to applicable to you. The truth is though, planning starts now, and August is the perfect time to dip a toe into the process. Begin researching colleges, visit campuses if possible, and learn about the financial aid process so you’re ready to hit the ground running next year. It all goes way faster than you think, and many deadlines are earlier than you might expect. Read my guide on college application timeline and tips for high school students.
Small Steps Now Create Peace of Mind Later
The college financial aid process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into manageable steps makes it so much easier. August is your month to prepare before the deadlines start coming at you fast.
Bottom line: August isn’t just the end of summer, it’s the beginning of smart planning for one of the most important financial decisions your family will ever make.
If you’re feeling unsure about where to start, I’m here to guide you through every step of the financial aid process, from understanding the forms to finding hidden funding opportunities. Together, we can make college more affordable and less stressful.
More About Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors
Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.