If you’re in high school and already thinking about college, you’re ahead of the game. But there’s one important part of the college journey that many students delay – financial aid planning. So, let me reassure you: it’s not too early to start thinking about financial aid planning to pay for college. In fact, the earlier you begin preparing, the more opportunities you’ll have to reduce college costs and increase your financial options.
Here’s how you can begin today:
Learn the Basics of Financial Aid
One of the most important tools in the financial aid process is the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This form determines your eligibility for federal aid such as grants, work-study, and student loans—and many states and colleges use it too.
While you won’t complete the FAFSA until your senior year, it’s helpful to visit the site and check it out right now. Understanding the documents you’ll need and how the process works will make the application much smoother when the time comes.
Focus on Your Schoolwork & Academics
Many scholarships—both need-based and merit-based—require a solid GPA, strong course load, and sometimes standardized test scores. The academic work you put in during your first years of high school can directly impact your eligibility for financial aid down the road. It’s also important to stay involved in extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership opportunities. These can strengthen both scholarship applications and college admissions.
Begin Exploring Scholarships Early
It’s a common myth that scholarships are only for seniors. In reality, there are many scholarships available to students in grades 9 through 11. Start by creating a list of scholarships that interest you, including deadlines and application requirements.
Have a Financial Conversation with Your Family
It’s important to talk with your family about college costs early on. Understanding what your parents or guardians can contribute—and what your financial responsibilities might be—helps avoid confusion and disappointment later. This conversation doesn’t need to be overly detailed yet, but getting a general sense of your family’s financial expectations can help guide your planning and decision-making. Think about how much money might be contributed from your family or gifts. This will help you understand what you might be looking for in financial aid in the future.
Learn the differences between financial aid offerings
There’s so many different types of financial aid for college students. From loans to grants to work study programs, it’s important to learn and understand the differences. When it comes time to make your final decisions, you’ll want to know what each of the types mean – and what it could look like for repayment down the line. Scholarships don’t require payment back. Loans will – and private vs. federal loans have varying terms for repayment. Take time to review the various options available – read one of my blogs about the differences here!
Preparing for financial aid doesn’t mean you need to have everything figured out today—but every step you take now will help you feel more confident and ready when it’s time to apply for college. You have more control than you think—starting now can make a big difference later.
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.