Edmit Guide for Senior Year

Step 1

Setting expectations and your college budget

How much student loan debt is too much?

Decide how much debt you are comfortable taking - as a family.

Who will pay?

How common is it for parents to pay for college, and where else does the money come from?

Step 2

College and financial aid applications

How much does it cost to apply?

College application fees can add up! Here's how much.

Early decision and financial aid

Many families wonder if applying early will impact the cost of college.

Fee waivers in the application process

You might be eligible to save real money on application fees by seeking waivers.

FAFSA and financial aid timelines

In the fall of your senior year, you'll need to keep track of key deadlines in order to get the most financial aid.

Documents you'll need to apply for financial aid

Before you sit down with all those forms, here's what you'll need.

After you apply

Here's what happens after you submit the FAFSA.

Step 3

Receiving (and appealing) your financial aid

When will my financial aid letter arrive?

Here's what to expect while you wait.

Making sense of your financial aid letter

Our guide to interpreting the numbers and what they mean for you.

How to appeal a financial aid award

If the numbers aren't adding up for you, asking for more financial aid is often a worthwhile option.

How often are financial aid appeals approved?

It depends on the college. Here's how to estimate your odds of success.

Step 4

Plan for how you'll pay

For parents

A guide to making your plan and discussing it with your student.

For students

Here's what students need to plan for as they make their decision.

Guides

Topics

Guides

Topics

Senior Year

Find and choose the college that will set you up for long-term success.