In this episode: financial aid, college planning, standardized tests, tests optional, need meeting, and preparation.

This week we are re-joined by Brian Eufinger to discuss ways to best prepare your children for college admissions, navigating the new changes to FAFSA and the CSS profile, and how you can maximize when prepping for your child’s higher education. While college prep can be stressful for students, from maintaining their GPA to taking multiple standardized tests, it can be just as stressful for parents to figure out financial aid and how to best set up their child for success before and after graduation. However, knowing the factors to consider early on and having the knowledge in advance can make this process far less daunting! While stressful as it may be, remember that there are many different resources available to you and your child that give you the knowledge that may alleviate the pressures that come with college prep and financial aid!

Brian Eufinger:

Free diagnostic mock SAT and ACT tests (each weekend): www.edisonprep.com/mocks/
Free information sessions on college admissions (6-7x / year, including one on 11/14 @ 7pm EST): www.edisonprep.com/infosession/
How to self-prep for the SAT/ACT: www.gettestbright.com/self-prep-for-the-sat-act/
Edison Prep Bios: www.edisonprep.com/bio/

Timestamps:

1:06 - Introduction
4:53 - The Impact of Merit Aid
11:49 - When, Where, and How to Think About Standardized Tests
18:33 - The Intersection of The School, Price, Opportunity, and Comfort
25:20 - Standardized Tests and The Reality of Preparation
31:08 - Tests (Not) Optional
37:32 - Governmental Forms and Financial Aid
46:43 - The Variance of Need Meeting and Aid Changes
51:13 - Preparation and Knowledge With College Planning
55:23 - Non-Academic Path to Savings
58:14 - Conclusion

Resources Mentioned In Today’s Episode:

More Helpful Links and FI Resources:

Earn $1,050 or More With These 3 Cash Back Cards
Share FI by sending a friend ChooseFI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence
Find a new side hustle with one of our Educational Courses
Commission-Free Investing with M1 Finance

460 | Preparing for the Cost of College | Brian Eufinger

ChooseFI | Financial Independence Podcast

460 | Preparing for the Cost of College | Brian Eufinger