Insider tips for the week of March 2, 2020

FAFSA says how much you can pay for college, but it’s often wrong – The NY Times explains what the FAFSA says you can afford is usually less than you will end up paying, which comes as a big surprise to many families. This is an important read as you plan how to make the financial aspect of college work.

 8 financial aid mistakes to avoid – Road2College has a quick read jam-packed with great advice. My two favorite nuggets: Don’t wait to file financial aid forms (FAFSA is now available starting Oct. 1 of the senior year) and understand that some colleges actually deduct outside scholarships from already awarded financial aid, essentially cancelling out the benefit.

3 mistakes families make with college tuition packages – Check out the excellent advice from NextGenVest’s Kelly Peeler in this quick read. My favorite: Most families think “aid” means free money; but many financial aid letters categorize federal loans, which have to be paid back plus interest, as aid.

Colleges do NOT want well-rounded students – In this important piece that every HS student should read, Lora Block explains students should spend more time deciding what is important to them or what they are curious about and less time amassing long lists of activities. Share with your child and help them identify areas of curiosity.