College Aid Pro

College Aid Pro We've got the tools, software, & experts to help you find your affordable college education.

09/22/2026

Every year, we see the same handful of colleges dominating the “best colleges” lists.

They’re incredible institutions—but they’re also some of the most selective schools in the country.

And for families whose students aren’t applying to those schools, these lists can make it feel like they’re somehow missing out.

They’re not.

There are many paths to a great college experience, strong career opportunities, and a successful future.

The goal shouldn’t simply be finding the most prestigious name your student can get into.

It should be finding colleges where your student can thrive academically, socially, AND financially—without your family taking on more debt than necessary.

Your student’s dream school might be one you haven’t even heard of yet.

Start exploring: https://hubs.li/Q04xNf8l0

09/20/2026

Do you need to submit the FAFSA the moment it opens to get more financial aid?

No.

Families often rush because they’ve heard financial aid is completely “first come, first served.” But submitting the FAFSA before everyone else does not automatically mean your student will receive a larger financial aid package.

What matters is understanding the deadlines that apply to your student and submitting everything accurately and on time.

So instead of stressing about being one of the first families to file, focus on what you can do to prepare.

A great place to start? Make sure the student and required contributors have created their https://hubs.li/Q04xN2HB0 accounts (FSA IDs).

Preparation now can make the actual FAFSA process much smoother.

Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q04xN2Cq0

09/19/2026

When the FAFSA asks for the net worth of your investments, don’t automatically start listing every account where you have money invested.

One of the most important things families need to know is that qualified retirement accounts are excluded from FAFSA investment assets.

That includes accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs, 403(b)s, 457(b)s, and qualifying retirement or pension plans.

It’s an easy mistake to make because these accounts are investments—but they’re treated differently for FAFSA purposes.

Before submitting your FAFSA, make sure you understand exactly which assets need to be reported and which ones don’t.

Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q04xMpR50

09/16/2026

You do NOT have to wait until October 1 to get started on FAFSA stuff.

This is one of those little things that’s worth getting out of the way now.

Go to StudentAid.gov, create your FSA ID, and then put that username and password somewhere safe.

And I mean actually safe. Somewhere you’ll remember next year. 😂

Because you don’t just fill out the FAFSA once. You’ll do it every year your kid is in college, and you’ll need that login again.

If today isn’t the day you’re dealing with this, save this post and come back when you’re ready.

And if you’re starting to collect all the FAFSA info you’ll need for October, grab our Class of 2027 FAFSA Guide here:

👉 https://hubs.li/Q04x81cl0

09/15/2026

Can homeschooled students get into college without jumping through a million extra hoops?

Yes.

There are still plenty of misconceptions surrounding homeschool students and college admissions—including the myth that homeschoolers can't apply to University of California schools as first-year students and must enter as transfers.

Homeschool students can pursue a traditional first-year admissions path.

The key, according to Caitlyn Obolsky, is for homeschool parents to stay organized and understand the additional responsibilities they may take on as both parent and homeschool counselor.

Keep good records, understand the requirements of the colleges your student is considering, and make sure they have everything they'll need when application season arrives.

Homeschooling doesn't have to limit your student's college options—but planning ahead matters.

More resources: https://hubs.li/Q04x4LpL0

09/14/2026

Before your senior pays another college application fee, grab this list.

It includes the fee waiver codes and free application weeks we’ve found for 2026.
Get the spreadsheet here: https://hubs.li/Q04xv7qj0

09/13/2026

If you’re homeschooling a student who plans to apply to college, here’s something you don’t want to leave until senior year: their transcript.

When a homeschool student applies through the Common App, the homeschool parent may also serve as the school counselor—which means you can be responsible for providing the official transcript and other school documentation.

Waiting until 11th or 12th grade to piece everything together can make the process much more difficult.

Instead, start early and keep track of courses, credits, GPA, weighted classes, AP courses, dual enrollment, and other academic information as you go.

A little organization each year can save you a LOT of work when application season arrives.

More college planning resources: https://hubs.li/Q04x4qNc0

09/12/2026

When families consider homeschooling through high school, academics tend to get most of the attention.

But Caitlyn Obolsky points out another important piece: building a social community can take a lot of work.

Finding peers and creating consistent opportunities for students to socialize may require parents to be extremely proactive—joining or teaching in co-ops, hosting events, finding activities, and intentionally building connections with other families.

That doesn't mean homeschooling can't provide a strong social experience. It means families should go into it understanding that those opportunities may require effort to create.

If you're considering homeschooling in high school, plan for academics—but plan for community, too.

More college planning resources: https://hubs.li/Q04x48580

09/12/2026

It's Scholarship Saturday.
Check out these 17 private scholarships that could make college a little less expensive.
Check them out here: https://hubs.li/Q04xjNMw0

And remember, private scholarships are helpful, but find colleges that pay YOU to go there!

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