What to Do While Financial Decisions Arrive
For Class of 2026 families, this is the most nerve-wracking stage: waiting for admission decisions and financial aid awards. Here's what you need to know.
When Will You Hear?
Most decisions arrive in March. Some schools won't decide until April 1st—and that's normal. You'll have over a month to make your final choice once admitted. Financial aid awards come AFTER admission. Many schools are slow with awards, so don't panic if your student was admitted but hasn't received the financial aid package yet. Make sure your student knows where to find it: email or student portal.
What to Do While Waiting
Don't visit every college yet. If your student applied to 30 schools, you can't visit them all. Wait for financial aid awards to narrow your list.
Visit strategically:
Schools you know they'll get into that they like
Affordable options: In-state public universities, CSUs, certain Western state schools, select religious colleges, affordable private schools (Grand Canyon, Lehi, etc.)
Most private schools will be overpriced this year. Be prepared—even with high grades, you'll pay a steep price at selective private colleges.
Productive Activities While Waiting
Research schools online - Google campuses, see what's happening, learn about student life
Search for scholarships - Google daily, check our website's scholarship hub
Review loan information - Understand how the new student loan rules work (see our previous videos)
Stay patient and prayerful
Remember you can't do anything without the financial aid award. That's the critical piece that determines affordability. Once awards arrive, we'll help you read them and calculate what you actually owe.
Need help narrowing your visit list? Reach out—we can help you identify which schools deserve your time and travel budget based on admissibility and affordability. The waiting is hard, but it's part of the process. Stay calm, stay informed, and get ready to make smart decisions when those awards finally arrive.