REFLECTING ON WHAT MATTERS

As we enter the summer transition between school years, many parents may have questions about how to fill out their application because of the unique changes that may take place for families during the summer months. A general principle to communicate to them is this: the application is most accurate when it represents what the family's financial situation will be over the course of the school year.

Here are a couple examples: If a family has child-care in the summer, but not during the school year, they should indicate that amount averaged out over 12 months. If they are about to pay off their car in July, they shouldn't include the car payment as an expense.
In doing this, the family paints the most accurate overall picture of their financial situation, allowing you to make the most effective decisions with your tuition aid.