The anxious months when applications are under review and the family learns that submitting applications was just the beginning of a complex process.
Emma's FAFSA is selected for verification, requiring extensive documentation and coordination between divorced parents.
University of Georgia requires a CSS Profile due in 3 days, needing financial information from both parents.
Emma discovers separate scholarship applications with their own deadlines and requirements.
The hardest phase begins as Emma and her family wait for decisions while managing anxiety and uncertainty.
The family learns about different types of aid and realizes how complex financial aid packaging really is.
Emma receives her first acceptance with a scholarship offer that brings mixed emotions and financial decisions.
"Does this mean something's wrong? Did we mess up the FAFSA?"
The Reality: About 30% of FAFSAs are randomly selected for verification. It doesn't mean they did anything wrong, but it does mean more paperwork and potential delays.
Emma discovers that submitting college applications was just the beginning. Many schools require separate scholarship applications with their own deadlines:
Requirements: Additional essays required
Potential Value: $20,000/year (crucial for affordability)
Requirements: Separate application portal, letters of recommendation
Potential Value: Varies
Requirements: Mix of automatic and separate applications
Potential Value: Multiple opportunities
With all paperwork submitted, Emma enters the hardest phase: waiting. College decisions won't come until late March or April, but the waiting affects everyone differently.
While waiting for decisions, Emma's family educates themselves about different types of financial aid, realizing how much they didn't understand.
As college decisions start rolling in for Emma's friends, the social dynamics become challenging.
"I got into my dream school with a full ride!"
Behind and unprepared compared to her peers
"My parents said money isn't an issue, so I can go anywhere I want"
Embarrassed about her family's financial constraints
"I applied to 15 schools—I have so many choices!"
Worried that she won't have good options
"My college consultant helped me find schools with amazing merit aid"
Resentful that other families seem to have it figured out
Emma:
"I got in! And I got money!"
Mom:
"That's wonderful, honey. The scholarship helps, but it's still a lot of money."
Dad:
"It's a good school, but let's see what the other schools offer before deciding."
As March ends, Emma's family is better educated about college financing but more anxious about their choices. They're learning that getting accepted is only half the battle—affording college is the other half.
When all the acceptances and financial aid offers arrive, and Emma's family must make their final choice.
Continue to April