For families preparing for college, admissions and financial decisions are often deeply connected — and the timeline can catch even well-prepared families off guard. Early Decision is binding and typically requires committing before a family can compare financial aid offers. While Early Action preserves flexibility; it often comes with earlier FAFSA and CSS Profile deadlines than families expect. Choosing the wrong path can mean forfeiting negotiating leverage on aid, missing merit scholarship cutoffs, or locking in a school before 529 withdrawal and cash-flow strategies are fully mapped out.
This session, presented by Rick Clark and Brennan Barnard — two of the most respected voices in college admissions — will break down these admissions options, explore current trends and data across the college admissions landscape (including rising application volumes, shifting yield strategies, and how colleges use ED/EA to manage enrollment and financial aid budgets), and highlight what financial advisors should know when helping families evaluate college choices, affordability, and their broader education planning strategy. Attendees will leave with a clearer framework for advising clients on when financial decisions need to be locked in relative to where a student applies.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Differentiate between Early Decision, Early Action, and other college admissions options and their implications for families.
- Explain how Early Decision and Early Action can affect financial aid, merit scholarships, and a family’s ability to compare college costs.
- Identify key FAFSA, CSS Profile, admissions, and scholarship deadlines that may affect a family’s college planning strategy.
- Describe current college admissions trends, including application volume, enrollment management, and the use of early admissions programs.
- Evaluate how admissions timelines interact with college affordability, 529 withdrawals, cash-flow planning, and broader education funding decisions.
*CE/CPE Eligible: 1.0 CE credit(s) is(are) available to FEN Members with these designations: CFP, IAR, CLU, ChFC, CDFA, and RICP. CPA and EA members will earn 1.0 CPE credit(s).
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this session.
Advanced Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
NASBA Approved
Financial Experts Network (Sponsor Id#: 145173) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.
