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.