Ideally, college planning should begin in 10th or 11th grade, but it’s never “too late” to get help. We work with families at all stages — from early planning through senior year, financial aid, appeals, and even after students are already in college.

Not necessarily. This is one of the biggest myths. Many middle and upper-middle-income families qualify for need-based aid, merit scholarships, or strategic cost reductions — especially when planning is done correctly. We regularly help families who assumed they wouldn’t qualify save tens of thousands of dollars and sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars!.

We are a true one-stop shop:

• College financial planning

• College list strategy & admissions advising

• Essay coaching

• FAFSA & CSS Profile preparation

• Scholarship strategy

• Financial aid appeals

• Student loan planning and acquisition

• Divorce & separation expertise

And most importantly… we lead with empathy, experience, and strategy. We don’t just tell you what to do — we walk with you through it.

Yes. We provide guided, personalized support to ensure these forms are completed accurately and strategically — minimizing costly mistakes and maximizing eligibility.

*The FAFSA application is free to submit. All fees charged by College Financial Prep are for professionals advice and guidance. Preparation is included at no additional charge.

This is one of the most confusing (and stressful) areas for families. The FAFSA now uses the “parent who provides more financial support” rule, which is not always the same as where the child lives or who claims them on taxes.
We specialize in divorce and blended family situations and will guide you through this clearly and calmly.

Absolutely — and this is one of our strongest areas. Many families leave money on the table simply because they don’t know they can appeal or how to do it properly. We help you:

• Evaluate your award

• Build a compelling appeal strategy

• Communicate effectively with the school

• Potentially save tens of thousands of dollars or more

These are exactly the situations where appeals are most appropriate. We will help you present your story professionally and persuasively to the college.

We don’t just hand you a generic list — we teach you and your student how to search strategically, where to look, how to avoid scams, and how to prioritize scholarships that are actually worth your time.

We also offer private scholarship search support for families who want hands-on help.

Yes — when done correctly. Even smaller scholarships add up, and in many cases can reduce the need for student loans. The key is strategy over volume.

Yes. Our college advising team helps students build a balanced list of safety, match, and reach schools based on academics, goals, and — importantly — financial fit.

Yes. We have a dedicated Essay Specialist who works closely with students to develop authentic, compelling personal statements and supplemental essays — without sounding coached or generic.

We guide both students and parents on appropriate involvement. We want the student’s voice to shine — while giving parents peace of mind.

Yes — and this is one of our core specialties. Many of our clients are:

• High-conflict divorced parents

• Newly separated

• Remarried with blended families

• Single parents navigating this alone

We often act as a neutral third party to reduce conflict, clarify roles, and keep the focus on what’s best for the child — and the finances.

This is very common. We help parents:

• Understand options

• Project costs

• Explore financial aid, scholarships, and loans

• Create a realistic plan — even without clear legal guidance

Yes — in plain English. We explain:

• Federal vs. private loans

• Parent loans vs. student loans

• Long-term impact

• How to borrow strategically (and minimize debt)

Our goal is always to reduce reliance on loans whenever possible.

No. That decision always belongs to the family.
Our role is to provide clear information, projections, and options so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

We offer:

• Full-service packages

• Group coaching

• Hourly consulting

• Online programs & toolkits

This allows families to choose support that fits both their needs and their budget.

Yes. We understand that this is a significant investment, and we do our best to make support accessible.

Divorce & College Planning is our specialty, but we proudly serve all families — married, divorced, widowed, remarried, and single parents.

The best first step is a free 10-minute call.
This allows us to:

• Understand your situation

• Answer your initial questions

• Recommend the best next step (with zero pressure)

👉 Schedule your free 10-minute call here