Decision Checklist: Here we will share a checklist of important factors to consider when making the final choice, such as location, cost, and program quality.
- Shelly Rufin
- 7 hours ago
- 5 min read
Parents of College Students!
Checklist to help students make their final college choice:
🔍 Decision Checklist: Factors to Consider When Making Your Final College Choice
With May 1st approaching, it's time to evaluate your college options and make a well-informed decision. Here's a checklist of essential factors to consider:
1. Academic Programs: Ensure your chosen college offers strong programs in your field of interest.
2. Location: Consider proximity to home, climate, and access to internships or job opportunities.
3. Cost: Review financial aid offers and calculate the total cost of attendance for each college.
4. Campus Culture: Determine if the school's values, traditions, and extracurricular activities align with your interests.
5. Student Support: Evaluate the college's resources for academic advising, career services, and mental health support.
6. Graduation Rates and Outcomes: Research the college's graduation rates and post-graduation success.
7. Housing and Dining: Consider the availability, quality, and cost of on-campus housing and dining options.
Take time to reflect on these factors, visit campuses (if possible), and trust your instincts.
You've got this, future college student!
💡 Ask Me Anything: Post your questions in a Q&A session on social media to help other students who may be struggling with their final decision.
Join in on the fun and ask questions at |

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Our experienced team, led by a 33-year FAFSA pro and college consultant, [Shelly Rufin, Harvard Business School] can help manage college portals, review acceptance offers, compare financial aid packages, and guide your family in making the best decision for your child's education. |
Don't let the pressure of the May 1st deadline overwhelm you.
Let us handle the details while you focus on celebrating your child's achievements and preparing for their college journey. 🎓 |
Choose from our tiered packages designed to fit your unique needs and budget: |

1. Basic ($99): - Student portal access - Comprehensive FAFSA resources - Overview of additional requirements |

2. Standard ($249): - Personalized FAFSA guidance - Verification document review - Student portal access - Customized insights on additional requirements |
3. Premium ($399): - Comprehensive FAFSA & college planning services - One-on-one expert consultations - Document review - Student portal access - In-depth guidance on additional requirements and verification documents.
Don't let admissions and FAFSA complexities hinder your college dreams!
Our experienced team takes over the entire process on your behalf, guarantees exceptional value.
To secure your admissions and financial aid future success, reply to this email or call (951) 261-9799 or complete our online brief registration at https://www.edfin.net/contact.
P.S. Stay-in-the-know with our weekly FAFSA tips and college planning resources by subscribing to our weekly and monthly updates at https://www.edfin.net/contact. |
Success Story: Maria's FAFSA Award and First Generation Student Maria, a first-generation college student, at California State University Fullerton received substantial financial aid through FAFSA, thanks to the guidance of a 33-year FAFSA expert. The assistance covered her tuition, room and board, and textbooks, allowing her to focus on her studies and pursue her dreams. |
Outcome: Maria is now thriving in her academic pursuits, serving as a mentor for incoming students, and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. |
Success Story: Joshua Unexpected Aid Despite thinking his family's income was too high to qualify for financial aid, Joshua applied for FAFSA with the help of a professional consultant. He received a generous aid package, alleviating the financial burden and enabling him to attend his top-choice college, University of California San Diego. |
Outcome: Joshua is now pursuing his passion for engineering, participating in cutting-edge research projects, and preparing for a successful career. |
Success Story: Nicole Full Ride Nicole, a determined high school senior, secured a full-ride grants/scholarship to an esteemed university, University of California Riverside after submitting her FAFSA application with a 33 year FAFSA Pro. This financial support has opened doors to numerous opportunities for Nicole academic and personal growth. |
Outcome: Nicole is excelling in her studies, engaging in leadership roles within various campus organizations, planning to study abroad next semester again in Korea and applying to graduate school Fall 2025.
These FAFSA success stories demonstrate the transformative impact that financial aid can have on students' lives.
With expert guidance and timely submission, your college dreams can become a reality. Stay tuned for more inspiring outcomes and valuable FAFSA advice. |
1. Affording Dream Schools

Q: How to fund our child's dream college? A: A FAFSA expert can uncover various financial aid opportunities. |
2. Uncovering Financial Resources |

Q: Where to find hidden scholarships? A: Utilize online resources or consult a college planning expert. |
3. Best Fit College Admission
Q: How to find colleges aligned with our child's aspirations? A: Collaborate with a college consultant.
Success Story: Personalized guidance enabled Nicole to find her ideal college match. |
4. Standout Essays |
Q: What makes a college essay stand out? A: An authentic narrative showcasing your child's strengths and experiences.
Success Story: Shelly's expertise led to Hailey's acceptance letters. |

5. Boosting Test Scores
Q: How to improve SAT/ACT performance?
A: Implement targeted study strategies and seek expert guidance.
Success Story:
Nicole boosted her scores with Shelly's tailored strategies.
6. Selecting the Right Major
Q: How to choose the ideal academic path? A: Mentoring and coaching sessions.
Success Story: Hailey benefited from individualized mentoring to identify her ideal academic path. |
7. Mapping Coursework Success
Q: How to plan high school courses for college readiness? A: Rely on a comprehensive college plan with coursework recommendations.
Success Story: Shelly's college plan helped Nicole align her courses with her academic aspirations. |
Achieve College Success with Shelly Rufin – Your Ultimate Partner for Expert Guidance and Support! |

Raziel A.
Five Star Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's great working with Shelly and her team. They made it easy to do college applications and made sure that we got the most out of the scholarships and grants available for my son and daughter.
It takes out all the worries and saves us time from filling out all the applications and making sure that it is accurate and submitted ahead of time. Shelly also makes sure that we are in the know and guides us through the process. She has to right experience and know-how to guide us through. I highly recommend her for your family.
Shelly Rufin,
On behalf of the EDFIN Team, Thank you Nene for your review and feedback!.... View full review

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Shelly Rufin, MSHS, MSCC, Dr. (Hn)
Certified WASFAA, NASFAA Title IV Funding
Harvard Business School
Founder/Owner, EDFIN College Planning
Office: (951) 261-9799
#Educational Consultant #MotivationalMonday
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