National University of Natural Medicine

At many public universities, applying by the EA deadline (Nov 1) instead of regular (Feb 1) decides whether you're considered for the top merit awards.

Who it helps: Students with their applications ready by November of senior year, especially those targeting merit-rich publics.

How to use: List each target school's EA deadline (commonly Nov 1, sometimes Oct 15 or Dec 1). Submit complete applications + test scores by then. Confirm merit-scholarship deadlines separately — some require a different priority date or supplemental essay.

Oregon Promise covers most community college tuition for Oregon residents who go directly to CC within 6 months of HS graduation.

Who it helps: Recent Oregon HS grads going directly to an OR community college.

How to use: File FAFSA + Oregon Promise app by April 1.

Most schools award state and institutional aid first-come-first-served from a fixed pool. Filing FAFSA in October beats filing in February by thousands.

Who it helps: Every student applying for need-based aid, but especially families relying on state grants or institutional aid.

How to use: Set a calendar reminder for the FAFSA opening date (currently Oct 1 most years; Dec 1 in the 2024-25 transition year). Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to auto-fill tax info. Submit even if you have to estimate; corrections are easy.

Most selective private colleges use the CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA. It costs $25 + $16/school and reaches deeper into family finances than FAFSA does.

Who it helps: Any student applying to a private 4-year with significant institutional aid needs.

How to use: Check the CSS Profile school list for each of your target colleges. Open the app at cssprofile.collegeboard.org as soon as it opens (early Oct). Submit ahead of each school's earliest priority date — often before the FAFSA deadline.