April Can Be the Cruelest Month in College Admissions…or the Happiest
- amytrinn
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
T.S. Eliot once wrote, “April is the cruelest month.” Ask any high school senior—or their parents—and they might agree. As acceptance letters roll in, so do financial aid offers. And just when families begin to recover from the sting of any rejections, a new kind of heartbreak arrives: the real cost of college.
The Financial Aid “Plot Twist” No One Wants
One of the cruelest surprises is receiving an offer from a “dream school” only to realize that it’s financially out of reach. Suddenly, that dream feels more like a fantasy.
Throughout the college process, we often hear the phrase “You never know.” But when it comes to college affordability, it’s far better to be informed than surprised. Hoping for the best isn’t a plan—it’s a gamble, and one that often leads to painful choices.
Can Families Avoid April’s Shock?
Not completely. But there’s a lot you can do to remove the guesswork.
The first step? Talk about money early. Be clear about expectations and financial limits well before any applications go out.
You may have some wiggle room—but college is often the second-largest investment after your home. You wouldn’t house hunt without a budget. The same logic applies here.
Talk With Your Student About:
How much you’ve saved for college
How much the student is expected to contribute (through savings, work, or loans)
Whether family members (like grandparents) will contribute
Your pain threshold for loans—and who’s responsible for repaying them.
A Smarter College List Includes Financial Safeties
Students should apply to a range of schools in terms of admission chances—and also in terms of affordability. A financial safety school is one you’re confident you can afford and where the student is likely to be admitted.
The good news? You don’t have to guess. Here are a few helpful tools:
📊 Federal Student Aid Estimator
The Federal Student Aid Estimator helps you calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI)—a number colleges use to determine your eligibility for need-based aid. Check it out here: Student Aid Stimulator
🧮 Net Price Calculators
Every college is required to have one on their website. While not perfect, they can offer a good estimate of what your family might actually pay—after financial aid. Each college on your list should have one so take a look at their website to try them out!
📁 Common Data Set
Many colleges publish this detailed report on their websites. It includes info on how aid is awarded and what percentage of students receive it. As noted on the official site, the Common Data Set "a collaborative effort among data providers in the higher education community and publishers as represented by the College Board, Peterson’s, and U.S. News & World Report." Check it out here: Common Data Set
The Joy (and Strategy) of Merit Aid
If your SAI is too high to qualify for need-based aid, your family’s best strategy may be merit aid.
Merit aid is awarded by many private colleges to students who are especially desirable—those who sit at the top of the admitted pool or bring unique qualities to campus. (Note: Ivy League schools do not offer merit-based aid.)
And here’s the best part: Merit aid can dramatically reduce the cost of college. In fact, it can bring the price of a private college down to match—or even beat—the cost of a public university.
💡 Don’t let sticker price scare you away. Very few families pay full price, and competitive students are often surprised to find that private colleges may offer the best deals.
Colleges That Meet 100% of Demonstrated Need
Another great option? Colleges that commit to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need.
These schools guarantee that, if you’re admitted, they’ll cover your entire financial need through a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study. Loans may be included, but the key is: you won’t be “gapped.”
Many of these schools are highly selective—but for students who qualify, they can be some of the most affordable choices.
👉 Check out this up-to-date list: Appily: Colleges That Meet Full Need
Are Private Scholarships the Answer?
Sometimes—but not always.
In April, families often rush to fill the gap with outside scholarships. And while every dollar helps, this strategy has limitations:
Large national scholarships are highly competitive and often not renewable for four years.
Local scholarships may provide a few thousand dollars—but take significant time and effort.
Some colleges practice “aid displacement,” meaning if you bring in outside scholarships, they reduce your institutional aid. (Only a few states, like Maryland, are working to stop this.)
📖 For more on this topic, check out this TIME article: College Scholarships Aren’t Always Free Money
Final Thoughts: April Doesn’t Have to Be Cruel
Every April, my heart breaks for students and families caught off guard by financial aid realities. While some will receive generous packages, others will be forced to walk away from the colleges they were most excited about.
If you’re the parent of a younger student, let this be your call to action:
✅ Plan early.
✅ Talk honestly.
✅ Use available tools.✅ Look for schools that offer real affordability.
College is one of the most important investments your family will make. And while April weather can be unpredictable, your college financial outcomes don’t have to be.
About the Author
Amy Trinnaman is the founder of Amy Trinnaman Educational Consulting, LLC, where she provides personalized guidance to students and families navigating the complexities of college and boarding school admissions. With over 20 years of experience in education, Amy is dedicated to demystifying the admissions process and alleviating stress for her clients. She focuses on crafting tailored strategies that help students discover their strengths, set achievable goals, and present authentic, compelling applications. Amy's commitment is to connect students with educational opportunities that align with their academic aspirations and personal growth.
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