Real insights from a student: What it feels like going through the financial aid process
Published March 18, 2026
Saffa Sakhi wants college students to know two things about the financial aid process:
- It’s normal to feel intimidated.
- You don’t have to figure it all out in one day.
She learned this firsthand when applying to be a student at College of Lake County, serving northeastern Illinois. Sakhi had some understanding of how the process worked. Her brother started college before her, and her high school offered FAFSA workshops.
Still, she’d never gone through the process herself. It can be a lot to wrap your mind around, she admits.
Start early to understand the process
It takes time to get familiar with financial aid language and understand the information you need to provide. Give yourself time to absorb this. You don’t want to be figuring it out an hour before your application is due. Mistakes happen when you’re rushing or don't understand the questions.
“Take it one step at a time. You don't have to learn everything in a day. And you can still apply for scholarships later in the semester or during your college journey,” says Sakhi.
But don't delay. “If you want a life with less debt, it helps to do the work now,” she says.
Get help from experts
CLC financial aid experts are ready to answer your questions. They will guide you on how to fill out the FAFSA and scholarship applications.
Meet with a financial aid expert the semester before you plan to start college, says CLC Financial Aid Coach Ashley Rico. “If you’re starting in the fall, then come meet with us in the spring or summer. If you're starting in the spring, meet with us in the fall.”
Set up a meeting sooner than later. “There are deadlines you have to meet, and you don't want to miss those because you decided to wait,” she says.
Make an appointment to get dedicated one-on-one time to answer your questions in-person or virtually. Or you can call or walk into the financial aid office during regular business hours.
Contact financial aid experts: call (847) 543-2062 or email finaid@clcillinois.edu.
“There are no dumb questions. When in doubt, ask,” says Rico.
Don’t get discouraged
Going through the financial aid process will take effort. You’ll need to compile financial documents for you (and possibly your parents or spouse) to submit the FAFSA. You’ll need to think about your responses so you can write thoughtful answers to scholarship application questions.
It’s important to see the process through. Don’t give up, urges Sakhi. “I know it takes time to prepare, but it's definitely worth it,” she says.
Artificial intelligence was used to organize and summarize this article. Guidance, tips and quotes from CLC experts and students are expressly their own.