Throwback Thursday: 33 Years of FAFSA & College Planning Expertise 🕰️ 🎓
- Shelly Rufin
- Apr 1
- 6 min read

By Shelly Rufin, MSHS
Educational Consultant
Harvard Business School
EDFIN College Planning
Serving families for three-decades
Certified WASFAA, NASFAA Title IV Funding

Parents of High School Juniors & Seniors!
Join us as we take a trip down memory lane, celebrating 33 years of guiding students to their dream colleges and conquering financial aid like pros! Prepare for inspiring success stories, life-changing tips, and a healthy dose of college planning nostalgia!
As we wrap up another week, let's take a moment to reflect on our 33 years of guiding students like you through the complexities of FAFSA and college planning. Today's Throwback Thursday email is a celebration of our journey, and we're thrilled to share it with you!
Inside, you'll find:
Our Humble Beginnings: A look back at where it all started and how we've grown into a trusted partner for thousands of students.
Transformative Success Stories: Inspiring tales of students who've achieved their college dreams with our expert assistance.
Crucial Lessons Learned: Wisdom gained from over three decades of experience in college planning and financial aid. As we continue to build on our legacy of success, we're eager to share our expertise with you and help you find the perfect college fit.
Success Stories: 1. Dream College Acceptance: Julio came to us with the dream of attending an Ivy League university but was worried about the competitive admissions process. Our team worked closely with him crafting a compelling application strategy that highlighted his strengths and passions. Today, Julio is a proud student at his dream school, MIT.
2. Maximizing Financial Aid: When Sabrina discovered that her family's financial situation might limit her college choices, she turned to us for guidance. Our 33 years FAFSA expert helped her navigate the financial aid process, (taking over the entire process on her behalf) securing grants and scholarships that covered all her college expenses with a full ride. Sabrina is now pursuing her passion for pre-med at UC Davis without the burden of excessive student loans.
3. Finding the Perfect Fit: Megan was overwhelmed by the sheer number of colleges and programs available. Our admissions college consultant took the time to understand her interests, strengths, and career aspirations, helping her create a list of colleges tailored to her needs. Today, Megan is thriving at a small liberal arts college that offers the personalized learning experience she was seeking.
Lessons Learned:
1. Start Early: We've found that students who begin the college planning process early have more time to research options, improve their academic profile, and secure financial aid.
2. Focus on Fit: Over the years, we've learned that finding the right college "fit" is essential to a student's success. Factors like academic programs, campus culture, and location play a crucial role in determining whether a college is the right match for a student.
3. Personalize Applications: In our experience, admissions officers value applications that showcase an applicant's unique strengths, experiences, and passions. We've found that helping students create authentic and compelling applications can significantly improve their chances of acceptance. |
We're thrilled to share the life-changing outcomes and success stories of students who have benefited from expert FAFSA guidance.
Learn how families just like yours are securing financial aid awards, graduating with minimum to no debt; therefore, transformed their college journeys and made higher education possible.
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.
This 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. |
Benefits of EDFIN's Comprehensive One-on-One College Planning:
1. Individualized Attention: EDFIN provides personalized guidance tailored to each student's unique strengths, aspirations, and circumstances.
2. Expert Insights: Experienced consultants share insider knowledge, proven strategies, and valuable resources to optimize college planning outcomes.
3. Customized Roadmaps: Our comprehensive plans cover all aspects of the college journey, from school selection to financial aid and everything in between.
4. Ongoing Support: EDFIN remains a dedicated partner throughout the entire process, offering encouragement, advice, and adjustments as needed.
5. Collaborative Approach: Our consultants work closely with both students and parents, fostering open communication and teamwork to achieve shared goals.
Take inspiration from these success stories and discover the transformative benefits of EDFIN's individualized college planning approach.
With our expert guidance, you'll confidently navigate the path to your ideal college destination. Contact us today to begin your journey!
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 the right experience and know-how to guide us through. I highly recommend her for your family.
Shelly Rufin,
Thank you Raziel Arcega for your review! We appreciate your feedback.
The EDFIN Team has enjoyed working with you and your two students over the past years and looking forward to serving your currents college planning needs for your graduating high school senior.

Gail G.
Five Star Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shelly’s personalized attention to details has assisted so many college-bound seniors. EDFIN should be you first choice in getting through the financial aid process when applying to school.
Shelly Rufin,
On behalf of the EDFIN Team, thank you Gail Gibson, Multicultural Motion Picture Association and Lovable Legs Company...View full review.
Reply to this email or apply online at https://www.edfin.net/contact to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a smoother college planning experience for you and your child.
Why EDFIN?
At EDFIN, we don't just prepare students for college; we sculpt their future. With a distinguished legacy spanning over three decades and a proven track record of guiding over 3,000 students, we have honed our expertise to an art form. We recognize the complexity of the college admissions process and the financial intricacies surrounding it, and we are committed to transforming this challenge into an opportunity for your family.
Get started immediately with a FREE Cost Analysis! Link here to consultation online https://www.edfin.net/contact.
Why Start Now?
The clock is ticking, and admissions & financial aid deadlines approach with unwavering speed. The sooner you engage with EDFIN, the more time we have to meticulously prepare your teenager for the journey ahead, ensuring they emerge as a well-rounded, competitive applicant.
Get started immediately with a FREE Cost Analysis! https://www.edfin.net/contact.

Your Next Step:
Are you eager to embark on your college-bound teen's path to the best-fit college admissions? Would you like to explore a FREE Discovery call (20 minutes) to understand how EDFIN can transform your teenager's dreams into a reality?
If your answer is a resounding YES, don't hesitate. Reach out to us NOW at (951) 261-9799 or apply online at https://www.edfin.net/contact.
CALL NOW! ASK HOW! (951) 261-9799 or apply online at https://www.edfin.net/contact or click the link below.
Success Story No. 3
Emily Murphy Shelly is so helpful and knowledgeable about everything college and just all-around fun to hang out with. If you're looking for help anything college Shelly will 100 percent have all the answers. Will be using her throughout my college career. Read more at EDFIN College Planning, College Prep at Google Reviews.
CALL NOW! ASK HOW! (951) 261-9799 or apply online at https://www.edfin.net/contact or click the link below.
Prefer in person or online? FREE Discovery 45 minutes in person session at (951) 261-9799 or online at www.edfin.net/contact
Shelly Rufin, MSHS, MSCC, Dr (Hn)
Founder/Owner EDFIN College Planning Harvard Business School
As a parent, like many of you, navigating college admissions and paying for college can be frustrating. Link to bio
As a prior Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships for fifteen years, with an expertise in Federal & State Regulations, strategic analysis, marketing, and as a college career professional over 31 years serving 3,000 plus students; one-on-one sessions guiding students and families with information and tools to make smarter financial college decisions. . . . click link to read full bio.
CALL NOW! ASK HOW! (951) 261-9799 or apply online at https://www.edfin.net/contact or click the link below.
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