Few college admission cycles have been as hard on students as this one. National College Decision Day — the deadline most schools set to decide on a college — is just two weeks away. But many college hopefuls are still unsure of where they stand financially, as problems persist with the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid. "This is make or break for students," said Ellie Bruecker, interim director of research at the Institute for College Access and Success. For most students and their families, the college they choose hinges on the amount of financial aid offered and the breakdown between grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities and student loans.

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Persons: Ellie Bruecker, FAFSA Organizations: National College, Federal Student Aid, Institute for College, Finance, Harvard, U.S . Department of Education