It is that time of year again! The 2020-2021 FAFSA and CSS Profile opens on Tuesday, October 1. The FAFSA is required to be completed by any student and parent who intends to attend college in the Fall of 2020 and will need money to pay for college. Listed below are suggestions and facts that… Read more
Understanding those Critical Financial Aid Letters
“The waiting is finally over!” Mrs. Drew* happily shared with me as I answered my phone in April 2018. “Scott* got into all of the schools on his list, which is wonderful. So, how do we decide where he should go? I have started receiving his financial aid award letters and I don’t understand them. … Read more
What to do AFTER all the College Applications are done
I recently heard this voicemail from one of my students: “I’ve finished all of my college applications. I’m done, right?” I could hear the pride and fear in her voice as she asked the question. She was proud that she had completed all of her nine college applications, including essays, short answers, letter of recommendation… Read more
Partnership will aid first-gen college students
I am a first-generation college student, which I define as the first person in my family to attend and complete a four-year college degree. When I was a senior in high school, I met my guidance counselor for the first time. She was the only adult to ever ask me if I intended to go… Read more
The Opportunities and Obstacles of Visiting Colleges During the Summer
Between his two daughters, Chris Snowden and his family have visited more than 15 colleges and universities – some multiple times – during the last five years. “Between AP expectations, soccer, swimming, and lots of homework, finding time to squeeze in college tours meant visiting most schools during breaks,” Snowden says. “Their high school does have a policy of excusing absences to… Read more
3 A’s of College: Access, Admissions & Affordability Seminar in Bradenton
Learn from a college admissions’ expert the proven steps you can take to not only gain admission to one of your dream schools, but to complete college without massive debt. Applying for college can be difficult, overwhelming and stressful. Dianne Keilholtz, NCC, IEC has over 30 years’ experience guiding students and families through the entire… Read more
Watch out for FAFSA Scams!
Every year at this time, I hear very sad stories from families about money they have lost in FAFSA, financial aid or scholarship scams. Unfortunately there are a lot of bad people out there that prey on unsuspecting families who mistakenly think they are doing the right thing in filling out those all-important forms. I… Read more
Is College Really Worth It?
Actions You Can Take Now to Insure that Your Money is Well Spent. It’s 8 a.m. on a rainy May afternoon. The tenth graders I’m teaching are sitting at their tables alert and puzzled. I’d just put a slide on the screen that showcased how much more money they will make in their lifetime should they… Read more
Answers to Top College Financial Questions
For most families, the biggest concern about their child attending college are college costs. Twenty years ago, many families were able to save more than enough to pay for their child’s higher education. Unfortunately, college costs have increased at a faster rate than family income, and the amount of state and federal funding received by colleges… Read more