1.      Don’t procrastinate: 

          Career exploration should start during middle school.

          There are private scholarships that high school freshman can apply for.

          Shopping for the right school should begin as a sophomore in high

          school. 

          Planning for need-based aid should begin no later than fall of the junior

          year of high school.

College applications should be filed before winter break of the senior year to get a “better look.”

Financial aid applications should be submitted as soon as possible after Jan 1^st of the senior year.      

2.      Don’t rule out private colleges: 

Depending on the numbers, it may be less expensive to attend a private college.

3.      Don’t assume you’re not eligible for aid:

           50% of students at public schools and 72% at private institutions receive

           aid.        

You won’t know unless you apply.  The formula is complex and there are many variables.

4.      Don’t ignore deadlines:

            Missed deadlines reflect poorly on the student and mean missed

            opportunities.

5.      Don’t spin your wheels chasing private scholarships:

            Less than 7% of all aid comes from private sources.

In most cases, if “need” is established, private scholarships will not reduce the family’s share of the cost.

Maximize government and school resources, then look for private money.

6.      Don’t accept attendance without a campus visit.

             Every school is different.  Spend time there. It will pay off.

Colleges sell education.  Those glossy brochures can be misleading.

7.  Don’t shy away from loans:

Government-backed loans are considered financial aid.  Interest rates are capped and they offer attractive repayment options. 

              Consider letting investments grow while using borrowed funds.

8. Don’t think you and the college have the same goal:

              Their job is to use their resources to help as many students as

              possible.  Your

              job is to get as much aid as you can through marketing.

9. Don’t apply early decision:

Early decision locks you in and limits your ability to facilitate the financial aid offer. 

              Early Action is not binding and can be used to test a student’s

              perceived value. 

10. Don’t ignore the process:

Filing for aid and letting the system take its course is like letting the IRS do your taxes. 

The forms ask for numbers.  You need to let the college know if there are extenuating or mitigating circumstances. 

 11. Don’t forgo filing the FAFSA:

Most schools will not offer you any aid unless you file the forms.

            In order for the school to certify your student loan, you must file. 

12.  Don’t limit your applications to a couple of colleges:

            Apply to at least six schools to increase your chances of being accepted.

            Once accepted, you’ll have more than one offer of aid to consider. 

13. Don’t forget the financial aid office:

Merit assistance is controlled by the admissions office. Need-based aid is controlled by the financial aid office.  Don’t assume they share information.