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Tilting Things Your
Way... Page 2
continued
4) Keep on top of the aid
process. Financial aid doesn't just happen. You get rewarded for paying attention
to details and utilizing a pro-active approach to the entire aid process.
5) Concentrate on the big money. The federal government, the state
governments and the colleges themselves award the bulk of financial aid funds.
Scholarships that are awarded by corporations, foundations, community groups and other
organizations represent only a very small piece of the financial aid pie. Unfortunately,
many families mistakenly concentrate their time and energies pursuing those " little
known scholarships" that supposedly go unclaimed each year.
6) If you are getting outside help, be sure it's from the right source.
If you are confused about the process, there is no need to throw up your hands in
disgust and give up. You can always hire someone to help you However if you are seeking
professional help, make sure the individual or company is knowledgeable about financial
aid as well as income taxes and personal finance. Don't automatically assume that your
accountant or tax preparer is a financial aid expert, as most of these professionals have
little or no training in this specialized area. The fees charged by private aid
consultants may initially seem rather expensive. However if a professional can find ways
to increase your aid eligibility by thousands of dollars and can help you successfully
navigate the process, then even a relatively expensive fee is a bargain.
Next: Handling the Paperwork
College Planning Calculators:
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• What will it take to save
for a college education?
• How much will it cost to
raise a child?
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