The Twelve Steps to Success!

Obtaining a college education is far more expensive today than it was just one year ago. Costs are rising steadily at a rate of 6 to 10 percent each and every year. Students are also faced with rising room and board fees, ranging from 2 to 4 percent each year. The totals are astronomical. The cost for attending a private four-year institution has risen from $12,994 to $13,664 just since the 1997 school year, and continues on its upward climb. Public institutions offering four year programs are charging students $3111 per year, as opposed to $2975 last year. Even two-year institutions have raised fees, ranging from $1550 per year all the way up to $6780 per year, depending on the field of study. Most families do not have this kind of cash on hand, and have not ever had enough disposable income to fund a college savings plan. The option? For most families it's any and all types of financial aid. This week, I want to talk about the twelve steps to being successful in receiving the amount of aid you are eligible for.

Step 1: Apply NOW!
Don't wait for letters of acceptance, or even for your first estimated tuition costs to start running though your head. If financial aid is a really serious issue for you, one of your main reasons for choosing any college, should be the amount of aid available. Guidance counselors will give you all of the paperwork you need to apply for all types of aid, even before you are a student at their college. Remember that it's their job!

Step 2: Figure out which forms you need to file to receive aid!
For example, all types of Federal Aid require just one application, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (F.A.S.F.A.). You may even file this one online! Most private grant or scholarship funding resources require a letter and an application, and some will require a picture with essay. When you know who needs what, it makes your job a whole lot easier.

Step 3: Make sure you know the deadlines!
It won't do any good to apply for a grant or scholarship if it is already taken. Make sure you know all of the date, have them written down on the calendar, and fill out your forms going from the nearest deadline to the farthest.

Step 4: Organize!
Don't put all of your papers and instructions in different places. Staple the instructions to the applications, in order to keep them together, and put them in a filing box or cabinet.

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