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Here Are Some Great Resources for You!


If you spend a few moments browsing this page, we believe you’ll quickly find that the resources we've hand-picked will help your family as you research the variety of elements necessary in college preparation – and we encourage you to visit this page regularly, as we update its content frequently.

Here are the categories of resources on this page.  You can click on the category and immediately go to that section of the page or simply scroll down.

Preparing For College

ACT
Formerly known as American College Testing, ACT is a not-for-profit organization and claims to "have the most widely accepted college entrance exam - and more".  ACT provides educational and career planning for students and teachers at every level.


Cal Grant
Cal Grant awards are California funded monetary grants (gift aid/free money) given to students to help pay for college expenses.  These funds are limited to CA-resident students and can be used only in CA colleges, both public and private.


CollegeBoard
The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity.


CollegeData
Choose, prepare, apply and pay for college with advice and tools from CollegeData.  Get college admission help and search for colleges and scholarships.


Common Application
The Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that serves students and member institutions by providing an admission application – online and in print – that students may submit to any of their nearly 300 members.


ePrep
The SAT test is a critical measure for admission to most selective colleges. ePrep provides a wealth of expert advice and help on SAT exam taking strategies. We uncover the best practice SAT tests and engage with students 1-on-1 in SAT tutoring - all online!


FairTest
The National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest) works to end the misuses and flaws of standardized testing and to ensure that evaluation of students, teachers and schools is fair, open, valid and educationally beneficial.


FastWeb
FastWeb, the Internet's leading scholarship search service, helps students make the decisions that shape their lives: choosing a college, paying for college, and finding jobs and internships.


FinAid
This site has grown into one of the most comprehensive annotated collection of information about student financial aid on the web.


Graduation Watch
Find out how quickly students graduate from your colleges of interest BEFORE you apply.  Simply enter the state, city and college from pull-down menus and see the graduation rates (4/5/6-year) and direct costs (tuition & fees, room & board).


Higher Applications
Take the stress out of the college planning process. At Higher Applications we keep it simple, organized and affordable. College coaches Shan Schumacher and Jayne Ruane assist south orange county students grade 9-12 with their college planning needs.


I Am Going To College
Developed by an elementary school counselor, this website has a unique process - to put to rest the debilitating myth that parents cannot afford college or higher education for their K-12 children.


MyPlan
Whether you’re deciding on what college to go to, choosing a major, planning ahead for your first career, or thinking about making a career change, MyPlan.com can help you explore options and bring clarity and insight into figuring out what’s right for you.


National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), located within the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute of Education Sciences, is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education.


Orange County Community Foundation
The Orange County Community Foundation is home to 56 funds that award scholarships, which have been established by generous donors to give the next generation the financial support they need to achieve their educational goals.  This past year, 230 students were granted a total of $370,000 in financial aid.


Pearson Education
Educating 100 million people worldwide, Pearson Education is the global leader in integrated education publishing, providing quality content, assessment tools, and educational services in all available media, spanning the learning curve from birth through college and beyond.


Petersons
In addition to their core products for college search and selection, test preparation, and financial aid, Petersons offers online services for essay editing and instruction as well as resume writing.  A team of more than 250 Harvard-educated writers assist college applicants with their admission essays and personal statements.


U.S. Department of Education
Its original directive remains its mission today — to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation.


YouCanGetIn.com
After spending years searching, Danny Ruderman has discovered a way to use the Internet to coach families through the admissions process just like he does with his personal students.  Danny and his students have used his 'Ultimate College Acceptance System' to achieve a 94% success rate in acceptance to their first choice of schools!


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Colleges

California State University
The CSU is a leader in high-quality, accessible, student-focused higher education. With 23 campuses, 405,000 students, and 44,000 faculty and staff, CSU is the largest, the most diverse, and one of the most affordable university systems in the country.


CSU Campus Locations
This link provides a map of all CSU locations and links to their individual home pages.


University of California
The UC system includes more than 208,000 students and 121,000 faculty and staff, with more than 1.3 million alumni living and working around the world.


UC Campus Locations
This link provides a map of all UC locations and links that will take you directly to each campus' "About UC" page.


Christian Colleges
This link provides a U.S. map for state-by-state lists of Christian colleges and links to their websites.


Colleges That Change Lives
Here's what Loren Pope, author of the book Colleges That Change Lives says:  "The colleges profiled here will do at least as much as, and usually far more than, an Ivy League school . . . or a major research university to give you a rich, full life, and to make you a winner."  There are 40 CTCL colleges and universities - 1 public and 39 private from 24 states and with enrollments ranging from 300 to 3,000.


Private/Public Colleges
This is a listing of most of the private and public colleges in the U.S., along with links to their websites.


Profile Schools
This is a list of colleges that require the CSS Profile form.


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Financial Aid Forms

FAFSA website
This is the U.S. Department of Education's Free Application for Federal Student Aid website, commonly referred to as “FAFSA on the Web”. The FAFSA form is the standardized financial aid form used by the U.S. Department of Education to calculate your family’s EFC (Expected Family Contribution) using the Federal Methodology and is used by most U.S. colleges in calculating need-based aid.  We recommend that a FAFSA form be submitted for EVERY college-bound student - no exceptions, regardless of the parent's or student's level of income and assets. It must be submitted every year to qualify for federal and state financial aid, including grants, loans and work study programs.

Click here for the 2008-2009 FAFSA form.


CSS/FINANCIAL AID PROFILE
About 10% of the colleges require this financial aid form in order to qualify for aid provided by the schools' endowment funds.  They are commonly called "Profile Schools".  To view a list of Profile Schools, click here.  “PROFILE” is the financial aid application service of the College Board – a national, 100-year-old, not-for-profit membership association. Many of the member colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, and scholarship programs use the information collected on the PROFILE form to help them award nonfederal student aid funds.


INSTITUTIONAL (not a link)
Many private colleges require an additional financial aid form unique to the individual school.  GetCollegeFunding recommends you make a list of all the private schools your student is considering and research each of these school’s financial aid application requirements by visiting their individual websites.  To view a list of private schools with links to their sites, click here.  You can then download any unique forms they require and note the deadlines for submission.


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Financial - Loans, Saving

College Savings Plans Network (CSPN)
In 2001, Section 529 state college savings programs gained federal tax-exemption for "529 Plans." Some states offer additional incentives to participate in the program in your state of residence. This web site is designed to link you to your state's program and provide information about the association serving Section 529 state college savings plans.


EdFund
EdFund provides tools for financial aid and college planning for students and families. EdFund is one of the nation's leading providers of student loan services under the Federal Family Education Loan Program.


EdWise
This is EdFund's online financial planning tool to calculate how much you can afford to borrow and assist you in creating a spending plan.


SallieMae
Sallie Mae is the nation's leading provider of education funding.  The company primarily provides federal and private student loans, including consolidation loans, for undergraduate and graduate students and their parents.


Saving for College
Savingforcollege.com is your best source for objective information about Section 529 college savings plans and other ways to save and pay for college.


SimpleTuition
SimpleTuition is free to all students, parents and schools. They receive their revenue from lenders. That makes them similar to other online comparison shopping services, such as mortgage, car loan and travel sites. Because SimpleTuition strives to offer consumers a wide representation of loan options, they encourage many different lenders to participate on this web site. All lenders they include have chosen to participate in the SimpleTuition format, allowing consumers to compare competing options to find the best fit for their needs.


Upromise
As a Upromise member, you'll automatically receive college savings when you make eligible purchases of participating products and services from leading companies like ExxonMobil, Citi®, Eddie Bauer, McDonald's, Coca-Cola®, Tide® and more.  Membership is free.


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News Articles


Big Science Brings Big Bucks to UCI (OC Register)
July 9, 2008

The university raised a record $327 million for research in the fiscal year that ended June 30. That’s $16 million more than the previous high.

UCI tapped the feds for more than $201 million.  And the campus hit up the state for $53 million.  (The school also got money from other sources.)

UCI fared well by pressing hard for money in some of the hottest areas of medicine and the life sciences. The state gave the university $27 million to help build what’s expected to be one of the largest stem cell research centers on the West Coast. 


Elite Colleges Reporting Record Lows in Admission (The New York Times)
April 1, 2008

The already crazed competition for admission to the nation’s most prestigious universities and colleges became even more intense this year, with many logging record low acceptance rates.

Harvard College offered admission to only 7.1 percent of the 27,462 high school seniors who applied,  Yale College accepted 8.3 percent of its 22,813 applicants.  Columbia College admitted 8.7 percent of its applicants, Brown University and Dartmouth College 13 percent, and Bowdoin College and Georgetown University 18 percent.  All of these are RECORD lows.


Sallie Suspends Combined Federal Loans (Business Week)
April 11, 2008

Sallie Mae, the nation's largest student lender, said Friday it would stop offering lower-cost consolidation loans to college graduates, saying the federally backed business had become unprofitable.

In a letter sent to colleges, Sallie Mae, formally known as SLM Corp., said it would concentrate instead on making new loans to students entering college. The suspension of the company's participation in the federal consolidation loan program took effect on Friday.


Kiplinger's Ranks UCI, UCLA Amont Top Public College Values (OC Register)
January 7, 2008

UC Irvine and UCLA are among Kiplinger’s Personal Finance top 100 public colleges this year in terms of the cost and value of their education.  UCLA ranked No. 10, while UC Irvine came in at 21st.  The rankings are based on the four-year colleges “that exemplify excellent academics while keeping their in-state and out-of-state costs to a minimum,” Kiplinger’s said.

Other California schools included UC San Diego (11), UC Berkeley (18), UC Santa Barbara (29), Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (41), UC Davis (48) and UC Riverside (99).


Harvard Announces Sweeping Middle-Income Initiative (Harvard Gazette)
December 10, 2007

Harvard has announced a sweeping overhaul of financial aid policies designed to make Harvard College more affordable for families across the income spectrum. The new initiative focuses on ensuring greater affordability for middle- and upper-middle-income families through major enhancements to grant aid, the elimination of student loans, and the removal of home equity from financial aid calculations.

One fascinating element of this initiative is that families with incomes between $120,000 and $180,000 and with assets typical for these income levels will be asked to pay only 10 percent of their incomes!


Some College Cut, Eliminate Student Debt (The Wall Street Journal)
November 29, 2007

Colleges are moving to eliminate -- or at least ease -- student debt as pressure builds in Washington for them to spend more from their endowments to help families afford the rising cost of school.


Presidential Pay is Increasing Faster at the Largest Institutions (Chronicle of Higher Ed)
November 16, 2007

At public research universities, the minimum compensation among the big players is roughly $450,000. In the 2006-7 fiscal year, 56 of the 182 public institutions in the survey paid their president at least that amount.

Among private institutions, the median compensation of leaders of research institutions rose 37 percent in the last five years of the survey, to $528,105. That is faster than the rate of increase over the same period for presidents of master's (30 percent) or baccalaureate (28 percent) institutions.


Cost of College a Bipartisan Concern (Inside Higher Ed)
November 12, 2007

Congressional Republicans have been making known for years their concern about the rapidly escalating tuitions that colleges are charging. Higher education leaders have held out hope that Democratic lawmakers, now that they control Congress, would be more sympathetic to their arguments that the price increases are justified — or at least that colleges should be left to fix the problem on their own, without federal intervention.

That hope was largely dashed Friday, when the leaders of the House Education and Labor Committee released a long-awaited bill to extend the Higher Education Act. The massive 747-page legislation is a hodgepodge of proposals touching on a remarkably wide array of issues — student loan ethics, financial aid simplification, accreditation, help for students with disabilities, and the like.


Williams Drops Loans and Wesleyan Curbs Them (Inside Higher Ed)
November 2, 2007

Williams College announced that it was joining a small group of colleges that have completely eliminated the use of loans in financial aid packages, meeting all demonstrated need with grants.

Princeton University eliminated all loans in 2001.  While in recent years there have been a flurry of efforts by elite private universities and flagship publics to eliminate loans for students below certain income levels, it is rare to eliminate loans for everyone.  But this spring, Davidson College announced such a move and in the summer, Amherst College followed suit.


The Search For Authenticity (Newsweek)
August 20, 2007

A leading admissions dean explains what colleges really want.  It's all about getting the complete picture of a student without packaging by consultants.


25 Hottest Schools (Newsweek)
August 20, 2007

College Guide: It's that time of year again, when high-school seniors and their parents gear up for the admissions game.


New Community College Opens in Tustin, CA (OC Register)
August 19, 2007

ATEP - The Advanced Technology & Education Park - is the newest community college in Orange County, CA.  The campus, which costs $10 million to build on one of 68 acres it owns, will offer courses from its sister colleges, but plans to stand alone among community colleges in Orange County, said Raghu Mathur, chancellor of the district.

Plans include:

- Building studios and stages for the filming of movies and television programs

- Working with CSU Fullerton and/or Chapman University to offer courses in film and television

- Expanding the district's nursing program to ATEP

- Developing all 68 acres at an estimated cost of $1.2B, according to tentative long-term plans


Better Business Bureau Warns College-Bound Students and Parents to Beware of Financial Aid Schemes (www.bbb.org)
August 2007

The Better Business Bureau is warning college-bound students and their parents to be wary of financial aid fraud perpetrated by companies promising big bucks for college tuition, but who ultimately take your money and leave you with nothing.


Consumer complaints against scholarship, loan and grant services to the 114 BBBs across the U.S. increased by 60 percent in 2006.


(Commentary:  GetCollegeFunding APPLAUDS the BBB for this warning.  We are NOT a 'Scholarship Guarantee' company.  Additionally, some time ago we added a prominent 'How We're Different' button on our home page that takes you to some text defining significant differences between GetCollegeFunding and others.)


12 OC Students Win Gates Scholarships (OC Register)
May 18, 2007

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awards grants to exceptional minority students who need financial help for college.  Grants mean up to 10 years of higher education and expenses will be paid for by the foundation.

Students apply online and are recommended by an educator and a community sponsor.  Students need at least a 3.5 GPA and to show they have volunteered in their community.  Finalists write on the importance of a college education.


Getting Your Kids Ready For College (OC Register)
May 10, 2007

Lisa McLaughlin of San Clemente has a passion for helping those who are college bound and who are getting ready to hit the textbooks yet again after their high school years.  Her company, EDvantage Consulting, personalizes the entire college admissions process for students and families.

For some, this means starting in the eighth grade with course selections for high school and the creation of a 4-year plan. For others, this means assisting with the identification of extra-curricular areas of interest and directing families to organizations in the area who are in need of volunteers.


Loan Companies Abusing Student Database (TechWeb)
April 16, 2007

The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), a database operated by the federal government, contains private information on approximately 60 million students. It was created in 1993 to help universities and lenders share information on students' eligibility for student loans, and to help lenders collect payments.

Sen Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Education Secretary Margaret Spellings, asking the department to block lenders from the database until the allegations could be investigated.


Top Colleges Get More Affordable (CNN Money)
March 27, 2007

A college education may be getting less expensive at some of the most prestigious schools.   Changes to financial aid policies at many selective colleges and universities are boosting lower- and middle-income students' odds of getting a better deal.


UC and CSU College Fees Increased (OC Register)
March 14, 2007

The UC and CSU systems raise fees, and both adminstrators and students are upset.


Colleges: Too Close To Lenders? (BusinessWeek)
February 26, 2007

Regulators are looking at how schools steer families to favored creditors.


College Tuition, Fees Up More Than 6% (MSNBC)
October 24, 2006

College price increases slowed this year but they again topped inflation, and financial aid isn’t keeping pace, a new report says.


25 New Ivies (Newsweek - Kaplan College Guide)
August 21-28, 2006 Issue

The nation's elite colleges these days include more than Harvard, Yale and Princeton. Why? It's the tough competition for all the top students. That means a range of schools are getting fresh bragging rights.


Parents Face Pitfalls On Path To College Aid (MSNBC)
August 2, 2006

Families can fiddle with finances, but all assets must be disclosed.


College Costs Spike Again (CNNMoney)

Tuition climbs fastest at public schools, while aid helps lower-income students less, study finds.


Keep Rising Prices in Perspective (CollegeBoard.com)

Although some of the college price tags you hear about can be quite daunting, most colleges are more affordable than you might think.



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Weekly Q&A Column


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Here Are Our Archived Columns
As Published in the 'Orange County Register'

Harvard Delivers To Promise
July 22, 2008

An Undeclared Major Can Prove Costly
July 17, 2008

Financial Aid With No Loans?
July 9, 2008

Financial Aid "Statistics" Often Misunderstood
July 3, 2008

Cal Grant:  Now It's All or Nothing
June 25, 2008

We Make $120K - Will Our Kids Get Financial Aid Next Year?
June 11, 2008

Tax Concerns When Funding College Education
June 3, 2008

Business Assets Can Affect Financial Aid
May 27, 2008

How Many Years Back Do Colleges Go Back in Determining Financial Aid?
May 20, 2008

New Student Loan Law Passes
May 14, 2008

Figuring Out College Costs Before College Starts
May 7, 2008

401K Contributions Do Not Increase Aid Eligibility
April 29, 2008

Two in College Improves Financial Aid Eligibility
April 25, 2008

Understanding the True Cost of Attendance
April 7, 2008

What Are Campus-Based Financial Aid Funds?
March 31, 2008

The Heartbreak of Achievement
March 24, 2008

Student Loans May Be Increasing At Last
March 20, 2008

Unraveling The Mystery of 'EFC'
March 12, 2008

What Will Be The Impact of the California Budget Crisis?
March 3, 2008

FAFSA Form Getting a Little Easier
February 25, 2008

"Brand Name Paralysis":  Is There A Cure?
February 18, 2008

The Biggest Financial Aid Myth of All
February 11, 2008

How Do You Update The Student Aid Report?
February 4, 2008

What's A SAR?
January 28, 2008

Financial Aid Offers Sent Within a Few Weeks of Acceptance
January 21, 2008

Don't Forget Tax Strategy
January 14, 2008

An Overview of College Planning
January 7, 2008


Can a Family Learn in Advance If They'll Receive a Cal Grant?
December 31, 2007

There are three components in determining Cal Grant eligibility: parent income, parent assets and academic achievement of the student. The eligibility requirements for the upcoming 2008-2009 college year Cal Grant were released just recently.


Harvard Dramatically Changes The Rules
December 24, 2007

How does 10% of your income sound for the cost of college?  The new Harvard initiative comes at a time when some congressional leaders have been questioning the forever increasing cost of higher education, especially at colleges with exceptionally large endowments.

Harvard is not only the oldest college in the nation but also the wealthiest, with endowments estimated at around $35 billion.


It's FAFSA Time for ALL Seniors
December 19, 2007

Every family with a high school senior bound for college should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form in January 2008.  Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Regardless of family income and assets, there are federal entitlement programs for every student, the most common being the Stafford loan.

Additionally, some colleges may require the FAFSA form in order for the student to qualify for merit awards and scholarships. These can be offered as a result of academic, athletic, artistic or even leadership excellence.


More to Proper Planning than the FAFSA
December 10 , 2007

There's MUCH more to College Funding Planning than "FAFSA Night" at your high school!  Yet this is what the vast majority of high schools consider to be all you need to know.

Read a few questions I suggest every parent asks their student's guidance counselor in the SOPHOMORE year to gauge just how well the school "has it covered".


Address Affordability Factor Early in Process
December 3, 2007

This week's article emphasizes the need to start College Planning WAY before the senior year. Any family that has not begun aggressive planning before December of the student's junior year is at risk of compromising the affordability of their child's college education.


FAFSA Completion for Hire
November 19, 2007

I respectfully disagree with the position many guidance counselors take regarding the high school senior completing their own FAFSA form.

Read my justification of my position.


Is There a Set of Investment Strategies Right for Everyone?
November 13, 2007

I receive so many great questions at the end of just about every College Funding Seminar I conduct.  Whenever a question is asked about a SPECIFIC family situation, I must virtually always answer, "It depends".

We're conducting a seminar to address these "It Depends" situations as well as "Advanced Strategies to Pay for College".

Preparation Has Many Elements
November 6, 2007

This week's article addresses a common overwhelming issue for many moms and dads (and students) every fall. How should we REALLY be "planning" for college?

Financial Aid Priority Deadlines Can Be Early
October 29, 2007

A mom writes to us this week concerned with a priority filing deadline for financial aid forms in January!  How is that colleges expect you to have your taxes done before the end of January?  Or do they?

This week's article describes the process concerning this confusing issue.

Don't Declare Small Business Value - Sometimes
October 26, 2007

How does a small business affect your financial aid?  Sometimes significantly, sometimes not at ALL! 

This week's column also discusses WUE (the Western Undergraduate Exchange) as well as some new federal legislation hot off the press concerning student debt.

Parents, Not Students, Advised To Fill Out Financial Aid Forms
October 15, 2007

This week's article addresses the important issue of who should fill out the forms.  Some counselors advise, even attempt to teach, high school seniors to do it themselves!  I strongly
disagree.

Read this week's column - and then you decide . . .

New Law Increases Pell Grant and Decreases Loan's Interest Rate
October 8, 2007

This week's article clarifies who benefits from the recent legislation increasing the Pell grant award as well as decreasing the interest rate on the popular subsidized Stafford loan.

Learn the good news as well as the bad news!

Money in Student's Name is Sometimes Benefical
October 2, 2007

This week's article addresses some confusion from a mom who recently attended a school district sponsored event called "Roadmap to College".

She shared with me some of the strategies and recommendations she wrote down during the Financial Aid breakout session. I think you'll be surprised - just as I was - at just how off-base some of the information was.

Beware of Financial Aid Workshop Claims to "Secrets"
September 24, 2007

I just noticed a paid advertisement last week in a local newspaper that claimed a financial aid class would include such topics as "the secret to sending your child to a private or UC school for less than the cost of a junior college." This statement is nothing less than a gross misrepresentation. The truth is, there is no "secret" for such bold claims.

This week's article reveals some "secrets" on discerning financial services organizations masquerading as college funding and financial aid experts.

FAFSA - Paper Or Online?
September 18, 2007

Paper FAFSA's are becoming a thing of the past.  (And we're glad!)  This week's article explains the new procedure for those still wanting the paper form.

We address two additional topics this week as well - military academies and athletic scholarships at the Ivies.

Should I Pay Someone To Do My FAFSA?
September 11, 2007

This is one of our favorite articles to date - because it addresses a controversial topic within the high school counseling community.  Since the FAFSA form is free, does it ever make sense to pay someone to complete it for you?

We respectfully disagree with counselors insisting that EVERY family should complete this task on their own and never consider hiring a 'pro'.  This week's article explains why!

No Loan Policy?
September 4, 2007

When a school implements a "no-loan policy," the loan component is eliminated and replaced with grant money and perhaps a work-study. The family must still come up with their expected family contribution (EFC), but having no loans in the financial aid package is a marvelous feature.

Princeton University was the first to implement such a policy.  Princeton also decided NOT to factor home equity into their EFC assessment.  And they assess student assets at the same rate as parent assets - 5%, not the typical 25% assessment used by other IM schools.

Clarifying The High School Senior Year Timeline
August 28, 2007

It's finally here - the moment you've been waiting for:  all of a sudden your 'baby' is a senior in high school!  How did this happen?

There's MUCH to accomplish these next few months!  This week's column clarifies the timeline you and your senior are faced with.

College Funding Scams Reportedly On The Rise
August 14, 2007

The climate of high college costs and desperate parents makes the harvest ripe for rip-off artists. According to U.S. News & World Report (Aug. 3, 2007), the Better Business Bureau received 782 complaints against scholarship, loan, and grant services companies in 2006, up 61 percent from 2005.

This week's column addresses this alarming statistic and offers some suggestions on how to qualify a legitimate College Funding organization.

Out-of-State Costs Sometimes Unaffordable
August 7, 2007

Tuition costs for out-of-state public schools have sky-rocketed in some states.  Some colleges cost of attendance is actually double for out-of-state students as compared to their in-state counterparts!

Are there any legitimate ways to avoid this extra cost?  This week we address this important topic.

Two In College Proves Beneficial
July 31, 2007

Parents are often frightened about the financial implications of having 2 or 3 children in college at the same time. What they don't realize is that this is often beneficial to them financially! It all comes down to EFC and the split that occurs for multiple children in college.

This week we evaluate a scenario faced by many families and we forecast what a family can anticipate in terms of financial aid once the younger student enters college.

Unraveling The Confusion About Federal Student Loans
July 24, 2007

Parents continue to be confused about student loans.  Who qualifies?  How much can you get?  Are they interest-free?  Deferred?

This week we discuss the student loan programs offered by the federal government in a clear and concise way.

EFC: Eventual Family Confusion?
July 17, 2007

Just when parents are getting the hang of EFC, they realize that there's more than one way of calculating it - depending on the college! What's that all about?

'FM' and 'IM' have meanings besides 'Frequency Modulation' and 'Instant Messaging'.  This week's article clarifies the primary methodologies that colleges use for EFC determination.

Super-Achievers Often Receive No Financial Aid
July 10, 2007

Why is it that some students receive academic scholarships from colleges and others don't, even those with stellar GPA's and test scores?

This week's column clarifies this point of confusion for many parents.

Colleges Conceal True Cost
July 3, 2007

COA - Cost of Attendance, every college has one!  The 'official' total costs for one year at your student's choice colleges.  How difficult could it possibly be to find an accurate disclosure of these?  Just go to the website, right?

You'll be surprised when you try!

529 Plans:  Friend or Foe?
June 26, 2007

So what's the deal with 529 Plans?  Some advisors love 'em, some hate 'em.  This week's article clarifies the advantages AND disadvantages.

Base Year Important to Understand
June 19, 2007

Every year parents are confused about what tax years are used when determining financial aid eligibility.

This week's column will clarify this important issue.

Financial Aid Statistics Often Misunderstood
June 12, 2007

There's a lot of confusion over 'Financial Aid Statistics'.  Why are these published stats often way off base compared to ACTUAL awards families receive?

This week's column will eliminate the confusion - once and for all . . .


The Myth of Negotiating Financial Aid
June 5, 2007

Should parents try to 'negotiate' with colleges when there's little grant money offered?  Some parents are encouraged by College Funding Advisors to do this as a matter of process.

But how effective is it - really?


The Heartbreak of Achievement
May 29, 2007

Every spring families come face-to-face with the reality of the cost of college for their senior preparing to begin college this coming fall.  The student has accomplished everything they were told to - but the parents have no plan to pay for college.

What went wrong?  And how can families avoid this heartbreak?

Moving Money To Increase Financial Aid Often Unnecessary
May 22, 2007

Should parents move all the money out of the student's name as some college funding advisors insist?  Will this assure families to receive more financial aid?

We devote this week's entire article to this popular question!


90 Percent FAFSA Error Claim Doubted
May 14, 2007

Is it true that 90% of FAFSA forms are submitted incorrectly as some financial aid workshop speakers continue to insist?  Or is this some type of 'scare tactic'?

That's one of the questions this week's column addresses!  We've researched this claim.  Find out our results.


High Schools Are Missing The Mark
May 8, 2007

Why don't high schools do a better job at helping parents realize the NEED to plan for College Funding?  Students are getting into their choice colleges, and parents are realizing too late that they have no idea how they'll pay for college!

This week's article exposes a growing concern that more and more parents are talking about.

Legal Guardian's Income/Assets Not Normally Declared
May 1, 2007

There's a lot of confusion among families when legal guardianship is involved.  This week's article clarifies this issue.

Younger Siblings Often Receive More Financial Aid
April 26, 2007

This article reveals one of the most POSITIVE elements of the financial aid system - multiple students in college at the same time. You might be surprised as are many parents regarding the good news!

Cal Grant Eligibility Can Be Difficult
April 17, 2007

There are three components in determining Cal Grant eligibility: income, assets and academics.  You shouldn't be surprised when you receive your Cal Grant determination!  Learn before you even apply if you're eligible.


College 'No-Loan Policy' On The Rise
April 10, 2007

Many private colleges offer financial aid that meets 100% of a family's need.  When a school implements a 'no-loan policy', the loan component is eliminated and replaced with grant money and perhaps a work-study.

For families with incomes under $60,000 (and high-achieving students) several universities, including Princeton, offer full-ride grants.

Child Support Must Be Declared When Seeking Financial Aid
March 26, 2007

Learn about the financial aid appeal process in this week's column.  Do you have 'special circumstances'?


Student's Blocked Trust Fund Hurts Financial Aid
March 19, 2007

Question:  Our son received $100,000 in trust from his grandfather. He doesn't have access to these funds until he turns 25. Will this affect his financial aid?

Many parents are surprised when they learn the answer!  Read it in this week's column . . .


Don't Wait To Learn About The College Funding Process
March 13, 2007

Parents should learn their EFC (Expected Family Contribution) during the student's sophomore, or at the very latest, junior year.


401K Contributions Do Not Affect Financial Aid
March 7, 2007
The 'strategy' of maxing out a 401K contribution in order to optimize financial aid is a misconception shared by many.


Apply for Aid, Even If You Think You Make Too Much
February 26, 2007

Every family should complete (minimally) the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form in January of the student's high school senior year.



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