Top Text Title:


Top Text:
This is a difficult question that you will have to work on with your family. You want to go to the college of your dreams... one that is a great fit for you. Your parents want that too, but without having to sell the ranch just to finance your education. I have a few recommendations and thoughts that I believe can make the process easier. 1) Have a very honest conversation with your parents about EXACTLY how much they are willing to pay for your education. You need a specific number. 2) Be aware that if you are not a US citizen or permanent resident, you can not qualify for Federal Financial Aid in the US. However, anyone can qualify for institutional money. The college that you are applying to has its own funds that it can distribute as they choose, according to their own methods (it's called IM, or institutional methodology). Fill out the paperwork, and they will tell you if you've qualified for institutional money. 3) As I've said in #2, getting financial aid is going to be more difficult if you aren't a US citizen or permanent resident. However, please do not think of the number your parents come up with as the maximum tuition/fees/books/room and board amount that you should look for when you're applying to schools. What I mean is, if your parents can pay X, and you want to apply to a school that costs X + $10,000... don't rule out the possibility of going to that school! Financial aid is often available and you might be able to make it work. It depends entirely on the school. 4) Be as honest and straightforward as possible when you are completing the paperwork. Know that hiding assets can work against you. Also, know that they aren't going to expect your family to contribute every available penny to paying for college. (Colleges know that your parents have to continue paying the bills, saving for retirement, saving for your little brother to go to college, etc.) 5) I would not recommend that you pay for someone to assist you with the financial aid process. You can do it yourself, for free. If you have questions along the way, there are people available to answer your questions and they are just a phone call away. It is not at all necessary to pay for someone to do this for you. Let me know if you have any questions, and I will do my best to help you. .................................................................................................................................................

Links Section Title:

Links

Bottom Text Title:


Bottom Text:
The forms can be difficult, but good, FREE help is available... and the money is out there!

Show Google Safe Search on this page