FINANCIAL AID: GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

In the SAT world many companies make wild claims about their results, have inappropriate curriculums for a test that has dramatically changed, or charge vast sums so kids can be taught by underpaid college students.

The FINANCIAL AID world makes the SAT world look like centers of spiritual piety. Folks, it's grim out there! Charlatans abound and proclaim promises of amazing financial aid. They come in the form of glitzy web pages and slick mailers. And when you phone, the conversation may end with: “To secure your special scholarship, please give me your VISA card…”  DON'T!  What seems too good to be true, usually is too good to be true!

College is expensive and many kids can't go without financial help. The good news is there is an incredible amount of financial aid available. At many of the private colleges over 50% of the students are on some form of aid!

The financial aid resources in the Finances section of our College Connection page are from well known organizations with excellent reputations. The first four references in this section are from NACAC (the National Association for College Admission Counselors), an organization of high integrity. I would urge you to read their suggestions carefully and follow their advice. Learn where the college assistance money really is and keep your current funds where they belong … in your pocket.