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COLLEGE PLANNING


START SAVING EARLY

• A college education is the best investment you can make in your children!

• The earning potential for a college grad is over $1,000,000 more than a high school grad over their lifetime.

• The average annual salary for a college graduate is $45,400.  For a high school graduate it is only $25,900.

• New legislation has increased student loan rates, and increased parents’ share of costs.

• Start planning for your children at an early age. There is no such thing as too soon!

• 90% of all families will qualify for some form of financial aid.

• WHERE you save is as important as WHAT you save.

• Use a College Planning Specialist. They will help you understand what does and doesn’t count in the financial aid equation (which CPAs, Financial Planners, and Brokers many times don’t know).

Wondering how much it will all cost?
Click on the calculator a handy college tuition planning tool:

College Tuition Calculator

 

WHEN THE TIME HAS ARRIVED

You are ready to graduate high school or trade in that military uniform and head for college. Here are some helpful hints for both gaining admission to the college of your choice and finding extra money to pay your college expenses if you haven't saved enough.

Admission Tips

  1. Find the Right School. Research schools on the web.Use FastWeb link for both college and scholarship searches. Another resource for college information and financial aid is College is Possible.

  2. Complete Applications Carefully. Approach each application as if it were the only one you were submitting. Read all directions and follow them precisely. Make a rough draft, revise, and proofread. You may want to consider the use of a Certified College Planning Specialist. Contact us for more information.

  3. Be Creative with Application Essays. Hone your unique point of view. Be clear, concise, and very well organized. Check and double check all spelling and grammar.


    EssayEdge.com Admissions Essay Help

    For More Essay Writing Tips Click HERE
  4. Submit Early and Watch for Deadlines. You can't afford to miss a deadline. Keep a tickler file and note your calendar well in advance of any deadlines.

  5. Obtain Excellent Recommendation Letters. Choose people you know well and don't be shy about contacting the congressman from your home district. Provide them with any required forms, a stamped addressed envelope, a list of your accomplishments (a proposed letter helps in the case of someone you may not know personally, such as the congressman), and the date the recommendation is required.

  6. Follow Up. Don't leave anything to chance. If you haven't received a response in a reasonable period of time, make sure your request was received.

  7. Interviews. If an interview is required, prepare!! Practice with friends or family and have them ask you possible questions. Dress for success. Try to stay calm. Always send a thank-you note.

SCHOLARSHIP/FINANCIAL AID TIPS

  1. Apply Selectively. Read all the requirements and only apply if you are eligible. Use FastWeb link for free scholarship and college search. Also check out Federal Student Aid Web Site and FINAID.

  2. Be Thorough & Neat. Answer every question completely. Put N/A (not applicable) as opposed to leaving a question blank. If possible, type your application.

  3. Follow Directions. Submit everything required, but don't send things that aren't requested. If in doubt, call the organization and ask questions.

  4. Essays. If required, ensure your essay is personal and specific. The more details, the better. After you finish the first draft, put it aside for at least one day before you read it again.

  5. Submit Early and Watch for Deadlines. You can't afford to miss a deadline. Keep a tickler file and note your calendar well in advance of any deadlines.

  6. Before Mailing. Proofread everything very carefully. Get someone else to proofread it also. Make copies of everything. Make sure your name appears on every page in case any pages become separated. Good luck!

  7. Veterans. Some special information regarding financial aid for veteran's and their dependants may be found on the FINAID Website.


FastWeb's Free Scholarship Search and College Search

FastWeb can help you find the right college and scholarships to help you pay for it. The Internet's premier scholarship search includes more than 600,000 scholarships worth more than $1 billion.

FastWeb's customized college search offers access to 4,000 colleges. Also find expert advice and how-to's on admissions, financial aid, selecting a major, choosing a career and more.

Click here to search for colleges and scholarships! Now!
The SMART Consumer Group is a proud FastWeb member.

Click Picture Below for Financial Aid Guide from The Department of Education
or Click HERE for Dept of Ed Website

 

529 PLANS

A popular way to save on your own for college today is the 529 Plan. It offers tax deferred accumulation and tax-free withdrawals as long as the money is used for education. Caution: 529 Plans will count against you in the financial aid equation. For a detailed explanation of 529 plans click on the picture below to download or view the Guide to Understanding 529 Plans:

Guide to Understanding 529 Plans

 

For addtional information on college planning strategies and
where to save to create the least impact on receiving financial aid, see:
http://www.freedomfinancialsolutionsinc.com/college.htm

For questions or to schedule a free workshop, please send an email to:

info@SmartConsumerGroup.com

or call direct

1-760-631-4300