subject: Simple Tips For Finding College Funds
[print this page] When your kid is just about to complete high school and is getting ready to go to college you as a parent start worrying about the expenses. So choosing a good college becomes a much harder task than you realize!
First thing you should know is that your child has to apply for the admission in more than one college. He has to decide what he wants to do. Then go online and find out which college offers the courses that your child wants to take. Most of the times the student enrolls in the college then the student finds out about the courses and the details of the colleges. This could be too late. They are eager to go to a particular college because it is 'cool' to go to that college or because all the friends are going to that particular college.
You as a parent need to look into the financial matters. College education is expensive. If you do not have enough money to cover educational costs then maybe you will have to look for financial aid. You need to speak with your child so they fully understand the situation.
To receive student financial aid, you need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every school year. See http://www.fafsa.ed.gov . Almost every college has financial aid office. The more popular the college the more demand for the financial aid. So the chances of getting any help in that particular college may become a bit difficult. If your child has a brilliant academic career with good grades and lots of extra curricular activities then he may get preference.
Many smaller colleges may have funds for the students. Good teaching staffs and very good facilities to study. If it is possible you should take your child to these colleges and have a look. You may hit a bull's eye and get all the financial aid you need. Keep your options open. Check out many schools of all sizes.
Some colleges and universities have many programs to help financially. Work/Study programs or offering the students teaching assistant positions or graduate assistant positions So you save on tuition fees and the child makes enough money while learning to take care of the living expenses. It is also a good idea to look into accommodations provided by the university or any other options available in the town. The living expenses of the town where the college is situated will add up the strain on your purse. You have to see if there are chances of getting any kind of employment in that area..
If you cannot find a college which is willing to offer some sort of aid to your child then you have to go in for student loan. If debt is inevitable then make sure to take as little as possible. Look for scholarships or grants from the government. Most of such scholarships or grants are awarded on a need base category. So it will help as you do not have to pay it back.
It is best to do some groundwork to compete for scholarships. Improving your writing skills, reading skills, learning some tips for the applications process or just doing some brain fitness exercises to prepare for the essays and interviews.
