NOW THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED APPLICATIONS, ITS TIME FOR FINANCIAL AID

 Financial Aid is one of the biggest, if not THE largest concern any student or their family have when looking at where a student should attend school.

Many times, parents right off at the start give us a list of where their children can go to school because of the way they perceive the financial aid process to be, not taking into account that IF the school is the right place the money WILL follow.

If you are applying to colleges this year, go with the school that feels right, not the cost of the school.

As the financial aid season starts its kick off on January 1, 2012, families and students will want to know where to start.  Here is a list of where to begin----

• Submit Your FAFSA

The FAFSA must be completed if you want to qualify for any financial aid.  Do not minimize the importance of completing this form properly.  The US Department of Education said the majority of people fill out the FAFSA form in such a way that they do not receive all the aid for which they are eligible.

• Register for and Submit the CSS Profile
Many private schools require the Profile form, which includes additional financial and personal information.  This is due on March 2nd.

• Complete Any Institutional Form
Many schools have their own forms that need to be completed in addition to the ones already mentioned.

Many of you will think this is where it ends, but it only the start.

When we work with students, one of the first questions we ask families is whether or not they plan to file a FAFSA, and we encourage everyone to do so, even if your salary is $500,000 per year.

While our counselors are guiding your child into the schools which are right for them, our financial aid experts are busy working with you or your family at

• Confirming the Accuracy of the SAR and Make Adjustments, if any.

• Analysis of Financial Aid Awards


• Direct Appeals Process

 • College Loans

• Recommendations to Reduce Your EFC

• Implementation of Strategies to Reduce Your EFC


• College Tracking List


• College Statistics



and they keep an


• College Payment Plan• On-going Communication so that you can get through all 4 years.


While there are a lot of computerized programs that do an excellent job, it is a real balance to match students with schools and then with a strategy work out the money issues.




If you feel you need assistance, please feel free to contact our offices for additional details.