TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY TO FILE YOUR FAFSA FOR FINANCIAL AID

While we believe the school selections are more important than the cost of the school, we find most families believe at the they  1) can not afford to work with a consultant and 2) that the schools available to their children are based on what they can afford;  and so,  students as well as their families cut their choice of school dramatically. When we start to work with students and their families, one of the first questions that we inquire about is how a family plans to pay for college.  This is a question that is very important because there are many myths and incorrect information that people begin to believe as they go through the application stress of college admissions.  The College Admissions Consultant works with financial aid professionals who assist us when we are putting together a list of choice school especially crafted for each student.  We are able to assist families with that they actual cost of attending a school with be well before the application is submitted. However, if you are a senior who has applied to colleges already and you are looking for financial aid NOW is the time to begin the most important part of your college selection process - applying for financial aid.   Here is where you should begin:  All Colleges requires the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Information from your FAFSA is used to determine the types and amounts of aid that you are eligible to receive from the College, federal, and state programs.   File your FAFSA free at www.fafsa.gov as early as possible beginning January 1, 2012.  Apply for a PIN for both student and parent to electronically sign your FAFSA by clicking on the PIN Site icon. Or, request a paper FAFSA, by calling 800-4-FED-AID (800-433-3243). Starting as early as possible beginning January 1 through February is very important keeping in mind that a verification needs to be filed with FAFSA on March 2nd ( and make sure you get a proof of mailing or send it certified mail).  Financial Aid will begin mailing award letters to this year's accepted students who have completed the FAFSA.   The sooner you start the process, the sooner we will be able to get an award letter to you.