WATCH OUT FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID SCAMS

After months of worry,  college acceptances are going to be soon arriving in mail boxes.  Some will say "accepted", some will say "rejected" and some might say "wait listed".  If you are accepted to at least one of your top three choices, you don't have a lot to worry about.   If you are rejected from schools in your top three, you might want to consider an appeal, and if you are wait listed,  you should try to see what you to get into the school in the fall.

Seniors are tired about now, "senioritis" is setting im after all the application stress, as are their families, and to just get that letter of acceptance is such a relief.  Don't let your hair down just yet though... we know applying to and getting to college can be a challenge for many students, you need to see it through till you graduate.  We know you are excited about what you future holds and you want to take a break.

But wait, there is the financial aid issues that are now going to have to be addresses, and those award letters will be coming as well if you filled your FAFSA and remember your verification by March 2, 2012 ( just make sure you get a proof of mailing or send it certified mail so you have proof of mailing it).

As these letters begin to arrive, so will the college admission and financial aid phone or mail scams running around.   The process of getting to your chosen college just gotten a little trickier. Whether you choose a typical brick-and-mortar school or "For Profit schools" * ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_for-profit_universities_and_colleges )  the risk of getting caught up in these scams is just as high.

In order to protect yourself from such things, it’s important to arm yourself with information. To help you, here are some of the most common college admissions scams to look out for.

College Application Fee Scam

This is one of the most popular college application scams. . Students are asked to pay a processing fee on their college application.    The truth is it’s rare for colleges and universities to request for any processing fee over the phone since all fees are already declared on their application form. Students are either required to visit the school for payments or send the money directly to the school admission council.

Financial Aid Scam

Both online and offline, there’s no shortage of scams related to financial aid  ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student_financial_aid_in_the_United_States)   These scams entice students with their lucrative offer with several financial benefits that will solve all their school-related financial worries. Here the catch is - students must first pay some fees before you get the aid, or they are sent a letter with a code and number to call.   Stay away from this offer at all times, and report these scams to either the US post master or your local police dept)

College Scholarship Scam

Just like what mentioned above, offers of lucrative or free college scholarships that are too good to be true are most likely scams. One of their  "modus operandi"  is to call up students and say that they won scholarship from some organization. If you’ve never heard or applied in that organization, don’t deal with them because they’re most likely a scam.  If you do talk to them, get their name, the organization, the address, and call back number --  they might hang up on you.  Beware as they may try to call a second or third time

College Application Redemption Fee Scam

A college application redemption fee  ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutual_fund_fees_and_expenses)   is another phone scam that students should be aware of. These scammers sometimes quote legit information to convince you they are from the college and then ask for a processing fee when you decide to avail of it. Keep in mind that schools usually release their usual application fees outright for the student’s benefit.  When you ask questions, you will see that they break down.




*  We do want to make a comment about for profit schools.  I have nothing against them, however, you need to be VERY VERY careful before you sign on,  We get a lot of horror stories once the student signs on and is in the program.  


1.  If the school goes belly up, and it does happen, you are not only out of pocket the money, but there is no paper to go with it either.


2.  These schools have "admissions directors", but they are really "sales people".  They are not apart of any educational organization, they have no training, and they make promises long enough to get you into the school.  


3.  These schools will have you fill out financial aid papers like a regular school, and then you find that a parent or other person must CO SIGN...... this should be a BIG RED FLAG.  The only person who signs legitimate financial aid papers is the school and the student.. there is no co-signers, unless your parents are taking a loan to cover their contribution share. 


4. For profit schools can be more expensive that a 4 year private school, and the degree is on a 4th tier level.  You never make enough to compensate yourself on these plans.




SENIORS, COLLEGE TRANSFERS, and THOSE LOOKING TO VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS...  get a college consultant to assist you.  We are trained.  We know the scams and programs, we visit the schools, and while we all have fees, they are a lot less and can save you thousands of dollars in financial mistakes.