Just Because You're Already In College. . .

. . .Doesn't Mean You Should Stop looking For Money To Pay For It!

Unless you have a full ride, or a money tree in the backyard that wasn't felled by Hurricane Sandy/Nor'Easter Athena, those tuition bills and related college expenses keep on coming -- after the freshman year, sophomore year and senior year (and sometimes well beyond that)!   So, too, should (MUST) the strident search for scholarships, grants and other sources of financial aid continue once you are in college.  

That said, I will avail myself of this opportunity to remind you of that old standby, the monthly, No Essay Required, $2000 Scholarship at College Prowler. http://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/159911-college-prowler-2000-no-essay-scholarship

This is truly a no-brainer, and, as many of you know, COLLEGE CONNECTION had 3 students  win $2000 each last year simply by entering what amounts to a sweepstakes. Not bad for 5 minutes of effort. [Great work if you can get it! :-)]  

There are literally hundreds of scholarship contests like this, open to college students, requiring little more than filling out a short form, at scholarship search engines such as fastweb.com, meritaid.com, collegeprowler.com, zinch.com. [There are also college-specific scholarships to seek out and apply for right at the school you are currently attending.] But again, to have to be in it to win it!!!  

Search. Review. Apply. The more scholarships you apply for, the better the chances of getting money for college. [And since you don't have to send out college applications this year, you should have plenty of extra time on your hands in which to look and apply for scholarships! :-)]

And speaking of money for college, if you completed and submitted the FAFSA this year, you MUST submit it again (on or after January 1, 2013) in order to be considered for financial aid next year.  In most instances, same goes for the submission of the CSS Profile IN ADDITION to FAFSA. [The CSS Profile should be completed and submitted as soon as possible, if you have not already done so!]  

Check with your college's financial aid office to see if any additional forms are needed or whether there are other prerequisites for financial aid.

NOTE: To receive institutional aid of any kind, including need and merit-based scholarships, you MUST submit FAFSA and, as required, CSS Profile each year. Be aware, as with most other college-related functions, there are deadlines for financial aid submissions.

When you are ready to get started on the financial aid "paperwork," please feel free contact COLLEGE CONNECTION to ask any questions, address any concerns, to schedule an appointment, or to simply say "hello." It is imperative that these applications be completed accurately, timely, and in a manner that will put you in the best possible position to receive the maximum financial aid award.

And remember to keep on funding that 529 Plan [See NY's 529 Plan at NYsaves.org.] It's a fantastic savings and investment vehicle, with tax advantages to boot!  

Hoping you stay well and in touch, and wishing you a warm and fulfilling Thanksgiving surrounded by family, friends and pumpkin pie.

Plan. Prepare. Prevail!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer™.

Who knows what peril lurks in the college application and admissions process? The College Whisperer™ knows. . .
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The College Whisperer™ is the Trademark of COLLEGE CONNECTION, Official Sponsor of College Admission Success. The road to college begins at COLLEGE CONNECTION! Whether you are applying to college, planning for college, paying for college or simply thinking about college, COLLEGE CONNECTION can help! Call TODAY for a FREE telephone consultation. 516-345-8766

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