Our College-Prep Expert Interview series gives parents and students an opportunity to meet an expert who can help them on their college-bound journey. We ask each expert how they got into the business of college-prep, why their work is so important and to share their biggest tips and tricks!

Expert: Ethan Sawyer

Company: College Essay Guy

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Catchphrase: Stay curious.

Why we interviewed Ethan: Through his in-person workshops, one-on-one sessions and online courses, he helps thousands of students each year write their college application essays.

 Let’s start with the big question, what do you do?

Ooh, I like that one. I help high school students discover and write their deepest, most compelling stories by using counseling exercises and screenwriting techniques. On a deeper level, I’m helping them explore their values and how their life experiences have led to them to deciding what they want to do with their lives. And, on a more literal level, I help students write their college application essays.

Specifically, I help thousands of students each year through my my in-person workshops, one-on-one sessions and online courses at www.collegeessayguy.com.

How long have you been working in the college-prep world?

Weirdly, this was my job out of college (13 years ago). But my love of writing started when I was much younger, probably around 14.

How did you get into this work?

I feel like a lot of my life–even early on–led me here. Growing up, I lived in Ecuador, Colombia, and Spain, and I had to learn to ask great questions with people I met. So listening deeply to people’s stories and forming more personal connections is something that’s always really valuable to me, and continued to be as I studied theater and screenwriting in college. When I got a job helping students write personal statements after college I started to see what a powerful process it was. I watched it change their lives, and I suppose it changed mine.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned through your experience?

We have the power to decide what events in our lives meant, and mean. That’s a superpower and it’s one that students learn (or strengthen) as they go through the personal statement writing process.

Why is your work so important?

I think sometimes students enter this process thinking it’s just another writing assignment, but for some it ends up meaning much more. Here’s an excerpt from an email from a student I worked with this year:

I don’t know how to say this, but I guess writing that Common App essay about my biological father allowed me to face certain repressed emotions in a logical and realistic manner. It sounds kind of dumb to say that a college essay helped me with personal issues which once were way beyond my comprehension, but it did. And I want to sincerely thank you for that, for showing me that there is power in vulnerability and it in fact makes us stronger than we believe.

That’s why it’s important.

Who is your typical client/customer?

That’s tough. We work with students from all over the world, from first-gen students in Northern California to nature wildlife photographers from India (I wrote that plural, but we’ve just had one) and everyone in between. I’ll tell you that I most enjoy working with students who have worked hard in high school, are responsive by email, and enjoy writing.

What have you found your clients/customers struggle with the most?

Procrastination. I’ve done something about this, though, recently: connected them with an accountability coach to keep them on task! #Works

What is the most important piece of advice you give them?

When possible, consider writing about an unusual topics. If that’s not possible, at least make unusual connections, because the more generic the topic, the more unusual the insights need to be. It’s hard to explain this briefly, but basically if you’re going to write about basketball, don’t emphasize how it taught you cliche values like hard work, perseverance and discipline (snooze), tell me how it taught you to set healthy boundaries, or the value of privacy. That’s a more interesting essay, and much more likely to get you noticed among the many basketball (or violin or mission trip) essays.

Do you have any tips or tricks to share with families on the college-bound journey?

I think it’s important for parents to ask students how they’d like to be supported on the journey–that’s a great starting question. One fun way to support students is to visit schools together, or perhaps plan a trip together. When Junior/Senior year roll around it can also help, especially with super-involved parents, to designate one day (or one hour) per week as “college talk” day or hour, so it doesn’t monopolize all your conversations.

What is your favorite college-prep resource?

In terms of developing a school list, I love Steven Antonoff’s lists in The College Finder, which are also available online through collegexpress.com. In terms of essays, my book is pretty good!

What is one thing that makes what you do unique?

I’ve been told by several people that when I’m with them they feel like they’re the only person in my world. I try to bring that quality to my counseling.

What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?

Last week my wife and I took my daughter to Disneyland for the first time. It was pretty amazing. We’re already planning our trip back, so maybe that’s my new favorite thing.

Anything else we should know?

I’ve always got something new cooking and the best way to find out about it is to sign up for my mailing list at www.collegeessayguy.com.

The post Expert Interview: Ethan Sawyer appeared first on ScholarPrep.

This is a guest blog post written by our friends at Noodle Pros, an exclusive group of experienced, professional tutors who work in all tests and subjects, from Pre-K to Graduate School. Their tutors have up to 31 years of test prep experience, and are located in 11 major cities, internationally, and are available online. We encourage you to learn more about Noodle Pros!

There are many different opinions out there about the importance of standardized test scores. Our experienced tutors have advice for parents and students who are wondering how test scores will affect their applications. Here are some top questions we often hear:

1. What is the role of test scores in the candidate’s application packet? How do higher or lower test scores impact a candidate’s application?

Strong test scores are an important way for candidates to strengthen their applications. Although test scores by themselves do not necessarily preclude or guarantee admission, I always remind my students that their SAT/ACT scores are indeed a large factor, though not the only one, that colleges use to help gauge the applicant’s readiness for college-level work. Applicants should put their best foot forward by ensuring that all components of their applications—including test scores—are as strong as possible. For most applicants, this means that they should work to be in at least the middle range (25^th-75^th percentiles) of ACT/SAT scores for admitted students in order to be competitive in the admissions process. Through good preparation—including mock tests, focused work on requisite skills and techniques, and one-on-one tutoring, students can achieve scores that will bring them one step closer to receiving an offer of admission.

– Leanne Dodge, SAT and ACT Expert, Yale PhD

2. How can higher test scores help a student to get off the waitlist?

If the standardized test score you used on your application isn’t up to the level of your GPA, then retaking the test and attaining a higher score (even on just part of the test for schools that superscore) could assist your getting accepted off the waitlist. This, in addition to strong grades for your most recent quarter, are two of the biggest differences you can make to impact your waitlist status. Getting help for both your grades and test scores would be a good idea: see your teacher after school, buddy up with a friend who is getting an A in the course, or find a tutor to help you out. Also, remember to be in communication with the college where you want to get off the waitlist, and, if possible, visit the campus.

– Jonathan Arak, 31-Year Test Prep Veteran

3. How do higher test scores contribute to a student’s profile in athletic recruiting?

Higher test scores can be especially important for prospective college athletes. If you think you might be recruited to play intercollegiate athletics, consider starting your test preparation for the SAT or ACT early in your junior year or even during the summer before sophomore year. Each spring, coaches try to put together a preliminary recruiting list of current juniors they are targeting for their teams. Although they consider many factors, including GPA, position played, and skill level, coaches are expected to provide their colleges’ admissions committees with a list of recruits who meet a minimum average threshold for average SAT or ACT scores. Many coaches will not add prospective recruits to their preliminary lists without an official test score that’s close to the number they need, so athletes should aim to hit near that target by mid-spring of junior year. If an athlete can score above a coach’s target number, those extra points can be a substantial advantage in admissions–higher scores allow the coach to recruit another player with scores below the target. So if you want to play a sport in college, start early and aim high.

– Brendan Mernin, SAT/ACT and Admissions Expert

4. How can test scores affect a student’s financial aid package?

Many students and parents are aware that the PSAT doubles as a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP). Every year, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) selects 7,500 Merit Scholarship finalists from a pool of the highest-scoring PSAT students. Each finalist is awarded $2,500 from the NMSC toward his or her college tuition. Some of these finalists also receive either corporate-sponsored or college-sponsored awards through the program.

In addition to obtaining scholarship money through the NMSP, students can maximize their financial aid packages by achieving high scores on other standardized tests, including the SAT and ACT, as well as some AP exams. Most undergraduate institutions offer both need-based and merit-based financial aid packages. High standardized test scores can not only increase a student’s need-based financial aid package, but also help that student qualify for merit-based grants through the school itself or state-sponsored programs.

– Kate Fisher, SAT/ACT and AP Expert

What questions do YOU have about the role of test scores? Let us know in the comments!

The post Role of test scores in college applications and financial aid appeared first on ScholarPrep.

Test Taking Strategies + SAT Tips

In part 1 of this post, we talked about How to Prepare + ACT Tips. Today we have some strategies for you to use to boost your score on these standardized tests. We will also give you some specific tips for the SAT test.

Standardized Exam Strategies

• There’s no penalty for a wrong answer, so when you have three to five minutes left in a section, go bubble in all the answers you have blank.
  • TIP: When bubbling in guesses, be consistent with the letter you guess. For example, always choose A/F or C/H. Don’t skip around.
• Circle the letter in your test booklet in case you get off on your bubbling; you can check your answers easier.
  • TIP: It works well for some people to answer the questions on a page by circling the answer, and then bubbling all the answers from that page one time.
• Use process of elimination: mark out the wrong answers first.
• Trust yourself. Do NOT second guess yourself. Once you answer a question, move on and do NOT come back to it unless you have extra time at the end.
• Don’t waste too much time on any one question. You shouldn’t spend more than the following time on each type of question. If you’re stuck, skip it and come back. 

Bonus Tip: If you’re skipping questions to come back to them, make a light mark on the answer sheet so you don’t forget to go back and answer it–even if it is just a guess!

SAT Tips:

SAT Math

• Two sections of math include one 55-minute, 38 question section where calculators are permitted and one 24-minute, 20 question section where calculators are NOT prohibited.
• Formulas are given but you must know how to solve the problems with and without the calculator.
• Circle key words and underline the actual question being asked to help your brain focus on the specifics.
• What to study:
  • Problem solving and data analysis including ratios, percentages, and proportional reasoning
  • Linear equations and systems
  • Algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
• Easier questions are at the beginning of each type of questions (multiple choice & grid-ins).
  • The beginning grid-ins are easier than the final multiple choice questions.

SAT Reading & Writing

• Sources vary for answers. Pay attention to passages, tables, charts and knowledge you bring into the room with you.
• All questions are evidenced-based; you must be able to analyze, synthesize, and interpret information.
• The best answer is always the one that has evidence supporting it.
• Read the easiest passages for you first.
• You will find the easier questions are near the end of each section.
• Questions are noted in the text with the question number and in a gray box.
• Stemless questions are problems without a specific question but rather underlined text and you have to decide if the sentence structure or wording should be changed. There is a “no change” answer if you feel no change is necessary.
  • Read the context around the underlined portion to make the best decision.
  • “Delete the underlined portion” is also a possible answer for stemless question.

SAT Essay

• You will be graded on your ability to utilize evidence, reasoning and persuasive elements when creating your essay.
  • Do NOT make up your own facts or statistics; stick to the evidence provided in the passage.
  • Types of evidence to use:
    • Facts
    • Statistics
    • Quotations
    • Experiment or other research results
    • Examples from the text
• The following tips are what to look for when “unpacking” the essay to answer the prompt:
  • The persuasive element will be based on professional credentials, emotions, or logic.
  • Pay attention to the diction used. You will be able to determine if it’s formal or casual writing, which will allow you to determine the type of persuasion used.
  • Sentence structure, metaphorical language, tone, register and syntax are all important to recognize when reading the argument/writing.
• Describe HOW the author makes a point.
• Capture the main ideas in your response.
  • Do not summarize the author’s work.
• Do not focus on a long list of rhetorical elements, but rather only a few well-made points.
• Write an outline, compose a draft, revise & edit, then write your final draft.

Bonus Tip: Check out the glossary and examples provided by Khan Academy to assist with deciphering the evidence, reasoning and persuasive elements used in the essay you will create a response to.

Don’t forget to prepare for test day so that you can apply these strategies effectively. To help you do your best on test day, we have created a Test Day Planning Guide.

DOWNLOAD THE TEST DAY PLANNING GUIDE

The last two sections of the ScholarPrep Organizer are blank for you to utilize for whatever you need. This may be a good spot to make notes about the exam: what was easy/difficult, what you need to remember, etc… Also, don’t forget to record your exam dates, scores and login information in the testing section of the ScholarPrep Organizer.

Have you used any of these strategies before? Share what has helped you in the comments below!

The post Test Tips & Strategies: Part 2 of 2 appeared first on ScholarPrep.

This is a guest blog post written by our friend Angela, the founder and owner of P-A Financial Services (PAFS). She works to increase financial literacy among children, teens, and young adults. While working in the financial services industry, Angela discovered that many teens and young adults were just like her when she was in high school and college; a young person without the skills and knowledge to manage her money. Today, she is sharing her knowledge with children, teens, and young adults who are getting ready to enter their adults lives. We encourage you to learn more about P-A Financial Services (PAFS).

My personal philosophy for my kid’s education has been that they do not have to go to college, but I want them to be able to go to college if that is their desire. I fought long and hard to obtain my undergraduate and graduate degrees later in life, and I did not want my kids to go through the same experience. While my philosophy translated to academically and emotionally preparing them, it didn’t translate as well when preparing for the financial cost.

Early in our marriage funds were tight and setting aside money for our young children’s college was difficult. My husband was good with numbers and finances, but I knew little about budgeting and even less about investing. Also, when our kids were one and two years of age, it seems like college is years and years away. We felt like there will always be time to start a college fund. We did get around to saving some money, but college costs have doubled in the past 20 years according to College Board.

According to Travis Mitchell in his U.S. News article, Chart: See 20 Years of Tuition Growth at National Universities, they have more than doubled. Mitchell states the average increase in costs for private National Universities is shocking at 179%. He goes on to share that increases in out-of-state and in-state tuition and fees for public universities are worse at 226% and 296%, respectively.

Not only did we not prepare or anticipate such staggering increases in college costs, but we were also slow to prepare our kids to assist with everyday costs while attending college. College is a time when kids are in flux. They are old enough to be independent but still need financial assistance.

Here is a list of some of the expenses that kids still incur while at college:

• Personal Grooming: Haircuts, coloring, waxing, etc.

• Personal Hygiene Products: Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hair gels, shaving cream, razors, skin care products, and the list goes on.

• Campus Activities: Colleges plan activities that cost extra.

• Transportation: Whether a student rides a bike, has a vehicle, or takes public transportation, there are costs involved.  Bike break down, vehicles need fuel, and public transportation has fees.

• Snacks: Many colleges offer meal plans and flex dollars, but we have found it’s not enough to feed hungry college boys.

College kids do learn to go without some of these things, but many are not prepared to do so. Or, they may expect mom and dad to make college life feel like home life. In our experience, it’s good for them to learn to dial down on spending and expectations; however, preparing them and ourselves would have made the experience less stressful. How do parents prepare themselves and their kids financially for college?

They prepare by starting early, starting small, and building onto the foundation.

First, create a workable a budget.

It’s never too late to start! Never. If budgeting seems overwhelming or feels like a foreign language, get educated. There are many resources and people out there who want to help.  Also, do not stick to just one resource. Learn from as many resources as you can to learn different ways of managing finances.

Second, begin saving money.

There are some great programs out there that allow for saving for even tight budgets. One example is Acorns, an investment company that rounds up purchases to the nearest whole dollar and deposits the difference into an investment account. The way it works for participants is if a purchase is $23.46, for example, the purchase is rounded up to $24.00. The difference of 54¢ is deposited into their account. Our oldest son has been using this Acorns for over a year now. The program lets your pick the risk level you are comfortable with, but not which funds are invested. He had $5.00 in his account in the first week. Multiplying that over 52 weeks, he could have $260 in a year depending on the number of purchases he makes. There are other investment strategies like Acorns, so ask friends and search around to discover other opportunities.

Third, if your children are young, start teaching them about budgeting their money with easy concepts they can understand.

Continue expanding their knowledge as they grow up. Don’t just focus on savings and budgeting, but teach them terminologies such as credit, debit, debts, assets, liabilities, etc. Teach them skills like writing a check and how to count back change. When they are ready, teach them how to reconcile an account. Include your kids in practicing to budget and manage money. Now, before you stop reading, hear me out. You don’t have to share your actual finances with them. You can, though, give them a small weekly allowance with the agreement that they have to budget that allowance. Sure, they will not have expenses, but you can incorporate the ideas of savings, giving, and financial discipline at an early age. They can write down purchases they make into an account register. Even if your kids are older, you can begin this process. It may be a bit painful at first, but if you make it fun and they start seeing their savings increase, most will get into the process.

Fourth, increase savings and investment strategies as your budget allows.

There are a variety of college mutual fund programs available. Once you can set aside as little as $25 a month, it’s time to talk to a financial advisor about your options. Working toward setting aside at least 10% of your monthly is a good goal. Whether your choose 10% of gross or net income is debated among many, but the more you can set aside the better.

Fifth, start talking to your kids early about prepping for college.

As I mentioned in the first paragraph, I stressed to my kids that they don’t have to go to college, but they need to study hard, so it’s an available option if they want to go. Along with studying hard, they need to plan financially and know what steps to take to get into the college of their choice. ScholarPrep suggests starting kids their 9^th-grade year; however, I think starting them in 8th grade isn’t too early. My daughter is in 11^th, and while we started a lot of planning with her in 8^th grade, I just purchased the ScholarPrep Organizer because her goals are a bit bigger than both our son’s college goals.

There is a lot we parents can do to help our kid’s prepare for college.  Whether your kids are tiny tots or already in college, it’s not too late to start prepping!

The post Building a Strong Financial Foundation for the College Years appeared first on ScholarPrep.

Money can be a stressor for all aspects of life but especially for a college student and their family. Many students overspend and have high overdraft fees from swiping their card more than they should. It’s imperative to be as financially prepared as possible when leaving your parents’ house so you can focus on academics, enjoying the college experience and not be financially stressed out.

1. Create a Budget

A budget is a financial plan to help visualize and keep track of income and expenses. A college budget should include income from all sources, academic expenses, living expenses, and personal expenses. Prioritizing expenses BEFORE you get to college will be a time-saver and will help you in focusing on spending money on the necessary items.

Keeping a budget can be as easy as setting up an Excel file, using free apps, or creating one one on paper. The point of a budget is to plan out exactly how you will spend your money so you do not overspend completely, or spend too much money on fun and entertainment leaving you no gas or food money.

Steps to creating a budget:

1. Determine income.
2. Add up your income to know how much you can spend.
3. Determine academic expenses. Paying your academic expenses first is important; it is the reason for “flying the coop” and starting your future!
4. Determine living expenses. You have to live somewhere and be safe. It will NOT always be the nicest dorm, apartment, or house. But, it does need to be safe and comfortable for you. Cable TV isn’t always necessary; using the Internet to stream TV and movies can be an alternative. Living expenses can be cut down to make it easier to pay each month. As a college student, you may not have the luxuries you grew up with and that’s okay!
5. Determine personal expenses.
6. Input the information to determine actual versus budgeted income and spending.
7. Evaluate and adjust on a continuous basis.

We have created a printable worksheet to help you begin your college budget today! There is a column for what you budget, one for you to update with your actual expenses, and a page to determine the difference. This will assist you in evaluating and readjusting your budget as needed.

 

PRO TIP: When purchasing textbooks, you don’t always need to purchase new ones. This will help minimize academic expenses. Check out these sources for less expensive used textbooks. Amazon, Half.com, Textbook Recycling, and BookRenter.

2. Free Resources

There are many free apps to help you budget your money. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the apps and budgeting before leaving your parents’ house and flying solo. Below are four free apps that can be utilized to track your spending and keep you within your budget.

1. Mint
2. Toshl Finance
3. Left to Spend (iOS)
4. Debt Payoff Planner (Android)

BONUS TIP: If budgeting is a foreign concept and you want some practice, log in to Cash Course for free budgeting practice!

3. Free Services & Entertainment

College students are always offered FREE services and entertainment. Do not be afraid to take advantage of them. Different organizations often offer free lunches, movie nights, concerts, and so forth. Keep up to date on your campus and take full advantage of the free entertainment rather than using your hard earned and limited cash flow.

BONUS TIP: Always carry your student ID. Many restaurants, entertainment facilities and other places give discounts if you are a student. Use that ID!

4. Credit Cards: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

There are always credit card companies ready to offer cards to college students regardless of employment status. Credit cards can help you build credit which will be useful in the future when you plan on purchasing a car, home or other item with a loan.

Credit cards can also be considered dancing with the devil if you’re not responsible with them. Charging more than one can pay off, the debt snowballing until it’s out of control, and leaving one in huge credit card debt is what many college students experience.

Only making the minimum payment will cause you to pay more interest than the original amount charged. For example, if Jane Doe had a $1000 credit card bill and had to pay 3% or $10 whichever was higher, her minimum payment would be $30. Not bad, that’s affordable. But, how much actually goes to the original balance and how much goes to interest?

• Debt: $1,000
• Payment: $30
• Interest: $1000 * 20% (interest charged) / 12 = $16.67
• Actual Payment: $30-$16.67 = $13.33
• Remaining Balance: $1000 – $13.33 = $986.67

Tips to Managing a Credit Card:

• Pay it off every month. If you can’t, make no less than the minimum payment.
• Practice willpower and self discipline by purchasing only needs not wants. You don’t need a new top for girls night out or a video game that just came out.
• When signing up for a card, get one that offers rewards of some sort such as cash back, hotel points, frequent flyer miles, etc.
• Track your spending and know your limit. Never let your card debt raise higher than 25% of your credit limit. This means you must know your limit and how much you can budget to pay back.
• Watch your credit score and ensure you’re not a target for fraud. You can check your credit score at Credit Karma.

BONUS TIP: When the full payment cannot be made, always try to add $10 or more to the minimum payment to reduce the amount of interest paid.

5. Bank Accounts & The Envelope System

Banks are a good, safe place to keep your funds. Banks also allow parents to deposit money without sending cash, checks, or money orders.

• Make sure you set up a student account as they do not usually incur monthly charges.
• Be aware of ATM fees.
• Pay attention to your balance and your spending to avoid overdrawing your account, which could incur an additional fee.
• Automate savings so the money is taken out of your account immediately without you being tempted to take it out and replace it at a later time.

The envelope system allows you to see the money and not swipe a card. You see the money disappear from the envelope and know that funds are low in that area. The key is to have willpower and be diligent in not moving money around from envelopes to spend money on something NOT budgeted for at that time. Having an envelope for each expense listed in your budget is key.

BONUS TIP: If the envelope system interests you click here for step-by-step details on how to be efficient, effective and successful.

Remember, your parents will not be there to say no when you are spending your money and having a budget as a visual reminder of what you should spend your money on will be extremely helpful. Your financial background follows you and leads to your credit score. Make good decisions!

Do you already budget? What’s your favorite method of tracking expenses? Let us know what you’re doing and what works and doesn’t work for you!

The post Managing a Budget in College appeared first on ScholarPrep.

Our College-Prep Expert Interview series gives parents and students an opportunity to meet an expert who can help them on their college-bound journey. We ask each expert how they got into the business of college-prep, why their work is so important and to share their biggest tips and tricks! DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase one of the products linked, I’ll receive a small commission. You will NOT be charged any additional fees if purchasing through an affiliate link.

Expert: Lauren Gaggioli

Company: Higher Scores Test Prep & The College Checklist Podcast                 

Location: The World Wide Web (Broadcasting from San Diego, CA)

Catchphrase: ACCURACY > SPEED

Why we interviewed Lauren: She helps students get higher ACT & SAT scores in order to help them earn more cash for college. She’s taught in pretty much every manner possible, but loves offering courses online because it’s more affordable and flexible!

How long have you been working in the college-prep world?

10 years! Yikes!

How did you get into this work?

I graduated from NYU with a BFA in theater and decided to move home to LA after college. I needed something to pay the bills that was flexible enough to accommodate auditions so I started tutoring.

I fell in love with helping students get higher ACT & SAT scores and gave up acting to pursue it full-time.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned through your experience?

Connection is important.

Many families are shelling out serious cash for lackluster results. Often disappointment occurs because a teacher or tutor comes highly recommended but doesn’t connect well with the student.

Referrals are a wonderful way to find prep providers, but families need to dig a little deeper.

Leap-frogging from one test prep ideology to another causes a lot of stress for the student. The whole family – but most importantly the student – needs to be all in on the same test prep program before registering.

As I tell anyone who calls me: make sure your student at least watches a video or two of mine before you buy. My strategies work, but if my voice is nails on a chalkboard to your child, test prep will be a constant struggle.

Families need to not only find a quality test prep company, but also make sure the student connects with the teacher or tutor before moving forward.

Why is your work so important?

Cash – more specifically merit aid and private scholarships.

College is expensive and test scores have the power to create tremendous financial opportunities for students – and not just for high scoring students.

I had a Higher Scores graduate, Darius, and his mother as guests on my podcast recently and they shared that he had won $160,000 at his dream school, Wake Forest.

What a tremendous reward for his hard work! And he’s not alone.

If you know where to look, you can find cash for college in your ACT or SAT score. That knowledge can change the trajectory of a student’s whole life.

It’s really humbling to be able to help families with the most stressful part of college admissions – cost – and help them find relief from it.

Who is your typical client?

My typical family has a busy college-bound sophomore, junior, or senior who needs a convenient ACT or SAT prep program that will fit into his or her hectic schedule.

Usually, the family understands the importance of the test scores but the student is struggling to achieve his or her score goals.

Most of my families are wary about online prep at first. There’s concern about whether or not students will get what they need from a video-based program, but they often buy for the convenience of it.

The way my courses are constructed allows students of all levels to find their perfect-fit strategies. They meet students where they are and guide them, step-by-step, to where they want to be.

I’ve worked with students who came in with ACT and SAT scores that were already in the 90^th percentile who ended up getting perfect or near-perfect scores.

I’ve also helped frustrated “bad testers” stuck with ho-hum, middle of the road score push their scores into ranges that allowed them to stand out and win scholarships.

The affordable price and convenience of my programs are usually why families sign up, but the results are what cause them to leave rave reviews!

What have you found your clients struggle with the most?

I know that sounds silly, but the “My friend said this…” or “This person said that…” is probably the biggest obstacle I come up against.

I call it the Keeping Up With the Jones’s Kids mentality. All the noise out there about the “best ways” to do things on the road to college is distracting.

But there is more than 1 way to skin a cat.

Mine is not the only prep philosophy that works well; however, if  you try to blend advice from different test prep sources it will work at cross purposes which causes stress for the student and will diminish his or her scores.

This is one of the reasons that I still take the ACT and SAT as an adult.

Not only is it good practice to make sure I know what’s on the exam from experience, but my scores also validate my expertise with these exams in a way that no referral or review can because I can show you my official results of a 35 on the ACT and a 1580 on the SAT.

When deciding how to prepare, do you research early to make sure you’re working with someone you trust and then commit fully to that way of approaching the ACT or SAT.

What is the most important piece of advice you give them?

ACCURACY > SPEED

This funny little expression is the cornerstone of everything I teach.

Students are always stressed about the timing of the exams. Whenever I ask prospective students how a practice test went, the comment is usually that the test was too fast or they didn’t finish a particular section.

Timing isn’t the reason students aren’t getting the ACT or SAT scores they want. A lack of accuracy is.

It doesn’t matter if students cross the finish line if they insist on moving so quickly that they lose points along the way. Most students are surprised by how few questions they need to answer correctly to improve their scores.

This is truly a case of less is more.

The trouble is that not finishing a test doesn’t feel good. It doesn’t feel right. Our brains tell us we’re doing something wrong.

Using ACCURACY > SPEED as the foundation, I teach students how to reclaim the timing from ACT or College Board.

It gives them a sense of control and, once they prove to themselves that they can indeed raise their scores without answering every question, they’re like Neo from The Matrix.

They can see through the falsely constructed (albeit legitimately distracting) limitation. Then the sky’s the limit!

Do you have any tips or tricks to share with families on the college-bound journey?

Wear selectively permeable blinders.

What I mean by that is do your best to avoid the noise. Pick your 2 or 3 amazing sources of college information and only focus your attention there. Ignore everything else.

The ScholarPrep blog is a great place to start!

I’d also add that you should always put advice – even from trusted sources –  through the lens of logic.

Many families are so frantic on the road to college that they try to do everything. Instead, commit to completing family-wide gut checks. Collectively ask the question “Is this task, choice, or path right for us?” often.

Students don’t have to do everything to get into college. Rather, doing less helps your student tell a more powerful story about what’s most important to him or her.

Pursue what feels natural and authentic for your student and family.

This will help you limit the stress around the college admissions process and find a great college fit too!

What is your favorite college prep resource?

Am I allowed to say my podcast? I hope so!

I love The College Checklist Podcast – not just because I host it, but because hosting the show has taught me so much about the college admissions process.

It’s been a tough journey at times as I come to terms with the fact that I got college admissions all wrong in high school. But, fortunately, that has sparked a passion in me to help today’s students avoid the many mistakes I made.

I’m so excited for the incredible opportunities available to today’s young people and honored to be able to share some of them with families each week on the show.

It’s also the reason we met, Jordan, so that’s pretty amazing too!

What is one thing that makes what you do unique?

The thing that stands out as my most unique offering is how unified the ideology at Higher Scores Test Prep is.

Not only am I the curriculum creator and teacher who still takes the ACT & SAT as an adult, I’m also the marketing and sales rep.

There’s a philosophy that underlies every step of a family’s experience with me. It’s how can we make test prep as low-stress and highly successful an experience as possible for your family.

That ideology guides the kind of information I put out on my podcast and my blog. It guides our conversation as I help you plan your student’s testing timeline. It guides how I teach my courses.

The partitions that have to happen when you have a big company don’t exist for me because I choose to wear most of the hats here at Higher Scores – and can because I’ve elected to leverage the internet to help teach my courses.

I bring the feeling of a Mom & Pop shop to the internet in a way that allows me to reach a lot of people but still remain accessible to my students and families.

I think that’s really special anywhere today but especially in the test prep industry.

Why is your catch-phrase ACCURACY > SPEED?

This is true on the tests but it’s also important in life.

In the internet age, we have access to incredible amounts of information with just a quick Google search. We’re all running so fast and so hard but it’s tough not to feel that we’re always behind too.

Taking the time to make sure we’re doing good, deep work is imperative. We run the risk of living only on the surface when we skitter along as quickly as possible towards the various finish lines of life.

Be present, be deliberate, and enjoy the journey.

What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?

I brew my own beer, which is loads of fun. Some of my homebrews have even won awards!

I’m also a bona fide Disney fanatic. I’m an Annual Passholder at Disneyland and Walt Disney World and run the runDisney half marathons as often as possible.

Anything else we should know?

I have a phone number. If you have questions about testing or college admissions, please call me. I’m happy to help you.

760-814-9655

Let’s chat.

The post Expert Interview: Lauren Gaggioli appeared first on ScholarPrep.

This is a guest blog post written by our friend at Exceptionally Emily. Emily is a current college freshman who strives to simplify the college application process for students and their parents by sharing her advice and admissions experiences. We encourage you to learn more about Exceptionally Emily and check out the original post! 

It’s mid-March, and it seems like colleges are releasing decisions every day. Now that high school seniors have heard/will be hearing shortly about all of their college acceptances, it’s time to pick a school! After you know where you’ve been accepted, there are a couple things you can do to make the process of choosing where you’ll be attending easier.

Join the Facebook group

Most schools have created Facebook groups for their prospective students to join. There are often current students in the group as well- they can answer any questions about college life you may have! You will also get a feel for the types of classmates you would have and whether or not you think you would fit in. Searching for “(college name) Class of 2020” on Facebook will usually find the group for you.

Compare all of the colleges you’ve been accepted to

Weighing the pros and cons of the universities can be overwhelming! Laying all the facts out on a spreadsheet can be a great way to compare colleges to each other. Make sure to check out this free printable for help!

Visit

Attending an admitted student day (or just visiting campus) can be a great way to get a feel for the campus atmosphere. Even if you have visited before, it can be beneficial to go again.

Attend an admitted student reception in your area

If you live far from campus, the college admissions department may have coordinated a reception in your area. These functions are usually held at a local restaurant or hotel and can be very beneficial to attend! There are usually parents, alumni, staff, and students present to answer any questions you have.

Apply for scholarships

Keep applying for scholarships after you’ve been accepted! Free money is always a good thing. Look for school specific scholarships (on the college’s website) as well as local and national opportunities.

Best of luck narrowing down your college options!

The post So, you’ve been accepted.. now what? appeared first on ScholarPrep.

Spring break is a much needed vacation from school, but don’t let the week pass you by with nothing to show for it.

Planning for college takes time, but it can be tough to fit it in when you’re busy with school, sports, volunteering, extracurriculars, competitions, and spending time with family and friends. Take advantage of the extra free time you have over spring break by doing a little planning for college.

Here are two college-prep tasks to make the most of your spring break:

1. NARROW DOWN YOUR COLLEGE LIST

Having your college list started early will help you focus your energy during high school. This is a very important first step to figuring out what type of requirements you need to meet (standardized test scores, course rigor, level of involvement and achievement, etc…)

Whether you’ve already applied and you need help picking a college, or you’re just a freshman trying to figure out where to start: spring break is a great time to think about your college list. First, create your college list, then narrow it down and prioritize colleges by interest level and likelihood of acceptance.

Here are some factors to consider when narrowing down your list:

• School size
• Location
• Academic programs
• Activities available to students
• Cost
• Campus culture and atmosphere
• Amenities

Next, separate your list of schools into categories:

• Dream Schools (High Interest Level/Low Acceptance Rate)
• Interest Schools (Moderate Interest Level/Average Acceptance Rate)
• Safety Schools (Low Interest Level/High Acceptance Rate)

Take some time to journal over break about your thoughts, feelings, concerns, and questions about the schools on your list. How do they compare on each of the factors above? Why did you categorize them the way you did? This will help you narrow that list down – and maybe even make a decision!

Download this printable College List Worksheet to get started on this task:

2. SEARCH & APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Spring break is a great time to search for scholarships. Not only will this help you prepare for the scholarship application process that you’ll go through your senior year, you can also start earning money for college now. There a ton of scholarships out there for juniors, but there are others that are open to all high school students.

Seniors, don’t be discouraged, there are still scholarships out there that you can apply for, but you have to invest time in searching!

Finding scholarships you’re eligible for takes time. Then, you have to apply, and probably write an essay. It’s kind of like having a lot of extra homework, with one major exception: you can earn MONEY for college by taking this “homework” seriously.

Winning scholarships is a job.

In fact, if it takes you a total of 10 hours to find just one $750 scholarship, fill out the application, write the essay and submit all of the required materials, receiving that scholarship would mean you made $75 per hour! That’s way better than a part-time job (and many full-time jobs)!

BONUS TIP: Before you start signing up for college search websites and submitting applications, sign up for an e-mail address that is professional. This is the one you will want to use for everything college and scholarship related. For instance: FirstName.LastName@example.com

Wondering where to look?

• Check out our post about where to ACTUALLY look for scholarships! Hint: don’t forget about those small local awards – they add up quickly!
• Even if you’re not a senior, you can be searching and applying for scholarships. Our friends at JLV College Counseling do a wonderful job of compiling lists of scholarship opportunities for students of all ages!

Finally, stay organized on your search. Use our scholarship tracking spreadsheet to keep track of deadlines, awards, requirements and more.

Download the Scholarship Tracking Spreadsheet:

Let us know in the comments below what progress you made over spring break! Do you feel more prepared?

The post Make the most of spring break by planning for college appeared first on ScholarPrep.

Paying for college is not something to be taken lightly. The FAFSA4caster allows students and families to estimate the amount of federal financial aid they might receive based on their college or university of choice, household income and assets.

Federal financial aid can be a large sum of money to assist in paying for tuition, fees, and more. However, it will not cover 100% of your expenses.

The FAFSA4caster estimates the estimated family contribution (EFC) which can include money parents give to students or money made from working a job while attending school.

Before you begin, keep in mind:

• You will need to input parent’s gross income and estimated net worth for the FAFSA4caster estimate.
• You will need to do use the estimator for each college or university on your list. The estimates can be different based on institution costs.

The Simple Process:

1. Go to the FAFSA4caster page.
2. Follow the step-by-step instructions to obtain your estimate.
3. Questions you will be asked:
   • Adjusted gross income
   • Number of people in the house
   • Estimated asset net worth
   • Citizenship of student
   • Demographics of student
   • Parent information
   • College intended on attending
   • College costs including tuition, fees, room, board, books and other expenses (note: College Navigator helps you find the costs if you’re not sure)
   • Grants and scholarships (if amount is known)

Once the information is filled in, the FAFSA4caster estimates your pell grant and student loan amounts. Remember, this is just an estimate and should be utilized to determine the EFC and help you plan for paying for college. Exact amounts will not be known until the FAFSA is filled out and a college or university is chosen, applied to, and you are accepted.

NOTE: The amount given is for an academic year with the assumption you will be a full-time student.

Use the FAFSA4caster to help your family prepare for the costs of attending college. Knowing an estimated amount of federal financial aid and the EFC will help ease the stress of the upcoming costs. You can also use this information to set a goal for the amount of scholarships you need to win. 

Remember, we’re talking about your future and planning is key.

Have you used the FAFSA4caster? Were you surprised at the amount or did you expect what was given? Share your experience using the FAFSA4caster with us!

The post What is the FAFSA4caster? appeared first on ScholarPrep.

The post 10-Point Checklist to Help Your Child Secure Money for College appeared first on ScholarPrep.

Saving for your children’s education is extremely important. The sooner you plan and save, the more money your child will have for their college education and less money out of your pocket while they attend school. Tuition and fees have steadily increased and are continuing to do so. Learning about and investing in a 529 Savings Plan can help you save money, be more prepared or future expenses, and less stressed about finances while your child attends college.

What is a 529 Savings Plan

A 529 Savings Plan is a state-sponsored tax-advantaged savings plan. All 50 states have some type of savings plan; some private colleges and universities sponsor a prepaid tuition plan as well. Setting up a savings plan and inviting family members to contribute is a true gift that will be appreciated for years.

BONUS TIP: Savingforcollege.com publishes an annual 529 Fee Study compares direct-sold 529 savings plans. Check it out here.

There are two types of 529 plans to help families save and be more ready for the expenses of college: a prepaid tuition plan and a college savings plan. The differences between the two types of plans are outlined in the chart below.

What’s Covered?

All qualified education expenses are covered by the 529 Savings Plan.

• Tuition
• Fees
• Books and supplies
• Equipment required by school
• Room and board
• Computers & peripherals (i.e. software, printers, etc.)

BONUS TIP: Room and board are covered on and off campus. Groceries are also covered in lieu of a meal plan; just be sure to keep your grocery receipts separate (and ensure you’re truly purchasing items that qualify as groceries).

Investment Options

Putting money away for college via a 529 Savings Plan can be done so in a very risky or conservative method. The earlier you start saving, the more risks you can take. Investing in exchange-traded portfolios are riskier and used when you begin saving for younger children with hopes of getting higher returns.

Bond funds and fixed-income funds are generally better for saving for older children as they are more conservative in the savings approach. Some states allow certificate of deposits to be tied to the index measures of the cost of college tuition.

MYTH BUSTER: Although the stock market fluctuates, the stock market has averaged 7% increase over a long-term investment. And, compounding will be effective if given enough time.

Fees, Charges & Expenses

• Management & administration
• Expenses of underlying investments
• Sales charges
• Maintenance fees
• Enrollment fee
• Penalties for withdrawing and not using for college-related expenses

Contributions & Gifts

• Maximum of $250,000 invested
• Minimum of $250 initial investment & $50 subsequent contributions
• $70,000 year in non-taxed gifts are allowed from family and friends (Usually anything over $14,000 is taxed)
• Not subject to federal tax if used properly
• If NOT used for education expenses, an income tax plus 10% is charged

BONUS TIP: You can also compare two savings plans using FINRA’s 529 Expense Analyzer to make the best, well-informed decision.

Learning about investment options, no matter how early or late in your child’s education, can help you prepare for the financial burden college costs can cause for a family. Researching, making notes and tracking the best options for you should be kept in a safe location so you can access it and update it each year. Section 12 of the ScholarPrep Organizer is a perfect spot. Saving a digital copy in your college prep folder in Google Drive or another storage location is also ideal so you can access it from anywhere with Internet capabilities.

Have you started a 529 for your children? Which plan worked best for you? Let us know your thoughts, questions, and how you are saving to give your child the gift that will last a lifetime!

The post Paying for College: 529 Savings Plan appeared first on ScholarPrep.

Our College-Prep Expert Interview series gives parents and students an opportunity to meet an expert who can help them on their college-bound journey. We ask each expert how they got into the business of college-prep, why their work is so important and to share their biggest tips and tricks!

Expert: Monica Matthews

Company: How to Win College Scholarships

Location: Michigan

Catchphrase: Helping ease the burden of student debt, one college scholarship at a time.

Why we interviewed Monica: She helps parents and students in the college scholarship process by sharing with them what she did to help her son win so many scholarships and graduate from college debt-free.

How long have you been working in the college-prep world?

I’ve been doing this since 2009.

How did you get into this work?

After my son won so much scholarship money, I had parents approach me and ask me to write down and publish the strategies that I developed. I had felt so lost when I started the scholarship process that I knew I had to do it and my guide, How to Win College Scholarships was born!

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned through your experience?

I have learned never to assume your student isn’t going to win scholarships, even if they do not win the first awards that they apply for. Never give up, just keep learning how to apply smarter!

Why is your work so important?

After I received the first few emails from parents sharing how my guide helped their students win scholarship money, I was hooked. I realized that I could play an important part in decreasing the burden of student debt that our country is plagued with.

What have you found your clients struggle with the most?

Parents struggle with motivating their students to find and apply for scholarships. Finding time to write essays is also another struggle. Students are so busy and overextended these days.

What is the most important piece of advice you give them?

I share with parents how they can play a huge role in the scholarship process with their students. By taking some of the pressure off and working together, more scholarships can be applied for and more money for college won. When students win scholarships, parents also win with smaller tuition bills!

Do you have any tips or tricks to share with families on the college-bound journey?

Families need to be open and honest about how much they can realistically afford for college. When students know that their dream school may be out of reach because of finances, they will be much more motivated to apply for scholarships.

What is your favorite college-prep resource?

I highly value the advice of Suzanne Shaffer, the Parents Countdown to College Coach. Suzanne has amazing insights into how to best parent students while they are in high school, applying for college, and while in college.

What is one thing that makes what you do unique?

This is a GREAT question. I would say…that I am a strong believer in parents partnering with their students in the college scholarship process. My guide walks them through each part of the process and gives families clear concise steps to follow that help students apply for more scholarships in less time with less stress.

What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?

I love to run! I coach middle school cross-country and love to interact with the kids. Running is a real stress reliever for me and I actually do some of my best writing in my head when I’m running the roads.

Anything else we should know?

Parents and their students should never assume they cannot win scholarship money because of financial status, grades, ACT/SAT scores, or that all good scholarships are for high school seniors only. Learning how to apply smart is imperative and I share exactly how ALL students can do this in my guide, How to Win College Scholarships.

The post Expert Interview: Monica Matthews appeared first on ScholarPrep.

This is a guest blog post written by Joe Messinger, CFP^®, ChFC^®, CLU^®, the CEO and co-founder of Capstone Wealth Partners. He is widely recognized as a trusted authority in the area of college planning and funding and is frequently asked to speak to professional groups and parents to demystify the college financial aid process. Through his work with Capstone’s College Pre-Approval™ division, he is on a mission to empower families with the tools they need to beat the high cost of college. We encourage you to learn more about Capstone Wealth Partners and check out the original post!

We hear these stories every day.  Mom, Dad, and high school junior visit a college. Junior is thrilled with the school–loves everything about it.  Mom and Dad discover too late what it will cost them.

The result?  Either devastation for the student told by his parents that he can’t go to his dream school that he worked so hard to get into.  Or massive student loan money borrowed by the student and by the parents to make it happen.

It doesn’t have to be this way!

Have a college money talk with your student before you even start your college search.  When you go shopping for a car, you don’t go shopping without a budget in mind.  You don’t test drive a Porsche only to discover what it will cost afterwards.  You already know a Porsche will set you back at least $50,000, and that price is out of your price range so you don’t even drive one because you know you will love it.

In the same way, having these conversations with your student before you start going for college test drives keeps everyone on the same page.  Make no mistake…this is an emotional buying decision.

College admissions folks are good at what they do, and they have a great product to sell.  Having a pragmatic money conversation as a family will keep hearts from being broken, and ensure students graduate with manageable student loan debt without robbing mom and dad’s retirement.  

Easier said than done, though right?  Money is an uncomfortable thing to talk about.  Most of us learned personal finance by attending the school of hard knocks.  When it comes to financing college many parents feel embarrassed because they haven’t saved enough money for college.  The reality is that every parent wishes they had more saved and started saving earlier.  You are not alone.

Let college be a powerful lesson in consumerism for young adults.  Use these tips to have a great “money conversation” with your college bound student.

What do they want?

First, determine with your student what they want from college.  Do they have a major in mind and how closely does this major match with their personalities and ultimate career goals?  Uncertainty can have a real negative effect on your bottom line.  Changing a major or transferring colleges can lead to extra years and extra costs.

Give serious consideration to whether a 4-year college is a perfect fit.  A community college can be a valuable way to cut costs and move that dream college back into the conversation with less student loan debt.  Attend a community college for two years and transfer to one of their university partners and graduate from the name brand school you desire.

In addition, cast a wide net.  With so many colleges and universities in the US, you need to explore more than the name brands.

After you have evaluated what your student needs in a college (4-year, community college, chosen major), you can take a hard look at the numbers.

Schedule a time to have the “College Money Talk”

Put it on the calendar or it won’t happen!  Sit down with your student to seriously look at the facts and answer these questions:

• How much have you saved?
• How much can you budget each month out of your paycheck?
• How much will the student be responsible for?
• How much aid do you qualify for?
• How much will it cost?
• What is the 4-year plan and the future effect?

How much you have saved is pretty straightforward, but be sure to figure the total saved as of the future date when your student enrolls.  A calculator like this one from College Board can help you figure the amount you will have saved including estimated interest at a future point in time.

Determining how much you can pay out of your paycheck each month really adds up.  For instance, $500 per month over 48 months in school is $24,000!

Choosing how much a student will be responsible for when paying for college is determined on a family-by-family basis.  Some families want to be able to pay the entire bill themselves allowing the student to start fresh after graduating.  Some families choose to have the student take on some or all of the expense either because they have no choice or because they want their student to have a personal interest at stake.

Students want to know how they will expected to participate:

• Will I be expected to work during school and over the summers?
• Will I need to take out student loans?
• How does a loan work? (They have no idea.)
• What does that mean to my financial future upon graduation?

Students need to be aware of what is expected of them before you start visiting colleges.  Will you provide a certain amount?  Will you pay for a certain number of years?  Hashing out these questions before you start your college search will save unhappiness later. Our one page worksheet can help you pull these figures together: (insert worksheet here)

Now is a good time as part of this conversation to help students understand what their budget will look like after college. A worksheet like this is a helpful tool: (insert budget here)

Before you can answer the “how much will it cost” question, you must answer the “how much aid do you qualify” for question.  Families need to know their Expected Family Contribution (EFC).  The EFC is the amount the federal government expects you to be able to afford to pay from your own pocket.  This figure may be shocking, but nevertheless you need to know it.  You can use this calculator to estimate your EFC.

Also, each college is now required to have a “Net Price Calculator” on their website.  Most of them are easy to complete, and they will give you a projected financial aid package at the university and your out of pocket cost for the year.

They typically include need based aid as well as projected merit aid your student may receive for good grades and ACT/SAT scores.  It should go without saying, but keep in mind that is for one year so multiply by 4 and keep in mind that at most schools the tuition cost will increase each year you are in school.  Be aware that student loans and work study may be included in this net price projection not just grants and scholarships.  Want an example?  Check out the Miami University’s Net Price Calculator.

Now you have an idea of how much you are expected to pay.  Not all colleges can make up the difference between sticker price and your EFC, but having the information is a valuable tool as you proceed in your college search.  You will be able to get a better idea of the “how much it will cost” question.

Tell me again why I need to go through all this?

If you have all the money saved for your child to go to whatever school they school they choose ($300,000+), you can disregard this message.  If this is not your situation and you need to get creative on how you will pay for college, it is imperative that you have the “money conversation” to reduce the stress and anxiety of the college shopping process.  Know before you go!

The post Having the College Money Talk with Your Child appeared first on ScholarPrep.

The financial burden of attending college should not keep anyone from achieving their goals and dreams. Financial assistance is available to families of all income levels. The key is taking the time to apply for assistance via the FAFSA and private awards. Receiving financial assistance is worth the time and effort it takes to apply for aid. 

Who Awards Money for Assistance?

Financial assistance is awarded primarily from four sources:

• Federal government
• State agencies
• Educational institutions
• Private agencies or foundations

Forms of Financial Assistance

Financial assistance comes mainly in three forms: “free” money that one doesn’t have to pay back, educational loans that do have to be paid back, or through a work-study program where your time is traded for a paycheck. CLICK HERE to download our Financial Aid Cheat Sheet. 

Free Money:

• Scholarships are offered by state, private and educational institutions and can be awarded based on any of the following:
  • Merit
  • Financial need
  • Characteristics/demographics
  • Career field interest
  • Athletic ability
  • College choice
• Finding scholarships will take work.
• Check out the following sources to get started:
  • Guidance counseling office
  • College financial aid office and website
  • Local business, organizations and churches
  • Online (check out this post about where to actually look for scholarships)

BONUS TIP: A scholarship resume outlines your accomplishments and will make you stand out from the other applicants. Click here for scholarship resume tips and resume samples.

• Grants are need- and merit-based awards. Eligibility is determined by what you submit on your FAFSA application. Six main grants can be awarded:
  • Pell Grant: largest & based on expected family contribution (EFC)
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: given to students with extremely low EFC
  • TEACH Grant Program: must qualify by taking specific courses and obtaining a certain job in a specified location or it turns into a loan
  • Institutional: merit- or need-based awards from your school
  • Private: specific criteria met outlined in a private application
  • State: varies from state-to-state; financial need-based

Loans:

• Student loans: students are solely responsible for any money borrowed
• Direct Subsidized Loans: government pays interest while student is enrolled in school; payment begins after a 6-month grace period
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: interest accrues while student is enrolled in school; student can pay the interest as it accumulates or wait until graduation; interest not paid while student is enrolled becomes part of the principle amount owed
• Parent loans: parents are solely responsible for any money borrowed
• Private loans: loans from private banks, organizations, or people; there are usually fewer deferment options with higher interest
• Consolidation of loans: consolidates two or more loans and is utilized when students are having difficulty with multiple payments

BONUS TIP: It will be tempting to accept money awarded to help with spending money, but you should ONLY accept the amount needed to cover qualified education expenses. Get a part-time job to cover spending and fun money.

Federal Work Study Program:

• Part-time positions
• Flexible on-campus jobs to accommodate student schedules
• At least minimum wage
• Earn money for college-related expenses and spending money
• Eligibility determined by FAFSA

CLICK HERE to download our Financial Aid Cheat Sheet, then check out this short video regarding repayment of loans and deciding what financial aid is best for you.

How Do I Apply?

The application process for financial aid varies depending on the source.

Regardless of your income level, you should complete the FAFSA. This application becomes available each year on October 1. Keep in mind that the FAFSA must be submitted every year for the following academic year. This is a key step to securing financial aid, so take some time to learn more about the FAFSA.

Complete private applications found online, through the high school counseling office, the university’s financial aid office or from community businesses and organizations. It’s important to stay organized and on top of deadlines through this process.

How Do I Receive Assistance?

After applying for financial aid, you will receive an award letter from each school where you applied regarding your financial aid offer.

You must formally accept the award (it won’t magically show up on your account) so check with your institution about this process. Also, keep in mind that it is OK not to accept the full loan amounts offered.

If you do choose to take out loans, you will be required to complete entrance counseling and sign a master promissory note (mpn) agreeing to pay back the loan. After all paperwork is signed, grants and loans will be applied toward tuition and fees and the remaining balance (if any) will be paid to you for other expenses.

The process for receiving scholarships will vary depending on the source. Scholarships can be paid directly to the university or to you for books and other educational expenses.

KEEP EVERYTHING STRAIGHT WITH OUR CHEAT SHEET:

7 Financial Aid Tips

1. You should NOT wait until you have decided on a college or university to apply for financial aid. Fill out the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available (October 1) each year.
2. Financial aid can cover 100% of community college or inexpensive school costs. Apply!
3. Financial aid assistance doesn’t have to be complicated. Ask for assistance from your high school counselor or college financial aid office.
4. Always apply! You never know what you’ll qualify for.
5. Student debt is the #1 reason for delaying the purchase of a home. Do NOT take out more than what you need.
6. You must ACCEPT or DECLINE your financial award offer. Follow the instructions on the award letter.
7. When given a private scholarship, send the donor a hand-written thank you letter to show your appreciation. First of all, it’s proper etiquette. Secondly, they may offer you the scholarship again in the future because of your gratitude.

College costs should not keep you from attending the college or university that will give you the best education for your career choice. Research and apply for scholarships on the internet and locally. Apply for federal financial aid via the FAFSA. This will give you a head start in paying for college to achieve your dreams!

Did you fill out the FAFSA for the 2017-2018 school year? Did you receive an award letter from the school of your choice? Have you already won some scholarships? Let us know how the financial aid process is going for you.

The post Understanding Financial Aid Awards and Scholarships appeared first on ScholarPrep.

Our College-Prep Resource Feature series gives parents and students an opportunity to learn about a valuable resource available to them on their college-bound journey. Once or twice a month, we choose a new resource that we have found valuable. Many of the resources we feature are free, while others cost – we always try to include some kind of discount when we share these type of resources! 

Resource: MyTuitionScore

What’s the purpose of MyTuitionScore? 

MyTuitionScore is an all in one college planning resource, focusing on financial aid. This report will give you an in-depth picture of your college financial situation. MyTuitionScore allows you to better understand and prepare for the college investment and all that can help minimize it. You will find out where you stand on finances, scholarships, knowledge and more!

What’s the story behind MyTuitionScore?

I would say that 9/10 people admittedly do not have anywhere near the information and knowledge on paying for college that they need.  I saw the huge lack of information and knowledge being provided to families by their high schools– too few counselors, too little time and too many kids. Families were needing more help. The Internet is like a fire hydrant of information. MyTuitionScore makes it possible to take sips of water from the hydrant. Families know their credit score, they should also know their tuition score.

How does it work?

Families can create a free account online, answer some questions and then generate a report!

Why is using to MyTuitionScore so important?

Knowledge and preparedness are power when facing this huge and overwhelming college investment. We cannot continue to blindly invest, and certainly not blindly borrow, for the college degree at the rate we are doing so, without making sure it is done right and for the right reasons.

Who will benefit from using MyTuitionScore?

Any family that is sending a student to college.

When should someone start using MyTuitionScore?

As early as possible, certainly by sophomore or junior year high school!

What problem does this solve?

We don’t know what we don’t know. Most of America is in the dark when it comes to the best way to navigate the college planning and financial aid process.  It is one of the largest and most important investments families make, yet they really lack in resources to feel confident about minimizing the cost and maximizing the return. MyTuitionScore gives them understanding of the whole process and where the mistakes and myths exist.

Do you have any tips or tricks to share with families on the college-bound journey?

1. Learn everything about the financial aid process and your options. One mistake can cost tens of thousands of dollars!
2. Research, research, research. Spend the time to learn everything.  Either find the time or hire someone to help.
3. Every situation is different. Do NOT take advice from family and friends just because they have done this and think they know what’s best.  They often do not.

Anything else we should know about MyTuitionScore?

MyTuitionScore is a partner all the way through the process, keep updating your report.

We offer a FREE report, or you can upgrade to the full-access report for a detailed analysis of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and an explanation of what this means and how it affects the total cost of attendance. The full report also provides the estimated amount of money needed at the time college will begin, a financial aid checklist, a college loan manual, and an analysis of the return on college investment upon graduation for up to 9 schools.

Use promo code scholarprep25 for $25 off the full-access report!

The post Resource Feature: MyTuitionScore appeared first on ScholarPrep.

This is a guest blog post written by our friend Monica Matthews, the author of How to Win College Scholarships. She helped her own son win over $100,000 in scholarships and now shares her expertise with other parents and their students. She truly has “been there, done that” in regards to helping parents and students navigate the scholarship process.  Ms. Matthews’ step-by-step scholarship guide has taught desperate parents to help their own students win thousands of scholarship dollars. Find more info at . We encourage you to learn more about How to Win College Scholarships and check out the original post!

There are thousands of college scholarship opportunities available for students who take the time to apply. Unfortunately, the majority of students incorrectly assume that they cannot win money for school for several reasons. Here are five college scholarship myths, busted!

MYTH 1: Only perfect students win college scholarships

Students do not need to be at the top of their class with a perfect G.P.A. to win college scholarships, in fact, some scholarship guidelines state grade point average requirements that do NOT include 4.0 or above. (For example, 3.0 – 3.8) These organizations offering scholarship money are looking for well-rounded students who did not obsess over a perfect G.P.A. and instead have used their time in high school to volunteer, play sports, play an instrument, and/or be involved in clubs or other community organizations. Grades are only a small portion of most scholarship applications, while essays and activity sections give students a chance to share in detail who they are, how they helped others, and how they plan to use the money if they are chosen as the scholarship winner. Great grades are wonderful, but they do not 100% define the student!

MYTH 2: My family makes too much money

“Financial Need” is a very broad term and defined by each scholarship provider and college with their own set of guidelines. If a family is struggling to find money for a student’s college tuition and fees, they should go ahead and apply for scholarships open to students with financial need, making sure to carefully read the requirements provided in the guidelines for each scholarship application. Many applications will use the term “financial need” but then not ask for specific family income numbers. Others will want detailed financial information, but then also give students a place to explain why they need the scholarship money. Never pass up a scholarship opportunity by assuming a student will not financially qualify to apply. Take the time to read each set of scholarship guidelines before making an informed decision.

MYTH 3: All the good scholarships are for high school seniors

A myth in the scholarship world is that most college scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors. Take a look at most college websites, however, and see that there are tons of scholarships for current college students, especially ones who attend that particular institution. Also, many scholarships are open to “high school seniors or current college students” or “high school students”. Don’t ever assume a student does not qualify for a scholarship before reading the fine print and application guidelines!

MYTH 4: Students with high ACT/SAT scores automatically win scholarships

One of the biggest myths about college scholarships is that students with high ACT and/or SAT scores will automatically win them. While it is true that some colleges and universities award scholarships to students with high test scores, most do not and if they do the awards are for a fraction of the total cost the student needs to attend the school. High scoring students need to volunteer in their communities, earn high grades, and apply for each and every scholarship that they possibly can!

MYTH 5: Scholarship searching and applying takes way too much time

One of the biggest complaints about scholarship searching is the lack of time it takes to find scholarships that the students is qualified to apply for. Students and their parents are extremely busy these days and it may seem impossible to squeeze even another minute out of each day. Honestly answer these questions and find some scholarship searching time:

Do you watch TV?  Search for scholarships during the commercials!

Do you wait for your student when picking them up from sports practices?  Search for scholarships while waiting, do practices ever end on time?

Do you commute to work via bus, subway, or train?  Use your Smartphone and search for scholarships while riding. The same goes for waiting in doctors’ offices, dental chairs, grocery store check-out lines, and amusement park lines. OK, amusement park lines may be taking it a bit too far, but you get the picture.

MAKE time for scholarship searching and help your student apply for as many as they possibly can!

The post 5 College Scholarship Myths – BUSTED! appeared first on ScholarPrep.

Wouldn’t you like to find out – for FREE?

We’ve teamed up with Jeremie Piette, founder & owner of Global Futbol Training, to bridge the gap between scholarships & sports. Jeremie is a former professional & collegiate soccer player, who has helped hundreds of players get to the college level, including players who didn’t play top tier level in high school/club but still got D1 scholarships their freshman year in college.

Join us for our free online workshop and find out the exact steps you need to take on your path to play sports in college and win college scholarships!

SAVE YOUR SPOT!

Too many parents and kids wait too long to start the process, either because they don’t know how to start or they think they have plenty of time left.

• How do you know when you’ve waited too long?
• How do you get noticed?  
• What are your chances?

Some of the better skilled players we’ve seen didn’t get scholarships right out of high school because they waited too long and they didn’t know the process.

Let us teach you the process and answer common questions about collegiate athletic scholarships.

Here are just a few of the facts we’ll cover about college sports:

College tuition is expensive!

Learn how to reduce the cost in this free, one-hour workshop for parents and student-athletes, where you will learn:

• The 2 obstacles students face when applying to college
• Why a student’s brand is more important than their abilities
• The step-by-step process to playing collegiate sports
• What information you need to start tracking now
• The truth about athletic scholarships and a “free” college education
• How to avoid missing out on scholarship opportunities

We can’t wait to see you in the workshop! Bring something to take notes with and bring your student-athlete!

SAVE YOUR SPOT!

The post Does your child have what it takes to play collegiate sports? appeared first on ScholarPrep.

In order to stand out to the admissions office, your coursework should be rigorous. This demonstrates your desire to prepare for college and your ability to succeed. One way to do this is by taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses throughout your high school career. In addition to giving you a competitive advantage when you begin applying to college, taking AP courses can also result in earning college credit during high school. Begin with Pre-AP courses, which will prepare you for the more rigorous AP courses when you can register for them.

Note to Parents: Encouraging your student to take challenging courses in high school will help them with the admissions process, scholarship applications and prepare them for success at their chosen post-secondary institution.

Note to Students: Don’t be scared to challenge yourself by taking rigorous courses in high school. Your future is worth it!Don’t leave room for wishing you put more effort into your academics. Take the plunge and work hard in more challenging courses!

What is Advanced Placement (AP)?

• AP Courses are rigorous, college-level courses created by College Board and taught by trained high school teachers.
• The content and knowledge outcomes are determined by a committee to reflect university/college coursework.
• Students have the opportunity to gain college credit by taking AP exams in May.
• There are over 30 courses and exams offered in Arts, English, History & Social Sciences, Math & Computer Science, Sciences, and World language & Cultures.

TIP: For a complete list and description of AP courses and tests, visit College Board’s AP Central site.

Why should I take AP courses & exams?

• College credit is given to students with the required score based on their chosen university/college’s expectations.
• You will develop and apply college-level skills such as critical reading, analytical thinking and problem solving, writing, time management, discipline and strong study habits.
• Scholarship committees look at students’ coursework to determine if they challenged themselves.
• College admissions determines if students are preparing themselves for college through their coursework; advanced placement courses demonstrate the extra effort for college preparation.
• A’s in easy coursework are not impressive to scholarship committees or admissions offices.
• Scholarship committees and admissions offices will know the student has a high expectations of higher learning.

The Financial Benefit: College courses can be anywhere from $200-$1200 per course. The AP Exam costs $93 (without fee reductions and assistance offered to qualified students). Taking AP courses not only shows commitment to learning but can take a financial burden off your future college endeavors. Think about it…$93 per course or $200-$1200, depending on the post-secondary institution of your choice.

How does AP exam scoring work?

• Students complete a test with multiple choice, free response and essay portions.
• The multiple choice portion is graded by the computer while free response and essay are graded by trained readers in June each year.
• The portions are put together for a composite score determined by the chief reader.
• Students receive a 1-5 for their cumulative score.
  • 1: No recommendation
  • 2: Possibly Qualified
  • 3: Qualified
  • 4: Well Qualified
  • 5: Extremely Well-Qualified

BONUS TIP: Studying for the exam isn’t like studying for a high school chapter/unit exam. Students must begin studying for the exam early (a couple months in advance) to be fully prepared to obtain the required score to gain college credit. Practice taking AP exams for free!

Planning ahead is key

Stay in touch with your guidance counselor and understand which AP courses are offered at your school. Some AP courses have prerequisites that need to be taken in your freshmen and sophomore years so you need to be clear on your course layout from your freshman year forward.

You’ll also want to look ahead to your list of potential colleges. Check out Big Future’s College Search to find universities that accept AP exam scores for course credit.

College admissions want to see that you challenged yourself with AP courses and not all easy A’s. Do you have AP courses in our course outline for high school? Which AP courses are offered at your high school?

The post Advanced Placement (AP): Courses, Tests, and Benefits appeared first on ScholarPrep.

Our College-Prep Resource Feature series gives parents and students an opportunity to learn about a valuable resource available to them on their college-bound journey. Once or twice a month, we choose a new resource that we have found valuable. Many of the resources we feature are free, while others cost – we always try to include some kind of discount when we share these type of resources! 

Resource: Noodle Pros

In a few sentences, explain the purpose of Noodle Pros:

Great test prep that is reliable, effective, and efficient can be hard to find. With that in mind, Noodle Pros has assembled a cohort of the most experienced tutors in the business, who are available in varied locations and remotely. Working with a Noodle Pro ensures a professional, worry-free experience, and eliminates the hassle of searching for a tutor, monitoring progress, and going back to the drawing board if the desired outcome isn’t met. We know test prep is important and effective, and we want to make sure you get the best prep for your needs.

How was Noodle Pros created?

We formed Noodle Pros to bring together a group of only professional, trained, and highly-experienced tutors with a strong word-of-mouth referral business, ensuring that parents can trust in the quality of any tutor they get from us. Parents also no longer have to conduct a new tutor search every time there’s a different subject need – they just have to contact us for a match.

How does it work?

Students are matched with a tutor based on their specific needs, and their tutors then develop customized prep programs. Our tutors meet with students to work with them in person or online.           

Why is using Noodle Pros so important?

At various points throughout their academic career, students will face stumbling blocks and require additional help, and inevitably take standardized tests. At Noodle Pros, we provide trusted help at any stage, from Pre-K through graduate school. In academic tutoring, a great tutor can quickly identify areas of improvement and set a focused program to get the student back on the path to success. For test prep, a great tutor can use their mastery of the test to accurately diagnose the student’s testing needs and hone in on techniques to significantly improve students’ scores. And for students with learning differences, a specialist can help with executive functioning skills, preparation and planning, and extra-time testing.

Who does this benefit?

Students who are looking for clear and measurable tutoring results, and parents who are looking for a worry-free tutor experience.

When should someone start using Noodle Pros?

Students should start working with a tutor as soon as they think they need help. Particularly with test prep, it is good to start as early as possible.

What problem does this solve?

Noodle Pros is the premier one-stop service for trusted, high-quality tutoring in all subjects and tests.

Do you have any tips or tricks to share with families on the college-bound journey?

Don’t wait until the last minute to get help. The college-bound journey is a long and sometimes difficult one. If students wait until they are struggling and running out of time, improving their grades will be harder, and test prep more high-stakes. By working with the right tutor when they early on in the admissions process, students will be much more well-equipped to excel on standardized tests, and learn transferable skills they will use to succeed in high school and college.

Anything else we should know?

During the month of April, Noodle Pros is offering complimentary 30-minute tutoring consultations to the ScholarPrep community. Please fill out this form to tell us more about your tutoring needs and we will be in touch to schedule the consultation. To learn more about our tutors and subject/test offerings, visit www.noodlepros.com.

The post Resource Feature: Noodle Pros appeared first on ScholarPrep.

This is a guest post written by Samantha, the founder of AsLifeGrows.com, where she teaches students everything they need to know to have a successful college experience. Through her posts, weekly newsletter, and ecourses, she has helped thousands of students become more successful in college. During the past few years, she has been able to earn a 3.8 GPA, have a great college career, and even get into physical therapy graduate programs (all without getting grey hairs!) Now, she is here to teach you how you can reach your own level of success! We encourage you to learn more about AsLifeGrows.com and check out the original post!

If you’re like some people, you have known what college you want to attend since the beginning of high school. For others, however, choosing the right college to attend is a nerve-racking decision. And why not? I mean, college is a BIG deal! Looking back at my decision two years ago, I realize how different my life would be if I had chosen to attend a different college. I wouldn’t know hardly any of my friends. I would have different life experiences. I would not have met my boyfriend Jordan. Some of my favorite memories would not even exist. The list goes on and on. Looking back now, I wish someone had given me a few tips on how to narrow down which college is the one for me. For those of you who are juniors or seniors in high school, here is a short and sweet list of ways to help you decide which college is the one for you.

1. MAKE A LIST OF YOUR COLLEGE OPTIONS.

Although you may not know exactly which college you want to attend, most people at least have a few colleges in mind. So, before you really start narrowing those down, it’s best to write the names of the colleges you are interested in on a piece of paper. Also, make a column titled “What I Want.” Be sure to leave plenty of extra space under each name. It may be less time consuming if you go on and pull up each college’s website in different tabs on your browser. To help with this, I have created a printable list which you can grab by signing up for my newsletter at the end of this post!

2. HOW BIG ARE THESE COLLEGES?

Now that you’ve printed this and written which colleges you have in mind, look on each of their websites and see about how many students each college has. Write this down under the name of the school it goes with. Now, what do you want? Is a big school something you’ve always wanted? Or are you more comfortable in a small setting? What was your high school like? If it was big, did you like it? If it was small, did you like it? Think about it and write this information under the column “What I Want.”

3. HOW FAR FROM HOME IS EACH COLLEGE?

This is a big factor for most people. If you are a family oriented person, then you may want to consider a college that is within driving distance of home. Even if you aren’t very family oriented, homesickness can and will happen. Sometimes it’s just nice to be able to go home and get a break from everything going on at school. Also, getting to have a home cooked meal every once in a while is pretty great too. Something else to think about when deciding how far from home to go is safety. If something happens such as your car breaking down, having your parents somewhat nearby can be comforting. However, if you are someone who wants to experience new things, maybe going to a college out of state is the right choice for you! In the end, it’s your decision. Write down the distance from home that each college is, then figure out what you would prefer and write it in your column.

4. HOW MUCH DOES EACH COLLEGE COST?

Sadly, college is expensive. Extremely expensive. So, when deciding which college is right for you, you will need to keep the cost in mind. As with the steps before, find the costs of each college and write it down. I know that sometimes colleges don’t like to post a solid number for yearly average prices (annoying by the way!) so you may have to do a little bit of math to get a solid number. But don’t worry, because once you start having to pay that tuition, you’ll be happy you did some research on it.

5. WHAT MAJORS DOES EACH COLLEGE OFFER?

This one is important guys! I know quite a few people who came to my college with a couple different majors in mind only to find out that some of those majors weren’t offered. Once they decided on their major, they then had to transfer to a different school to finish their degree. So, check each of the colleges on your list to see if they offer the majors that you have in mind. If so, put a check.

6. CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF GOING TO THESE COLLEGES?

Last but not least, do you think you would enjoy attending that college? Does it have sports you like to watch? Are there enough activities on campus? Do you like the town it is in or nearby? These are all small deciding factors that can help you make a positive or negative decision about each school.

Before you decide what college you want to attend, I suggest that you go out and visit each of them. Take your parents. They know you better than you think and will be able to give you good advice. Also, parents ask a lot of the right kinds of questions. Visiting these colleges will help you get a better feel for each of them and help you to really narrow down which one you prefer.

I hope this list helps you make your college decisions!

The post How to Choose Which College is Right for YOU appeared first on ScholarPrep.