Recent Comments

Archive for November, 2009

Nov
30

Making the Right College Choice – Do I need to be an Einstein?

Author: Sally Croft

It is really surprising that the number of applicants to the same college goes on increasing every year. In spite of the wide number of choices being offered to the students every year, they still seem to gravitate to the same schools and colleges every year. The students and parents both wish for the really old names that have built up a really good reputation. New York University and Stanford University are on the wish list of all students. The result is that these universities are left with no choice but to turn down the applications of many disappointed students. So, does this mean that for the majority of students, their dream school is only in the horizon? Believe me; it does not have to be so.

Calculate the Fees

Before you complete college, you would have definitely spent a small fortune. But is it worth it? Of course once you are on a good job, you can earn it back but to get on the good job, you need a decent suit for the interview, paper to print the resume and bus fare to take you there. So, if you are going to go bankrupt by the time you finish college, it is just not worth it. Choosing a college with a great brand name also entails big fees- Remember That!

Geek
Planning Financial Aid

It is nearly impossible for any student to pass by college without any financial aid . In fact, many students worry whether they would be able to pay for their dream college if they do get the admission. So, it is important to plan for the financial aid possibilities along with thinking of your college.

Choosing Location

Many love colleges that are on the hills or by the beach or in the centre of the city. Some like colleges that have rocking night life nearby while some like colleges that are calm and serene. So, do choose the type of location you would prefer too.

Small Vs Big Colleges

Big colleges have a huge campus, large libraries and loads of activities. However the lecturers are normally impersonal and TAs take classes more than real professors. However, small colleges have a warmer and cozy atmosphere where you not only end up knowing everyone in class but you might even know more than half of your campus.

Finding that Right Fit

A college with a big name and grand reputation alone is not enough. It might not be the right college for you. So, find the right fit that will suit your preferences and pocket. That is much more important than getting into the New York University or Stanford University.

If you get into a college where you have spent lesser money and which will fit with your preferences and expectations that will be the best for you always.

Share and Enjoy:
  • StumbleUpon
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • TwitThis
  • email
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Propeller
  • Reddit
  • Google Bookmarks
Nov
25

Understanding financial aid – How to make it work best for you?

Author: Sally Croft

While the need for financial aid is easily understandable given the requirement to meet the cost of education, it is equally important to understand how the financial aid program works. Further more, you should know the various forms of financial aid available so as to tap the resource for maximum benefit.

Understanding Financial Aid
hat do you mean by Financial Aid?

Financial aid is the financial support offered by the federal government and other private educational institutions in order to meet the gap between the cost of education and the contribution by the family of the student towards the sum.

How will you determine the Family Contribution?

The family contribution or the expected family contribution (EFC) is the share of contribution offered by the family of the student towards the cost of education. This figure is determined by the Lending Institution in order to arrive at the financial aid required by the students and finally the amount actually granted by them. This is a relative figure, whose qualification for the loan highly depends on other applicants and their contribution. The figure is arrived at considering various factors such as income, savings, assets and family size and other loan commitments.

What are the different types of Financial Aid Programs?

Financial aid programs are broadly of three different types namely Loans, Scholarships and Grants and Employment Option.

  • Loans – This is the most widely used financial option. Financial aid to meet the cost of education is granted in the form of loans to students. These loans are repayable together with interest. Normally these are subsidized loans offered to students at a lower rate of interest to make it affordable. These loans are offered both by government and private agencies.
  • Scholarships and Grants – Scholarships or most commonly called the free money options are offered to students based on a number of considerations. With no repayment obligation, scholarships and grants are the best form of financial aid offered to students and it clearly depends on how well this resource is utilized by the students.
  • Employment – Work and study option is offered to students wherein the students work in order to meet their expenses towards their living and other personal expenses in the duration of their study.
Should I consider high cost colleges?

You can apply to colleges irrespective of their cost of education. Once your expected family contribution (EFC) is arrived at, the rest will be funded by way of financial aid. As EFC will remain the same, the aid amount will make up for the difference.
I am sure a basic insight into various types of financial aid and knowledge about how it works makes you better understand it and make it work better for you.

Share and Enjoy:
  • StumbleUpon
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • TwitThis
  • email
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Propeller
  • Reddit
  • Google Bookmarks
Nov
23

Top 8 Wacky Scholarships – Who are the Takers?

Author: Sally Croft

Paying for college has become difficult over the past few years. Students are always looking to find different ways to get extra cash to pay for their college expenses other than loans. Don’t fear, there is a scholarship out there that caters to all financial needs and for just about anyone and everything. Below you will find some of the wackiest scholarships of all time. Some may even put a smile on your face. Enjoy!

1. Name Based Scholarships

Okay, so how many of you are fortunate enough to have the last name Zolp and can actually prove it on your birth certificate? Well today is your lucky day Mr. or Ms. Zolp. You have just qualified for one of the most uncommon last name scholarships available. Because your last name is Zolp, there is a fulltuition scholarship at Loyala University with your name on it; go pick it up, I bet they’ll be surprised to see you.

2. Predict the Future

Have you always wanted to pursue a career in predicting the future? Well, if you can predict the future, you just might be able to get the Excellence in Predicting the Future Award. This scholarship is to encourage people like you to pursue Economics and take part in the prediction field. And while you’re at it, predict how you will pay for the rest of your college expenses.

Scholarship Money
3. Got Milk?

Milk does a body good, but in this case milk will do your wallet some good. Can you make milk stick to your upper lip? If you have this gift of making a milk moustache and you have an excellent academic and athletic record, the American’s Milk Processor Board would really like to have a word with you. For your extraordinary talent, you may be eligible to receive a scholarship award in the amount of $7500.00.

4. Keep the Fat

Say goodbye to your diet program, throw away your treadmill, (well maybe hang on to it for a little while longer, until you find out the weight eligibility requirements for this scholarship; we wouldn’t want you to loose an extra pound and not be eligible for this scholarship). The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) wants you to apply for one of their two meritbased scholarships right now!

5. A Glass of Wine a Day, keeps the Doctor Away

Now you have a real excuse to indulge in a bit of bubbly. The American Society for Enology and Viticulture (AASEV) awards students who are enrolled in science fields relating to grape and wine industry with scholarships each year.

6. Pigley Wigley

Are you a pig lover? If you are interested in wigley pigleys, this is the scholarship for you. The International Boar Semen (IBS) Scholarship offers scholarships to those interested in swine management.

7. Sense of Smell

Are you concerned about the importance and pleasures of fragrance? Well put your nose to the test. The Fragrance Research Fund offers a scholarship of up to $50,000 to clinical psychologists who are completing postgraduate research in Aromachology.

8. Make it with Wool

Do you have what it takes to make a slamming wool garment? The National Make it Yourself with Wool (NMIYWW) has two scholarships waiting for you. All you need to do is submit your finished product to NMIYWW and they will pick winners based on creativity, design and style. Good Luck!

Share and Enjoy:
  • StumbleUpon
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • TwitThis
  • email
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Propeller
  • Reddit
  • Google Bookmarks