The Go Financial Aid Blog

Now that you’ve figured out how to finance college, here’s some tips to ensure you get your moneys worth!

• Pay attention to deadlines. (Not just financial aid ones!) You’ll need to pay attention to all deadlines. (midterms, finals, graduation applications, etc..)
• Set goals and believe in yourself. Find out what you like and are good at and give it your all.
• Attend class, pay attention, and be on time! You can’t learn if you are not there.
• Know when to ask for help. Everyone wants to see you succeed. Your professors don’t want to see you fall behind.
• Get involved. Take on some extra curricular activities. You’ll meet new people, develop new skills, build your resume, and have fun while learning.
• Take full advantage of the resources  and facilities your college has to offer. Advising, counseling, career planning, job placement, writing centers, financial aid help, student health, libraries, the gym, computer centers, etc. They are there; use them!
• Have fun but don’t have too much fun. Partying every night may lead to some serious academic problems.
• If you have questions, ask the appropriate people. Other students are not advisers.

Tags:   college survival 101 · surviving college · tips for collegeNo Comments.

So you are just out of school and given the current economy you cannot find a job let alone the job of your dreams or you are just about finished with school and aren’t quit sure what your next move should be. Why not consider graduate school?

There are many reasons to consider graduate school. One of the many reasons people go back to school at any age or stage of their career is to gain more skills. An increase in skills and abilities will increase your marketability. Employers value employees with diverse and interesting academic backgrounds.

Numerous studies show that the higher the education you receive the more likely you are to receive a higher salary. Those who take the time to attend school and earn higher degrees will almost always make more in their lifetime than those who do not attend school. Higher education is more likely to lower your chances of unemployment.

Do not let the fact that graduate school can be expensive, stop you from achieving your goals. Through federal loans and scholarships, there are countless financial aid resources.

If upon finishing undergraduate work, you are unsure of exactly what type of career you want, graduate school may also open a whole new field of opportunities. Opportunities that you otherwise may have never considered.

In the long run, spending the money on school will pay off. Not too mention, the countless references and people you will meet to help you network.

If you are still unsure, talk to current graduate students and alumni. Ask for their input. Attend some information sessions at some local graduate schools, to get an idea of what it is all about.

Tags:   benefits of grad school · grad school · why attend grad schoolNo Comments.

While colleges are supposed to give perspective students and their families the full cost of attendance, be careful especially when searching online the cost of attendance listed on a college’s website may not include all hidden fees, living expenses, books, etc.

College costs include:

• Tuition- Cost of your classes, whether you are part-time (which more than likely means paying per credit) or full-time.
• Fees- Which include but are not limited to activities, gym, health care, lab, technology, library, etc.. Some of these fees are even included for distance learners.
• Dorms/Rent
• Meal Plans/Food
• Books
• Other supplies: you may be required to have your own computer, a fancy calculator, nursing school supplies, etc..
• Insurance. A lot of schools require proof of health insurance. If you are no longer eligible to be on a parent’s plan or do not have health insurance of your own, you may be required to purchase the school’s health insurance. If you have health insurance through a parent or yourself, it may be recommended that your purchase your school’s plan if you are out of network with your own. If you become ill or injured, it is possible your student health center may refer you elsewhere for treatment.
• Transportation. At the very least, students will need a way to get to and from home. If you have a car on campus, you may also be required to may for a parking permit.

In addition to these costs students need to take into consideration items that are necessities for dorm or apartment life. Students will need sheets, towels, toiletries, school supplies, alarm clocks, etc..  Not too mention spending money, any college student will tell you in order to get the full college experience you are going to need to experience the social aspect of college. Students may need spending money for sporting events, activities for various clubs and organizations, movies, concerts, eating out, etc..

Tags:   college fees · hidden college costsNo Comments.

By now you know the cost of a four year college education is expensive. Accelerating your college career, means less time in the classroom and more money in your pocket.

If you are an extremely motivated high school student, it can be done.  Or even already started college, you may be able to find your way our of college a semester or two early. Here’s how:

• AP Course. If your high school offers Advanced Placement courses, take advantage of this option. The cost of an AP exam is much cheaper than the cost of a college credit and AP courses are free to take for most public school students.
• College in High School. These aren’t AP courses but they are high school classes taught with the curriculum of the college backing them. Your instructor is a high school teacher who will teach you everything you need to know for a variety of tests you will be taking are the same tests you would be taking if you were actually taking this the 4 year university. (When I was in high school, I received four credits of calculus for only $90 which transferred just about anywhere.)
• Online classes. High school and college students can rack up the credits by taking online general education requirements. These classes can be taken year round and you can complete the work anywhere you have internet access. You can take classes and take a summer vacation to the beach at the same time!
• Summer Classes. You can often take summer courses at a community college for a fraction of the cost it would cost you to take these classes at your regular university. Even at your four year university, summer classes often have lower tuition rates.

Tags:   accelerating college education · ap classes · college in high school · college in less than four yearsNo Comments.

When grants and scholarships don’t cover the complete cost of college, loans are an obvious must for most students and their families. While borrowing money and taking on debt, here are a few things to consider regarding private loans:

1. Private loans generally have an interest rate based and borrowing terms based on your credit record and current economic climate. If you have a credit score that is less than perfect, you are likely to have a high interest rate. Your rate will also vary based on current prime rates. Over the course of your loan, you are likely to experience drastic changes in interest rate.
2. Federal loans have a six month grace period unlike private loans. Interest also begins to accrue the minute you begin school. While this also occurs with federal unsubsidized loans, the interest rate with unsubsidized loans will be lower than that of private loans.
3. Can’t find a job after school? Lose your job?  Federal loans can be deferred based on economic hardship. This is not true with private loans.  It is nearly impossible, regardless of situation, to get a deferment on private loans.

Tags:   paying for college · private loans · student loansNo Comments.

We are on the sites you and 85% of college students just can’t get enough of.

Check us out on  Twitter and Facebook !!

Follow us and become our fan!! See what others are saying and even have our tweets sent to your cellphone. You can never know too much when it comes to saving yourself money for college!

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College textbooks are without a doubt an expense. In fact, the average college student spends about $900 each semester on books. If you are a science or math major, you may even be looking at books that are $200 a piece. Some colleges even have textbooks directly made for their university, which greatly decreases the chances of a student making money on resale. With a part time job or not working at all, books can be a real expense, here are some tips to keep these costs as low as possible:

• Price Comparision Sites. They do the discount shopping for you, these sites include cheapesttextbooks.com or bigwords.com or half.com. Used text books can really save you money.
• Textbook Rentals. Sites like bookrenter.com or campusbookrentals.com allow students to rent books for as little as one third of their retail price. Renter beware: it is not always cheaper to rent, buying used is sometimes the better option.
• Electronic Textbooks. While this is new and not all texts are available electronically, buying electronically can save you up to 50% not to mention a lot of space in your book bag.
• Buy Used. Used is a much cheaper way to go…assuming you can find the book you need.
• Share a book. Sharing a book with a trusted classmate, roommate or friend will split the cost. However, you won’t always have the book available at your side.
• Use an Older Edition. Publishers come out with new editions all the time. The main difference? Page numbers. You’ll find a better deal on an older edition, if you don’t mind page numbers that are off from your syllabus. Make sure to check with a classmate if you choose this route, to ensure book assignments are the same.
• Check the Library. There may be a copy of that book on reserve.
• Open Source Textbooks. While rare, these textbooks are free and exist online as down loadable texts. Sometimes professors who used websites such as BlackBoard may upload specific chapters for students to used.

Resale Tip: Once the semester is over and if you don’t feel you will need a textbook again for any purpose. If it’s a book such as an APA guide style guide, you may need this book again for another class. Personally, I’ve sold back a writing style guide, only to find out I needed it for a class the next semester!

Check out buy back dates at your school or list your books on amazon.com. Buy back at your school will give you instant cash, however listing on amazon.com will almost always give you more cash, it will just take longer.

Tags:   college textbooks · save money on college textbooks · textbook resale1 Comment

No one ever aid college was easy. For the next four years, you should be working hard. Just because you may spend a lot of time studying, that doesn’t mean you aren’t going to have the need for living expenses.

There are options to finance your living expenses.
-Check bulletin boards for part time jobs. A lot of employers are willing to work with your schooling.
-Check out the possibility of a work study job that can help aid with your living expenses.
-Taking out a loan. You can take out of student loan to help pay for living expenses. Beware that you will graduate with extra debt. But think about it! Your education may just be worth it!
-Check out your college’s financial aid office. You may qualify for grants that offer living stipends to those who attend college full time.
-Government assistance. The government may have a program to help aid you with the cost of your living expenses.

Tags:   college living expensesNo Comments.

A nursing degree can be an expensive venture. Books along are very costly. That combined with tuition, uniforms, possible room and board, and other supplies quickly add up.

Don’t let costs discourage you from pursuing your dreams. There are many financial aid opportunities available for nursing students, even those who may not feel they qualify. Grants, loans, and scholarships can all help cover your costs.

A nursing grant, offered by the government or nonprofit organization, if a very appealing form of aid. This money does not have to be repaid and is often offered to who are financially underprivileged and/or disabled. Grants can cover a variety of your educational expenses, unlike scholarships that are meant for tuition, books, room, and board. Students are eligible for grants even if they are less than full time, attend college online, or at a community college. The most important thing to remember: if you want to qualify for a grant, you will need to complete a FAFSA in a timely fashion!!

Scholarships can also help to defray the costs of a nursing degree. Scholarships can come from many different organizations and in many different amounts. Scholarships are typically awarded to those with superior academic achievement, outstanding community service, or fit other criteria. Organizations such as Johnson and Johnson, the Air Force, and McKesson are among the many organizations that provide nursing scholarships. Many other scholarships are available by state, ethnicity, national organizations, and by your local hospital systems.

Scholarships never have to be repaid and if you do your research you could end up greatly reducing the cost of your degree.

If you have little or not luck with grants and scholarships or you are still in need of more money, students loans are an option. You can be awarded Stafford, Perkins, PLUS, or direct loans. These will need to be repaid upon graduation.

Another and perhaps very intriguing offer is if a hospital in your area has a school of nursing. They may offer tuition forgiveness in exchange for a few years of work upon graduation. You may only be responsible for uniforms, textbooks, taxes, and other fees. This is of course pending academic success, which is a must for nursing school!

Tags:   nursing scholarships and grants · Nursing school financial aid · nursing tuition forgivenessNo Comments.

When federal aid does not provide enough funds for college, many students turn to private loans. There are many different lenders and many different loans available. Often times, this can cause confusion for parents and students.

Private loans can not only be used for tuition, room, and board, but for other college expenses such as books, supplies, school fees, and transportation costs. These loans can cover up to the full cost of your education and can applied for year round.

Private loans generally require a credit check and in most cases on co-signer is required on the application. As a student, adding a co-signer with good credit will help to increase your chances of approval and possibly even lower the interest rate. Repayment is not required until after graduation. Often times, lenders will lower your interest rate if you have your payment automatically debited monthly.

Companies such as SallieMae, Wells Fargo, and Discover Financial Services, all offer private student loans with low interest rates, no upfront fees, and other incentives.

Tags:   private student loansNo Comments.

Whether you are sending your first child off to college or your fourth child, everyone can use a little help in getting the most education for the least about of your own money.

1. Apply. You can’t get financial aid if you don’t apply. File out of your FAFSA and encourage your child to apply for as many scholarships as they qualify for.
2. If your child’s grandparents have been saving money for college, it should be paid directly to the school. This will eliminate gift tax liability.
3. Pay early. Check with your child’s school, some schools may offer discounts of up to 10% for early payment.

4. See what your employer has to offer, your child may be eligible for assistance through your job. Many employers will invest in their employee’s dependents.

5. Learn as much about the financial aid process as you can, the more you know the more you’ll save.

6. Estimate your EFC early, this way you will have an idea of what you will be expected to pay, you can find schools in your price range, and apply early for other forms of aid and scholarships.

7.  If you have special circumstances, make your child’s college aware. For example, a job loss that occurred after you submitted a FAFSA form.

8. Twenty percent of your child’s money is expected to be contributed to college. Reduce your child’s assets. However, encourage your child to save money and place any money saved for college in a custodial account.

9. Pay attention to deadlines. The quicker you act the greater your chances of receiving need-based aid.

10. When visiting campuses with your child, pay a visit to the financial aid office. You may make yourself aware of campus-based awards along with developing a greater understanding of the financial aid process.

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If the economy as cost you or someone you know a job, college is one option to consider. A number of government agencies, charities, and colleges are helping the unemployed head back to the classroom.

Federal Pell Grants can provide unemployed workers with up to $5350 for the cost of community colleges, 4 year colleges and universities, and technical schools.

You will need to:

1. Decide on which educational program is right for you.
2. Fill out a FAFSA.
3. Talk to your school’s financial aid office. If you are receiving unemployment benefits, you will need to bring evidence to prove that you are a laid off worker.
4. Contact a One Stop Career Center in order to make sure you can continue receiving unemployment benefits with the college program you have chosen.

Many community colleges are providing free or reduced tuition rates for laid off workers. Check with your local community college for details.

One example of a program for dislocated workers is the Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh PA. Dislocated workers are able to attend college tuition free (a certificate program) and only paying fees if they are able to provide documentation that they have been laid off,  are a resident of the County, attend college within one year of their lay off, and apply for federal financial aid first.

Tags:   community college for unemployed · federal pell grants · financial aid for laid off workers · unemployed financial aid for collegeNo Comments.

We’ve reached the half way point of January and if you haven’t made a New Years Resolution yet, why not make a resolution that will help you maximize your financial aid for the next school year? With the cost of college rising, it’s a resolution that will provide you with a bright future!

Give one these a shot and you may see dollar signs:

1. Academic Achievement. Study hard, especially when applying for scholarships. Those awarding the scholarships want to know that you take academics seriously!

2. Internships and Work Experience. Upon leaving college, you may find that internship/work experience may play a deciding factor in landing a career. Work and internships show dedication and commitment. They show you are responsible and possibly able to apply your academics to a “real world” setting. Not too mention, these opportunities are great resume builders and references.

3. Volunteerism. A number of college scholarships look for applicants who volunteer and are involved in their communities. Committees enjoy candidates who can put their skills to use helping others. Volunteering may also lead to great recommendations, scholarship essays, and they may even provide you with some insight as to possible careers.

4. Be a Leader. Whether it is in the classroom, at work, or on the playing field. Scholarship committees look for applicants who can be the leaders of the future.

5. Be Pro-Active. Make college more manageable financially. Do your research; see what type of aid is out there. Apply for financial aid as early as possible. Apply for as many scholarships as you qualify for.

Tags:   academic achievement · college leadership · internships · paying for college · ScholarshipsNo Comments.

The rebounding economy is not good for those hoping to find scholarships in 2010. When the economy came falling down in 2009, many private colleges found themselves in a panic.  They significantly increased their financially aid packages in order to attract students. Students in the class of 2013 found themselves with a wide variety of grants and scholarships available. Now that economists are saying the economy is on the rebound, expect for 2010-2011 school year financial aid packages to be stingier for income freshmen. Financial aid offices now believe that more families will be able to afford the cost of college than the previous year.

The Pell Grant will be more attractive this year. The Obama administration has stated that they hope to increase number and size of the need based Pell Grants offered through completion of the 2010-2011 FAFSA. Families earning under $50,000 now have a greater chance of receiving free money from the Federal Government. They plan to raise the maximum size of the Pell Grant by $200 to $5,550. Also, the government will lower the interest rate on subsidized  Stafford student loans by slightly more than a percentage point to just 4.5 percent in the fall.

Tags:   decrease in college grants · financial aid news · pell grant · rebounding economy financial aidNo Comments.

For a lot of students, attending a couple years of community college is a wise decision. The cost of community college is considerably less than that of a four year college. Students can save a significant amount on tuition, transportation, room, and board. However, a lot of parents and students assume that due to the low cost of community college that financial aid is not available for community college. This is not true.

Stafford loans provide thousands of dollars in financial aid for community college students regardless of their family’s assets and income level. Students who demonstrate need may receive these loans at low interest rates. Students must be enrolled at least half time and complete a FAFSA form. Perkins loans are also a great option for community college is you are enrolled half-time and can prove substantial financial need. The rates and repayments on Perkin loans offer a signifiant advantage over other loan programs. PLUS loans are also available for parents who are wanting to help provide aid for their community college students. These loans are the parent’s responsibility to repay.

Pell grants are rather elusive forms of financial aid for a community college student. This is because grant money is never repaid.

Checking with your school’s financial aid office, may provide an opportunity for state programs. Many states offer programs for community college students who are residents of a particular state. The downside is that these programs are often the first to be cut when a state experienes a budget crisis.

A wide variety of private organizations, non-profit organizations, and businesses have scholarship programs available for community college students. Community college scholarships are often more numerous because they are awarded in small amounts whereas the cost of community college is substantially less than that of four year colleges.

Tags:   financial aid for community collegeNo Comments.

Happy New Year! Its time to start filling out the 2010-2011 FAFSA form. When it comes to paying for college, every penny counts. Here are some tips to maximize your financial aid options:

• Jump Start the Financial Aid Process. If possible, apply in January as close to the 1st as possible.
• First Come-First Serve Basis. Once grant money is gone, it’s gone. This falls right in line with applying close to the January 1st start date for the 2010-2011 FAFSA.  If you are qualified, you cannot receive money that is no longer available. Don’t wait until you file your tax return to apply.
• Be Accurate. If you application is not completely filled out, it will be returned to you. This will cause delays and could possibly be the deciding factor in the types and amounts of financial aid you receive.  A few weeks makes a big difference in the financial aid process.
• College Savings. While saving for college makes sense, be aware that savings may limit your financial aid reward. However, this about of money is not enough to make you not want to save for school! Your savings can go to your Expected Family Contribution.
• Spending. A student is expected to contribute up to 20% of their money towards the cost of college. If you are considering making a large purchase (perhaps a new computer for college), use your money opposed to a parent’s money or a credit card.
• Don’t Settle. If you are unhappy with your financial aid package, you do have the option of appealing it.
• Keeping Looking. Keep searching for scholarships, grants, and work study. You will be surprised at what you can come up with.
• Don’t Assume. Don’t assume you are not eligible for financial aid, if you don’t apply you will never know.

Tags:   fafsa 2010-2011 · maximizing financial aidNo Comments.

Follow one generally rule: if you have to pay money to receive a scholarship; it is probably a scam.

Each year as students and parents search to find money for college, thousands fall victims to scams which result in the lose of more than $100 million annually.

Be ware of scholarships with application fees, financial aid seminars that are advance-fee loan scams or sales pitches, and scholarship matching companies that promise guaranteed scholarships.

Scams often disguise themselves as legitimate government agencies, grant foundations, educational lenders, and scholarship matching services. Don’t let official sounding names fool you. Just because an organization’s name includes words such as national, federal, foundation, and administration does not mean that are legit.

Avoid scholarship matching services who will apply for scholarships for you. Realistically, you are going to need to write an essay or find recommendations, no organization can do that for you.

Avoid time sensitive scholarships. Scholarships have deadlines for applications and are not awarded on a first come first serve basis. Scholarships take into account family income, academic achievement, cultural background, community service, disabilities, religion, etc..; not how quickly you can mail in your material.

Overall, trust your instincts. If you have even the slightest reservation about a scholarship, walk away. No amount of caution is too much when protecting yourself your scams.

Tags:   avoiding scholarship scams · scholarship scamsNo Comments.

Reminder~ 1 week from today. 1/1/2010 you can begin filling out your 2010-2011 school year FAFSA application.

This is very important to ensure that you maximize your financial aid award. Remember money is distributed on a first-come, first-serve, need-based basis. So, don’t miss your opportunity! While filing in March or April is acceptable, it is highly recommended that you apply as close as possible to January 1st.

Prepare- Know your deadlines (by school, state, program), Gather your documents (personal information and information on your family’s income, taxes, and assets), apply for a PIN, Use the FAFSA worksheet.

Apply- Apply online; it is fast and easy. However, if you prefer paper; it is available.

Review- Review your FAFSA and make any corrections after you apply. Understand your Expected Family Contribution and your Student Aid Report.

Tags:   FAFSA Deadlines · FAFSA ReminderNo Comments.

Thinking about becoming a teacher?

The Teach Grant Program may be able to help reduce the cost of your education. Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program can provide grants of up to $4,000 to students with intentions of teaching in a public or private elementary school or high school with students from low-income families.

After receiving a TEACH Grant, you must teach for at least four academic years within eight calender years of completing your education program for which your received the TEACH Grant. If you fail to comply, your grant will be converted to an unsubsidized stafford loan.

To be eligible you must complete a FAFSA, be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, be enrolled in an educational institution participating with the TEACH program, be enrolled in coursework for the subject you intend to teach, generally maintain a GPA of 3.25, and sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve.

Really want to launch your teaching career? These fields are in demand:

• Bilingual Education/English Language Acquisition
• Foreign Language
• Math
• Reading Specialist
• Science
• Special Education

Tags:   college cost reduction · teach grant programNo Comments.

A lot of college scholarships and grants require an essay. Scholarship and grant officers have thousands upon thousands of essays to read through so make yours stand out! If you have the GPA, the community involvement, and the school activities, a strong essay can set you apart from the rest. Here are some tips:

• Have a trusted adult or teacher review your essay before you submit it.
• Understand the purpose of the question and what they are asking. If you are going to write an essay, make sure you stay on track and write about what they are asking for.
• While you are writing, keep asking yourself if you would be interested in reading this essay if someone else wrote it. If you are, great. If not, you may want to consider a different angle.
• Make it clear that you are a unique individual with goals and who has accomplished goals that you are proud of. State your intentions, motivations, and aspirations for the future. Be careful not to come across as self absorbed.
• If you haven’t had a tough live, don’t make up a story. However, if you have overcome adversity or a major obstacle in life, mention it. Show that you are a strong individual. However, do not make it look like you are after pity.
• Show, don’t tell. Don’t make lists of various clubs and activities you have taken part in. Show the reader what you’ve learned or accomplished. If you’ve played a leadership role, show us what you did and how it affected you.
• Spell check and proofread. Be careful, spell check is not going to correct all errors. Read and re-read.
• Be precise. If you have an idea, make sure the reader is going to understand it, avoid being vague.
• Don’t rush through an essay just to get it over with. This essay could potentially save you thousands of dollars. Don’t wait to the last minute to write it.
• Be original. Make things that otherwise seem boring interesting. It’s all about your word choice!
• Make an opening and closing statement to remember. A great opening will engage your reader and a great closing will bring it all together.
• Make sure to use the right words. If you are looking to use big words, make sure you use them in the right context.
• Appeal to the five senses of your readers. Make it interesting.
• Transition well from paragraph to paragraph.
• Make your opening strong. Don’t summarize. Intrigue your reader to want to know more.
• Revise and revise some more. You want this essay to be perfect.

Tags:   essay writing tips · grant essays · scholarship essaysNo Comments.