<p>Make sure that you’re applying to places that are likely to give you the financial aid that you need. It’s very worth it to pay the $15 to access the US News online college site until next Aug., because that site gives detailed breakdowns of thousands of colleges’ financial aid (and also admissions) policies.</p>
<p>Do make sure that you have a financial safety: A school you know you’ll be admitted to and also can afford. For many students – including middle income ones – their financial safety is their local community college.</p>