<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I've spent some time trying to find info on this, but I couldn't find any.
Basically, I am wondering if you think it is worth it to go to a private financial aid counselor- whose advice and form filling costs about $900.</p>
<p>Any suggestions?</p>
<p>IMHO - a financial counselor is unnecessary. Often what they offer for their fee is advice on filling out the FAFSA and other college FA forms. While these forms can be intimidating to some, filing instructions are available online and by phone for free to anyone who needs help. </p>
<p>They may also supply lists of scholarships that you may be qualified for, (but still have to fill out yourself). They may say they can guarantee scholarship awards. They can not. If you do actually win a scholarship off a list they supply it will have to be for at least the amount of their fees to break even. If you want information on student loans speak to your local bank for guidance on which financial institution in your area handles student loans. (They don't all deal with them.) The internet will also give you this information. Look for information on Stafford (subsidized and unsubsidized) and Perkins loans to start.</p>
<p>Instead, go to your GC, the library reference section and the internet and do searches for yourself. This will take time, but any information a counselor will provide you you can find for yourself for free. Start the search as early as possible. The earlier you know about a specific scholarship the better you can position yourself to meet the eligibility requirements. If you have particular questions about the scholarship YOU ARE ALLOWED to call the administrator of the scholarship and ask questions!!</p>
<p>Go to all of the high school websites you can access. Look at their scholarship information. Many schools list them by name, a brief description and contact information.</p>
<p>Parents, talk with your human resource officer at work. Many companies (large and small) offer employees' children scholarship opportunities as one of the benefits of employment.</p>
<p>When you have decided on the schools you are going to apply to, search their website for all of the scholarships (merit based and financial need based) offered by the school. Determine if you have to apply seperately for these or if you automatically qualify thru test scores, GPA, etc. Speak with the financial aid administrators of the schools you are interested in. Ask general questions until you/your student is accepted and has received his FA package. Compare FA packages from schools you are accepted to. There is often room to negotiate a better package from School A if you have a School B package to show them. </p>
<p>There are so many books available on financial aid at libraries and book stores.
Check them out. Use a small fraction of the money you would have spent on a counselor and buy one or two. READ THEM. TWICE! :) </p>
<p>One of the most important things that can come from this is that you, as parents, will have a clearer idea of what you can realistically afford to spend on your students' higher education if no financial aid is awarded. You will then be able to chose a safety school based both on academics and financials. And you will have determined this for free!</p>
<p>Hi, thanks so much for your response.
That is what I have been thinking; however, my family's financial situation is more complicated than normal- because my parents are divorced and there are odd financial assets, my mom and I were wondering if it would be best to go to a financial advisor, who may be able to maximize our financial aid</p>
<p>What do you think?</p>
<p>A broad generalization to whether you need outside help is : If you can do your own 1040 tax forms successfully you probably don't need additional help. </p>
<p>However, if you have taken the time to do a "practice" FAFSA (calling the help line when you have specific questions) and have done an EFC calculator online and still feel uncomfortable with your personal situation then yes, the investment may be worth it if for nothing else than your peace of mind.</p>