by Ken Kearns
Are you stoked about this fresh quarter/semester? It is upon us, so if you're planning on a few classes, I'd get busy. It's always a drag trying to get into the ones you want at the last minute. College life waits for no one. This goes the same for student loans and financial aid. If you need it, you'd better get on the ball. The truth is it's always best to plan far in advance. If you know the earliest date to apply, DO IT. Don't procrastinate and wait around like you have all the time in the world. This is reality! You don't! High school is over with. The University lifestyle is completely different. It's fast-paced, and if you slack off, you get burned. Take a look around at the thousands of other students. You're merely one in a massive crowd. So don't plan on any special treatment.
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It took me a bit to catch on to the financial aid process. I was one of the many, who could certainly not afford college life without assistance. And no, I'm not talking about the kind you get from your parents. They advised me to go about it on my own. My father told me that if I was forced to pay my own way, I'd strive for better grades. Today I believe he was correct. Since I did fund my own college, I worked my butt off to do well. Not that it's easy with a part-time job on the side, and a child to raise. But, all things considered, I'm proud of my graduating GPA. I always stayed above 3.00. Anyway, let's talk finances. As I mentioned before, college can be pricy. You will most likely need to apply for student loans immediately. And by immediately, I mean way before your fall quarter/semester begins. This translates to somewhere between January and May. Whatever you do, don't wait until fall hits. You'll never get the financial assistance you need. By this time, all who applied for student loans earlier will be getting their funds.
It's no doubt a process. College life is something you have to get used to. But, like anything else it will become routine. This is why I only offer you one simple word of advice. Apply for student loans EARLY in the year! Make certain you're on the list of those who will receive much-needed aid. The late students never get their funds on time. The quarter will begin, and they'll have no cash to pay for tuition.Taking out student loans is borrowing money, and it is very important the you realize this before signing for the loan.The latest you can apply for full-time student loans is six weeks before your study program ends as long you have provided all the required documentation. The typical expense period for student loans is the first day of fall semester and the last day of spring semester (August through May).The problem with student loans is that most students don't understand what they are getting into once they graduate, so make sure you know what you are getting into before you sign on the dotted line. A final note is that if you need to consolidate any loans, the best time is after you graduate unless the interest rates are going to increase.
Here is a related article for students
Getting financial aid for school
My oldest child is going to be a junior in high school. We were sent information from her guidance counselor that it was time to apply for financial aid for school. I called the counselor and explained that our daughter still had not decided which university she wanted to attend. The counselor told me that this does not make any difference. Now when applying for financial aid for school the forms are processed in one place. The aid is based on financial resources of the parents as well as the academic achievements of the student. A flat rate is determined in regards to the financial aid for school that will be received by the student. It does not matter if they apply to a private college or a state university; they are still eligible for the same amount of assistance, more...
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