Martha Holler Quotations

It is important for students to choose a college where they feel comfortable and have the opportunity to excel academically and personally. When it comes to evaluating schools to select the best fit, nothing beats a first-hand look.

Loans should be taken out after a student has fully exhausted other options, such as grants and scholarships, that do not need to be repaid. The bottom line is that there are several low-cost options for students and their parents to cover the cost of college.

When students graduate from college, the first rule of thumb is to create a budget and stick to it. Be sure to make your student loan payments on time, every time.

We're strongly positioned to adjust to the changes in the law.

Visiting a college campus will help students and families get a true feel for the school. And spring break is a perfect time for these visits to occur.

Every high school graduate with a Social Security Number is entitled to free or cheap money to pay for college. Applying in advance of state and school deadlines gives you the best shot of getting all of the money you are entitled to receive to pay for college.

The bottom line is that there's money that's out there for the taking, and it's a shame not to apply.

There's a limited pot of money, and applying late puts you at risk of missing out on financial aid you might be eligible for.

It's the moment of truth. You made it through the admissions process, and your child was accepted. Now you and your child are going to have to figure out how to pay for it.

Students should first consult with their financial aid office for recommendations on student loan options and lenders. Most offer a list of lenders they recommend to their students as offering excellent rates and terms; providing excellent customer service; and extending attractive loan benefits and discounts.

Small amounts add up quickly and make a significant dent in students' financial needs. Every bit helps, and you'll find it's well worth the effort of applying.

The key to the process is getting organized and meeting deadlines. Set up a file with information about all financial aid programs and keep financial documents, such as last year's tax forms and recent bank statements, on hand. Track deadlines for college, scholarship and financial aid applications, and keep a copy of every form you submit.

The first thing you want to do is sit down and breathe deeply.