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It makes no sense to me to send a young person to college in order that he might have stronger earning power throughout his working life, only to have him emerge with a slave's load of debt. So in general my advice about taking loans for college is, "Don't!"  However, my daughter's experience last semester has pointed out one exeception I'd be willing to recommend. Some of my daughter's financial aid award came in the form of work-study.  She would need to work all semester in order to earn the full amount, which was payable as she worked. Here's the rub: tuition and fees deadlines hit well before the end of the semester.  If she paid late, she'd also owe hefty late fees, not to mention that she couldn't register for the next semester classes until the full tuition was paid. So she accepted a federal, no-payment-no-interest until graduation loan in the amount we expected she'd be able to earn during the semester.  The idea is that she would pay off the loan as she worked instead of directly paying the school. No late fees, no registration penalties and no long-term debt. _______________________________________________________________ Try the new Countdown to College e-book for a comprehensive strategy ...

New from Countdown to College! Instant access to the extensive information in the print Guide at a fraction of the cost! Download only the chapter you need or the whole guide.  Each segment just $6.50! All five segments only $25.00 Choose from: Countdown to College part 1: 5! Assess Your Starting Point Explore God’s workmanship in crafting your student for a specific calling.  Consider the different vocations of men and women.  Learn to help your student find a vision for his or her life. Try the world’s oldest personality assessment. Countdown to College part 2: 4! Aim for Success The future is a moving target.  Plan to be where you want to be when it arrives.  Evaluate various post-high school destinations and the most advantageous paths to them.  Discuss how to position your school and to describe your educational aims to best display your high school work. Countdown to College part 3: 3! Acquire Credentials Do you know when to say "No"? Learn how to invest your limited time in achievements in four areas critical for winning scholarships, job opportunities, internships and more. Countdown to College part 4: 2! Account Assets Learn to create a complete school counselor's pack that educational professionals will envy.  Structure transcripts and resumes to showcase ...

Folks at my Idaho Countdown workshop wanted more information about federal financial aid than we had time to discuss.  So here is  a more detailed look at what's out there from Uncle Sam. First, you should know that many private schools won't accept federal funds of any kind, including grants and loans awarded to students.  Their reasoning is that with federal funds comes federal regulation of school policies and curriculum.  Their fears are increasingly likely to be realized as the Obama administration begins to tie college funding to service in federally-run community service organizations like AmeriCorps - a move that will also negatively impact private charity as true volunteers are replaced by paid government workers on the AmeriCorps payroll.  So as you put together your college funding basket, be sure to check with the colleges you want to attend to see whether they accept federal funds. Federal funds can include both grants (gift money which does not have to be repaid) and loans (which do have to be repaid).  Most of these are need-based options. Let's specifically look at federal loans, because these are the instruments which could get you in the most hot water. Stafford Loans These are the most common federal loans, ...

This begins the edgy season when many major scholarships notify successful candidates and colleges begin to send out acceptance letters. It’s easy to get trapped on an emotional rollercoaster. We do our best work on applications, essays and resumes, but ultimately the result is in the hand of a sovereign God. He will close some doors and open others powerfully by the practical provision He makes for your student. One of my students, Alene (not her real name), had applied for one of the richest, most prestigious academic scholarships in her state, Colorado’s Boettcher Scholarship. Her older sister had earned it a couple of years previously, and Alene had an even more impressive academic record than her sister. So expectations were high that Alene would also become a Boettcher scholar. However, the Boettcher also has a public service requirement, and Alene’s public service resume was a little on the light side. When Alene was passed over in favor of candidates with more public service and less brilliant academics, her family was devastated. Their hopes that Alene could study in Colorado on a full ride scholarship were dashed. A few weeks later, Alene received notice of her designation as a National Merit Scholar. ...