What is your process for helping students find financial aid?

Charlotte M. Klaar, Ph.D.
Director
Klaar College Consulting LLC
I offer basic financial aid advice and point the family in the direction of colleges who are notoriously generous with merit aid. In addition, I give the family a report that shows which scholarships the student might be eligible for at the colleges to which he or she is applying.

Ann Herbener
College Counselor
Papillion-La Vista High School
Through guidance lessons and parent nights, I give them the basic information about scholarships and the FAFSA. Then through individual appointments, I answer questions and sometimes help students complete the FAFSA. 

Heather Johnson
Educational Consultant
Heather Johnson Associates
I keep financial issue in mind for my families who are interested in merit- or need-based aid. I will let them know of the availability of financial aid at each of their schools, and I try to help match students well to merit-based schools so that they will be recipients of scholarship money. I point them to websites but do not get into finances with families, only guide them. 

Sandra E. Clifton
Educational Consultant for Social & Emotional Learning
Clifton Corner: An Academic Coaching Center.
To be honest, one of the best ways to get financial aid is to apply to schools that have never had an applicant like you before—including from your particular town and/or geographical region. Colleges are attracted to students who lend multiple layers of diversity to their campus, so going off the “beaten path” from your peers’ typical choices is a good way to attract funds.

K. Patricia Aviezer, M.S.
President
Inside Track To College, Inc.
Educating students and their families about what the whole process of financial aid is about and how it may or may not impact the college admission process. Providing deadlines, detailed information about filing and assisting with interpreting financial aid letters is an important aspect of college decision making.