Advice for Completing FAFSA Form for Financial Aid

One of the most daunting tasks in the college admission and financial aid process is completion of the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  A colleague forwarded this link to a great video that explains what the FAFSA is and how to complete it in five entertaining minutes.  Have a look.

Okay, it glosses over the details (which may lead to hair loss among some parents).  But at least it points out how important this form is in helping families get the best financial aid packages possible.


Mark Montgomery

College Counselor





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Columbia Joins the Bandwagon and Changes Financial Aid Policies

Columbia University announced today that it was joining its Ivy League sister institutions in revamping its financial aid policies to make the University more affordable for the middle class. Families with incomes of less than $60,000 will pay nothing. Families with incomes of less than $100,000 will see a significant increase in the amount of aid awarded. And all institutional loans will be replaced by grants.Columbia University
Since Harvard announced changes in its financial aid policies (see my post here), other well-heeled institutions (e.g., Dartmouth, Yale, Bowdoin, Stanford) have followed suit. Expect others to join in.
Stay tuned.
Mark Montgomery
Independent College Counselor