Understanding and Acquiring College Financial Aid

Q1 @JodiOkun Tell us about your new book, “Secrets of a Financial Aid Pro” #CampusChat

A1 I wrote a book different from all other books out there in the financial aid land. A book that can be passed on and will be current for a while #CampusChat

A1 The book is split into three sections middle school, high school, college and beyond #CampusChat

A1 Each section in the book has charts, lists and conversations to have with your student #CampusChat

Q2 @JodiOkun How did you get started in the college financial aid industry? #CampusChat

A2 I began taking a financial aid class online at UCLA met the teacher of the class, who was the director at Occidental College #CampusChat

A2 We began to talk about financial aid and helping families and she hired me to work in Oxy’s financial aid office #CampusChat

A2 I also worked at Pitzer College in their financial aid office for a few years too #CampusChat

Q3 @JodiOkun What exactly is “college financial aid”? #CampusChat

A3 It is the ability to apply for money to help pay for college #CampusChat

A3 There are a few types of aid but today we are talking about “need based” aid #CampusChat

A3 If your student is attending college and you need help paying. I highly recommend every student apply for “college financial aid” #CampusChat

Q4 @JodiOkun When should parents start the college financial aid process? #CampusChat

A4 Students and parents need to begin the conversation about the how to pay for college as early as middle school #CampusChat

A4 Talking about what the family can afford and what price of schools the student should keep in mind #CampusChat

A4 The actual application process begins October 1. #CampusChat

Q5 @JodiOkun What is the FAFSA and why is it important? #CampusChat

A5 The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the gateway application for colleges to be able to award students “need based aid” #CampusChat

A5 There is a formula that the form uses to calculate it the family is eligible #CampusChat

A5 #Tip Families even if you don’t think you will qualify please apply you maybe eligible for other monies #CampusChat

Q6 @JodiOkun Is it really possible to get more financial aid with certain strategies? #CampusChat

A6 Hmmm Families have income and assets they have members of their family and some even have 2 in college #CampusChat

A6 If there are strategies it all boils down families have to prove everything they say on the forms documentation or verification is the formal name #CampusChat

A6 If families use strategies they hear about from others – will they position themselves into loans? #CampusChat

Q7 @JodiOkun How can college scholarships help students pay for college? #CampusChat

A7 Families should use all monies they have savings, cash, and scholarships when it comes to paying for college. #CampusChat

A7 If students apply for scholarships and WIN that can help with the bill. It can help pay a portion or more of tuition #CampusChat

A7 Students need to be applying for scholarships all year long to help pay the bill #CampusChat

Q8 @JodiOkun What about using student loans to pay for college? #CampusChat

A8 The conversation needs to happen between parent and student. Do they need a loan to pay for college? #CampusChat

A8 I talk to families about being a responsible borrower. No the terms and remember you must pay them back.

A8 If a family does not want to take out a loan. And they have all the money to pay for college ok. But if they don’t have all the money, what is their next step #CampusChat

Q9 @JodiOkun Thinking about #finaid stresses most parents out. How can you ease their minds? #CampusChat

A9 Use the Net Price Calculator on each college website to find out what your family will be paying #CampusChat

A9 Talk to your kids about what you can afford and make sure they are clear before applying to the very expensive school #CampusChat

A9 Talk to the financial aid office at each college. They are there to help and can answer a lot of questions #CampusChat

Q10 @JodiOkun What are your 3 best tips for parents to get the most financial aid possible? #CampusChat

A10 Start early and use the Net Price Calculator to help understand how much they will need to pay for college #CampusChat

A10 Complete all financial aid applications each college requires and meet all deadlines #CampusChat

A10 Finish the process till the end…complete all verification documents in a timely manner #CampusChat

If you have any questions about how to participate in a Twitter chat, feel free to email me at info@how2winscholarships.com.

Everyone is welcome for College Scholarship Day on #CampusChat, so please join us!

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