Paying for College Without Going Broke, 2003 Edition

15 years ago, I graduated from an elite private university by working full-time as a student and getting as much financial aid as possible every step along the way. Since then, I have helped several younger siblings to do the same, and I have prepared to send my own kids to college. Through it all, I have read many books -- good and bad -- that came out regarding how and where to find support to attend college, and I can say with total confidence that this is BY FAR the best book that ever has been written on the topic. The content speaks for itself: deeply researched and simulatenously very practical, with dozens of very important tips, available nowhere else, for maximizing the amount of aid that one is offered. And the author's credentials are unrivaled, having held a major post in the Department of Education which oversees most federal student assistance. President Clinton felt comfortable enough with the book to provide a forward, not just a blurb. Is this the easiest book about financial aid to read? Well, it's not at all hard to read, but it isn't simplistic; it doesn't pretend that there are just 1 or 2 things that one must do to maximize one's aid awards. But the fact is that applying for and doling out financial aid is an exceedingly complicated enterprise, and by shining a light on this complexity and providing clear paths through the process, this book does applicants for student assistance a tremendous favor. Like the reviewer before me, I was motivated to write this analysis after seeing that someone earlier had ranked the book with only 4 stars. In my opinion, it should get 6 (unfortunately, 5 is the maximum)! I very strongly recommend this book to any student or parent who needs to get the maximum student aid award possible.

I spent a number of years as a college counselor. This book is the best book for anyone serious about getting the most aid possible. ("Don't Miss Out" is simpler, also excellent, but not quite as packed with good ideas). I was motivated to write this when I noticed that the other reviewer had given the book 4 stars. In this category, I cannot imagine a book more worthy of 5.

This book is a necessity for any college-bound student who doesn't have the cash on hand to pay for four years of school in a world-class institution. Paying close attention to the many tips and pointers and following them will put any and every college student way ahead of the financial security game.

This book is indespensable. Covers all aspects of planning and preparation in addition to providing answers to those of us who wait until the last minute...

If you're dreading filling out those complicated financial aid forms, this is a great book to have by your side. It includes some 50 pages of line-by-line guidance on completing the two most widely used forms.