8 Smart Things Every Student Should Know!

If I could speak to a group of high school seniors, I would tell them that there are 4 important and simple ways to save money on college that they're probably not thinking about.

1. Take the ACT more than once! ACT and SAT scores provide important information to the colleges. It can make the difference between getting money for college and NOT getting a dime. I've seen student's scores jump from 3 to 10 points from the first to the second test they take. I've seen students who've scored an extra point or two on the third or fourth attempt earning them Presidential Scholarships. The higher the test scores, the more FREE money you can earn!

2) Look for Local Scholarships! Internet scholarships are hard to get. You can get them, but they're tough because you're competing nationally. Your high school's guidance counselor is a good place to start with this.

3) Don't discount a community college! You'll use the same textbooks and get the same quality education at many community colleges. Plus, they cost a fraction of what many state schools cost. The only thing you need to be careful about is making sure that the classes you take are able to transfer to the school you plan to graduate from.

4) A 2-year Associates Degree can be a smart choice! With an associates degree, a student can double the income earning opportunity over a high school graduate. Some college is better than no college at all.

5) Take AP (Advanced Placement) or CLEP (College Level Examination Program) Tests. Less time on campus means fewer tuition dollars! Consider the path taken by one of my clients. Because she scored well on the six AP subject exams she took in high school, she was able to enroll this past fall as a sophomore for her first year at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. By spending three years on campus instead of four, she expects to save between $32,000 and $34,000.

6) Apply to several colleges. Some colleges will compete with other colleges and thus provide you with a scholarship or two if they know you might be swayed over to the other college. This gives you negotiating power, especially if you're a bright student.

7) Try Harvard or Yale! Many smart students whose parents make under $60,000 per year can go "tuition free" under the Harvard Initiative Program. Many private schools offer GREAT scholarships opportunities and can often be CHEAPER than state schools!

8) Get Your B.S. At A Cheaper School, And Then Get Your M.S. At A Reputable School! The last thing an employer wants to know is your final degree and what school did you attend. If you get your B.S. at Missouri State and save money, but finish with your Masters Degree at Princeton, it's a more impressive resume, PLUS IT'S CHEAPER!!!