Ten Great Financial Aid Tips from fastWEB.com Prioritize your efforts, starting with the federal government. Then turn to the private sector for additional assistance. Learn all you can about the college financial aid process. Be sure to meet with your aid administrator [or guidance counselor] and establish a relationship. Submit a FAFSA, even if you don't think you qualify for aid. Being rejected for federal aid is sometimes a prerequisite for private awards. Apply for aid as soon as possible after January 1. The early bird always gets the worm-- and sometimes the scholarship! Inform financial aid administrators [or guidance counselors] about typical expenses. Certain allowances may be made to assist you. Take advantage of tuition prepayment discounts. Some colleges offer up to a 10% discount for early payment. Money from grandparents should be paid in your name directly to the school. This avoids gift tax liability. Investigate company-sponsored tuition plans. Many employers will invest in the education of their employees. Apply! You can not win awards or receive funds for which you do not apply, so pay attention to deadlines. Use scholarship search engines like fastWEB to help you find the private sector assistance you need! /ol>