John Siegrist, who has administered federal student aid programs for the past 33 years, sees it as a good opportunity. Most middle-income families who send children to college pay for it through savings, current income or future income, Siegrist explains. His experience proved helpful when he was putting his own children through college. I understood how to fill out the forms, he says. If you get someone like a guidance counselor to help you out, you have an advantage.
Most experts discourage families from paying for help in applying for financial aid.
States and the various colleges and universities also have staff who can provide information and advice. Maria Kreger has worked in the Financial Aid Office at New Jersey s Rutgers University for 21 years. Part of her job is providing information for students over the phone. Our counselors have special high school nights, says Kreger. The school you are considering might also have such outreach programs.