A firsthand look College visits are one of the most important steps in the process towards college selection. Too often, however, they consist of a student guided tour that is carefully planned and shallow in substance. If you've accompanied your college-bound child, don't leave campus until you have visited the financial aid office.
People sometimes find FAOs, more so than other administrative people, difficult to deal with.
They have a tough job, so be patient and diplomatic when dealing with them. They may have the general idea, but not all the details. The questions OK, here they are. By asking these questions to a FAO at each school in which your child is interested, you will get a much better idea of the ones that are financially feasible for your child to attend. This soft opening question will reveal what forms you need to submit, to whom, and when.