Then you wait. If all's clear, the schools that accepted you will send a letter listing your financial aid awards, usually in April if you applied for the fall semester. You can get these forms from your college's financial aid office. They can also be filed online. A knowledgeable, experienced, ethical adviser can help avoid common mistakes and take advantage of loopholes when you're filling out financial aid forms.
Some advisers charge a large upfront fee, then a smaller fee for subsequent annual visits.
Ask for referrals from family, friends, and your high school counselor. And ask questions about the adviser's background, experience, and success rate, as well as how he or she stays up to date on financial aid matters. Although there is no accrediting body specifically for financial aid advisers, there are a few things to check. Start with the initials after their names. Certified Public Accountants and Certified Financial Planners must undergo testing to earn their title, so you know they have at least done their homework.