Why You Might Consider Working with a Specialist for College Applications
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Navigating the college application and funding process can feel like a full-time job, but the good news is you don’t have to go it alone. There are fantastic resources out there designed to help students and parents every step of the way. College professionals, including experienced consultants and financial aid specialists, are available to provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re starting to think about college applications or trying to figure out how to pay for it all, these services can simplify the process, helping you avoid common mistakes and ensuring you make the most of every opportunity.
Resources to Guide You Through the College Journey
One of the most challenging parts of the college process is knowing where to start. Thankfully, there are special consulting services that offer a wealth of resources to help you from beginning to end. These services often provide webinars that break down each step of the process, making it easier to understand what needs to be done and when. From application deadlines to financial aid forms, these webinars can help you stay on track.
In addition to webinars, many services offer extensive libraries of resources that cover everything from how to choose the right college to understanding the financial aid process. These libraries are a treasure trove of information, providing answers to just about any question you might have along the way.
Personalized Help from Experienced College Consultants
When it comes to applying to college, having a dedicated consultant can be a game-changer. These are professionals with current and former higher education experience who can offer personalized advice and support tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need help with college application review, high school resume preparation, or essay writing, these consultants have you covered.
But it doesn’t stop there. These specialists also offer career and major coaching to help students figure out what they want to study and how to build a career around it. From resume building to interview preparation, they’re there to guide students in making the most of their college experience and preparing for life after graduation.
Professional Guidance for the Financial Aid Process
Let’s face it, the financial aid process can be daunting. But again, you don’t have to tackle it alone. College Assistance+ has higher education professionals who specialize in helping families navigate the financial side of college. These specialists can explain how the financial aid process works and help with everything from creating a college budget to detailed guidance and navigational help with the FAFSA® form.
They’re also there to assist with more specialized forms like the CSS Profile and State grant applications. If you’re looking for scholarships, these professionals can guide you through external scholarship applications, like those available through Going Merry. They can also help you understand your loan options, whether you’re considering federal loans or private loan¹ options like those offered by Earnest. And when it’s time to think about repayment², they’ll be there with valuable information to help you make informed decisions.
Discover the Benefits of Going Merry and College Assistance+
To make the college process even more manageable, Going Merry has teamed up with College Assistance+ as part of the Going Merry Marketplace. This partnership brings together top-notch resources to help families navigate the college journey with confidence. From their Coaching Package, which offers personalized college application support, to their Financial Package, which provides comprehensive financial aid assistance, College Assistance+ has something for every family.
Going Merry highly recommends visiting College Assistance+’s website to explore all of the services they offer. Whether you’re just starting the college process or you’re deep into it, the resources available through Going Merry and College Assistance+ can make a world of difference. See how they can help you take the stress out of applying to and funding college.
And, right now, Going Merry Marketplace users can save 5% off services offered by College Assistance+ at checkout with code: GoingMerry
With the right resources and support, the college journey doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Whether you’re a student or a parent, there’s help out there to guide you through every step, making sure you’re ready for whatever comes next.
Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.
1 Before applying for private student loans, it’s best to maximize your other sources of financial aid first. It’s recommended to use a 3-step approach to assembling the funds you need: 1) Look for funds you don’t have to pay back, like scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. 2) Next, fill out a FAFSA(R) form to apply for federal student loans. Federal Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans, excluding PLUS Loan for Parents and PLUS Loan for Graduate and Professional Students which require a credit check and a credit worthy endorser if the parent or graduate or professional student has adverse credit, do not require a credit check or cosigner, and offer various protections if you’re struggling with your payments. 3) Finally, consider a private student loan to cover any difference between your total cost of attendance and the amount not covered in steps 1 and 2. For more information, visit the Department of Education website at https://studentaid.gov/.
2 As was announced by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), federal student loans have resumed accruing interest starting September 1, 2023, and federal student loan payments were reinstated starting in October. Please note that you may lose benefits associated with your underlying federal loans, such as federal Income-driven Repayment Plans (an example of which is the SAVE plan), Economic Hardship Deferment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, or other deferment and forbearance options, if you refinance into a private loan. If you file for bankruptcy, you may still be required to pay back this loan. See https://studentaid.gov/ for more information.
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