Colleges offer two options for students to apply and get an acceptance answer early: Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA). Although both start with the same word, they’re quite different. What’s similar is that applications are due earlier, usually Nov. 1 or 15, and colleges respond earlier, typically by Dec. 15 or 31. Early Action simply means that the…
Students and families intending to borrow for college have a range of choices. The best starting point for borrowing is always the Federal Direct Student Loan. This is the lowest-cost federal loan available, has all of the federal loan protections and best of all, students can take it out without a co-signer, even without any credit history. But the direct…
Yes, you can use your 529 for off-campus room and board and, assuming you have money in your 529, you should! And you should do it right to save money and hassle. There are a few elements to doing it right. The right amount: Off-campus room and board are Qualified Higher Education Expenses (aka “OK to spend your 529 on”)…
When students go off to college, parents lose access to their health and education records unless the student authorizes that access. FERPA rules govern access to education records, while HIPAA rules govern access to health records. Getting the right forms completed before your student leaves for college will allow you to access their records as well as to assist and…
It’s June, which means we’re coming up on peak college visit season. If you’re heading out to see colleges, here are some tips to get the most out of your visits. But first, some rules. Rule #1 of college visits: If you’re a high school student checking out a college, sign up for an official visit. Not only will you…