NexaFollow

First up, let me make it clear that I switched jobs in '06 and am working in a system back office rather than working directly with applying students so it's entirely possible that some financial aid issue has slipped by unnoticed by me...however...if you just want advice generally speaking...

1. Do you mean that you intend to begin classes this fall, or that you'll begin applying this fall for the spring or fall semesters of 2009?

2. If you're planning on taking classes in the spring of 09, I hope you've already done your FAFSA, but if not, do it right away.

3. If you're planning on taking classes next fall (09), you can't do the correct FAFSA until January 1st. However, many private scholarships will have deadlines before then or throughout the spring semester. Many of these are worthwhile. Your local guidance office will likely have a list, but I'd also check fastweb (it's a free scholarship search, you'll get weird **** that doesn't fit that will come up, but you get what you pay for. By and large, it's pretty decent for free).

4. Absolutly do not make the mistake of not applying to a school that you really want to attend because you don't think you can afford it. The more expensive the school, the more money they have to throw at you in the form of aid.

5. If you want to get ahead, and you're a senior in the fall...skip taking study halls. Get some AP credits in there, or something else helpful. Get another year of a foreign language or something at least. Make sure you have the courses completed for any particular programs you're interested in.

6. I know this isn't all (by appearances), directly related to financial aid, but let me assure you, all of the above can save you money.

7. Speaking of saving money, CLEP (you can look it up).

Nexa

In addition to AP credit I would suggest you ask your school counselors about any other college credit programs. My area offered several dual credit courses. This may allow you to earn college credit in the summer when you would not normally have access to it through your high school. Unlike AP classes you will usually have to pay for the class, about $100 in my area, but it can save you much in future time and costs.

edit...wrong thread.

/blush

Edited, Jul 21st 2008 7:05am by Elinda

Math above Algebra 2 isn't even required in high school...at least that's what I seem to recall. Don't be such a snob. I never took anything over Algebra 2 either, so nyah!

Also: I think the making change successfully and balancing checkbook intro courses are very popular!

Nexa

Back 30 years ago the kids that were voc tech material general math 1 and 2 classes. College bound you wanted to make sure you got at least Algebra 1 and Geometry. Algebra 2 if you wanted to get in a good college. Nerds took Trig and Analytic Geometry.

Only the Brains could fit Calculus and physics in their senior year.

They also were few years younger then the rest of the senior class sometimes. Of course our DnD club, killed off their characters quickly in the fall, so we didn't have to deal with their constant whining.

Math above Algebra 2 isn't even required in high school...at least that's what I seem to recall. Don't be such a snob. I never took anything over Algebra 2 either, so nyah!

This has nothing to do with colleges offering credit for low level math classes. If high schools stopped teaching most kids History, that wouldn't be a good reason for colleges to offer credit for completing "How to play Risk".