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
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“It has always been the prerogative of children and half-wits to point out that the emperor has no clothes. But a half-wit remains a half-wit, and the emperor remains an emperor.â€
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman, Vol. 9: The Kindly Ones