Financial Aid Guidance

🎓 Paying for College? Start with Free Money First. In this clip from Inspired Money episode 52, nationally recognized student financial aid expert Mark Kantrowitz shares essential advice for students and families: “Focus on free money first—scholarships and grants. Every dollar you win is a dollar less you’ll have to borrow.” Mark explains the importance of completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile (for many private colleges) and recommends trusted scholarship resources like Fastweb and College Board’s BigFuture. This is just one piece of our deep dive into navigating student loans, featuring top experts Sonia Lewis, Caitlin Zaloom, and Raffy (Rae) Kaplan. Together, they explore: ✅ Strategies for repayment ✅ Loan consolidation & refinancing options ✅ Forgiveness programs ✅ How student debt impacts family dynamics and long-term financial health 📺 Watch the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/e6A9GJNZ If you’re saving for college, this episode is a must-watch. #StudentLoans #FinancialAid #CollegePlanning #InspiredMoney

🎓 Scholarships for Indian Students Applying to U.S. Colleges Dreaming of studying at Ivy League or other top U.S. colleges but worried about the cost? Let’s talk about scholarships—a game-changer for many Indian students! 💡 The Good News Many U.S. colleges, including the Ivies, offer need-based and merit-based financial aid. For Indian students, these scholarships can cover partial or even full tuition, making world-class education accessible. 📝 Key Scholarship Types 1️⃣ Need-Based Aid: Colleges like #Harvard, #Yale, and #Princeton offer generous aid based on your family’s financial situation. 2️⃣ Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded for academic excellence, leadership, or unique talents (e.g., Robertson Scholarship at #Duke). 3️⃣ External Scholarships: Organizations like #Tata Trusts and #Inlaks Foundation also provide financial support. 📌 Tips for Securing Scholarships 🔍 Research colleges with need-blind or need-aware policies for international students. 🖋️ Craft a compelling application that highlights academic achievements, extracurriculars, and leadership. 📊 Clearly demonstrate financial need (for need-based aid). ⏰ Apply early and meet all deadlines—competition is fierce! ✨ My Experience As an admission counsellor, I’ve guided students to secure substantial scholarships, including at Ivy Leagues. With the right strategy, dedication, and story, you can make your dream a reality too! 💬 Call to Action Are you navigating the U.S. admissions process and need help with scholarships? Let’s connect! I’m happy to share insights tailored to your journey. #Scholarships #USAdmissions #IvyLeague #undergrad #masters #FinancialAid

As a few institutions in the US rescind funding and admission decisions due to uncertainty around funding, here are some tips to help you navigate this challenging situation: 1. Stay Calm and Review the Situation Understand the specific reasons why the funding or admission decision was rescinded. Institutions may provide explanations that can help you address concerns and guide your next steps. 2. Contact the Admissions or Financial Aid Office Reach out to the relevant department to clarify the situation. Ask about the possibility of a review or appeal, and inquire about alternative options, such as reconsideration for funding or deferring your admission. 3. Explore Other Scholarship Opportunities If funding was rescinded, immediately start looking for other scholarship opportunities. Platforms like Scholarships Cafe, Fastweb, and Chegg can help you discover new sources of financial support. 4. Consider Other Universities and Countries If admission is rescinded, explore applying to other universities and countries, particularly those with rolling admissions or late deadlines. Some institutions may still accept applications for the upcoming term. 5. Seek Alternative Funding Options Besides scholarships, consider other financial support options like private loans or student employment opportunities such as teaching or research assistantships once you start your studies. 6. Network and Seek Guidance Reach out to mentors, advisors, or alumni from your desired school. They may provide valuable advice, including recommendations for alternative funding sources or universities that align with your academic goals. 7. Stay Proactive and Explore All Options Keep searching for solutions and stay proactive. Strengthen your application, research other universities, and explore opportunities that will help you continue your academic journey. By staying persistent and proactive, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity to explore different paths for your education and career development.