Guidance and Counseling
Parent Alert
Beware of Shady "Scholarship" Offers
College Financial Aid Services - Consumer Tips
If you have children in high school, you may have received letters from companies claiming to be able to provide you with special access to scholarships, grants or "guaranteed" financial aid packages. Many of these companies target consumers during Fall and Spring, in particular. Before you think of attending one of these college financial aid seminars, consider this advice:
- Talk to your school counselor, who may tell you about free alternatives to getting financial aid. The counselor can also tell you of the credibility of a particular company.
- Take your time. Don't be rushed into paying at the seminar. Avoid high-pressure sales pitches that require you to buy now or risk losing out on the opportunity. Solid opportunities are not sold through nerve-racking tactics.
- Investigate the organization you are considering paying for help. Talk to a guidance counselor at your child's school or a financial aid advisor before spending your money.
- Be wary of "success stories" or testimonials of extraordinary success - the seminar operators may have paid "shills" to give glowing stories. Instead, ask for a a list of at least three local families who have used the services in the past year
- Ask each if they are satisfied with the products and services they received.
- Be cautious about purchasing from seminar representatives who are reluctant to answer your questions or who give evasive answers to your questions. Legitimate business people are more than willing to give information about their service.
- Ask how much money is charged for the service, what services will be performed and the company's refund policy. Get this information in writing. Keep in mind that you may never recoup the money you give to an unscrupulous operator, despite stated refund policies.
- Talk to your child's school or future college to find out what financial aid services are available at no charge.
