How are you going to pay for college? With the costs of college these days, financial aid isn't an option; it's a necessity. But how do you know you're getting everything you deserve? Eight Steps to Help Black Families Pay for College walks you through this daunting process. Inside you'll learn how to: -Get a handle on the financial aid process; learn about loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs -Approach financial aid with the right attitude and make debt work for you -Choose the right school-and understand how cost factors into college selection -Utilize long- and short-term strategies to get the maximum aid you need -Assess and respond to financial aid offers -Pay back loans responsibly You'll also gain insight into how the government and colleges determine your expected family contribution (EFC). As a bonus, you'll discover the role affirmative action plays in the admissions decision. We've even included real-life stories to help you avoid financial aid gaffes and pitfalls. Learn how to make informed action pay off now and in the long run so that one day you can give back to your alma mater and your community.

This timely work addresses the present state of affirmative action in higher education after the landmark decisions of Gratz v. Bollnger and Grutter v. Bollinger. Informative chapters provide an overall understanding of the history of affirmative action in higher education in the United States, pointers to students on writing the crucial application essay, and discussion of the percentage plan states. Other chapters explore financial and student aid and historically black colleges and universities, and offer advice for veterans returning to school. Resource chapters include lists of print and nonprint sources for further research and reading. Accessible, practical and up-to-date, this one-stop guide reassures students and families that higher education remains within their grasp. Affirmative Action Now facilitates understanding of the current practice of affirmative action in undergraduate, graduate, and professional school admissions. Concrete suggestions, including 15 rules to consider when applying for admission, provide a leg-up to the attentive student. In addition, detailed appendices provide an Affirmative Action Application Checklist along with other helpful data. Students, families and counselors will find a goldmine of useful information and practical advice in this accessible guide.

-Over 56,000 easy-to-read definitions for students at all levels -Three-hole punched to fit into a standard 3-ring binder -Includes new student resource reference

FINANCIAL AID MADE EASY! This concise, easy-to-follow guide breaks the confusing college financial aid process down into 8 simple steps to help you afford your education. Alas, not everybody started saving for college when their kid was in diapers. But there’s still hope—and help! This friendly guide distills the confusing financial aid process into 8 clear, actionable steps you can take RIGHT NOW to help afford college. The underlying message is simple: Parents and students who understand how to apply for financial aid get more financial aid. Armed with the checklists, timelines, and info in this book, you’ll be able to: • Figure out what colleges actually cost • Understand grants, loans, work-study, and other forms of aid • Get to know the FAFSA® and CSS Profile(TM) • Research scholarship opportunities • Quickly compare financial aid offers from different schools • Find creative ways to lighten your debt load Note: This book is designed to be a quick primer covering the most useful core finanicial aid information. For students and parents looking for comprehensive, A-Z guidance—including long-term strategies and step-by-step help on the forms—check out Paying for College, The Princeton Review's classic and definitive guide to the A-to-Zs of financial aid.

"This book will educate Black families on the college admission process and provide them with the information, tools, and knowledge they need to explore college options"--

Includes, beginning Sept. 15, 1954 (and on the 15th of each month, Sept.-May) a special section: School library journal, ISSN 0000-0035, (called Junior libraries, 1954-May 1961). Also issued separately.