Local Educator

If you’re thinking about heading off to college or university, or even thinking of getting an online degree at one of the many online schools available, you absolutely have to check out FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) . If you aren’t utilizing this important resource then you may be missing out on some really great funding options. Applying for and receiving government funding can often seem like more trouble than it’s worth as the sites and processes are often confusing and buried under miles of red tape. FAFSA is a different kind of site. It’s easily navigated, which as some of you know, is not usually the norm when dealing with government websites.

Besides containing the actual application for federal aid, the site is packed with useful information for students, including a FAQ section which is always an excellent place to start. FAFSA provides future students with multiple funding options and have also included links to other sources of government funding which is incredibly helpful if you’re just starting the process and are not yet aware of all of the options available to you. There is also some great information on scholarships; where to look for them, who offers them and why and how to apply for them. They also offer tips and tricks to make sure that you are applying for valid funding. For instance, did you know that it should be free to apply for a scholarship? If you are being asked to pay an application fee, it may be a less then reputable offer. Tips like that are invaluable for the student that is attempting to navigate the funding process for the very first time.

It’s a difficult journey at the best of times and between class schedules, credits, books, and first day jitters, the last thing you need is to get tripped up when looking for a way to pay your tuition or to buy that new computer you’ll need for your online college classes. FAFSA is an excellent student resource that should not be overlooked.

If you enjoyed our post, 10 Questions for your college recruiter, then I think you will also benefit from this post. Or maybe you just like lists. Either way, read on.

A really terrific recommendation letter is one of those things that people rarely think a lot about. Until you need one, that is. Every employer, every university- including online schools or colleges- will require one. You may be under the impression that these letters are just a formality and are, at best, just skimmed. Let me tell you here and now that you would be wrong.

A recommendation letter tells the enrollment personal several things about you, including whether or not you care enough to make sure your recommendation is the best that it can be. Now granted, you’re not writing it yourself, but there is certainly nothing wrong with insisting that it’s well written and to the point.

The first step to achieving this is picking the best person to write your recommendation. Choosing an individual with a professional job is your best bet as it will give it the immediate impression of importance. Do you have a good relationship with your doctor or your guidance counselor at school? Is there a friend of the family that is a lawyer or other such position of authority that you could ask? Essentially you are looking for someone that knows you in either a personal or professional manner, and that can also include former employers.

Your second step is to give whoever you chose a clear direction in which you would like your recommendation to go based on their knowledge of you. Keep in mind that your on-site or online college will be looking for information that shows how you will be an asset to their facility. Have you done a lot of volunteer work? What clubs or committees are you involved with? Do you work well with a team and strive to complete tasks that are given to you? Ideally, your recommendation letter should sell you. It should highlight your positive qualities and what you have to offer.

Your final step in ensuring that your recommendation letters stand out above all others is to read it! I know that sounds silly but all too often students forget this step. What if the writer inadvertently made a spelling error? What if you are later asked about information or clarification from that letter? You need to read it carefully as this letter is representing you. Make sure that it does so in a way that you are comfortable with.