Meet deadlines. You snooze; you lose. It's essential that you know the deadlines for the schools you are applying to and ask which applications get priority. At some schools, it's first-come, first-served: funds are awarded as applications are received. At other schools, applications that come in after a specific deadline receive lower priority. By meeting or beating deadlines, you'll also have your award notices back from schools in time to compare offers between colleges (and perhaps even negotiate a better deal).

Warn your parents. In order to fill out financial aid forms, your parents will have to do their taxes earlier than they might typically do them--preferably in early January.

But don't use estimated data! Using estimated data on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can delay your application and lead to problems if the estimates aren't accurate. So always make sure the information you provide is correct.

Neatness/completeness. Financial aid administrators are constantly dismayed by what students submit: applications that are coffee-stained, written in pencil, illegible, sloppy, or incomplete. Be absolutely sure your application is neat and clean, and that all questions are answered.

Ask for help. Call the school's financial aid office if you have any questions. Many schools have toll-free numbers, and their staff will be happy to answer your questions. After all, it's much easier for them to address your concerns while you're filling out the forms in mid-December than to have to call you back in March.

Keep copies. Keep a folder with a copy of every application you fill out.

The FAFSA. Everyone should file the FAFSA online in English or Spanish at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or file the paper form. This determines your eligibility for federal loans and grants and for most state loan, grant, and scholarship programs. Be sure to check out your college's and your state's deadlines for filing the FAFSA. Even if you're not eligible for any federal or state aid, filling out the FAFSA may make you eligible for aid from the school's own funds and for federal education loans, which have lower rates than their commercial counterparts. File FAFSA as soon after January 1st as possible, right after your parents get their taxes done. Double-check your application to be sure your social security number and other details are correct. FAFSA has a great helpline: 800-433-3243.

CSS PROFILE. This form is used by many private colleges to award aid from their own funds. It asks different questions than the FAFSA. You can fill it out online at www.collegeboard.com. (Click on "For Students" and look under "Pay for College," or call 305-829-9793. Cost: $5 registration fee online, or $7 by phone; plus $18 per school.)

Local scholarships. These are among your best bets. Many organizations want to give their money to local students. Take the time to apply for these scholarships--a lot of students don't. Apply for any whose qualifications you even remotely meet. For scholarship details, check with your high school guidance office, and call your town hall, your Congressperson, and local organizations such as the Rotary or Lions clubs.

Ask each college what its policy is toward these "outside awards." Many schools used to deduct outside awards from the grant they gave you, possibly leaving you no better off. But many now deduct from the amount your family needs to pay or the amount you need to borrow.

Scholarships for students attending Christian schools. What about Christian-specific financial aid and scholarship resources? You should research what is available both locally and globally. Talk to your youth leader or another member of your church. Many larger congregations have educational advisors or counselors who can help you. You should also visit the website for your church or denomination (for example: www.elca.org, www.sbc.net, or www.disciples.org). Check these websites for financial aid information and for links to Christian schools; then check the financial aid website for each school.

Get help online. Free financial aid information is available at www.studentaid.ed.gov (English or Spanish) or www.finaid.com, and at the National Association of Financial Aid Administrators, www.nasfaa.org (click on "Parents and Students").

Scholarship search companies. Some scholarship search sites are completely free. Others, like www.findtuition.com, offer subscription services at a moderate cost. As a general rule, it is not necessary to use expensive scholarship services, as the same information is readily available elsewhere for little or no cost.

Tax credits and tax deductions. There are two tax credits and eight different tax deductions for college costs. Go to www.irs.gov and search for Publication #970, "Tax Benefits for Education," or call 800-829-3676 to request a copy.

Making a final decision

Compare offers. Compare the true cost to you of each college's aid package. Which expenses are taken into account (i.e. travel, books, full room and board)? How much of the aid is in grants (which do not need to be repaid)? What will happen with outside awards (that is, scholarships)?

Speak up! Never take anything from the financial aid office as gospel. Call and politely make your case for a better aid package. Supply any facts on your family's financial situation that would strengthen your case, and ask about any merit awards that might be added to your package. If your first-choice school has sent a less generous offer than another school, tell the school that it is your first choice and ask if it can make any adjustments. It never hurts to ask!

Ask about employment. Employment is often available, even if you have not been given a work-study award.

Look beyond the aid package when deciding on a school. If College A is the school you really want to attend, but College B is giving you a better package, it might be worth it to you and your family to sacrifice a little more. Even if you have to borrow more now, getting the best education will more than pay off in the long run.

Article by Deborah Knight and courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com