"Question: What suggestions do you have for maximizing merit and grant aid?  We’ve been careful to focus on colleges where my daughter is at or above the 75th percentile.  She’s a rising senior with a 29 ACT, 3.7wGPA and strong sport and volunteer ECs.  The net price calculators make me think that 2 or 3 thousand dollar difference in merit/grant aid will make a big difference to us. As we plan for senior year, should we contact schools proactively to discuss our situation or wait until after acceptance or after awards or let the chips fall? My daughter’s school is very rigorous (top ACT scores in the state, strict curriculum, and USNews gold) but not known to the schools where she will apply.  Should we do anything to help colleges consider her high school?  Thanks for your thoughts.
 
​You’ve already figured out the most critical piece of the merit-aid puzzle (and it is a puzzle indeed … a Chinese puzzle, perhaps, perplexing at times to even the most seasoned college counselors). " Click here to continue reading...

Need help with the merit-aid puzzle? How can you maximize your merit and grant aid? Contact me today and let me solve the puzzle for YOU! 713.447.0064 or nadine@cash4college.net

"Question: My daughter only has 1 year of Language. Her HS phased out the Spanish class, so she took arts and college prep classes instead. Now with only 1 year of language, can she get into admissions, or should she attempt to take a night class to get Spanish 101 at our community college? What are the options?
There are colleges that will admit your daughter with just one year of foreign language. " Click here to continue reading...

What other classes are required for college admissions? Every college is different. Contact me today for a complimentary phone consultation. 713.447.0064 or nadine@cash4college.net
Article written by Sally Rubenstone

"Question: My daughter is preparing for college by studying for the ACT. Do top schools like the Ivy League or Stanford prefer the SAT over the ACT? Even though the school might say either one is OK, in your opinion does one or the other have more advantage?
Back when “The Dean” applied to college, the SAT was the top-dog test, especially at the “elite” Eastern colleges. The ACT, which was then more common in the South, West, and Midwest, was seen by some as a poor relation."  Click here to continue reading...

Do you fully understand the difference between SAT & ACT and how they impact your university profile? If not, that is ok! Contact me today, so I can help you find the solution for your student. 713.447.0064

Article written by Sally Rubenstone

Question: I was emancipated at the age of 15 and have been working and supporting myself since that time. I am 26 now and would like to enroll in college. Will I receive any government or school help because of my early emancipation or am I too old now to have them take that into consideration?

Because you are over age 24, you should qualify for federal and/or school-based assistance. Any student 24+ who meets certain income and academic guidelines (more on these in a minute) will also qualify. 

Click here to continue reading...

Start your college career today! If you don't know where to start, call Nadine Underbrink, M.Ed for a free college and scholarship consultation today! 713.447.0064 or nadine@cash4college.net

Article written by: Sally Rubenstone

To participate in Division I or Division II athletics, students must register and be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse.  Students can get information on registering on the NCAA website at http://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net/.
NCAA Division III schools are generally the smallest in the NCAA, although some larger schools, such as New York University, are in DIII.  Many of the four hundred twenty schools are private and high quality.  The competition level of D III schools varies widely.  Catholic University, Kenyon College, Transylvania University, Amherst, and Messiah College are examples of DIII schools.
While DIII schools do not offer athletic scholarships, students can receive financial aid based on need up to the cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation and incidental expenses.  DIII students don’t have to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

Click here to continue reading...

Need help navigating what division is what or just have general questions about it? Contact Nadine Underbrink, M.Ed today for a free college and & scholarship consultation. 713.447.0064 or nadine@cash4college.net

Article obtained from Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club

"Looking for a way to earn fast money and help your fellow man -- or woman -- at the same time? Sign up for a university research project and get paid to talk to your classmates, chew gum, play computer games and lots of other activities that were verboten in your classroom days.

​You're never too old for this student gig: Researchers in nutrition, psychology, marketing and other fields need people of all ages."

Click here to read more...

If you need additional help finding scholarships, financial aid, grants, etc  for college, contact Nadine Underbrink, M.Ed to help you find the best solution. 713.447.0064 or nadine@cash4college.net

Article written by:  Elizabeth Brewster • Bankrate.com

Summer is an opportune time to save money for college and reduce college-related expenses.

Click here to read 10 ways freshman can save.

Contact Nadine Underbrink, M.Ed today for a free college and scholarship consultation. 713.447.0064 or nadine@cash4college.net
Article written by Farran Powell

Engineers earn top dollar, but students majoring in other STEM fields can also nab a healthy paycheck.

​Students in STEM fields such as engineering or computer science can earn more than $85,000 annually with their bachelor's degree. Earning a degree in science, technology, engineering and math, known as the STEM fields is a good way to earn a higher salary after graduating from college – especially with engineering specialties. Click here to read more....

Contact Nadine Underbrink, M.Ed for more information about majors in STEM fields.  
713.447.0064
nadine@cash4college.net

Article Written by Farran Powell 

Sort and compare the 300 best college values in the U.S. Use the arrows at the top of any column of data to rank any list of colleges by cost and financial-aid measures. For more information on a particular college, click the college's name. Click here to begin.   

If you need more information on the best financial option for you and your family, contact Nadine Underbrink, M.Ed today for a free college and scholarship consultation. She specializes in finding the maximum financial solutions for families across the U.S.  

​Call 713.447.0064 or email at nadine@cash4college.net