September 2009

Vol. 7 Issue 4

Help Your Student Develop Good Study Habits

Effective study skills are an important part of your student's academic development. We've compiled the following tips to help you assist your student in developing good study habits.

  1. Set a certain time after school every day for studying. If your student doesn't have homework, they can review class notes.
  2. Designate a place for your student to study in a well-lighted area with a desk or a table where they can work.
  3. Make sure your student has the tools needed for studying: textbooks, dictionary, computer, pens/pencils, paper, etc.
  4. Eliminate distractions like TV, loud music, and phone calls.
  5. Encourage your student to take short, scheduled breaks. Short breaks help students stay refreshed and focused.
  6. Encourage your student to study with other classmates; research indicates that many students improve their grades by supplementing individual study with group study.

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Financial Aid 101

Financial aid carries with it responsibilities your college- bound student will have to manage throughout their college career and beyond. Students and their families should take the time to learn about their financial aid options before signing on the dotted line.

There are four types of aid available, which can be combined to create your student's financial aid package: scholarships, grants, work-study and student loans.

Scholarships are considered gift aid, because they do not have to be paid back. Your college-bound student should actively research scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are often based on academic achievement, athletic ability or special talent, such as skill in music, dance or writing. Scholarships may also be based on the student's choice of major, as many businesses and state programs offer scholarships to support students interested in specific areas of study. Local scholarships are also available through public service organizations like the Lions Club, Rotary Club or NAACP chapters. Your college-bound student can start their search on EducationPlanner.org, our award-winning career and college planning site. The free scholarship search on EducationPlanner offers 1.8 million scholarships, grants and awards worth nearly $8 billion.

Grants typically come in three forms; state- and federal- sponsored grant programs and institution-sponsored grant programs. State- and federal-sponsored grants are usually based on financial need, as demonstrated from the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Institution-sponsored grants can be based on financial need and/or merit. Your student should check with the colleges they're interested in attending for information on institutional grants.

Work-study awards provide students with on-campus or off-campus employment to help pay college costs while gaining career- related, hands-on work experience.

Student loans are a type of financial aid that must be repaid with interest. There are federal student loans that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education and private loans, also referred to as alternative loans.

Federal Perkins Loans and subsidized Stafford Loans are need- based government-subsidized loans. Students who borrow under these programs do not pay interest on the loans until after they leave school. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are awarded without regard for need; students are responsible for paying the accrued interest on unsubsidized loans as soon as the funds are disbursed.

A Parent PLUS Loan is a federally-guaranteed loan for parents who want to help pay for their child's education. Parents can borrow up to the cost of attendance, minus any financial aid awarded to the student.

Private, or alternative, student loans typically have higher interest rates, more fees and less flexible repayment options than federal student loan programs. Loan terms and limits on private student loans vary substantially by lender. You should consider private loans only if you need additional funds after obtaining aid through scholarships, grants, work-study and federal loan programs.

You can learn more about financial aid in the Paying section of EducationPlanner.org.

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How EducationPlanner Can Help

EducationPlanner.org, our career and college planning site, provides students and their families with information related to all aspects of the college planning process.

EducationPlanner.org is designed to thoughtfully help students develop lifelong education plans, from middle and high school, to higher education and beyond.

EducationPlanner.org includes:

Visit www.EducationPlanner.org today and access the world of higher education.

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Explore any or all of our web sites. You'll be glad you did!

Manage your AES account online at aesSuccess.org.

YouCanDealWithIt.com gives you the real story on money, student loans and life.

EducationPlanner.org is our award-winning career and college planning site.

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