Hi Eve,

I've done alittle research on this subject and here are my thoughts. The first step in paying for college is to fill out the FAFSA form. Make sure to go to www.fafsa.gov. Alot of people think they shouldn't bother applying for various reasons, however there are many factors involved and you do not know what your may qualify for unless you apply. The amount you may qualify for depends on the college, academic achievement and other factors. Each family is different, so just because a friend of yours did not receive any aid, does not mean you won't. It will also determine if you qualify for work study programs and give you an idea of the amount of loans you may have to borrow.

When looking at colleges, you need to look at many things. Costs, financial aid awarded and the ranking of the school are important for when you graduate. You need to decide what you can afford and if it is worth coming out of school with a large student loan. Private schools generally cost 3 to 4 times more than public and many public schools have higher rankings. Don't let the emotion of being accepted overshadow the realities of paying for college. Is it worth spending $40,000 a year on a school when you are not sure of what you want to do?

Don't worry if you did not get into the prestigious school your friends got into, or if you can't afford it. Many times going to a community college for the first two years and then transferring to the school of your choice once you decide on a major, is the best decision. Overall, what you put into your education and how you contribute in the real world will matter more than which college you attend. Choose the school that best fits you!