Lee Bierer - Nationally Syndicated Columnist and Independent College Counselor.

Terms you need to know to apply for financial aid

I spend a lot of time writing about how to help students get into colleges, but it also makes sense to learn about how to pay for that college education. Each year around this time I focus on financial aid issues because the FAFSA becomes available on Jan. 1. The FAFSA is the Free Application for     Continue Reading...

Lee Bierer - Nationally Syndicated Columnist and Independent College Counselor.

Don't stumble on your paper trail

When it comes to college applications, a second set of eyes and a third round of proofing is essential. Since few applicants ever meet the people who are evaluating them their paper trail speaks volumes about who they are. Their attention to detail on the application represents just how seriously they     Continue Reading...

Lee Bierer - Nationally Syndicated Columnist and Independent College Counselor.

Colleges get creative with de-stressing crazed students

Your college students should return home for Christmas break feeling very relaxed. Yes, exams are over, but there is a relatively new trend on many campuses across the country to reduce anxiety during finals with "stress buster" programs. Parents are more likely to think of it as pampering.     Continue Reading...

Lee Bierer - Nationally Syndicated Columnist and Independent College Counselor.

Don't try to sweep issues under the rug – Admissions offices will learn of mistakes. You'll be better off just coming clean.

Admissions Offices will usually forgive the mistake, but not the lie. Blemishes are never attractive. Whether they are the hormonally-induced variety or those that raise a red flag in the admissions office, neither one is what a student wants to be dealing with during the college application     Continue Reading...

Lee Bierer - Nationally Syndicated Columnist and Independent College Counselor.

Don’t try to sweep issues under the rug – Admissions offices will learn of mistakes. You’ll be better off just coming clean.

Admissions Offices will usually forgive the mistake, but not the lie. Blemishes are never attractive. Whether they are the hormonally-induced variety or those that raise a red flag in the admissions office, neither one is what a student wants to be dealing with during the college application     Continue Reading...