The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority warns not to get taken in by something that sounds too good being accurate in a recent written statement.
Parents of college-bound students are in all probability hearing lots of sales pitches from companies that promise to aid them uncover financial aid to pay for college.
There’s no need to pay for this kind of details, according to the agency. It could be obtained free by working having a guidance counselor, checking out sources within the library, performing free online scholarship searches or contacting the financial aid office with the college the student plans to attend.
If a student decides to use an organization to assist locate financial aid, ensure it’s a reputable one. The Federal Trade Commission cautions students being specifically skeptical about scholarship search companies and websites that make these claims:
“You’ve been selected by a national foundation to receive a scholarship.” Check using a guidance counselor or The Foundation Center website to come across out if the foundation is legitimate. Be especially wary if you’re notified that you are a finalist in the scholarship contest you didn’t enter.
“We’ll do all the work.” It is highly unlikely that the corporation will fill out the applications for all of the financial aid sources it sends you.
“I just have to have your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.” In no way give these numbers to a person or corporation you are not sure about. You could locate your credit card maxed out and your bank account cleaned out.
“This scholarship will cost some money.” Some legitimate scholarships do have up-front fees, but they shouldn’t be additional than $5 or $10.
“You’re guaranteed to obtain dollars for university or your cash back.” Read the fine print. If it sounds too good being accurate, it possibly is.