Paying for College Without Going Broke, 2012 Edition (College Admissions Guides) [Paperback]

Princeton Review (Author), Kalman Chany (Author), Bill Clinton (Foreword)

Book Description

Release date: October 25, 2011 | ISBN-10: 0375427414 | ISBN-13: 978-0375427411 | Edition: 1

The only annual college financial aid guide with line-by-line instructions for completing the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE aid forms!

As seen in USA TODAY, the Wall Street Journal, Money, and the Los Angeles Times, Paying for College Without Going Broke will help you: 

   • Calculate the actual costs of college
   • Increase your chances of receiving aid
   • Compare aid offers and learn how to appeal if needed
   • Plan strategically as an independent student or divorced or single parent
   • Avoid costly mistakes when applying

Paying for College Without Going Broke includes a foreword by Bill Clinton, as well as in-depth line-by-line strategies for filling out 2012-2013 aid forms, including the required federal FAFSA form.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kal Chany is the founder and president of Campus Consultants, an independent New York-based firm that has helped thousands of families get financial aid since 1984. He has authored articles on college funding for Parade and other publications, and has appeared on ABC's Good Morning America, CBS's Evening News, CNN's Your Money, and NPR's "Talk of the Nation," among other prominent shows.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Princeton Review; 1 edition (October 25, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375427414
• ISBN-13: 978-0375427411
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 0.8 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #394,263 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Business & Investing > Personal Finance > College & Education Costs
  • #61 in Books > Education & Reference > College & University > Financial Aid

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book to help start planning early January 2, 2012

By Carol M.

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

After borrowing the 2009 version from the library, I purchased this 2012 edition. I am impressed with the book's emphasis on planning ahead. It is easy to read, suggestions are plentiful and I highly recommend it for parents with children in middle school or just starting high school. My first takeaway from the book was learning about the first base income year which starts when the child is midway through their junior year of high school. Second was learning how to improve the chances of getting financial aid by planning ahead. Note that this book is revised and updated each year to stay current. There's also a website to find the most recent changes in advice to families.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wealth of Information January 18, 2012

By wabeamyngenque

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

A relative told me about this book. So glad that I bought it. It will really help with filling out the FAFSA form,figuring out exactly how much it's all going to cost and where to look for alternative funding. The part about your starting to plan early will help with my other much younger child. If you child is a sophomore you need to be reading this - don't wait like I did. I waited way too long to start planning. Wished I would have bought this book about a year ago. I could have saved myself some headaches on the base income for the FAFSA. Now at least we have suggestions on how to adjust things to take advantage of all this book has to offer. Even took it to my accountant to discuss my taxes. He is getting a copy of the book too. Wish we would have had stuff like this when I was in high school. It would certainly have helped my parents out alot. It has updates every year because things are changing so fast so be prepared to get the most up to date version that is out. Good stuff, thanks so much author!!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable - a native guide to the FAFSA jungle February 2, 2012

By Mieu

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I cannot possibly convey how much this book helped myself & my parents to navigate the ridiculously complex waters of the FAFSA and PROFILE. Our financial situation is complex and we were entirely unfamiliar with the federal system. My parents used this book step-by-step and found it explained every mystery. It even lets you know when something you think doesn't make sense in fact DOESN'T MAKE SENSE! A huge relief when you're staring, cross-eyed, at a section that seems redundant or illogical. They speak in plain terms, go in-depth into each question on both forms, and give great examples.

There are a wide variety of financial aid assistance manuals. This is the only one I would buy if I had to do it over again. HIGHLY recommend.