Online High School and Diploma Programs

After years of research, I finally found the best online high school diploma programs! Feel free to contact me anytime and let me know your situation. What grade are you going in? What state are you from? Do you want to find public or private schooling online. Any information you can send, will help me determine the best online school for you needs. Email me anytime at blakepollack@gmail.com and I'll get back to you usually within 24 hours.

Interesting Statistic

I recently did a survey and found that out of 10,000 students, there was something very troubling!  Over 95% of them said that their high school counselors (who help with free college advice) did not help them at all and they still did not feel comfortable applying to college.  I cannot begin to tell you the importance of hiring a real college counselor (even if only for a few hours)! The knowledge they have and their expertise in college admissions is SECOND TO NONE!!!

A college counselor can GREATLY help your chances of getting into the college of your choice!  College Counselors can help with your college admission essay, college application, fafsa application, grants, scholarships and so much more.  The best college counselors also know what specific schools are looking for when applying.  Want more info on getting the best college counselor?  READ THE NEXT BLOG POST...

Get Into the College of Your Choice over 90% of the Time

The writers at The FAFSA Blog are now offering an amazing new service to help you achieve your dreams: One on One College Counseling - Over 90% of students get into the college of their choice by working with a college counselor.

Learning how to write your college essay or fill out the your college applications correctly, can be the difference between getting into the college of your choice or not.  Our writers at The Fafsa Blog are the most knowledgeable consultants available and work with students to achieve their educational goals.

The FAFSA Blog's One on One College Counseling service is simple, easy and you don't even have to leave your home...In just 3 easy steps, you'll be on your way to college:

1. Email blakepollack@gmail.com (publisher of The FAFSA Blog).

2. Schedule a call at the days and times you are available.

3. Receive a call from one of our College Counselors at your scheduled time.

Pricing for One on One College Counselors are some of the cheapest in the industry:

Per Hour - $75

5 Hour Packages - $350 ($70 per hour)

10 Hour Packages - $650 ($65 per hour)

Email blakepollack@gmail.com to schedule your One on One College Counseling Today!

Achieve the American Dream with These 4 High-Paying Jobs

Recently, there was an article written in a popular newspaper about the condition of the U.S. job market. Although jobs are sporadic these days, there are several companies hiring. However, many of these companies are unable to fill high-paying positions because they’re having a difficult time finding qualified employees.

Whether we like it or not, companies with the extra capital to spare for hiring are going to focus on applicants that will add value to their company. If your goal is to find a high-paying job with excellent benefits, you will need a college degree.

You Can Afford College with an FAFSA Student Loan

Often times, people will put off going to college because they can’t afford the expense. They assume the only way they can pay for college is to work two or three jobs. The good news is you can afford college with an FAFSA student loan.  An FAFSA student loan can help you pursue your dream of getting a high-paying job with a thriving company.

Here are the top four high-paying jobs that require a college degree:

Marketing Manager Salary- $100,000

Marketing managers have a diverse amount of responsibilities ranging from brand development to public relations. Additional job tasks include providing financial analytics, promotions development and media buying. The type of responsibilities of a marketing manager depends on the size of the company you work for. For example, you may work at a small business to help coordinate chamber appearances and coordinate ads. If you work with a large corporation with a large marketing budget, your responsibilities will be more diversified.   

Companies who hire marketing managers look for ‘movers and shakers’ with marketing prowess and exceptional communication skills. Degree requirements include a four-year degree. Those who earn their MBA will more than likely get hired for high-level executive marketing positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary - $100,430

Air traffic controllers are employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They are responsible for the safety of private and commercial aircraft. Air traffic controllers help in reducing air traffic delays. As an air traffic controller, your job responsibilities will include arranging the movement of air traffic to keep aircraft at a safe distance from one another.

An air traffic controller helps planes position for landing and takeoff. They also communicate with pilots and warn about hazardous weather conditions. In order to earn top-level pay, a four-year degree and three years of experience are required. Plus, you must also pass an aptitude test.

Lawyer Salary - $110,590

A lawyer's specialty isn't limited to criminal law or personal injury law. There are numerous opportunities for individuals with law degrees. There are several industries that need legal representation in a variety of areas, such as: intellectual property law, family law, environmental law, civil law and even entertainment law. In addition, many lawyers choose to specialize in waste management, insurance, construction, securities, etc.

In order to become a lawyer, a four-year degree from an ABA-accredited law school is required and you must pass the bar exam.

Airline Pilot Salary - $134,090

Becoming an airline pilot is one of the most exciting jobs. It not only offers a nice salary, it also comes with excellent benefits. Plus, you’re only required to work 100 hours per month due to FAA regulations. Although having a four-year degree is not mandatory, it is suggested because of the competitive landscape of the airline industry. Certification is also required and you must have 250 hours worth of experience in order to become a licensed pilot.  Once you get hired by an airline, it usually takes 5-15 years to become a captain.

Achieve the American Dream!

FAFSA Student Loan programs make it possible for people to achieve the American Dream. Now is the perfect time to pursue your degree.

3 Fastest-Growing Careers with a B.A. Degree

Are you thinking about applying for a FAFSA student loan to pursue a B.A. degree but you’re unsure of what career path to take?  Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people have the same concern. The good news is there are plenty of paths to take when it comes to finding a solid career.

According to recent statistics taken from the Bureau of Labor, there are a few jobs that will grow extremely fast between now and 2018.  Here are three of the fastest-growing careers:

Athletic Fitness Trainers

An athletic fitness trainer basically helps athletes heal and prevent injuries. Becoming an athletic trainer provides a swarm of possibilities. For example, you could work in a variety of settings, such as working with professional or amateur sports teams.  You can work in a sports medicine clinic, university sports programs or work with athletes on a private basis. Some athletic fitness trainers choose to teach at a university level -- the options are endless. 

Income: The median income level for an athletic fitness trainer is approximately $39,640. If you choose to work independently as a trainer, you can earn considerably more.

Computer Applications Software Engineers

A computer applications software engineer develops, designs, evaluates and tests software and systems that make computers function properly.  In this particular career, you will be involved in a variety of software types, including business applications, word processing, network distribution, operating systems and even computer games. 

As a computer applications software engineer, you can work with a company and help them organize their computer needs.  For instance, you can help them coordinate their computer system for payroll record-keeping, billing, inventory, order processing and more. 

Income: The median income starts at $79,780.  Some engineers start off working with a company and branch off onto their own by starting a business. As an independent software engineer, you can earn an unlimited amount of money.

Environmental Engineers

What do Environmental Engineers do? Their job is to ensure that our planet is in livable condition for future generations. The ultimate goal of an environmental engineer is to help construction companies and cities discover ways to build (homes, businesses, etc.) efficiently without harming the environment.  They also aid in cleaning up environmental mistakes from previous years and work with factories to ensure they operate without excessive pollution.

Income: The median salary of an environmental engineer is $74,020.

There you have it, three of the fastest-growing careers you can choose with a B.A. degree. To get started on your path to success, simply apply for a FAFSA student loan. Before you know it, you’ll be living your dream of earning a bachelors degree and landing a good job.

Finally...Great Student Loans all in One Place

Need a private student loan? Compare your student loan options all in one place. SimpleTuition

Do you need a GED or High School Diploma to apply for FAFSA?

Get one online!  Online-highschool.org offers the best online programs for getting your GED and High School Diploma Online!

Top 4 Future Careers That Pay Over $60k

Thinking about attending college to land a good paying job? Are you concerned about the high costs of obtaining an education? You may want to consider applying for a government student loan program.  With a government issued student loan, you don’t have to worry about paying your way through school.  All you have to do is focus on the one thing that matters most -- your education.  So, whether you want to earn your Bachelor's degree, Masters degree or PhD, now is the time to grab the bull by the horns and get your degree.

Why is Getting a Degree Vital?

Having a degree is more important in today’s job market than ever before.  Recently, Newsday published an article that discussed the state of the job market.  Small and large businesses are no longer hiring workers just to fill a position. They are ‘only’ hiring qualified employees that will enhance their company’s growth and profitability.  If you want to be a part of that number, you will need to have a degree.

Here are the top four future careers that pay over $60,000 a year:

Personal Financial Advisors

According to experts, there is an estimated 62,800 new jobs that will be added between now and 2018.  The median income for personal financial advisors is $64,750. Personal financial advisors help individuals with insurance, investments and taxes.

Market Research Analysts

Thinking about starting a career as a market research analysts?  By 2018, there will be 70,000 new jobs added in the U.S. The average income is over $60,000.  Degree requirements include a bachelor’s degree.  What is a day in the life of a market research analyst like? A market analysts works with Fortune 500 companies to provide special insight into target audiences and demographics. More and more companies are hiring marketing professionals to help grow their business.

Registered Nurses

Within the next 8-10 years, there will be a total of 581,500 jobs added according to labor experts. The median income level is $64,690.  As a registered nurse, you will give basic medical care to patients and manage their records.  With baby boomers getting older, there will be a major increase in the amount of people seeking medical treatment. Plus, there has been a greater emphasis on preventative care. The medical industry is growing at a rapid pace. There will be plenty of jobs available for those within the health field.

Accountants

If you're thinking about pursuing a career as an accountant, your tasks will involve preparing financial statements, managing books and tax payments.   According to recent labor statistics, there has been a significant increase in the number of businesses. There has also been several changes in corporate regulations and financial laws. This has all contributed to the demand for more accountants in the job market. The median income for an accountant is $61,690 a year.

There you have it -- the top four careers that pay more than $60,000 per year.  Don’t put off earning your degree any longer.  Applying for a government student loan gives you peace of mind while pursuing your degree and your dream job.

Do you need a GED or High School Diploma to apply for FAFSA?

Get one online!  Online-highschool.org offers the best online programs for getting your GED and High School Diploma Online!

How Gifts Can Effect Your FAFSA

Graduation is approaching for many students and relatives are trying to figure out the best gifts to hand out. You’d probably assume that money would be the most economically smart thing to ask for. You’re definitely going to need the extra cash, what with all the expenses that come with going to college, making new friends, eating out, etc. But wait! Receiving money as a gift may effect how much money the federal government is willing to give you.

Now, a gift of $10 from your 2nd cousin will not do any damage, but if you know someone who is planning on giving you a substantial monetary gift, you may want to ask them for something else. Rick Darvis, co-founder of the National Institute of Certified College Planners in Plentywood, Mont. warns that "A cash gift from (anyone) other than a parent is reported as income on the (federal) financial aid form," says Darvis. "(Student) income is assessed at a 50% rate. That means that a gift of $10,000 could potentially cost $5,000 in financial aid." Your FAFSA has a section dedicated to such gifts. This section is called “student’s untaxed income.” This part wants to know the amount of "Money received, or paid on your behalf (e.g., bills), not reported elsewhere on this form." This includes any money you’ve received from grandma and grandpa, your mom or dad who doesn’t have custody of you, and any family friend. Any cas you receive subtracts fifty cents on the dollar from your need-based federal aid.

By-passing the FAFSA trouble and going straight to the college wont help either. If the college/university was planning on awarding you a $10,000 grant, but they see that you have $10,000 coming in, they’ll take your grant away.

Read next time for Part 2

"The Five-Minute FAFSA"

The folks behind the YouTube channel FastWebContent have made a six minute video to help you file your FAFSA. If you ave any trepidation, you should definitely use this video as a tool!

FAFSA Test Runs

At this point, if you haven't already filed the FAFSA, you may just think of it as a big headache. However, you don't have to rush through it! You can do a test run of FAFSA on the Web by going to www.studentaid.gov and then to the FAFSA demonstration site. This is a good idea, as you will get a preview of the documentation that you (and your parents) will need to complete the form, such as annual tax return, earnings records, Social Security numbers, and so on, and of the amount of time you'll need to fill in the form.

TIP: You may not be done with financial aid forms even after you complete FAFSA. Sometimes, colleges may require additional information and will ask you to complete their own forms or the College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE (www.fafsa.com/profile.htm), another widely used form to help determine eligibility for financial aid. Scholarships often have their own special application forms.

It doesn't cost you anything but time (and some aggravation) to make the FAFSA application. Help in completing the form is available from your high school, the college financial aid office (which often has workshops for parents and students, sometimes at your local high school), and as well as online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Help For Fafsa

Want help? You don’t have to simply accept the aid that is offered, according to Reecy Aresty of PayLessForCollege.com, who specializes in helping you gently negotiate a higher award of money that does not have to be repaid.

Arresty offers a free review of financial aid packages to my readers. If you hire him to negotiate on your behalf, the fee ranges from $195 to $395, depending on the number of schools involved. You can e-mail him at Reecy@PayLessforCollege.com.

Says Aresty: “Although May 1 is the deadline for non-refundable deposits at many schools, some families opt to make multiple deposits in order to keep the aid appeals process going beyond May 1.” Aresty notes that if the aid offers are close, it may be worth losing a deposit at one school to gain more grants of money at another.

Signing on for a financial aid package is one of the largest financial decisions any family can make, so do your research and don’t just look at the bottom line. Like your home mortgage, you expect to repay this loan over the years, while the value of the asset — your home or your education— grows over the years. As we’ve all learned, that’s a good idea over the long run — but the payments can be a huge burden over the short run

College tips: stay in state, search for best financial aid package [ChiSunTimes]

FAFSA for Adults

Although 18 is technically when someone is ushered into adulthood, we all know that most 18 year-olds are anything but adults. Not only have they not gone into the world on their own, but they are not financially independent. This means they have to file the FAFSA with their parent’s tax information and can receive loans easily with a co-signer. However, teenagers are not the only ones applying to college nowadays. With the economy forcing people into unemployment and eliminating many entry level jobs, more and more adults 25 years and older are applying to college. In fact, in 2008 these applicants were up 18 percent from the year 2000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

If you were one of these lucky men and women, you still have the opportunity to file the FAFSA and get all the free money you can for your new college career. Not only does the FAFSA determine your eligibility for government-subsidized or government-sponsored financial aid, other need-based grants and scholarships might ask for your FAFSA, too.

The form doesn’t require information on your debt or mortgage, a factor that may scare some adult filers away. Also, adult students can call the financial aid office and request a “special circumstances” form.  This form allows the school to amend your FAFSA form in a way that might get you more aid. For example the aid office can make an adjustment if your income is likely to be lower than what you had to report because you or your spouse lost a job or your unemployment benefits are about to run out. It will also take into account unusual and sudden increases in expenses, say a temporary increase in medical bills or a child starting private school. Also if your circumstances change while attending, you can revisit the student aid office and they may be able to help you receive more aid.

What is the Pell Grant?

Although the critical March 2nd deadline for the FAFSA has come and gone, you can still file yours and receive one very important grant.

The Pell Grant, originally known as the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant, is for students with financial need who have not earned their first bachelor's degree. The only way to get this grant is through filing the FAFSA. The Pell Grant is sponsored by the US Department of Education, They use the financial information reported on the FAFSA to determine the student's financial need.

The Pell Grant was originally created for students who were financially unable to obtain higher education, therefore students receive the grant on a need-based criteria. You also must be a US citizen with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Last year, the maximum amount you could receive for the the Pell Grant was $5,500. The amount you actually receive depends on many factors including cost of attendance and whether or not you plan on being a full or part-time student.

Don't miss your opportunity, file the FAFSA today!

FAFSA Filings Rise as Economy Slumps

The effects of the recession are becoming more and more apparent. One of those signs is the number of students filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The Columbus Dispatch reports that Ohio State alone saw 10,600 more filings and estimated a million more nationwide.

Diane Stemper, OSU’s director of student financial aid, believes there are many factors contributing to the 22 percent increase, but the recession is still the biggest cause. "Many people who used to have the resources to send their children to college have lost their jobs or been downsized," Stemper said. "Declining home and stock values, coupled with rising food and gas prices, are also taking a toll."

Six out of ten students today are taking out loans to help with the cost of college, meaning more graduates with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt to pay off. The FAFSA is one way to curb the growing number of loans.

Colleges see spike in student-aid requests [The Columbus Dispatch]

Why Everyone Should Apply For Financial Aid

There’s still time to fill out a FAFSA form to get money for college! At this point in the game, some of you may have given up, surrendering to the rapidly growing costs of college. You may even believe you and/or your family can handle the price tag. Why go through the trouble when there’s a chance you won’t get any money at all?

There is only one guaranteed scenario in all this confusion: If you do not apply for any financial aid you will not get any money. Even if you can afford tuition, you will probably need help paying for the dorms, food, books, etc. It all starts adding up!

Most colleges accept students using a “need-blind” process. This means they cannot use your financial situation as criteria for your acceptance. It also means there really is no reason to put off finishing your FAFSA. You’ve put in all the hours getting in, why not do a little more work to go comfortably?

To find out deadlines for your state visit the FAFSA website.

Facebook App Pledges to Help You Find Scholarships

Whether you’re looking for financial aid for college for the first time or you’ve done it for the past four years, the process can seem daunting. Trying to get as much money as you can as the deadlines fly by is frustrating and unfair when all you want to do is go to school. Well, the people at Facebook have heard your cries and are planning to launch an app to help by January, 2012.

Connect Fund will use demographic information provided by the Facebook user to recommend financial aid options including grants, student loans, and the Free Applications For Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA. In addition, as with many popular Facebook apps, users will have the option to share their experience with their Facebook friends.

According to the Huffington Post, the application was developed by Devin Valencia, a 24 year old graduate of The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for the “Get Schooled College Affordability Challenge.” Valencia received $10,000 in prize money for her idea.

MTV, the College Board and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have pledged $100,000 towards getting the app up and running by the January deadline. Hopefully, finding money for college will soon be as easy as playing Farmville.

Financial Aid Facebook App? Program Promises to Help You Find Money For College [HuffPost]

Want help filing the application?

I found a great guy who can help you file the FAFSA application quick and easy.  He also gives great college admissions counseling!  Check them out: http://www.collegeadmissionspartners.com/

FAFSA Deadlines

State Student Financial Aid Deadlines

State deadlines may be earlier than the federal deadline.
TIP: State forms do not replace filling out the FAFSA. You must fill out the FAFSA to receive federal student aid.
Note: Date received means received by Federal Student Aid unless otherwise indicated.
Remember to apply early before funds run out.

State	Deadlines
Alabama	Check with your financial aid administrator
Alaska	April 15, 2010 @
American Samoa	Check with your financial aid administrator*
Arizona	Check with your financial aid administrator
Arkansas	For Academic Challenge - June 1, 2010 @ For Workforce Grant - check with your financial aid administrator For Higher Education Opportunity Grant - June 1, 2010 (fall term) @; November 1, 2010 (spring term) @
California	For initial awards - March 2, 2010 +* For additional community college awards - September 2, 2010 - date postmarked +*
Colorado	Check with your financial aid administrator
Connecticut	February 15, 2010 #*
Delaware	April 15, 2010 @
District of Columbia	June 30, 2010 @#*
Federated States of Micronesia	Check with your financial aid administrator*
Florida	May 15, 2010 - date processed
Georgia	Check with your financial aid administrator
Guam	Check with your financial aid administrator*
Hawaii	Check with you financial aid administrator*
Idaho	Opportunity Grant - March 1, 2010 @#*
Illinois	As soon as possible after January 1, 2010. Awards made until funds are depleted.
Indiana	March 10, 2010 &
Iowa	July 1, 2010 @
Kansas	April 1, 2010 @#*
Kentucky	March 15, 2010 &#
Louisiana	July 1, 2010 @
Maine	May 1, 2010 @
Marshall Islands	Check with your financial aid administrator*
Maryland	March 1, 2010 &
Massachusetts	May 1, 2010 @#
Michigan	March 1, 2010 &
Minnesota	30 days after term starts @
Mississippi	MTAG and MESG Grants - September 15, 2010 @# HELP Scholarship - March 31, 2010 @#
Missouri	April 1, 2010 @#
Montana	March 1, 2010 #&
Nebraska	Check with your financial aid administrator*
Nevada	Check with your financial aid administrator*
New Hampshire	May 1, 2010 @
New Jersey	2009-2010 Tuition Aid Grant recipients - June 1, 2010 @ All other applications - October 1, 2010, for fall and spring terms @; March 1, 2011, for spring term only @
New Mexico	Check with your financial aid administrator*
New York	May 1, 2011 @+*
North Carolina	Check with your finanacial aid administrator
North Dakota	March 15, 2010 &
Northern Mariana Islands	Check with your financial aid administrator*
Ohio	October 1, 2010 @
Oklahoma	April 15, 2010 @#
Oregon	OSAC scholarship - March 1, 2010 Oregon Opportunity Grant - check with your financial aid adminstrator
Palau	Check with your financial aid administrator*
Pennsylvania	All 2009-2010 State Grant recipients and all non-2009-2010 State Grant recipients in degree programs - May 1, 2010 @* All other applicants - August 1, 2010 @*
Puerto Rico	Check with your financial aid administrator
Rhode Island	March 1, 2010 &#
South Carolina	Tuition Grants - June 30, 2010 @ SC Commission on Higher Education - no deadline
South Dakota	Check with your financial aid administrator*
Tennessee	For State Grant - February 15, 2010 @# For State Lottery - September 1, 2010 @#
Texas	Check with your financial aid administrator*
U.S. Virgin Islands	Check with your financial aid administrator*
Utah	Check with your financial aid administrator
Vermont	Check with your financial aid administrator*
Virginia	Check with your financial aid administrator*
Washington	Check with your financial aid administrator
West Virginia	April 15, 2010 @#*
Wisconsin	Check with your financial aid administrator
Wyoming	Check with your financial aid administrator*

* Additional form may be required. Contact your financial aid administrator or your state agency.
+ Applicants encouraged to obtain proof of mailing.
# For priority consideration, submit application by date specified.
@ Deadline by midnight, Central Daylight Time.
& Deadline by midnight, Central Standard Time.