Clear Light College Success

It’s never too early to start – wherever you are now – start now.

There is lots of information on the internet…or hire us! We have programs that range from self-guided( under $200) to full one on one counseling that will walk you through every step of the application process.

Research! Our programs are designed so that students can easily research colleges they may be interested in attending.

Counselors should have credentials, a code of ethics and no conflict of interest. We are Certified College Planning Specialists certified by the NICCP (National Institute of Certified College Planers – a FINRA recognized organization.) To maintain our certification we are required to complete 24 continuing education hours per year. We abide by a strict code of ethics. We help families with family finances, but we do not sell financial products. We do not receive any compensation from any colleges, universities, lending institutions or other affiliated organizations.

Different schools have different deadlines for applications, financial aid, housing etc. Our organized system can keep your student on track and on time.

Hard Work, Good Grades, Good test Scores, Strong Essays, Complete College Application, interests outside the classroom.

The primary job of the High School Guidance Counselor is to ensure that High School Students graduate from High School. Many High Schools have college resources available to High School students, but guidance counselors do not have time to individually help students with college planning.

Career planning is one of most important components of college planning. We work with our students to help them identify potential careers. Proper planning in High School can reduce the time spent in college due to transferring or changing majors. This alone can reduce the cost of college by many thousands of dollars!

Most students take the SAT or ACT test in the Spring of their Junior year. If they feel they can improve their scores, they may also retake the tests in the beginning of their Senior year.

It depends on the student. Some students can study from a book or online while others benefit from a classroom setting. One of the best, most cost effective on-line resources is E-Prep. E-Prep has short video explanations for each practice question which explains the proper way to approach and solve the problem, as well as common mistakes you may make while solving the problem.

Your athlete may also be eligible for non-athletic scholarships as well. We have a cost effective, “self-guided” resource to market the student athlete.

Start early! Starting as a Freshman or Sophomore is ideal – if you wait until your student is a Senior, it may be too late!

Of course there is lots of information on- line, but our self-guided resource for Marketing The Student Athlete is an easy to use, cost effective guide to College Athletics.

Improperly filled out Financial Forms can leave Financial Aid money on the table. We can guide you how to fill out the forms correctly.

Pell grants are grants – free money – given out by the Federal Government to needy US students. The maximum award is $5,500 per year. Eligibility depends on the family income and assets. You apply for the Pell Grants by filing the FAFSA form.

These are loans issued by the US government used for education. Stafford loans are in the name of the student.

These are loans issued by the US government used for education. Plus Loans are in the name of the parent.

Financial Aid is any amount of money that is awarded to the student for the purpose of paying for college. There are two types of Financial Aid: Need Based Aid and Merit Based Aid. Financial Aid may be in the form of Scholarships and Grants (Free money) or Student/Parent Loans and Work-Study.

Need based aid is financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans or work-study which is awarded to the student based on the family income and assets.

Merit based aid is awarded to the student based on the student’s merit (academic, talent, athletic) and is not dependent on the family income and assets.

You must apply for financial aid. The required form is the FAFSA (Free Application For Student Aid). A select number of private universities may also require an additional form CSS Profile.

Once again, it’s never too early to start planning. If you haven’t saved, we can help you too. We work with families to help pay for college without wiping out their savings or retirement. We have over 143 strategies to help your family pay for college.

We have over 143 strategies to help your family pay for college without wiping out your savings or retirement.

Possibly, but our methods involve using sound business practices like cash flow planning, tax planning and debt consolidation and elimination strategies. We have over 143 strategies to help your family pay for college without wiping out your savings or retirement.

Absolutely not! We will work with your existing CPA and Financial Planner to help create a personalized program just for you.