This week I've found myself drowning in letters and advertisements from private companies, each one claiming they can help students access financial aid funding. The catch is, the student has to sign a contract for the service and pay a modest (or not so modest) fee. Do these fee-pay services really boost a student's financial aid potential? Or are these scams? You decide.

Claim #1: You have to pay a company to apply for college/university grants, work-study and need-based loans.

Absolutely false! Students do not have to pay to apply for need-based aid in the U.S. (and in most other countries). In the U.S., the FAFSA is the primary application used by colleges/universities and there is no cost to complete and submit this form.

Claim #2: The financial aid process is so complicated, you need professional, paid assistance in order to get through the process.

False. Admittedly, there is a lot of paperwork (or computer work) to do to complete the FAFSA and you do have to keep track of things pretty carefully (copies of items, submission of documents, meeting deadlines). But, the process is not so complex that you can't do it on your own. And if you do have questions, you can always call or e-mail the financial aid office at the college/university and ask for assistance--at no cost.

Claim #3: There are so many offices to contact and so many people you have to speak to that you can't possibly do it all by yourself without the help of a paid service.

Totally untrue. The majority of all financial aid awarded to students (both need-based and merit based financial aid) is going to be awarded through the college/university the student attends. This means you'll need to work with one office--the financial aid office. If you have to contact another office on campus for scholarships (say the scholarship office, your Dean's Office, or a specialty department like music or athletics), the financial aid office can help point you in the right direction--at no cost.

You can also access a wide variety of free websites (like Fast!Web) that index all sorts of financial aid programs and give you detailed information on who to contact, how to apply, deadlines, etc.

Claim #4: If you don't pay for assistance, you won't have anyone on your side to help you negotiate your financial aid package.

Patently untrue! Financial aid offices at colleges/universities exist to provide you with assistance as you work through the financial aid application and awarding process. You are your own best advocate. If you need help, go get it! But don't pay for it.

Claim #5: All companies that require students to pay for assistance are scams!

No. There indeed some legitimate companies out there that honestly believe they are working in the best interests of the students by providing them with one-to-one assistance. But, like with any business, you do have to watch out for scams. If you're worried about scholarship scams, contact the Federal Trade Commission or your local Better Business Buruea

If you are really worried that you might not be able to get through the process on your own, visit your local library or bookstore and pick up a low-cost "How-To" on this topic--or send me an e-mail and I'll point you to a resource. The point is you don't have to pay for any of these services--you can access them for free through the financial aid office on your college/university campus. You don't even have to be enrolled to ask for help!

Until next time!

Lynn Byrne

Preparing for college admissions? Trying to find direction? Need a little help with the planning? Check out my college planning series:

• College Planning Made Easy--the planning and preparation workbook for the take charge, college-bound student,
  
• Paying for College Made Easy--a college financing guide designed to assist students and families in preparing and planning for higher education expenses; and
  
• The Great Scholarship Search--my guide for students and parents researching and applying for scholarship funding.