Alas, not everybody started saving for college when their kid was in diapers. But there's still hope--and help! This friendly guide distills the confusing financial aid process into 8 clear, actionable steps you can take RIGHT NOW to help afford college.

The underlying message is simple: Parents and students who understand how to apply for financial aid get more financial aid. Armed with the checklists, timelines, and info in this book, you'll be able to:

- Figure out what colleges actually cost
- Understand grants, loans, work-study, and other forms of aid
- Get to know the FAFSA(R) and CSS Profile(TM)
- Research scholarship opportunities
- Quickly compare financial aid offers from different schools
- Find creative ways to lighten your debt load

Note: This book is designed to be a quick primer covering the most useful core finanicial aid information. For students and parents looking for comprehensive, A-Z guidance--including long-term strategies and step-by-step help on the forms--check out Paying for College, The Princeton Review's classic and definitive guide to the A-to-Zs of financial aid.