(DegreeAdvisers.com) – The road to becoming a college student is littered with unanswered questions. What should you major in? How will you pay for school? How will going into debt affect your financial future? These are all huge questions that require real answers. Fortunately, there are several people who can answer all the questions you have about higher education. And the best part? It’s all free!
Career Counselor
A session with a career counselor can cost as much as $150, says The Motley Fool. But you have connections! Your high-school guidance counselor and college advisor can help you out a bit with career counseling for no cost. A few things they can help you out with include choosing a profession, selecting a major, finding your academic strengths and choosing a school. They can also help you with your applications, essays and interviews.
Spiritual Advisor
Sometimes, you need a little spiritual guidance to make sure you’re on the right path and making the right decisions. Your youth leader, pastor, rabbi, imam or priest can help you with this. They’re not just there for issues of faith and religion. They can guide and counsel you about college and career matters as well.
Financial Aid Coordinator
A financial aid coordinator or advisor can help you figure out how to pay for college. Not only will an advisor help you find sources to help you pay for school — grants, scholarships, loans, internships, tuition reimbursement and work programs — they can help you navigate the application processes associated with these options.
Student Loan Lender
Most students have to take out some sort of loan to pay for college. If you think you’ll be among that number, you should try to sit down and speak with a student loan lender to find out what you’re getting into. A lender can help you find the best interest rate, consolidate your loans, lower your interest rate/payment amount, defer your payments and plan out your repayment options.
Financial/Bank Advisor
Taking on debt is a huge decision. If you don’t know all the ways that decision will affect your financial future, you should speak to a financial advisor. An advisor can also help you save for college and/or make a payment plan that will have the least impact on your financial future.
Make a list of all the questions and concerns you have before meeting with any of the above individuals. Knowing what you want to get out of the meeting ahead of time will help you make the most of your time. Also, be sure to jot down any questions that arise during the meeting and circle back to them as time allows.
~Here’s to Your Success!
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