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How My Student with Learning Differences Got Into 8 Schools and Earned $100,000 in Merit Scholarships

Debbie Schwartz

Debbie Schwartz is a former financial services executive and founder of Road2College and the Paying For College 101 Facebook group. With an expertise in personal finance, analysis, and marketing, she's working to give families the information and tools they need to make smarter financial college decisions.

Articles by Debbie

Colleges Meeting 90% and More of Financial Need

November 2, 2023

Listed below are colleges that meet 90% and more of a family’s demonstrated financial need. This list was based solely…

What Happens If You Miss the FAFSA Deadline?

September 24, 2023

If you miss the FAFSA deadlines, you lose out on federal aid and government student loans. Once the date passes,…

What Does an EFC of 00000 Mean?

September 13, 2023

Editor’s Note: This article applies to the 2023-24 FAFSA and earlier. The 2024-25 FAFSA, which opened Dec. 31, 2023, has…

Understanding College Costs: The Role of the Net Price Calculator

August 18, 2023

Do you wonder how much it will really cost for your student to attend a specific school? You already know…

2026-27 FSA ID: How to Create, Tips and Troubleshooting

July 27, 2023

Students and every required “contributor” (a parent/step-parent or spouse, as applicable) need a StudentAid.gov account — often called an FSA…

College vs. University: Differences, Examples, Pros and Cons, and the Right Fit

July 24, 2023

We often use the words “college” and “university” interchangeably. We say, “Yes, I’m going to college,” when we mean that…

College Essay Examples, Why They Worked, and Essay Tips

July 21, 2023

Your application essay is pivotal in distinguishing yourself from other candidates in the competitive college admissions landscape. College essays offer…

How to Avoid Student Loans: How Parents Can Help

How to Avoid Student Loans: How Parents Can Help

July 14, 2023

As an 18-year-old, it’s easy to see the world as nothing but possibility. And it’s true! But those possibilities come…