Debunking Myths About Financial Aid

Every year, thousands of students and families let misconceptions about financial aid stop them from applying for -- and receiving -- the aid they deserve. Let's let the folks at collegedata.com set the record straight.

Myth #1: There isn't enough aid for everyone, and certainly not for my family.

Fact: The amount of aid for college students increases almost every year. According to the College Board: More than $185 billion in financial aid was distributed to undergraduates during the 2012-2013 academic year in the form of aid from all sources, including grants, work-study, loans, and tax credits and deductions. Between the academic years 2007-2008 and 2012-2013, grant aid for full-time undergraduates increased an average of 6.8 percent each year.

If you need financial help, get in line. You have only yourself to blame if you don't. Visit collegedata.com for lots more mythbusting information.

SAT Essay: How To Score High

The essay represents about 25% to 30% of the SAT Writing score. The other 70% to 75% is based on your performance on the multiple- choice grammar questions.

The prompts of the SAT allow for a great deal of leeway in your choice of examples. You can practice by reviewing a range of people and topics from literature and history before the test.

Most important, though, is the quality of your writing and your ability to support your thesis. This can also include an example taken from personal experience. Just be sure to make it specific.

When you sit down for the test and get your prompt, take a few minutes to outline your answer. While it is often true that the top scoring essays are the longest ones, it is not true that you can simply improve your essay by writing more or writing faster.

It’s not easy to write a complete SAT essay in 25 minutes, but you can do it. And, with practice, you will. The key is being prepared.