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Actually, there's no need to get all fussy about it, once you learn to conquer College money mania. Start by asking questions like these students did...

Can you give me some book-buck basics?
We're not going to lie -- college is expensive! But it's also an investment, meaning what you put into it may snowball into great returns, both educationally and financially. Besides, it might not cost as much as you think. The "sticker" (or guidebook) number is not necessarily the final price when it comes to college. That's because many factors are considered along the  

Financial Aid

  path that will determine how much you're actually responsible to pay out of pocket to attend a particular school.

Here's the deal: When your financial forms are processed, a formula is applied to the data you provide to determine your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC. This amount is calculated by subtracting how much of your family's resources is considered 'available' to pay for college costs.

From there, the amount of financial assistance for which you'll be eligible is broken down. It works like this...

If the anticipated cost of attendance is greater than your EFC, you will probably qualify for financial assistance. The amount and type of aid you are awarded at different colleges may vary, however, the amount of money you and your family are expected to contribute (EFC) should be fairly consistent, regardless of the college you attend.

In April of your senior year, you'll start to find out your college acceptance status. You'll also get financial aid packages from every school that accepts you, which will list the scholarships, grants, loans, and Expected Family Contribution based on your financial profile.

After you receive these papers, you can write a letter to the schools citing any special circumstances about your financial situation not evident on the forms (such as a recent family emergency, a parent losing a job, etc.). Learn this term...Expected Family Contribution (EFC) -- This is how much of a contribution you and your 'rents are expected to shell out toward your college education. This figure is used to determine your financial need.

So, how do I apply for financial aid?
Start by finding out which financial aid forms a school requires, and the dates they must be submitted. Everyone must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), while some schools require additional forms like the CSS/Profile. Just as it's important to get all of your admissions paperwork in on time, financial aid forms should be mailed promptly to avoid a delay in the process.

Where do I get them?
Stop by your guidance counselor's office, pick them up at a potential college's financial aid office, or -- like everything else nowadays -- get them online, at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Once you've got them, do the organized thing, be honest, and be accurate. All information you and your parents share on the FAFSA will be verified; likewise, the information on it will determine whether or not you'll be able to afford a particular college's tuition. Read the instructions first, then gather together all the records you and your 'rents will need before you sit down with pencil (or mouse) in hand. Apply as early as you can after January 1st of your senior year to be tops in the first-come, first-served line!

Here's a quick "what you'll need" checklist:
Tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, interest statements, home mortgage debt information, records of medical and dental expenses, Business or farm records, notices of social security for veterans benefits, etc.

After completing and submitting the FAFSA, you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) -- most likely within a few weeks -- which you will have to verify for accuracy. Be sure to check for any errors in the information, make clear corrections directly on the form provided, and mail it back (or click "submit") quickly.

Filing your forms online will speed up the process and save you 'lost-in-the-mail' paranoia! Submit the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Learn more about the CSS/Profile at CollegeBoard.com/profile. For more all-around college Cash clues, click onto the Department of Education's Student Financial Aid Assistance home page at www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide, or call 800-4-FED-AID (800-433-3243) for a free financial aid booklet.

What's up with student loans? The first thing you should realize about Federal student loans is they are considered part of your financial aid package, and your eligibility is based on information provided on the FAFSA. And, of course, you'll be required to pay them back (usually within 10 years, beginning six months after you leave school or graduate). The tricky part is knowing one loan from another before you sign on the loan dotted-line. Here's the deal...

Need-Based >>
Your eligibility depends on your financial need.
Federal Perkins Loan: These are often considered the best loans for students, since interest rates are quite low. Of course, they aren't easy to come by. Financial aid officers of each college determine which students receive these loans, and how much they receive.
Federal Stafford Loan (Subsidized): A government-sponsored loan program, in which interest rates are low (they vary each year but cannot exceed 8.25 percent). The interest doesn't begin to accrue until six months after you leave school as a graduate or otherwise. Freshmen may borrow up to $2,625, sophomores up to $3,500, and up to $5,500 for the remaining years of school.
State Loan Programs: Terms of these loans vary from state to state. If you plan on attending college in another state, you may qualify to apply. (Find information on your state's program at StudentScoop.com/state_aid.)

Non-Need Based >>
All students may be eligible regardless of financial need.
Federal Stafford Loan (Unsubsidized): Similar to the subsidized loan, except interest begins to accrue as soon as the loan is disbursed. Students can choose to make interest payments during college, or defer them until six months after they leave school. The maximum amount that can be borrowed is $4,000 for the first two years, and up to $5,000 each remaining year.
PLUS Loan (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students): Parents can borrow up to the annual total cost of attendance. Rates are set each July and cannot exceed nine percent. Repayment generally begins 60 days after the loan is disbursed.
Private Loans: Organizations and banks offer private loans. Rates, repayment plans, and borrowing limits vary.

Loan Fact: The more years you spend paying off a loan, the more it will cost you in the long run. However, the quicker you pay a loan, the higher your individual payments will be. Do I really have a shot to win a scholarship? Yes!

While there are thousands of scholarships available, there is only so much time in the day for you to apply for them. And, of course, you're not eligible for every award. Therefore, it's absolutely essential that as you research scholarships, you develop a way of organizing them. During your search, prioritize the awards by how well they fit your background. Put the deadlines of these on a calendar so you know which awards to tackle first. Next, make a list of the materials required to enter each scholarship. This way, you'll know how many transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation you'll need. Then, request scholarship applications as far in advance as possible. Some organizations send out applications immediately, while others can take several weeks. Include a cover letter that describes the grade you're in, where you go to school, and your college plans. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. If you don't receive an application within four weeks, you can resend a request. Awarding organizations receive thousands of queries, and it's possible for them to get lost.

Spotting Scams: There are two questions to ask about any scholarship to tell if it's legit' or not. Is the organization asking you for money? And, does the award sound too good to be true? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, it is most likely not a legitimate scholarship, and should be further investigated before applying.

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