How to Go to College Almost for Free
by Ben Kaplan
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Book Reviews of How to Go to College Almost for Free
Book Review: Guide isn't geared toward those in the Arts
Summary: 1 Stars
How to Go To College Almost for Free is a self absored autobiogrpahy of a young man with great grades, great writing skills, parents that supported his goals and a timeline of how he made $90,000 through his application for scholarships that he won through essays and contest. Hooray for him.But those wanting a career in the arts will find this book worthless. He has the nerve to tell the artist how they need to get involved in more activities so they won't seem so one-sided in just their talent. What Benjamin R. Kaplan needs to realize is that those wanting to be a professional in Musical Theater, Theater, Dance, Art or anyother artistic endevour needs to practice and focus on their craft because this is what they will be auditioning with to receive their acceptance into the school of their choice and their financial aid packet with grants and scholarships.They are not going to receive a merit scholarship unless they have talent.
It's true, the artist may not have time to write essays and do the things Benjamin R. Kaplan did, but that's okay. The Artist will find a way to go to college through a different avenue.Also they give you two e-mail address if you have questions and tried them both and nver did receive a reply. Bottom line is this book is no different then anyother scholarship information book. Stay away from it, especially if your an artist.
Book Review: Could I give it TEN stars?
Summary: 5 Stars
This is really a great strategy book. It helps you get your thoughts in order, takes the mystery out of financial aid and puts it in your hands where you feel like you have more control. I went ahead and applied for financial aid for my community college...and I got awarded $2600! :O I can pay for the summer semester without having to work! I currently go to school full-time and work part-time at $7hr. But now, I have money for tuition, books, and other school expenses -and - I have been awarded $900 in work-study. None of these are loans! I can't believe it!!
Every night I read through this book, I make notes in pencil, I put yellow sticky notes on the most important pages for myself. Tonight I went to an office store and bought some materials for organizing my financial aid plans for the future. I am really MOTIVATED!
This book is worth every penny. As they say: If you think going to college is expensive, try ignorance! LOL! I am planning on going all way - Ph.D or Psy.D. The book has many pages in it, but it's light-speed reading, not intimidating in the least, and is frequently illustrated with humourous cartoons. I recommend it to anyone interested in empowering themselves better in seeking financial aid, no matter what your socio-economic status. ;)
Book Review: Serious Commitment Required
Summary: 2 Stars
I thought the concepts were great, and obviously they worked for the author and his family. But seemed he was a single child, with parents that were 100% dedicated to this effort. I have more than one kid, they are all active in sports and activities, and my wife and I don't have the "time requirements" to pull this off. Plus he was apparently an exceptional kid, who engaged in entrepreneurial type activities at an early age, to include his full time scholarship hunting business. My kid does not fit that profile at all. So I was left with what seemed like commitment 7 days a week, 2-4 hours a day. I would be lucky if I could contribute 1 hour a day with my schedule. Plus, for all that effort, there HAS TO BE a point of diminishing returns ... he does not address that but assumes there is no such point. Hunt hunt hunt, research research research, write write write ... no end to the strategy. I have met some folks who simply applied to a small set of schools, filled out the financial aid forms, and got their aid, and have met many who did twice the work, and got the same amount of aid (or nothing close to the return advertised [hyped] in this book).Book Review: Experts Opinion
Summary: 5 Stars
As a college planning professional I love Ben's book and speaking engagements. For just several dollars this book breaks down how to apply for merit scholarships. I have used the principles in this book with success, however have found it tougher going as of late.
I read from one post a true statement that Ben was very bright and probably top 1% on his SAT, which I agree. However for almost no cost yet lot's of time, you can save money on college utilizing scholarships. Maybe not a free ride to Harvard, however perhaps $3,000 to $7,000.
I would also emphasize local organization (Chamber, Rotary, etc.), local churches, and corporations can be excellent sources with less competition. Tuition discounts for students that apply to colleges, which they are usually in the top 25% of the student population SAT scores at that college is an excellent strategy that can easily save thousands.
Angelo J. Robles
Author / Speaker
Latest Book: College Money Planning
"Secret Strategies to Secure an Elite College Education for Your Child While Shaving Thousands Off the Tuition"
[...].
Book Review: $90,000 and admission to Harvard
Summary: 4 Stars
The author earned $90,000 in scholarship earnings. It seems to reasonable that the author scored in the top 1 percent of his ACT and SAT scores which he fails to disclose. The guy was a brain. The author didn't spent large amounts of time on his scholar quest, but did apply for many prestigous merit scholarships. A fact that I liked about him because he demonstrated a williness to distinquish himself and high aspirations for merit. The theme could be "How I went to Harvard and was accepted; earned a degree in economics program; and a financial fortune coaching/mentor/cheerleading other people into similar tactics to get scholarship money.
On the other hand, the author does highlight a number of online resources to use for apply to scholarships like fastweb and scholarexperts. These online resources are convenient.
The book does not talk technically about grants, loans, and federal aid. The book does provide some helpful suggestions about preparing for essays, saving money, taxes, and scholarships of merit.
This is a fun book to read, but it is not a silver spoon to college.