The Insider: College Admissions Advice from the Experts

At this time of year, many parents of seniors may be sensing some relief. Your child has completed all of his or her admissions applications and is starting to see a few offers of admission. Additionally, you have completed the necessary financial aid applications, like the FAFSA and the CSS Profile (if required by the colleges on your list).

If you, like many others, are in need of additional financing for college after taking advantage of your child’s federal student loan eligibility, a private student loan may meet your needs.  Before you choose a private student loan, consider the following:

Recently, my colleague, Marj Southworth, and I met with 25 residents of the Light House, a maternity home in Kansas City providing comprehensive care for young women facing unplanned pregnancies.  Ranging in age from 14 to 30, the women we met were all in different stages of their educational careers.