Smart to Visit College Financial Aid Office

I'll be visiting a couple of colleges this month. Is it smart to stop by the financial-aid office? -- Need Money
Answer: Talking to a financial-aid counselor is one of the best things that you can do on a college visit. It may not get you any more aid, but it will definitely help you learn everything you can about available financial aid at a school. Be sure to ask a lot of questions. You might want to visit a Web site like www.finaid.org so you are prepared to talk knowledgeably about financial aid. Have all the facts on your family's financial situation so you can talk about your needs.
One area that many students fail to investigate is academic department scholarships. Be sure to do this if you know what your major will be. And another thing, it doesn't hurt to chat up your high-school accomplishments.
You should make an appointment to visit a financial-aid counselor before arriving on campus. And you definitely should write a thank-you note for having the opportunity to talk to this person. It will make a good impression.