Writer's bio: Lynn O'Shaughnessy is a college consultant, author and speaker. She writes three college blogs for CBSMoneyWatch, U.S. News & World Report and TheCollegeSolutionBlog.com

Seven Ways to Borrow for College 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Look for borrower protection, consider credit unions and apply for multiple loans. ...

Deciphering a Financial Aid Award 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Financial aid letters are often confusing and misleading. You can help your clients if you know show them how to read between the lines. ...

The Risks of Independence 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Your clients’ kids can get a lot more student aid if they qualify as “independent students.” But it’s nearly impossible to qualify. ...

Inside the Mind of a College Freshman 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

At a college workshop that I conducted recently in San Diego, I asked the dozens of parents in attendance to guess what percentage of high school seniors...

Ten Facts About College Freshmen  

By Lynn O’Shaughnessy

Some surprising statistics about this year’s crop of college freshmen: Most get into the school of their choice, they go to school close to home, and they excel in self-confidence. ...

The Worst College Admission Mistakes 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Too many students apply to schools that are way out of their league academically and financially. It's a wasted effort....

8 Facts You Didn't Know About the ACT and SAT  

By Lynn O’Shaughnessy

Millions of teenagers will be taking the SAT and ACT tests this year, which always generates tons of stress for the test takers and their parents. ...

Colleges Love Rich Students 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

The full tuition paid by less qualified wealthy students allows colleges to admit highly talented low-income students....

Applying For Financial Aid and Coming Up Empty 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Colleges reserve financial aid for the neediest and for kids who are well above their student body average in grade point or test scores. Affluent families should research the financial aid histories of the colleges on their kids' lists....

10 Great Websites to Evaluate Colleges 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Your clients should probably know a lot more about selecting a college for their kids than they currently do. The list below will help...

College Aid Checklist for Grandparents 

By Lynn O’Shaughnessy

Seven things grandparents can do to help pay for college without screwing up the financial aid equation...

Online Cost Calculators May Revolutionize the College Application Process 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Today, it is very difficult for parents to know how much financial aid they might get from any particular college. That will change in October, when colleges will be required by federal law to place cost calculators on their websites...

When Getting Rejected Is Good 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

It's the caliber of the student who gets into an Ivy League college, more than the academics or connections she makes, that is the better indicator of future success....

14 Financial Aid Tips 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

That could save you thousands of dollars....

Seven Ways to Capture a Sports Scholarship 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

It's a competitive game. But here are some common sense-and counter-intuitive-rules to follow....

Your Client's Kid Eyeing a Sports Scholarship? 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

He better focus on his homework....

College By Numbers 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Calculating EFC, or expected family contribution, is essential to finding a college that's the best financial fit. You can help your clients....

College In Four Years, Not Six 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Too many colleges have abysmal four-year graduation rates, and this can jack up the cost for parents. Make sure your clients know which ones can get junior across the line in good time....

College On The Cheap 

By Lynn O'Shaughnessy

A lot of people pay full price. That doesn't mean your clients have to....