On episode 214, Alexis Avila talks to Ron Caruthers. Ron Caruthers is the nation’s foremost expert on college planning and college funding, and the author of What Your Guidance Counselor Isn’t Telling You…Inside Secrets to Choosing Your Career, Selecting Your Major and Getting Into Your Top College Choice.

Ron Caruthers was an adjunct instructor at Palomar and Mira Costa Colleges in San Diego, California, and a regular on San Diego’s morning news programs. He has been interviewed on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX. He has also been quoted in Newsweek, Inc. Magazine, USA Today and the Wall Street Journal, among other publications.

Ron’s 5 step process to getting the most free money:

1. Make sure you understand the formula and get your number down as low as possible

2. Pick schools that are affordable on own or have money to give you (more expensive schools have money to give)

3. Fill out your forms accurately and on time (December is fine and don’t apply the first two weeks of October)

4. Appeal a financial aid decision if necessary. Most of the time when you appeal, you get more money

5. Look for grants and outside scholarships

Ron’s final advice for teens and parents: College is not free but it can be more affordable if you understand the system. So get educated.

To work with Ron Caruthers check out http://www.roncaruthers.com

For More Information Visit: preppedandpolished.com.

Enjoy, Thanks for Listening and remember at The Prepped and Polished Podcast, We Empower You to Take Control of Your Education!