I'm First Administrator

Finding the Right Support

Being the first person in your family to go to college is a pretty amazing accomplishment. It’s a new journey. As you prepare to step foot on campus, you’ll experience a whirlwind of emotions. Excitement. Nervousness. Joy. Hesitation. And that’s cool. Those feelings...

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Packing for College

This article is published in the 2017 I’m First Guide to College Plan for the Long Haul When packing for college, it’s important to remember that you are not packing for just a few days or weeks. If your college is far from home, you’re likely packing for months. If...

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Understand Your Financial Aid Package

This article is published in the 2017 I’m First Guide to College By Bob Giannino-Racine Congratulations, you’ve been accepted to college! Now comes the hard part of figuring out how much college is going to cost and how to pay for it. Following are some tips to help...

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All About Loans

This article is published in the 2017 I’m First Guide to College There are many different types of loans, both for students and for parents to take on behalf of their student. Read on for the basics. Federal Student Loans Perkins Loans Perkins Loans are need-based...

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Scholarship Searches

This article is published in the 2017 I’m First Guide to College The following free websites allow you to search for scholarships offering millions of dollars to help you pay for college. You’ll find a range of different scholarships; find the ones that suit you best...

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Steps to Writing Your College Essay

This article is published in the 2017 I’m First Guide to College Now that you know what the personal statement is and what you can write on, it’s time to start planning your essay. Easier said than done, right? Follow these steps to get started: 1. Pick your prompt:...

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The College Essays Do's and Don'ts

This article is published in the 2017 I’m First Guide to College DO: • Analyze the prompt and rewrite it in your own words before beginning your essay • Begin with a strong “hook” to pull your reader into your essay • Write about a subject you are passionate about •...

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