This month, we look towards the future with updates about what’s happening in financial aid and student lending, plus scholarships and Q&A. Also - Congratulations to everyone who graduated this past May! Our graduation gift to you? Download a free eBook on how to write a great cover letter.

Important Financial Aid Update

Beginning July 1, 2008, you’ll be able to borrow more federal student loans at lower interest rates. Here’s a quick review of the changes:

• Increased Loan Limits for Stafford Applicants
• Reduced Interest Rates on Subsidized loans (Undergrads Only)

For a detailed outline of these changes, visit: http://www.StaffordLoan.com/Rates

Free eBook: Killer Cover Letters

Many of our readers have recently graduated - Congratulations. Now onto the real world… To help you get started, Student Loan Network and GraduateCenter.com have created a downloadable ebook on writing a good cover letter to help you increase your chances of landing that job?

“A great cover letter is simply this: a first impression. Scratch that, it’s THE first impression, the first time a prospective future employer hears from you more often than not. What do you aim to do in virtually every first impression, whether it’s that person on the other side of the room sneaking peeks at you at a party, whether it’s the first time you meet a personal hero, or the first time you apply for a job?”

This is an excerpt from our new eBook, How To Write a Killer Cover Letter. learn how to write a great cover letter following a proven, winning format. How To Write A Killer Cover Letter is available at: http://www.GraduateCenter.com

Best Financial Advice Ever

Here it is: relax and take a deep breath. When facing financial problems remember that it’s only money- not your life, your health, your family, friends or anything that nourishes your spirit. It’s not easy but remembering can help keep financial troubles from getting you down. If you avoid letting your emotions rule your head you’ll come out far better off. That is the topic of this super-popular and witty article. Read it here.

Reader Q&A

Jackie asks: Are there any grants or scholarships that are available to students from a single-parent household?

Plenty. Individual institutions may have scholarships, plus lots of private agencies. If you haven’t gotten a copy already, be sure to download our Scholarship Search Secrets book to learn how to find specific kinds of scholarships, including single parent ones.

Download it for free: http://www.studentscholarshipsearch.com/ebook

James asks: After I have been proven independent is that title permanent or do I have to continue to get letters every year to prove it over and over again. (Pell Grant)

Generally speaking, the conditions under which you’re an independent student don’t change much from year to you. You will still need to file your FAFSA every year to remain eligible for federal student aid, but your status probably will not change. For a complete list of what constitutes being an independent student, visit:

http://www.fafsaonline.com/fafsa-questions/who-is-a-dependent-student.php

Lauren asks: How will the cost of tuition and textbooks change in response to the downturn in the US economy?

Chances are, with the significant increases in the costs of food, energy, fuel, and other consumables, you’ll see college costs go up, in some cases significantly. It’s likely that as state budgets trend downward, state colleges and universities will experience the biggest jumps in tuition. Expect to see changes in meal plan prices on campus as well.

As a reminder, if you find that prices have suddenly changed on campus or you’re facing an unexpected shortfall, you can borrow a private student loan from the Student Loan Network (after maximizing your federal student aid) to cover unexpected expenses. Visit:

http://www.AlternativeStudentLoan.com

To ask your own questions and receive advice visit: http://www.FinancialAidForum.com

Scholarship Update

The Student Loan Network will be holding another SLN 10K drawing on October 31, 2008, so make sure you’re registered at: http://www.StudentLoanNetwork.com/10K/

Have you registered for Scholarship Points, our free college scholarship awards site? Scholarship Points gives away $1,000 monthly scholarships and other awards.

Visit ScholarshipPoints.com for more details: http://www.ScholarshipPoints.com

StudentScholarshipSearch.com (http://www.StudentScholarshipSearch.com) features over $9 billions of scholarships and grants for undergrad and graduate students. New listings are added everyday so make sure you visit often. Here are just a few newly added scholarships and grants:

• College Admissions Frustration Scholarship
• Kings College Scholarship Directory
• “Where do I want to go to college?” Scholarship
• “What I like about my college?” Scholarship
• Education Matters $5K Scholarship
• Bank of America ADA Abilities Scholarship

A Word From Our Sponsors:
Card Comparisons: For the best credit cards for college students and recent graduates visit: http://www.StudentPlatinum.com/student-credit-cards/

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