The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Sign up for the Harlan's Best First Year College Success and Coaching Program for Students, Parents, and Supporters: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com About Jeff:Jeff Levy has been an independent educational consultant since 2007, based in Santa Monica, California. While his students come from all backgrounds and have a broad array of interests, his three decades as a professional in the film and television industry have made him a natural resource for those interested in the visual and performing arts and other creative fields. Jeff has become a recognized advocate for college affordability and financial aid. Each year, he and his partner Jennie Kent publish several easy-to-use charts that help families understand which colleges will be the most affordable for them. While academic and social fit are two important components matching students with colleges, he believes that financial fit is too often overlooked by counselors and parents in guiding students towards colleges that make sense. Jeff has been quoted in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Boston Globe, has been interviewed on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” and is a regular blogger for Grown & Flown. He is a member of several professional organizations, co-wrote the syllabus for UC San Diego Extension’s course on college affordability and financial aid, and is on the faculty of IECA’s Summer Training Institute. He is passionate about being a voice for equity and affordability in higher education. Click here to use the merit aid comparison tool: https://lookerstudio.google.com/u/0/reporting/0db1fc2e-a739-4596-b425-419c2cfac963/page/dFARD?s=mOFFrRi-cYg Check out Jeff's website here: https://www.bigjeducationalconsulting.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Intro04:00 The rising cost of college12:17 Strategize paying for college19:14 What is merit aid?23:14 It’s not where you go, but what you do27:11 How do you qualify for merit aid?32:33 Which schools give out the most money?43:53 When do you know if you qualify?48:45 How to ask for more money53:38 Is FAFSA required for merit aid?1:04:46 What if you’re waitlisted?1:09:00 Can you get out of early decision?   SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:     / @helpmeharlan  Instagram:   / harlancohen  TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?...Facebook:   / harlan.cohen  LinkedIn:   / harlancohen  Twitter:   / harlancohen  Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com THE HARLAN COHEN PODCAST New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen has candid conversations with top experts, and leading influencers. Guests share their greatest victories, devastating setbacks, and most valuable advice to help listeners dream big and take action. Hosted by Harlan Cohen, New York Times bestselling author, and speaker. Harlan is the founder of Best First Year, and has over 1 million books in print. His live events, books, programs, and workshops have reached millions of people and changed countless lives.