The Scholarship & Financial Aid Solution: How to Go to College for Next to Nothing with Short Cuts, Tricks, and Tips from Start to Finish

I found this book to be a complete waste of time and money. The author seems to have never graduated high school, based on her lack of writing skills. I was shocked by her poor grammar and elementary-school writing style. If your child is reading at a fifth-grade level and knows ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about applying for college, then this book may add some value. Otherwise, skip it and go for something written with intelligence for the intelligent. Try Tim Higgins’ “Pay for College Without Sacrificing Your Retirement.” That book was fabulously helpful to me.
Rating: 1 / 5

This is a very thin book and the author used wider linespace and large font to make it looks more. I wonder how it got good reviews (5 star?). To me it has no pratical value whatsoever. Do not waste your money on this one, or at least go to a bookstore to take a look then make your decision. I regret I did not do that first.
Rating: 1 / 5

The Scholarship & Financial Aid Handbook is an excellent source for anyone planning to attend college, especially if you want to know more about scholarships. The author has worked for years as a financial aid adviser, plus helping her own children with the financial aid process.

The book tells you exactly what to do as a freshman in high school to prepare for college. She explains the various types of scholarships – Academic, Major, General, Minority and Unusual. With each type she explains what is needed to qualify such as GPA, Honors, Leadership, Test Scores (SAT & ACT), Extracurricular Activities, and Community Work. At the end of the book there is a list of state agencies to contact for information and a list of web sites. She also talks about how to uncover local sources of scholarship money.

Lipphardt believes there is sufficient money for anyone wishing to attend college but you have to do your research and continually apply to numerous sources. The book tells you how to complete applications, answer essay questions, prepare for interviews and even what to do after you have won the scholarship. It is filled with lots and lots of points that the average person is probably unaware of but could determine if you fail or succeed. One of the most helpful sections gives detailed instructions and examples on how to prepare a resume.

Though the book primarily deals with scholarship money, she gives a good overview of the total financial aid process. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), State & Local Grants, and Student Loans are explained in easy to understand language. With knowledge, preparation, hard work and persistence the author has helped hundreds of her students secure scholarships and financial aid. Readers of this book should also be able to do the same.

Rating: 5 / 5

This is a great straight to the point book, gives good advice, and helps students cut through the nonsense. I have taken the advice from this book especially when it can to formatting my resume, as I have so many activities and volunteer project I wanted to be sure to include all the proper information while not being overwhelming. The resume example Lipphardt’s book provides makes it real and easy to follow. Needless to say, I have done very well applying and receiving scholarships. Thanks Scholarship & Financial Aid Solutions”.

Rating: 5 / 5

This book is down to earth and has practical advice from an author who has the experience in working with students and scholarships. Not just random facts, but real life knowledge on how to find and win scholarships for college, which is evident by the content of the book. This is something all students and parents can understand and use successfully. It is written so that anyone can comprehend how to make applying for scholarships an easy process.

I found an article on Debra Lipphardt where she was featured in The Hispanic Outlook for Higher Education (January 2009) and it was an excellent interview, only stressing my point on her expertise in the field of scholarships.

Rating: 5 / 5