JHS guidance office warns of scholarship scams
Take reality check on promises

The Jasper High School Guidance office has a wealth of information on financial aid. Elizabeth Cook, counselor for juniors and seniors, also recommends www.fastweb.comand she has a student bulletin reprinted from FastWeb that offers advice to avoid scams that take advantage of students and their parents.

Be wary of groups who: 4Claim: "We'll help you fill out complicated forms." Reality: You still have to fill out the same basic information for them to work with; how else would they fill out forms for you? 4Claim: "We'll find different ways to report your income and assets to obtain more aid." Reality: This information is available for free at www.finaid.org/fafsa/maximize.p html. FYI: If you falsify financial aid forms, you can end up with a $20,000 fine, prison, or both.

FastWeb says financial aid should not cost you anything. Information and asisstance is available from high school counselors, the library, the college financial aid office, websites like FastWeb.com and FinAid.org, and the U.S. Dept. of Education at 1-800-FED-AID.