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Rethink the business of college and get the most value. Learn how to:
Ask For More Money
Step-by-step instructions to ask for more merit aid and/or need-based financial aid, sample letters, prompts, strategies
Budget Before You Borrow
Understand the business of college, budget using future math, new borrowing laws, why paying interest before graduating can equal big savings
Avoid Hidden Costs
Avoid surprises, find jobs that help pay for college, look for hidden scholarships, find money that isn't always advertised
"Harlan urged me to ask for more merit aid, even after my son committed to this school. I sent a message to the admissions office sharing our situation. Two weeks later, I received an email letting us know they could offer my son more than $10,000 a year, simply because we asked."
- Mom of 3
Meet Harlan Cohen
New York Times Bestselling Author, Global College Readiness & Success Expert, 1.7M+ Followers Across Social Media. Harlan has been helping students and parents navigate change for 25+ years. His books have over 1 million copies in print and is the go-to expert for everything college. *Current members of Best First Year get access to this program and all special events.
What People Are Saying
Discover how Harlan Cohen's GREAT COLLEGE RESET is transforming lives and reshaping college experiences.
We wrote a letter together and she (daughter) ended up getting $3,500 more. I didn't know where to start and your help was exactly what we needed. Thank you for your advice!
Best First Year Member
We took your advice from one of your posts! We filed a merit aid appeal to my son's top choice and the school awarded him more money!!! It brought the tuition a little closer to his 2nd choice school. Thank you!
DM from Social Media
Hi Harlan! I just commented from your live! A while back you made a video about reaching out to my schools financial aid department to ask for more money around winter break. I set up a meeting with the department and the officer told me to write an appeal to ask for another evaluation on my financial aid report. Using my updated FAFSA information from 2020 instead of from 2019, they were able to determine I qualified for my school's tuition promise which is a full ride for all four years regardless of any financial circumstances changing :) For reference, I was not receiving any aid from my school previously! I am a first generation college student at UW Madison who really didn't have any parental figures familiar with the college and financial aid process so I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for this advice. Thanks to you, I will not be in debt as l earn my degree!
Madison, Wisconsin
This was super helpful! You should increase the cost to attend.
Attended 7 College Money Must Dos
I followed you advice. We simply asked if they could discount tuition and they gave us an additional $5,000 a year. All I had to do was ask. Thank you!
Attended previous event
Thank you, Harlan! I've loved learning from you on social media. You've got such greatd advice and it resonates! My kiddo isn't in college yet but I still forward him your college tips 🙂
Attended 7 College Money Must Dos
Apply these strategies and start saving!
* Admission gives you 1-year access to on-demand event * All-access guarantee. If cost is an issue, let us know what you can handle and we will get you access! Email [email protected] * Join Best First Year and get access to this event and all special events. Visit courses.bestfirstyear.com * Disclaimer: This webinar is educational in nature and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. The information and strategies shared are based on general principles and real-world examples but may not apply to your specific situation. Individual circumstances, financial aid packages, and loan terms vary significantly. Before making any financial decisions, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or attorney who understands your particular circumstances. Best First Year makes no guarantees about financial outcomes and assumes no liability for decisions made based on this educational content.
$37.00