This has probably been asked a million times, but I searched and didn't find much.

My daughters are Juniors in high school and they are finally talking about college like they want to go. I am a "low-income single mother" so I am sure that we will qualify for financial aid. I suppose I am here looking for general advice. I have heard about programs for multiples, but no specifics.

Hi Justusgirls,

The most important form to fill out is the federal student aid form called the FAFSA. Many colleges will ask for the FAFSA form by February of your daughters' senior year. You can now fill this form out online. This is the form that the federal government and colleges use to determine grant and loan money. Grant money does not have to be paid back like a student loan. Since you have triplets, when you fill out the FAFSA your total family income will be divided into thirds. For example, if you make $30,000 a year then your family income for each girl will be $10,000. This is where you will probably receive the most assistance money-wise. Encourage your daughters to fill out any scholarship applications avaiable- no matter how small the amount is. These scholarships can "add up". Churches, service organizations, clubs, foundations, and businesses all have scholarship money avaiable. Many students won't fill out these applications because they are time-consuming. Have your daughters start filling these out as early as possible. Your girls' school or school district should have information on local scholarship offers. Keep ahead of DEADLINES!!! All applications for all the above mentioned have DEADLINES. In addition to chasing scholarship money your daughters should ask colleges about job and work/study opportunities.
I hope this helps.
bamtriplets

I think it is a shame that all of our other posts have been pulled on this topic. There was a lot of good, specific info in them! Are they still here someplace?

Justusgirls, please e mail me directly at budgbug@aol.com.

I am a single mom of 3 college freshman and a younger daughter. Our situations are quite similiar and I would love to chat. My three went to school with very little financial outay on my part this year. I would love to share the specifics but do not want to type it all over again to be deleted.

Tami

mom to ggg19 and g14

btw You should file your FAFSA next year as soon after January first as you can to insure maximum aid.

Hi,

My name is Julie, I probably could help with some of your questions. My daughters are Seniors this year and I have done some leg work in finding out what the colleges need, etc. Feel free to contact me at busyqueen@yahoo.com if you need help. Believe me I understand how you feel, with my quadruplet daughters getting ready for college and our son in law school. Let me know if you need help. Julie