Description of tip for starting the college search:
Beware of writing checks! You will be deluged with offers from companies who "for a low, low fee" will track down those magic scholarships, raise those SAT scores, or in general give you the Key to the College of Your Choice. Scams also come in the form of expensive seminars and workshops that promise you the Inside Information.

The bottom line is this - all the information you need is FREE, although it may take a little digging to find. Use your counselors at the high school and counselors at the college(s) of your choice. Use the internet, the library and other parents who've Been Through It.

Remember this: any scholarship or college that you have to PAY to find out about or apply for/to is NOT legitimate.