Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Stacy,

I am so happy that you've found your dream! Now it's just a matter of making it come true, and with determination, you will! First of all, know that most students go to college with some sort of financial aid. Believe me, it is the minority, not the majority of students that have rich families! Sure, some people can afford to pay full price for college. They are most likely the same people who pay full price for those hot, trendy clothes you like. But isn't the savvy shopper much smarter for cleverly finding bargains and sale racks and getting the same clothes for a fraction of the original price? So it goes with financial aid. With just a little more research and effort on your part, you'll get the same great education for much less money. Your dream of being a fashion designer entitles you to a great fashion education and there are plenty of ways to get it. There are loans, scholarships, grants, awards, military aid, fellowships, and work-study programs waiting to be explored. Where there's a will, there's financial aid! The best way to find out more is to talk with a FIDM Admissions Advisor. If you are a high school senior or older, call 800.624.1200. They will be happy to help you.

Start making yourself a perfect scholarship candidate right now. Get good grades in high school and participate in extracurricular activities. Take all the art classes you can and start sketching and designing clothes. Enter art and design contests and practice writing essays. Let this be your guiding word: deadlines! You'd be amazed at how many students lose out on money for college simply because they miss application deadlines. Get a date planner and dedicate it to college deadlines. Put a big red "X" on every deadline day and make sure you look at your planner regularly!

Every year, FIDM offers its "Designer of Tomorrow" scholarship competition. You can enter to win one of five one-year full-tuition scholarships to FIDM by creating a design project. Get the details here: http://www.fidm.com/common/dotframeset.html. FIDM offers many other scholarships and awards on a competitive basis to students who meet the eligibility requirements.

The Internet offers a virtual plethora of financial aid information. You can find answers to your questions, get advice, and even apply for scholarships and government aid online. FinAid is one of the best cyber-resources out there right now. Go to: http://www.finaid.com/. Another great way to find money for college is to use a personalized search that compares your background with a database of awards. Did you know that you might be eligible for awards based on your heritage, your parents' employers, or the organizations you are involved with? Check out FastWeb at: http://www.fastweb.com/.

Finally, take a closer look at the money your government has to offer for college! Peruse potential government aid online at: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/Students/. Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

Good luck!Sincerely,