Prepping for College Exams Without Spending a Fortune

With a 16-year-old high school student in the house, we're preparing for the college entry exam also known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

Paying for exam prep classes can be expensive. Prices range from $1,100 for a series of classes to about $3,400 for 26 hours of private tutoring. One private company charges $400 for an Internet-based self-study program.

We found an attractive, instructor-led prep course in the Miami-Dade College catalog. A two-week program, representing about 24 hours of classes, is available this summer for about $200.

In addition to affordable college programs at community colleges, I found several other options.

• Check out the library. The local library branch may offer free SAT preparation workshops or other resources. The Broward County Library system has offered SAT prep classes. Likewise, Miami-Dade Public Library has a ''learn-a-test'' database, with sample tests and other study tools. Log on to the library's home page and use your library card to browse through the database.

• Create a study group. Before enrolling my teen in the exam prep course at Miami Dade College, I considered launching an SAT study group with other families in my neighborhood. The group would share the cost of a tutor, and each family would be responsible for purchasing learning guides and other study aides.

• Target online sources. From sample tests to study guides, I found several free online resources. For instance, Studyguidezone.com provides model questions and ''self-improvement links,'' with step-by-step help in algebra, essay writing and other topics. The site also offers useful tips about controlling test anxiety. Other online sources include: www.testpreview.com, www.collegeboard.com and testprep.sparknotes.com. Of course, some of the online sites offer fee-based options, but the free menus typically include excellent material and study tips. ______________

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From the Vault: Camp Scholarships

Spring break and summer vacations are coming around soon. I wrote this piece last year, about camp money for kids.

Many camps --Spring Break mini camps, after-school camps and Summer Camps-- offer a wide variety of program discounts. But in some cases, there's a big catch: You have to ask.

I've had directors at expensive, private day camps, inform me that registration fees and tuition costs can be waived for families that need help. But that information is sometimes whispered or delivered in very hushed tones.

(A private camp may not want to be swamped with scholarship requests or may lack the staff to review inquiries.) But there are full scholarships, partial fees, sibling discounts, early-registration fee cuts and other discounts. There are also resident, neighborhood or membership-only tuition breaks.

Some camps award financial packages based on standardized forms and "needs test." Other camps only ask for letters requesting scholarships or discounts. "There's no child left behind,"said one camp director. But he acknowledged that although fee-discounts are available, the burden is on each family to request assistance. --This piece originally ran in March of 2008.
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The Cost of Delay: Don't Put Off The College Savings Plan

Late-grade penalty flashback: I recently registered my children in a state-run prepaid college savings plan. And I am feeling the sting of delay and regret. There's a financial penalty for procrastination.

The delayed savings penalty feels like a tardy-grade penalty. As a student, I was docked points when I turned in late term papers. For example, an essay that might have earned a 95 (a solid A) would have been knocked down to an 85 (a humble B) because of tardiness. Ouch.

That's how I feel about the recent enrollment in the college plan for my three kids. Here are the approximate numbers for a plan that involves pre-paid tuition for two years of community college, followed by two years of a state university or college:

• Child #1 (age 16): Monthly fee: about $600
• Child #2 (age 14): Monthly fee: about $240
• Child #3 (age 11): Monthly fee: about $120

As the numbers indicate, the monthly college savings bite is much smaller when you start earlier. A monthly college savings bill of $120 translates into only $30 a week and can slip under the financial radar with minimal pain. But $600 is harder to swallow and difficult to digest each month!

For the same plan , a parent registering a newborn would pay about $82 a month or roughly $20 a week. Of course, I am grateful that my children are now enrolled in a pre-paid tuition plan, and I am grateful for the financial assistance my parents will provide. But if you have school-age children, I urge you to start saving early.

Mimi Whitefield, a Miami Herald writer, recently wrote an excellent story about financing education: A mom offers practical tips on paying for college

Here's another article from College Board: 529 Prepaid College Tuition Plans Freeze Costs at Today's Rates

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How to Get Free Entertainment & Free Classes

Public education takes on new meaning at many area stores and community centers. From decorative painting to dance instruction, there are many free classes and events in our neighborhoods. What's more, public libraries offer free fitness, cultural and literary classes at neighborhood branches.

Every month, Whole Foods Market, a national chain, provides free classes on home management, nutrition and health topics. The schedule in my area includes free cooking classes. And for athletes, I found a two-hour free course on the best foods to eat before and after a workout, with information about protein and healthy snacks. To find events near your home, go to www.wholefoodsmarket.com, type in your ZIP Code and review the store calendar.

Many home and decorative stores have a roster of free how-to clinics. Home Depot offers free in-store clinics on fire safety, floor and wall tiling projects and home energy efficiency. Throughout the year, the do-it-yourself, how-to clinics cover decorative painting, appliance installations and other topics. The free clinics are at different locations and the schedule includes craft classes for children. Go online at www.homedepot.com.

Everyone expects the public library to offer free literary programs featuring authors, poets and actors. But beyond those, they also offer a diverse lineup of free classes that include tai chi, flamenco, art and even computer assistance. Class information is online or at the front desk.
To get the most out of community classes, I recommend the following:

• Track down class and registration information at stores and community centers. Find out if you need to bring supplies and materials to class.

• Sign up early: I once tried, but failed to register my children for a free math and science enrichment program at the library. We had waited too long.

• Don't feel obligated to make a purchase: To attract customers, stores now offer a long list of classes on cosmetics, hardware tools and food preparation. But the lessons aren't a bargain if you leave with a shopping bag filled with impulse purchases.
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