Reporter’s Notebook: Seeking expert sources (or those who learned through trial by fire) about College application process

I’ve landed a great writing project for an online newsletter called www.road2college.com. Yes, my blog posts may be sparse these days, but blogging has led me to real work. So, if you are a blogger and are wondering what it’s all for, if anyone is listening, keep going. Keep writing. You’ll get there!

Now, on to my neediness in finding some great sources who can speak on the  biggest decision, and one of the biggest investments, a person can make, and that is choosing, and paying for – a college education.

I’m dividing my series into the following  possible topics and need your expertise and stories:

• Private vs. Public education – These days, some are questioning the value of a high-priced private education and wonder if the same quality and advantages can be found for their student at a public university. At the same time, others say that private colleges offer individualized attention and career direction, better connections after graduation for securing employment, and larger endowments for scholarships and financial aid.  Is the high price tag of a private university worth it? what are the pros and cons of each? For the middle class, what is the most economical: a state college, with lower tuition, or a private college with a bigger endowment and better chance to secure financial aid/scholarships, etc.
• Community college vs. Four-year institutions. To save money, there is a growing trend where students take their core requirements at a community college and then transfer them to a four-year institution. Is this easier said than done?  Anyone out there who successfully transferred their credits from a community college to a four-year institution?
• Scholarships: There are so many out there that few students take advantage of. What are the best ways of finding a scholarship just for you or your student? What are the more unusual scholarships you or your child have attained?
• The role of the Safety School in the college application process – What are the benefits of applying to a school where your grades and SAT scores  rise way above the average applicant to that school?

Looking forward to your wisdom and help! (and did I mention I needed this like yesterday?)

Saved for college and now there is no financial aid for you? is this absolutely true?

Thank you!