Ahhhhh.Winter. The lack of snow!  Temperatures in the 60s (at least yesterday)!  The Giants and Tom Petty! Ticker tape parades!    20-minute Golden Globe telecasts!  The warm winter glow of light emanating from your local H&R Block office!  Barack, HIlary, John (M, not E), Mike, Ron, Mitt (Oops.  Scratch the last one)!

What better time to remind you to file your FAFSA?
(Doh! Such a buzzkill, I know, however…)

If you (a) are a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident and (b) want to be considered for federal aid next year, you must (more…)

The TuitionPay Payment Plan, administered by Sallie Mae, enables students and their families to pay tuition and fees billed through the University over several months, rather than in one payment.  The payment plan is not a loan.  While there is an application fee, there are no interest charges or credit checks. 

For more information, read on… (more…)

This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list is designed to help SoA students make the transition from coursework into what we call “Research Arts” status.

What is “Research Arts?” (more…)

To All Potential October 2007 Graduates:

Congratulations!  You are (hopefully) soon to be a graduate of the School of the Arts, Columbia University in the City of New York.  I thought you might have some questions about what it means to be an alum, so I’ve put together the following FAQs and their respective answers: (more…)

To All SoA Students Who are Receiving Federal and/or Private Financial Aid:

This Friday, May 11 is the last day to request a Budget Increase to cover summer educational expenses.   Please note that Budget Increases can only be requested to cover the cost of EDUCATIONAL expenses  incurred over the summer months (film projects, head shots, project travel, etc.).  Because the School of the Arts does not have a summer session, summer personal expenses (rent, medical expenses, etc.) cannot be covered under requests for summer Budget Increases.

Reminder:  You are not required to file a budget increase and we discourage you from doing so if you can avoid it.  

For information regarding summer funding, click here. 

For information regarding Budget Increase (as in "What is a Budget Increase?"), click here.

As a reminder to students regarding potential Summer funding, I’m reposting this entry that was originally posted on March 1.

————————- 

A forward-thinking student recently e-mailed me the following question:

"I have some questions for you regarding the summer. how do most students afford the summer? i assume most get jobs which i am actively seeking – but i wonder if there is a back-up plan? is there loan money available?...I am trying to be proactive and get organized ahead of time…and i just am still trying to familiarize myself with NYC and Columbia and all the possibilities for income or funding available…I’m looking into all of my options (whether i use them or not)."

First of all, congratulations.  You are taking an important first step by thinking about these things well in advance.  These are obviously important questions, so in order to help clarify options for summer funding, I’ve created the following FAQ list.  Enjoy! (more…)

To All Potential May 2007 Graduates:

Congratulations!  You are (hopefully) soon to be a graduate of the School of the Arts, Columbia University in the City of New York.  I thought you might have some questions about what it means to be an alum, so I’ve put together the following FAQs and their respective answers: (more…)

Show it!  Take part in Columbia’s annual Student Lobby Day in Washington D.C. Student Lobby Day in Washington, DC - Mar. 28, 2007
Participation is free; transportation, meals and lodging provided.

The Office of Government Affairs invites Columbia University and Barnard College students to help advocate in support of Federal student aid programs.  A group will travel to Washington, DC to visit Congressional offices.  This year, "Lobby Day" will be held jointly with Cornell University. (more…)

A forward-thinking student recently e-mailed me the following question:

"I have some questions for you regarding the summer. how do most students afford the summer? i assume most get jobs which i am actively seeking – but i wonder if there is a back-up plan? is there loan money available?...I am trying to be proactive and get organized ahead of time…and i just am still trying to familiarize myself with NYC and Columbia and all the possibilities for income or funding available…I’m looking into all of my options (whether i use them or not)."

First of all, congratulations.  You are taking an important first step by thinking about these things well in advance.  These are obviously important questions, so in order to help clarify options for summer funding, I’ve created the following FAQ list.  Enjoy! (more…)

If you are currently "maxed out" on your financial aid budget, there may be ways to increase the amount you are eligible to borrow (Common sense caution: Not to sound parental, but I should remind you to be extremely diligent in monitoring much debt you’re accruing and take whatever steps you can to minimize it). Budget increases should be considered only in cases of genuine, pressing need.

That said, there are two basic types of budget increases and each has their own set of steps required in order to make you eligible to receive more in the way of financial aid: (more…)

A student recently e-mailed me the following query:

"My computer is dying fast and I unfortunately think I’ll need to buy a new one soon. I’ve been looking online through the Columbia Apple website for discounts. I heard a rumor that there are computer loans available to students so I thought I would inquire about the specifics."

Good question!

Owning a computer or upgrading your present computer can be a real asset, but it’s a decision that should not be taken lightly. Did you know that Columbia SoA students are entitled to discounts on computer purchases, software and peripherals? Be sure to visit the following links to find out more: (more…)