This simple, friendly, step-by-step guide explains how to get financial aid.  It also gives the "financial aid picture" for each of 3,000 colleges, universities, and technical schools including "Know the Lingo" guides to financial aid terms; step-by-step guides to filling out the FAFSA and other forms; details about unique scholarships offered by colleges; advice on working through college; and strategies for going "beyond the forms" to explain circumstances to colleges.