There are hundreds of summer programs at colleges and universities. I am sure many are of excellent quality. However, I think that colleges use these programs to subsidize their income during the summer when regular attendance is lowered. It has been my experience that the majority of admission counselors feel the same about these programs. There are exceptions to every rule. Ask for a list of students who attended the program the previous summer. Speak with several of them and their parents and evaluate for yourself. Speak directly with guidance counselors, CAP advisors and teachers. This is one time not to react too quickly. An example of one very valuable program is the Talent Identification programs (TIPS) at Duke University and Johns Hopkins University.
This program offers three tuition plans: a four-year university plan; a two-year community college plan; and a 2+2 plan that combines both of the previous plans. A supplemental plan covers local fees, which are charged in addition to tuition to fund activities, health services and athletic programs. There also is a dormitory plan available. This plan covers the cost of a standard double-occupancy, air-conditioned dorm room. Some fraternity and sorority housing is covered.

If for some reason your child doesn't need or use the plan, you can transfer it to another child or, if necessary, you can get a refund.

Your cost will depend on the plan and payment option that you choose and the age of the child when you enter the program. You can use this program at all of Florida's state universities, or at 28 community colleges. You can transfer the value of the plan to most private colleges in Florida and more than 1,700 out-of-state colleges.

How do I apply for Federal Student Aid?
You can apply electronically from your home computer or any other computer. FAFSA on the web is an interactive web page. All you need is Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet.

Please explain the Florida Prepaid College Program.
This program offers three tuition plans: a four-year university plan; a two-year community college plan; and a 2+2 plan that combines both of the previous plans. A supplemental plan covers local fees, which are charged in addition to tuition to fund activities, health services and athletic programs. There also is a dormitory plan available. This plan covers the cost of a standard double-occupancy, air-conditioned dorm room. Some fraternity and sorority housing is covered.

If for some reason your child doesn't need or use the plan, you can transfer it to another child or get a refund.

Your cost will depend on the plan and payment option that you choose and the age of the child when you enter the program. You can use this program at all of Florida's state universities or 28 community colleges. You can transfer the value of the plan to most private colleges in Florida and more than 1,700 out-of-state colleges.

How do I apply for Federal Student Aid?
You can apply electronically from your home computer or any other computer. FAFSA on the web is an interactive web page. All you need is Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer. The address is www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can send the application over a regular telephone line using FAFSA EXPRESS. Simply call 1-800-801-0576 and order an FAFSA EXPRESS disk. Some universities have provisions for you to apply electronically through their financial aid offices. Fill out the FAFSA paper and send it to the university. They will then submit your application.

How do I get a paper FAFSA form?
Your high school or the college you plan to attend should have them. If all else fails, write to the Federal Student Aid Information Center at PO Box 84, Washington, DC 20044, or call 1-800-433-3243.

Is there a foreign language version of the FAFSA?
Yes, there is. To obtain it in the language you desire, follow the instructions above.

When do I apply using the FAFSA?
As soon after the first of January as possible.

Do I have to apply every year?
Yes, you do. Circumstances can change from one year to the next.

Toby Rose is President that of Toby Rose's College Prep and is an independent college counselor. She was Dade County's Outstanding Teacher, directed the High School in Israel Program and was the Chairperson of the Dade County School Board's Academic Advisory Committee. Rose's professional affiliations include membership in the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, the Southern Association of College Admissions Counselors and the Higher Education Consultants Association. She is a member of the University of Miami Women's Guild and the American Association of University Women. For more information, please call 305-238-7737 or contact Rose via the Internet at <www.tobyrose.com>.