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If you are in need of a loan for college, it is important that you understand how to compare your options in order to get the best deal for your family. 

Students typically should borrow Federal Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loans before seeking a loan elsewhere. These loans have low fixed rates and the most flexible repayment options on the market. If your family applied for financial aid, these loans would have been included in the student's financial aid award letter. 

However, federal student loan options have annual borrowing limits and unfortunately, for many families, the amounts aren't enough to cover the total amount they need to pay to the college. That is where other options come in and when comparing becomes necessary. 

The remaining loan types fall into three major categories: federal, state-based, and private. 

Are you wondering, "What the heck is a portfolio?" or "OMG! Here's another thing I have to add to my to-do list!"? Let me put your mind at ease: a portfolio is not necessary for every student. A portfolio is generally used for students planning to pursue the Fine Arts or Performing Arts field at the college level! If you fit into one of the two categories listed above, let's explore further on how a portfolio can actually compliment your college applications.

Summer is right around the corner and you are probably itching to get out of the classroom to sit back, relax, and soak up some sun.  But, just because school is about to be out doesn't mean you should leave your college planning by the wayside. Seniors should keep an eye on their mailboxes for important information from their colleges and should focus on saving up for college by finding a summer job. Juniors should find teachers willing to write their letter of recommendation and work to contribute to their college fund. Check out our full list of college planning tips for June below!

If you are serious about landing a job, you need to dress the part. The way you present yourself is someone's very first impression of you, so show people you're serious about the work you are doing. According to Business Insider, a person's first impression of you is formed within 7 to 17 seconds of first meeting you, and those 7 to 17 seconds will account for 55% of that person's opinion of you.

It may seem that this school year has taken forever but, you'll be basking in the sun before you know it. Just because summer is coming doesn't mean you should put off  thinking about the next steps to take for college. Seniors and their families should begin to crunch numbers and determine how much they will need to borrow for school, if any. Juniors, on the other hand, should continue to build a list of colleges they are interested in attending and visit the schools. Get all our college planning tips for May below.

"Always remember that interviewing is a two-way street. As much as the company is trying to learn about you, you are trying to learn about them, and whether the company is the right fit for you. This gives you more control in the process." -Kevin Jankowski, Director of the Career Center at Rhode Island School of Design.