Audio Recording Surfaces Days After Senator’s Passing, Sheds Light On “Secret Origin” of College Pete

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/04/2009 -- An audio recording of recently deceased Senator Edward Kennedy and local college funding expert Peter “College Pete” Ratzan has surfaced for the first time. Historians and Kennedologists are busy examining the documents to ascertain their authenticity.

Ratzan received an unmarked brown paper package containing a faded, color photograph and an 8-Track tape recording at his doorstep at approximately 3:37 am on Monday, August 31st. He could not identify who delivered it, saying only that he noticed a dark, unmarked sedan peeling out and careening away in his quiet, affluential Weston neighborhood.

“I’m just as shocked as you are,” said Ratzan. “I barely remember meeting the guy. But if you listen to the advice he gave me on the recording, you can see why I decided to forge a career helping families pay for college. I mean, who wouldn’t? I must have buried this stuff inside for years.” Ratzan said.

The extent of Senator Kennedy’s magnetic personality and influence has been well documented. It should be no surprise, therefore, that Ratzan now devotes his professional life to helping parents pay for college. He also has an unnatural, unexplained affinity for bowties, the Boston Red Sox, yachting and scotch whiskey.

Until the Secret Service removes this historical information, the photograph and remastered audio clip are available at: http://CollegePlanningAdvice.com/TedPete.

Peter “College Pete” Ratzan, MBA and Andrew Lockwood, J.D. are co-founders of College Planning Specialists of Florida. They offer state-of –the art, discounted SAT, ACT and PSAT study courses on their new site, SmokeTheSAT.com. College Pete and Andy conduct free college planning workshops for parents of college-bound teens, “How You Can Slash Your College Costs by $30,000 or More...Even if You’ve Been Told ‘You Won’t Qualify’ For Financial Aid.” For dates and locations of upcoming workshops, visit http://www.LearnCollegeFunding.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/sbwire-31371.htm

Local College Funding Experts to Give Financial Aid Tips for “Forgotten” Middle Class Families

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/31/2009 -- The Sagemont School, a private school located in Broward County Florida, will host a series of private college planning nights exclusively for its college-bound parents and students.

“This promises to be a competitive year for admissions to the top colleges,” said Dr. Brent Goldman, Headmaster and President of The Sagemont School. “Last year’s Seniors had a fantastic record, getting into the most prestigious colleges in the country and we want to keep the momentum. That’s a testament to the excellent quality of our students and Mellesia Nelson, head of our college guidance department,” said Goldman.

“We’ll do anything we can to give our students an edge,” said Nelson. “But we go beyond merely advising the students. We help parents figure out how to pay for college, in this economy. For the second consecutive year, we’re inviting College Planning Specialists of Florida to speak about financial aid tips and strategies,” said Nelson.

“We’re pleased to have been invited back. And our information on how even middle class families can save $30,000 or more off the cost of college is even more timely this year compared to last,” said Andrew Lockwood, co-founder of Weston-based College Planning Specialists.

“Many ‘forgotten’ middle class families mistakenly believe that they won’t qualify for financial aid,” said Peter “College Pete” Ratzan, a former teacher and co-founder of College Planning Specialists. “So they needlessly rule out the more expensive, competitive colleges that carry a big ‘sticker price,’ when sometimes it could actually cost them less out of pocket to send their children there!” Ratzan said.

The dates of the private college planning meetings are available by contacting The Sagemont School directly.

About The Sagemont School:
The Sagemont School offers a college prep curriculum and operates two campuses in Weston, Fl. In Pre-K through Grade 5, The Sagemont School offers core concepts in a creative environment combined with weekly specials that include science, art, music, Spanish, swimming, PE and media and technology. From middle school through graduation, Sagemont students choose from a variety of regular, honors and AP course work. In addition, students share in a networked wireless laptop community and participate in a comprehensive guidance program for college entrance.

For more information on The Sagemont School, contact Dr. Brent Goldman, President at (954) 389-2454 ext, 305, or email bgoldman@sagemont.com.
The Sagemont School, Upper School Campus
2585 Glades Circle Weston, FL 33327
Phone 954-389-2454
http://www.sagemont.com

About College Planning Specialists of Florida:
Peter “College Pete” Ratzan, MBA and Andrew Lockwood, J.D. are co-founders of College Planning Specialists of Florida, a college funding and admissions consulting firm in Weston, Florida. College Pete and Andy conduct free college planning workshops for parents of college-bound teens struggling with how to pay for college: “How You Can Slash Your College Costs by $30,000 or More...Even if You’ve Been Told ‘You Won’t Qualify’ For Financial Aid.” They offer state-of –the art, discounted SAT, ACT and PSAT study courses on their new site, SmokeTheSAT.com.

For more information, visit http://www.LearnCollegeFunding.com, email info@collegeplanningadvice.com or call 954.659.1234 ext. 202.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/sbwire-31137.htm

Local college funding experts help college-bound teens boost their SAT and ACT scores, help parents pay for college through increased financial aid, via free online class at http://www.SmokeTheSAT.com.

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/18/2009 -- Peter “College Pete” Ratzan, a local college planner and author of the book, The ‘Never Pay Retail For College’ Financial Aid Maximization System thinks parents of college-bound teens don’t understand how important SAT and ACT scores really are.

“Most parents realize that the higher their children score the better their chances of getting in. And they have a vague idea that high scores could somehow translate into scholarship money,” said Ratzan. “But that’s not the half of it,” Ratzan said.

“Where they miss the boat is by failing to understand is that the most prestigious, expensive colleges tend have the most endowment money to give away!” said Andy Lockwood, Ratzan’s partner. “Colleges carrying the highest ‘sticker prices’ will often make high-achieving students an ‘offer they can’t refuse.’ Even in the midst of our recession, these colleges continue to give away substantial need-based financial aid” Lockwood said. “Sometimes it can cost less to go to an ‘expensive’ college than a state university,” said Lockwood.

Lockwood and Ratzan urge parents that now is the time to get serious about test preparation and test prep classes. Deadlines are fast approaching. The next date for the ACT is September 12th; the SAT is October 10th. Registration deadlines are as early as August 21.

Lockwood and Ratzan have recorded a free webinar on the “Five Biggest Myths About the SAT” to give tips on how students can boost their scores and to educate parents about the pro’s and con’s of all study options, including tutoring, live classes and discounted, online, self-directed choices. The class is available at http://www.SmokeTheSAT.com for a limited time.

Peter “College Pete” Ratzan, MBA and Andrew Lockwood, J.D. are co-founders of College Planning Specialists of Florida. They offer state-of –the art, discounted SAT, ACT and PSAT study courses on their new site, http://www.SmokeTheSAT.com. College Pete and Andy conduct free college planning workshops to help parents of college-bound teens pay for college, “How You Can Slash Your College Costs by $30,000 or More...Even if You’ve Been Told ‘You Won’t Qualify’ For Financial Aid.” For dates and locations of upcoming workshops, visit http://www.LearnCollegeFunding.com

Andrew Lockwood, 954.659.1234
andylockwood@collegeplanningadvice.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/sbwire-30597.htm

Amidst a student loan crisis and state budget challenges, controversial Florida college planner reveals “inside secrets” on how to save $5,500-$45,500 in college costs...per year!

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/27/2009 -- Despite daily, gloomy stories about public university budget cuts and the student loan crisis, a local authority on college funding shows parents how to save tens of thousands of dollars off college costs, even if they’ve been told that they make too much money for financial aid.

“One of the most pervasive myths is that parents making six-figure incomes should not bother applying for financial aid,” says Peter Ratzan, M.B.A. and Andrew Lockwood, J.D., of College Planning Specialists of Florida in Weston. “Unfortunately, about 53% of eligible families never even bother applying for financial aid! And there’s a ton of aid to be had – about $137 Billion. And much of that is grants and scholarships - free money that never has to be paid back!”

Another surprise – it can be cheaper to attend an “expensive,” prestigious, private college compared to the “cheaper,” local public university. “The reason is that the private schools have more money to give by way of their endowments. We show this to parents on a daily basis,” said Andrew Lockwood, J.D.. “Given what’s happening in Florida&aposs universities, out of state private colleges are becoming an increasingly attractive option for parents concerned about giving their children the best education possible. The trick is to understand which colleges award the best aid packages, how to position your finances to receive the maximum amount of aid you’re eligible for and how to get into these colleges!”

Andrew Lockwood, J.D. will host free workshops on these and other college planning “inside secrets” this month in the Weston area. More details and an updated workshop schedule are available at:

http://collegeplanningadvice.com/events

Families of college-bound sophomores, juniors and seniors should pre-register on the website or by calling 954-659-1234. Pre-registration is mandatory as the workshops are frequently overbooked.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/sbwire-29920.htm

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/23/2009 -- Free community workshop held by Peter Ratzan of College Planning Specialists advises parents of college-bound children how to save $30,000 or more off the cost of college, even if they have been told that they will not qualify for financial aid.

Did you know that one piece of free advice turned $9,500 into $37,500?

A short while ago, a successful, well-known Miami entrepreneur, attended one of Peter "College Pete" Ratzan&aposs college funding workshops in Miami. Ratzan&aposs firm, College Planning Specialists of Florida, conducts free community workshops several times per month.

The woman listened attentively and took notes. She learned information such as:

* The three questions you must ask each college years before you apply;

* How &aposforgotten&apos middle class families can save $30,000 or more off the cost of college, even if they&aposve been told they make too much money to qualify for financial aid;

* The "double-secret" formula used by the FAFSA and financial aid offices to determine how much aid you&aposll receive; and

* What to do if you feel like you got stiffed by the financial aid office.

This mother walked away from that workshop a determined woman. Her daughter had received a paltry $9,500 award - much of it student loans - from a prestigious university in the Northeast, but felt she deserved more - a whole lot more.

Then, she took one simple strategy that Pete shared at the workshop and tried to implement it with the financial aid office at this university.

She recently emailed Mr. Ratzan the result:

A financial aid package worth $37,500, most of it in free grants and scholarships!

If you are wondering what Mr. Ratzan&aposs "golden nugget" was, he&aposll tell you at the next workshop. He&aposs holding two this month - one in Weston, one in Miami. Register at:

http://www.CollegePlanningAdvice.com/events

Peter Ratzan, M.B.A. and Andrew Lockwood, J.D. own College Planning Specialists of Florida in Weston, Florida. They co-authored the new book, "Never Pay Retail for College" and give away limited quantities at free community college funding workshops that they conduct several times per month in locations such as Miami, Pinecrest, Weston, Parkland, Coral Springs and Boca Raton. More information is available at http://www.CollegePlanningAdvice.com or by calling Mr. Lockwood directly, 954.389.7011.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/sbwire-28864.htm

A new law firm to specialize in appealing property tax assessments in Florida, New York and other parts of the country. Property values have plummeted due the bursting of the real estate bubble, but property tax assessments may not reflect current conditions. Lubin Lockwood works with owners of high-end residential and commerical properties to attempt to reduce their property taxes.

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/08/2009 -- Despite the “bursting” of the real estate bubble, property tax values remain near their all-time highs in South Florida and other parts of the country that experienced a run-up in market values. The reason is that county tax appraisers often base their assessments on historical values, rather than reflecting current, post-real estate boom economic conditions.

“We feel that many owners of high-end residences and commercial property could be overpaying their property taxes by thousands of dollars,” said Seth Lubin, Esq., managing partner of the newly-formed tax assessment appeal law firm, Lubin Lockwood.

“According to a recent study, some properties may be over-assessed by as much as 60% of their ‘true’ value,” said Lubin. “But the good news is that just about every property tax appraiser in the country provides for an appeal process. If you know their ‘rules of the game’ - the statutes that govern the process - and don’t stumble over the potential landmines the appraiser will set for you, you could reduce your property tax bill.”

In June, Lubin plans to begin hosting a series of educational workshops for attorneys, Certified Public Accountants, wealth managers and owners of high-end residential and commercial property. For more information, visit: http://www.LubinLockwood.com or call (954) 660-3534

About Lubin Lockwood: An attorney and entrepreneur, Seth Lubin served for 11 years as in-house counsel to Victor Posner (a “corporate raider” contemporary of Ivan Boesky and featured in the book Den of Thieves), one of South Florida’s most colorful and successful businessmen. During his tenure there, Mr. Lubin personally reduced the assessed value of Posner’s real estate holdings by more than $40 Million, using the same techniques and strategies he employs in his practice today. Mr. Lubin handles a limited, highly selective caseload of clients with high-end residential and commercial properties and may be reached at info@lubinlockwood.com or (954) 660-3534

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/sbwire-28423.htm

College Planning firm helps parents cope with high cost of college in offbeat way

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/20/2009 -- In an offbeat way to help parents cope with the ever-increasing cost of college, College Planning Specialists, a Weston, Florida-based college planning firm, has announced its guaranteed, “can’t miss” picks for March Madness. But the methodology used by the firm differs from that of traditional sports fans and pundits.

“I ranked every team in the field according to how generous each college is with their financial aid award packages, including student loans, scholarships and grants” said Peter “College Pete” Ratzan, co-founder and architect of the firm’s 2009 University Generosity Bracketology.

Ratzan’s first two rounds show some outcomes that conventional fans would consider to be upsets, such as Tennessee-Chattanooga over top seeded University of Connecticut - but not when viewed in the context of financial aid generosity. “UConn meets only 72% of financial need while Chattanooga meets 86% - ergo, UConn goes home!” said Ratzan.

“I know this seems a little goofy, but ‘College Pete’ did all this meticulous research for a reason,” said Andrew Lockwood, J.D., Ratzan’s partner. “Some colleges have more money to award than others. The time to investigate how much college will cost is 1-2 years before you even think about applying, not after you’ve gotten in. After all, you wouldn’t shop for a car without knowing the sticker price first!” said Lockwood. “We hope that this knowledge helps families plan their college funding a little better,” said Lockwood.

”College Pete’s ”2009 University Generosity Bracketology” may be downloaded at: http://www.collegeplanningadvice.com/bracket.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/local-college-planners-reveal-cant-miss-picks-for-2009-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament-26329.htm

Local college planner conduct free college funding workshops to teach parents, even those who have been told they make too much money, how to pay for college without going broke or raiding what's left of their retirement savings.

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/19/2008 -- Andrew Lockwood and Peter “College Pete” Ratzan co-owner of Weston-based College Planning Specialists, promise that they can show parents, even upper middle class families earning more than $120,000 per year, how to save $5,000-$30,000 on college costs. Each month, Lockwood and Ratzan conduct between four to six free college funding workshops from Miami to Boca Raton. Lockwood estimates that four families per workshop retain his firm for college funding assistance. But that will change in 2009, according to Lockwood.

Unlike his more affable partner, Lockwood has been described as controversial, somewhat irritable and even the “bad boy” of college planning. So it was not a complete surprise when Lockwood abruptly announced a halt to his firm’s practice of accepting new clients from workshops.

“Pete and I were so (darn) busy this past year, trying to keep up, thanks to the recession, the drying up of the student lending market, changes in the Department of Education’s financial aid rules, budget cuts and tougher admissions standards for Florida state universities, that we could barely keep our heads above water,” Lockwood said. “This is the busiest year we’ve ever had, and our wives and children really suffered, barely seeing us for about one month after the holidays. Something had to give. So we’re no longer taking clients who come in ‘cold.’ Also, no-one can get me live on the phone any more –and all calls are by appointment only. I had no choice – I simply cannot keep up any more.”

“We’re not going to completely stop taking on new clients from our workshops,” Ratzan stressed. “We’re just going to dramatically reduce the number of families we work with that come from the outside world, as opposed to being referred by a current client, CPA or other source,” added Ratzan. “In other words, last year Andy and I told people that we took eight or nine new families per month. In 2009, that number is going to be more like four, since word about us has gotten around so quickly. We’ll still take clients, but almost exclusively by referral only.”

For the near future, Lockwood and Ratzan will continue to host community workshops that offer parents concrete strategies on how to cope with the skyrocketing costs of college (increasing at a rate approximately double the rate of inflation and as high as 15% in Florida) and so-called loopholes in the 1,100 plus pages of regulations behind the Department of Education’s financial aid rules.

“The stupid thing about the financial aid rules is that they penalize hard working families who earn a decent living and managed to stash a few bucks away. But the biggest shame is that, if they only knew how to play the game, these ‘forgotten middle class’ families could have saved tens of thousands of dollars, through the financial aid system or the tax code” said Lockwood.

“Of course these workshops promote our business, but even if everyone in the audience got down on their hands and knees and begged to hire me, I couldn’t let ‘em,” said Lockwood. The real reason I’m taking time away from my family, hosting these events nights and weekends, is because I myself finished undergrad and law school with almost $100,000 in debt – a staggering burden for a 20-something year old to start out life with. Now that I have four children of my own, my wife and I have sworn to each other that we will never allow them to go through what I went through. I wish my parents had a ‘me’ to go to back in the 80’s! I will continue to show parents how they can avoid getting screwed by the financial aid rules and the tax code until they drag me out in a box.”

“And that’s why Andy and I wrote our book, Never Pay Retail for College,” added Ratzan. “When I taught high school, I saw exactly what he is talking about – motivated kids working their tails off to get into the most competitive colleges in the country, but shocked to learn that they would not be able to attend their college of choice without taking on huge amounts of debt, or at all. College costs can be a real heart-breaker.”

Until further notice, Lockwood and Ratzan’s workshop will cover:

•How even millionaires can slash college costs by 20% instead of raiding what’s left of their hard-earned retirement savings;
•The “dirty little secret” about Florida’s Bright Futures scholarships;
•Why the advice of your CPA, money manager or college advisor may have actually cost you money, ruining your chances of receiving aid;
•The strange reason it may cost you less out of pocket to send your child to a “more expensive,” elite, private college or university compared to a “cheap” public university;
•The five biggest, most pervasive myths about how the Department of Education’s financial aid rules; and
•The “double-secret” financial aid formula that dictates how much money you’ll receive from each college.

For workshop schedule and seating availability, go to:

http://www.collegeplanningadvice.com/

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/cash-strapped-parents-of-college-bound-teens-to-learn-college-funding-inside-secrets-from-worlds-most-reluctant-college-planner-24261.htm

Closely-guarded College Funding “Secrets” Revealed - Free College Planning Workshops to be Hosted by Local College Planners

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/08/2008 -- In October, parents will have four opportunities to learn how to navigate the overly-complicated college financial aid process. Andrew Lockwood, J.D. and Peter “College Pete” Ratzan, M.B.A., co-founders of Weston, Florida -based http://www.CollegePlanningAdvice.com, will host their college funding workshop, “How to Pay for College Without Going Broke – or Raiding What’s Left of Your Retirement Savings!” Lockwood and Ratzan specialize in helping college-bound students get into, and pay for, college for less than the full “sticker price” and co-authored the book, “Never Pay Retail for College.”

“We’ve seen a sharp up tick in attendance at our workshops the last 12-14 months, which I’m sure has a lot to do with the recent shut-down of the biggest student lending programs and other events related to our current economic crisis,” said Lockwood. “Even parents earning $150,000 or more are showing up and learning how they can save $10,000 off college costs.”

“Our workshops cover the biggest myths about the financial aid process, including ‘Parents who earn six-figure incomes or have a chunk of equity in their homes won’t qualify for financial aid,” said Ratzan. “This may be the most pervasive, and unfortunate, myth, because it prevents untold numbers of eligible parents from even applying for financial aid! Everyone should apply, no matter what they&aposve been told by their guidance counselor, college adviser, CPA or other expert.”

No products or services will be mentioned at the workshop; nothing will be sold or “pitched.” Seating is limited due to the size of the room and higher than anticipated response to advertising.

Parents can view upcoming dates, times and locations either by visiting http://www.CollegePlanningAdvice.com or by calling 954.659.1234 ext. 299.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/closely-guarded-college-funding-secrets-revealed-free-college-planning-workshops-to-be-hosted-by-local-college-planners-22325.htm

College planner holds workshop to teach parents how to save thousands of dollars in college costs while preserving retirement assets

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/19/2008 -- On Tuesday, September 23, 6:15 pm at the Tamarac Community Center on 8601 W. Commercial Blvd., a Weston man will lead a free planning workshop focused on how families with college-bound high-schoolers can save thousands of dollars per year in college costs.

Topics to be included:

* How the current financial markets crisis will affect your college funding options and retirement, and how you can protect yourself;

* The five biggest myths about financial aid;

* why 53% of all families eligible for financial aid never even bother applying;

* How to afford an expensive, "Rolls Royce" college for the price of a used Honda;

* The under-publicized, outrageous truth about Bright Futures and Florida Pre-paid plans; and

* what do do when your financial aid award is inadequate.

The workshop is 100% free and no products will be offered; no services will be mentioned. Andrew Lockwood, J.D., co-owner of Weston-based College Planning Specialists of Florida, author, radio host and financial services industry veteran of 12 years will host the workshop. Seating is limited.

Please register by calling 954.659.1234 ext. 299 or visiting

http://www.CollegePlanningAdvice.com/events

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/how-to-pay-for-college-and-preserve-your-retirement-portfolio-even-if-youre-a-client-of-merill-lynch-lehman-brothers-or-bear-stearns-21713.htm

The West Broward Family YMCA and College Planning Specialists of Florida have teamed up to create the "College Planning $1,000 Scholarship" to be awarded in August 2008.

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/10/2008 -- The West Broward Family YMCA announced a $1,000 scholarship to be underwritten by Andrew Lockwood of Weston-based College Planning Specialists. To be eligible for the scholarship, the recipient must fill out a short application demonstrating commitment to public service, be a member of the West Broward Family YMCA and enrolled in college full-time. The application can be downloaded at http://collegeplanningadvice.com/scholarship and the winner will be announced in mid-August 2008.

“We are pleased to have partnered with Andy and College Planning Specialists. Both the West Broward Family YMCA and College Planning Specialists have demonstrated their commitment to building strong communities,” said David Pinsker, Executive Director of the West Broward Family YMCA. “This scholarship embodies that commitment because it will reward a college student who has contributed to the community through public service,” said Pinsker.

“There is a crisis in college funding. The cost of attending college continues to skyrocket at double the rate of inflation, and, all-too-often, families don’t even bother applying for financial aid because they think they make too much money,” said Lockwood, CEO of College Planning Specialists. “This scholarship combines our dedication to the ideals of the YMCA and helps one deserving Y member with college costs.”

Lockwood owns College Planning Specialists in Weston, a firm that assists college-bound high school students gain admittance to, and pay for, college. Lockwood and his partner, admissions expert and ex-high school teacher Peter “College Pete” Ratzan, co-host “The College Planning Power Hour” Sundays, 10-11:00 am on 1400 WFTL Sports, ESPN (streaming live at: http://collegeplanningradio.com). Lockwood and Ratzan co-authored the book, “The ‘Never Pay Retail’ College Financial Aid Maximization System.” Lockwood is available for interviews and welcomes questions from reporters, listeners and readers. To schedule an entertaining and informative interview on this important topic, please call 954.389.7011.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/west-broward-ymca-and-local-college-planning-firm-to-award-college-scholarship-in-august-19559.htm

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/16/2008 -- Free workshop reveals closely guarded, “inside secrets” of how to get into, and pay for, America’s most competitive, prestigious colleges and universities

“I attended their workshop. Working with them was the best financial decision I ever made.” These enthusiastic words were spoken by Martha Salas of Miami, Florida, who attended a free workshop given by Weston resident Peter “College Pete” Ratzan (B.A., Tufts, M.A., M.B.A. George Washington University), owner of Weston-based http://CollegePlanningAdvice.com, former high school teacher at Ransom Everglades (Miami), author and radio host. Ratzan is offering this workshop one time only: Tuesday, June 17th, 6:15 pm at the Parkland YMCA.

The workshop is intended for parents of high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Attendees will learn the closely guarded, “secrets” of college admissions and financial aid, including:

•The three critical factors that determine whether your student’s college application gets placed in the “A” pile or relegated to the “circular” file;
•The shocking, unspoken truths about your student’s chances of getting into a Florida public university today;
•The four “bet the farm” questions you must ask a minimum of 6-9 months BEFORE YOU EVEN THINK about applying to a college;
•How even families making six-figure incomes can qualify for thousands in financial aid;
•How the so-called “student loan crisis” and recently passed legislation affects you;
•How to send your student to a prestigious, elite private college for less out of pocket than a “cheaper” state university or even community college;
•The unpublished, outrageous facts about Florida Pre-paid, Bright Futures and other college funding vehicles you were hoping would take care of your college financial needs;
•Why you’re going to have your heart broken if you think you can rely on your guidance counselor for advice on how to get into, and pay for, a top college; and
•Many more “secrets” that your college adviser, guidance counselor or other “trusted” adviser is clueless about!

For more information, call 954.659.1234 ext. 299 or visit http://CollegePete.com/secrets.

Space is limited due to room size, so pre-registration is urged!

Together with his partner, outspoken college funding expert Andy Lockwood, College Pete co-hosts the College Planning Power Hour radio show Sundays at 10:00 am on 1400 WFTL Sports, ESPN (streaming live at http://CollegePlanningRadio.com). Lockwood and Ratzan own http://CollegePlanningAdvice.com, a Weston-based college planning consulting firm, and recently published the book, The ‘Never Pay Retail for College’ Financial Aid Maximization System, which debunks numerous myths and misconceptions held by parents and so-called experts alike. You can schedule an interview on this important subject by calling Andy directly – 954.389.7011.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/local-college-admissions-guru-reveals-how-to-compel-ivy-league-and-other-elite-colleges-to-shamelessly-beg-plead-and-practically-crawl-naked-over-broken-glass-to-admit-your-college-bound-student-18902.htm

Free workshop debunks 10 biggest college recruiting myths, reveals 3 largest recruiting mistakes by families of student-athletes

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/14/2008 -- Weston Man’s Free Workshop Exposes 10 Most Pervasive Recruiting Myths, 3 Biggest Recruiting Mistakes, Families of Student-Athletes Must Know

The cost of attending college continues to skyrocket at double the rate of inflation, but savvy student-athletes, even those not quite talented enough to compete at the highest levels, are using their skills to get money for college.

“There’s a misconception out there that if a kid’s not a Division I prospect, he or she won’t be able to get money for college or find a place to compete at the next level,” says Andrew Lockwood, a Weston-based college planning expert, former college athlete, author, columnist and host of 1400 WFTL Sports (ESPN) Radio’s The College Planning Power Hour. “But even colleges who don’t offer “athletic scholarships” will award money to student-athletes!” explained Lockwood.

Lockwood is hosting a one-time only, free workshop that will walk families of student-athletes step-by-step through the “closely-guarded secrets” how a student-athlete with decent grades can harness his or her skills to get admitted to, and pay for, the most elite, prestigious colleges in the country. Lockwood will describe what he refers to as the “Top Ten Recruiting Myths” and address the three most common recruiting mistakes made by parents and students alike.

The workshop will be held at the Sagemont School in Weston (Upper Campus) on Thursday, May 29th, 6:15 pm. Reservations are required as space is limited due to the size of the room.

Call 954.659.1234 ext. 299 or visit htpp://http://www.GamePlanConnection.com to register and obtain more information.

Lockwood owns Game Plan Consulting – a new division of College Planning Specialists in Weston. The firm assists college-bound high school students gain admittance to, and pay for, college. Lockwood and his partner, admissions expert and ex-high school teacher Peter “College Pete” Ratzan, co-host “The College Planning Power Hour” Sundays, 10-11:00 am on 1400 WFTL Sports, ESPN (streaming live at: http://collegeplanningradio.com). They are available for interviews and welcome questions from reporters, listeners and readers.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/how-a-non-blue-chip-student-athlete-can-use-his-or-her-talents-to-get-into-and-pay-for-the-best-colleges-in-the-us-18045.htm

Weston, Florida college planner helps families pay for college without going broke by assisting them with financial aid forms. Free workshop to be held three times this week.

Weston, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/13/2008 -- Free College Planning Workshop Reveals The 7 Deadliest Financial Aid Mistakes…and How to Avoid Them!

“I attended their workshop. Working with them was the best financial decision I ever made.”

These words were spoken by Martha Salas of Miami, Florida, who attended a free workshop, “How to Pay for College Without Going Broke” last year. In May, the workshop will be held three times: Wednesday, May 14, 6:15 pm at the Parkland YMCA, Thursday, May 15th 8:00 pm at the West Broward YMCA (Weston) and Saturday, May 17th, 10:15 am at The Sagemont School (Upper Campus, Weston).

The workshop is intended for parents of high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Attendees will learn the closely guarded, “dirty little secrets” of college financial aid, including:

•How even families making six-figure incomes can qualify for thousands in financial aid;
•How the so-called “student loan crisis” and recently passed legislation affects you;
•The single largest mistake made by 78-90% of families applying for aid (and how to avoid it!)
•How to send your student to a prestigious, elite private college for less out of pocket than a “cheaper” state university or even community college;
•The unpublished, outrageous facts about Florida Pre-paid, Bright Futures and other college funding vehicles you were hoping would take care of your college financial needs;
•When and how you can appeal a financial aid award; and
•Many more “secrets” that your college advisor, guidance counselor or other “trusted” advisor is clueless about!

The workshops are conducted by Andrew Lockwood, J.D., a controversial, outspoken, nationally-recognized expert on college planning, author, radio personality and columnist, and Peter “College Pete” Ratzan, M.B.A., college admissions expert, author, former high school teacher and radio co-host.

For more information, call 954.659.1234 ext. 299 or visit http://www.hiddencollegemoney.com. Space is limited due to room size, so pre-registration is urged!

“College Pete” and Andy co-host “The College Planning Power Hour” Sundays, 10-11:00 am on 1400 WFTL Sports, ESPN (streaming live at: http://www.collegeplanningradio.com). They are available for interviews and welcome questions from reporters, listeners and readers.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/how-a-weston-based-college-planner-turned-a-paltry-4189-financial-aid-award-into-22412-18046.htm