By Gordon H. Wadsworth Economists predict the cost of attending state colleges will soar to $120,000 by 2015.  How can you cut those costs?  The following steps can help students and parents avoid the student loan nightmare: STEP ONE:  The time to take advantage of available college monies starts in the 7th or 8th grade.  Parents should begin preparing their students for college by encouraging them to take the SAT or ACT along with a test prep class to bolster results. With proper direction, even the average student can score well on the national achievement tests and secure a place in line for merit scholarships and grants. Check out the Princeton Review web site at Practice Test or … [Read more...]