I spoke recently with secondary school teacher about a website that evaluates a student’s financial aid package and, in essence, gives it a grade based on the school’s past aid offerings and the student’s circumstances - then the family can use that information to negotiate with the school for a better package, if necessary. The problem? I can’t remember the site [and Googling hasn’t worked because I don’t remember any specific terms to narrow it down]. So, if you know the site I’m talking about, shoot me an e-mail at mktabor@gmail.com or leave a comment here. I’d love to write a bit about it.

In the meantime, I’d like to remind everyone of a few great [and free] financial aid/admissions services that, in my opinion, fly under the radar when they ought to be better known:

• Financial Aid News newsletter. The FAN is a publication of the Student Loan Network and features news/opinion articles about financial aid, a hefty list of scholarships and more. Be sure to check out FANS, a digg-style section for user-submitted financial aid news.
• Financial Aid Podcast. Christopher Penn, Editor of the Financial Aid News, has a daily podcast - you can listen using your computer or an iPod/mp3 player.
• Princeton Review Parents. This podcast discusses general college/admissions topics, including which schools are a great value, advice on the admissions process, etc. Take a look at descriptions of their latest episodes and see for yourself.
• Princeton Review LSAT Logic in Everyday Life. Sure, law school is far off - or you’re not interested - but logic pervades everything we do. This podcast is worth listening to whether you’re in 8th grade or an administrator. Though I generally don’t think much of Princeton Review’s services, LSAT logic and PR Parents are both pretty solid. You’ll be amazed at what you find when you start analyzing media/current events with the strategies detailed in this podcast and, if you’re in a position to write essays on tests or in college, logic goes a long way toward a piece that makes sense [and, consequently, a high grade].

If you know of any excellent college admissions/fin-aid/testing resources that seem to go unnoticed, let me know and I’ll spread the word.