Start looking for money when school doesn't start until next September???

Yep....it's a lot of work. But it will pay off if you're serious about your college finance search. The ever-sensible Kipplinger can tell you all about it: http://www.kiplinger.com/features/archives/2007/02/financialaid.html .

You'll be amazed at how much work it will be to exhaust grants options, scholarship options, the FASFA process, private ed loans, and work-study alternatives. But you'll also probably be able to go to school by paying very little cash out of pocket. If you've already been accepted to a school, get started now. There's a lot of money out there, but it doesn't come easy, and it goes fast.