🚫
What to Avoid
Scams, predatory schools and money traps that follow you for years.
▶️
What to Avoid is the warning list: scholarship scams, unaccredited schools, private loan traps, credit card offers on campus and the 'undecided for four years' cost.
Kid Tapp™ overview episode
Scam red flags
- Any 'scholarship' with an application fee is a scam. Free money doesn't cost money.
- 'Guaranteed' aid, or a company that asks for your FSA ID password — walk away.
- Unsolicited calls about loan forgiveness for a fee: federal programs are always free to apply for.
School red flags
- No regional accreditation, or credits that don't transfer anywhere.
- Recruiters pressuring you to enroll today or pushing you toward private loans.
- Graduation rate under 40% and graduate debt higher than graduate earnings.
Money traps on campus
- Credit cards at orientation tables: 24%+ APR and a permanent record on your credit.
- Refund checks from loan money spent on lifestyle — you repay that with interest.
- Changing majors late and adding a fifth year costs a full year of tuition and lost salary.
- Buying textbooks new at the campus store instead of renting or buying used.
⏱️ Timed Challenge
4 questions · 60 seconds · beat your score.
Keep going — I'm proud of you. 💪