U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello, D-Ivy, has introduced his first bill, a measure that aims to make higher education more affordable. Perriello and U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, announced Monday that they have co-authored the College Learning Access, Simplicity and Savings Act, which would make it easier for students and parents to apply to claim tax credits for higher education expenses.

For the young, white high school graduate with intentions of furthering his or her education but who has limited resources (money), I have a suggestion for you. Consider applying for a scholarship to an HBCU, Historically Black College or University as a minority.

The following will help you understand the different kinds of financial aid so that when you see the terms in a school’s financial aid package you will understand what they mean.<

People sometimes joke about the fact that in today’s world students should start thinking about college when they enter kindergarten. That may be a stretch, but the college application process often does begin early in a student’s high school years.

Granted, this is college, not first grade. But somehow, all the rules and bits of advice seem to be the same: Pay attention to the teacher. Share the toys and don’t fight. Don’t lose your lunch money. Admit when you need help.

The most important part of the financial aid process is submitting the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Prospective students should file it as soon as possible after Jan.1. Submitting the form is free, and students must submit a new form each year for continued financial aid.

Community college first two years, then transfer

Waiting until the last minute to apply for college isn’t an option in today’s competitive world. In fact, it’s wise to start the admission process in your sophomore or junior year of high school.

Selecting a college is one of those forks in the road where a right or left turn could change the course of one’s life.

In some ways, selecting a college can be as difficult as selecting a mate. The decision, like in marriage, needs to come from the heart.

Many students choose to attend college close to home. There’s a lot to be said for being close to family, friends and the familiar. But others want to get away.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 63 percent of all undergraduates enrolled in U.S. schools and colleges in 2003-04 received some type of financial aid. About $82 billion in loans, grants and other assistance from the U.S. Department of Education will benefit more than 10 million students.

Think of any occupation and there’s probably a school for it in Virginia. If you need retraining or additional training or are changing careers and require training, consider the possibilities offered by career colleges in Virginia, suggested Mark Singer, executive director of the Virginia Career College Association (http://www.va-cca.org).

Another good rule of thumb to scholarship-seeking students is to concentrate your efforts at schools with healthy endowments. Hollins University, for example, is an all-girls school with a $110 million endowment. The school is generous with scholarships.