Through College Avoiding Debt

"Most scholarship programs aren't myopic," Kaplan says. "They take into account that applicants have much more to offer than simply sterile grades that appear on their official transcripts."

Kaplan starts out by explaining the financial aid process, but some of his information is dated. The latest edition of the book doesn't include recent changes in 529 plans. For example, a 529 plan -- whether it's prepaid or a savings plan -- is now considered a parental asset in the determination of federal financial aid.

Nonetheless, this book is chock-full of useful features, such as the Q&A boxes with real questions Kaplan has received while lecturing on this topic.

Now 29, Kaplan has taken on the moniker "America's Scholarship Coach." It's an appropriate title given that his book reads like a high-energy pep talk.

"The scholarship game is not solely about winning college cash," Kaplan writes. "The game is also about setting a goal, and being willing to do whatever it takes to reach it. It's about not letting current financial circumstances dictate our destinies. It's about accepting risk and having faith: the risk of putting yourself on the line, and the faith that comes with believing in yourself."

See what I mean?

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To become a member of the Color of Money Book Club, all you have to do is read the recommended books. Then we chat online with the author. In addition, every month I randomly select readers to receive copies donated by the publisher. For a chance to win a copy of "How to Go to College Almost for Free," send an e-mail to colorofmoney@washpost.com. Include your name and address so we can send you a book if you win.

If you are interested in discussing this month's book selection, join me online at http://www.washingtonpost.com on Thursday, Feb. 1, at noon Eastern time. Kaplan will be my guest and will take your questions about successful strategies to win scholarship money.

· On the air: Michelle Singletary discusses personal finance Tuesdays on NPR's "Day to Day" program and online athttp://www.npr.org.

· By mail: Readers can write to her at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

· By e-mail:singletarym@washpost.com.

Comments and questions are welcome, but because of the volume of mail, personal responses are not always possible. Please note that comments or questions may be used in a future column, with the writer's name, unless a specific request to do otherwise is indicated.