Hello FCS Subscriber! The results are in! Not the presidential results - we'll need to wait a day or so to find out who the next president will be. Thank you to the large number of respondents to the FCS Election Survey. Here are a few highlights:

* Almost 70% responded that they are familiar with the education policies of Senators McCain and Obama. Great job! Read below for a brief summary of the two primary candidate's positions.
* The economy was the overwhelming choice for the most important issue in this election. Several respondents pointed out that these issues are inter-connected. A better economy could mean more financial aid and better education policies.
* Drumroll please... If it were up to the FCS Subscribers, Barack Obama would win on November 4th!

Obama - 57.5%

McCain - 33.6%

Here are some survey comments from the FCS subscribers:

"I believe that Barack Obama is more focused on the economy than John McCain. This issue is very important to alot of people including myself. Barack Obama will have my vote."

"All I can say about this campaign is that people need to really listen to what each candidate is saying. When you close your eyes and listen to the message you will hear the character and the heart of the man. It is time that American let go of the past and realize that we are ALL AMERICANS. LISTEN PEOPLE, REALLY LISTEN!!!"

"Change is coming. Watch out the truth will uplift this nation. Starting a change felt around the world!"

Education Policies
Both candidates agree that the current financial aid process is too complicated. Many FCS subscribers have reported difficulty with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Both candidates would simplify this, possibly by enabling families to apply by checking a box on their tax form.

On the issue of funding, the USA Today reports, "Obama wants $18 billion in new money, including $10 billion for early childhood education. McCain says schools shouldn't expect — nor do they need — more than the $59 billion in discretionary spending they now receive."

John McCain - Senator McCain plans to make it easier for families to claim tax benefits when they are sending a child to college. Like Obama, he voted to increase the maximum Pell Grant to $5,400. He wants to expand the Federal Family Education Loan program, which gives subsidies to private lenders that offer government-backed loans. McCain will also seek a higher standard of integrity for participating private lenders.

Barack Obama - If elected, Obama plans to create the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This universal and fully refundable credit will ensure that the first 4k of a college education is completely free for most Americans, and will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students. Obama also proposes increases to outreach programs like GEAR UP, TRIO and Upward Bound to encourage more young people from low-income families to consider and prepare for college. Lastly, Obama proposes to create a national "Make College A Reality" initiative that has a bold goal to increase students taking AP or college-level classes nationwide 50 percent by 2016.

Make sure you're registered for the next FreeCollegeScholarships 10k Drawing on November 14th! Remember, you can register once a week to increase your chances! Click Here to Register

Thank You and Good Luck!
FCS Scholarships