Procrastination will turn to panic for seniors hoping for college in the fall. Wheels must turn now, say counselors.
By MICHELE MILLER
Published January 14, 2004
It might seem worlds away right now, but it's actually getting down to the wire for seniors planning on college next fall.
"We've harped on the kids since the beginning of the (school) year about applications and deadlines," said Sue Griggs, the career specialist at Mitchell High School. "But now is traditionally when a lot of seniors start to panic. We go through this every year."
Some students might have already missed the boat with their dream school if they haven't applied yet, Griggs said. And even if the application deadline isn't until April or so, those who haven't done so better get to it - yesterday. "If they haven't applied, it's really urgent. They may still get in, but there are other things to consider: Will there be slots available (in their chosen program of study)? Will there be dorms available?"
Those who have applied are in pretty good shape. Some might already have been accepted by their school of choice. Now it's time to get going on the financial aid packages and scholarships.
Deadlines for local scholarships from community and civic organizations, etc. are imminent in most high schools. Some may have passed. Applications will be available today at all county high schools or online at www.pascoeducationfoundation.com for the Pasco Education Foundation Inc. scholarships. Deadline for submission is Feb. 13. Those interested should check with their guidance counselors or career specialists pronto.
Then there's Bright Futures Scholarships and other state financial aid programs. Griggs suggests checking out the Florida Department of Education's www.facts.org Web site to apply online. "It's very user-friendly, it walks you right through it the application," Griggs said. "There's 36 questions. It's about a 15-minute process."
And while seniors should be acting responsibly about their own futures, what and how much aid a student gets will depend largely on his or her parents who will need to see to their 2003 tax returns. That information is mandatory in filling out the U.S. Department of Education's FAFSA Federal Application for Student Aid, which also serves as a criterion for many secondary schools' financial aid programs. Those applications are available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov as well as through high school guidance offices.
Those wanting more information or help with filling out forms might want to attend the Financial Aid night listed below.
And if you can't make financial aid night, be sure not to be taken in by scholarship scams targeting high school students and their parents, said Joan Kerwin, career specialist at Land O'Lakes High. Kerwin, also the mother of a high school junior, recently received a letter from one such company charging a hefty fee for the same service available for free at her high school. Just call the high school guidance office or career center to make an appointment to come in. "We have everything you need right here," Griggs said, "from computer programs to books, to applications."
-- A Scholarship Night will be held at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 in room 81 at Land O'Lakes High School, 20325 Gator Lane, Land O'Lakes. For information, call (813) 794-9400.
-- Financial Aid Night will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Pasco-Hernando Community College east side campus, for parents and students of Pasco, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills high schools. Information will be available on college/university scholarships, federal and state funding programs, students loans and FAFSA.
