By: Ariel Ludwick 

     Fall is a busy time for seniors. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, window for completion opened on October 1, college applications have opened for next fall, and scholarship applications are plentiful. Whether you’ve already chosen your major and what college you’re attending or you’re not even sure what you’re doing yet, preparing for college is overwhelming, no matter what step you’re on. I currently feel like I’m at the bottom of a mountain, looking up to the top and wondering how I’m supposed to get there with only my own two feet. To help you get to the top, The Squire is here to share information to help you prepare successfully, step by step. 

     I applied and got accepted to my college of choice just three weeks ago, and that was just the first step, but it was a huge stress reliever. The entirety of your college journey is dependent on choosing your major, your college, and getting accepted, so get that out of the way as soon as possible. 

     Applying is not nearly as difficult or time-consuming as you may think. The application questions took me just about half an hour and included the typical “get-to-know-you” questions, in addition to asking about background information, and test scores, if available. Sending my high school transcript was easy as well. The form is in the guidance office and, after turning it in, it only took a week for me to receive my acceptance letter, though that time range obviously varies depending on the college you’re attending. 

     Speaking of different colleges, all colleges vary in their requirements. Some require an essay and SAT and ACT scores, while some don’t require any of those items, so make sure to look online at colleges that interest you and check their requirements. I recommend applying to at least two, just in case. 

     After you’ve applied, been accepted, and chosen what college you plan to attend, the first thing to do is to pay your college deposit and then complete the FAFSA to apply for private grants and scholarships. 

     I have yet to create my own FAFSA account, it has taken me some time to decide what I’d like to pursue in college. According to an interview with our guidance counselor, Mrs. Monica Linkerhof, the FAFSA is simply a financial support system for students and families. 

     Students can sign up for the FAFSA through studentaid.gov or pheaa.org. Plan to give yourself roughly an hour to fill it all in. You will need a Student Aid ID (formerly known as an FSA ID), parent contributor’s email address, parent contributor’s name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and income and asset information. 

     Linkerhof explained, “It’s made to help cover expenses such as tuition, fees, housing, books, and other costs.” The overall main goal is to make college more affordable and accessible, through various types of financial aid available. These include grants, scholarships, other educational aid, and loans. Booklets full of information on these items are available in the guidance office, along with tips to help parents navigate the FAFSA application process. 

     For last-minute tips, Linkerhof had quite a few. She clarified, “Maximize free money, be aware of scams, build a strong personal profile, and gather necessary documents.” For me, I’ll put it simply: Don’t stress yourself out. Yes, this is a lot of change, especially for me, since I’ve gone to the same school, lived in the same house, and experienced the same routine my entire life. However, stressing about everything is not helpful. Whenever you find yourself stressing, find something simple to do to prepare. Whether you’re adding to your college wish list, researching scholarships, or reorganizing your email, doing something productive will benefit you. If you have any questions about the FASFA or college application process, see the EMHS Guidance Office for some helpful resources.