Goodrich- In 2011 Goodrich High School Senior Michelle Dunn received a phone call that made her college experience just a little easier.
The executive director of the Kentucky Fried Chicken Foundation notified Dunn of a $20,000 award to help her to attend Ferris State University.
While Dunn’s success in seeking scholarships is perhaps greater than most it’s an example that GHS counsler Bob Foreback emphasizes’you need to apply and keep looking for opportunities.
‘We gave out $20,000 in scholarships last year,? he added. ‘If you’re a junior starting this coming summer’there’s money out there and we can help give some directions to where to find it.?
Foreback added that 25 local scholarships will become available on March 1 on the school’s website, each of which have deadlines.
‘Students and parents need to start preparations early,? said Foreback. ‘Last year about 67 percent of GHS graduates applied to and attended a four-year school. An additional 25 percent went on to a two-year school’there’s many opportunties for students if they get moving now.?
For many seniors it’s really just the beginning of a new world outside of high school? about 90 percent of GHS graduates will be heading off to college, added Foreback. While the excitement mounts for students and parents the uncertainty of funding for college continues to become a common concern in nearly every family.
A personal guide to the foggy arena of college finances was presented by Gerald McCarty, vice president of Student Services/Director of Financial Aid for Baker College of Flint, at the high school on Wednesday night.
‘It’s much easier now than ever to get financing,? said McCarty, who has assisted students and parents with college finances for the past 20 years. ‘FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) was created by the government and we work with parents and students on the web application. Overcoming the website is the biggest fear parents have. However, they don’t realize how easy it is to complete’we try to eleminate the fear. We suggest doing the form with your students and try to get it in by March 1’the earlier the better.?
McCarty suggests checking out the college website to make sure of their deadlines for financial aid.
‘Not all schools are the same,? he added. ‘Grants, scholarships and loans along with institutional funds are distributed early in the school year. There’s often priorty deadlines that should be met. Also, please go check out the college before you apply. So many times students get on campus in the fall and decide this just does not work for them. Too big or too small’don’t be disappointed.?
Contact Bob Foreback at Goodrich High School 810-591-2224