Today In Education: Scholarship Hunting Season

Every fall hunting season arrives.  While many associate cool weather and autumn colors with duck and deer season, parents and their college-bound seniors earnestly start the hunt for scholarships. 

Given the economic times and government austerity efforts, parents and students need expertise in finding money for college.  Money, if it ever abated as a concern, today occupies families more than ever.

“In this economy, I have spoken to more parents and students regarding their financial situation (than any other topic),” said Richards High School counselor Terrie Boivin.

Fortunately, they don’t have to go far to find strategic advice.

District 218 already sponsored a scholarship fair last month.  In November and December, the district accelerates the process with financial aid events to educate parents and students about sources – and remind them that money’s available for those willing to invest time and effort in the hunt.

Richards will sponsor its financial aid night on Thursday, November 3 at 7 p.m., while will host theirs on December 8 at 7 p.m.

These events map out the months ahead: Strategies for finding money, frequently-asked questions, the amount of work involved, the need to heed deadlines, acquiring letters of recommendation, writing application essays, and much more.

Finding scholarship sources usually tops the list of questions.  “That’s what parents want to know.  I give them several resources and explain the process,” said Sheri Reiplinger, a counselor at Shepard.

Boivin agrees: Moms and dads want to know about scholarships first.

“The best advice any of us can give is to get their child to apply to many sources and pay attention to deadlines,” Boivin said.

When January arrives, parents must act quickly and complete the federal financial aid form, or FAFSA.  Matthew Montez of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission stresses that time truly matters.

“Many families are unsure about the best time to apply.  The FAFSA is made available January 1.  It is vital that a student and their family apply as soon as possible,” Montez said.

Even if a family does not complete their taxes before the end of January, they should start and submit the FAFSA using the previous year's tax information just so the form can be filled out and processed as soon as possible.  Parents can fill out the FAFSA on-line.

Then, once the family finishes their tax return, they can log back into the FAFSA website and update the information. 

Montez, Boivin and Reiplinger also encourage parents to get students involved in the hunt.

“Always make sure that the student is involved in the financial aid process.  The FAFSA has to be filled out every year that the student goes to college so it is important that they become familiar with the process,” Montez said.

“Parents should help students with the process, but not do it for them. They should make sure to set deadlines and mark their calendars,” Reiplinger said.

Knowledge empowers families in the pursuit of money for college.  School districts place much advice and information on-line, while parents can reach counselors any day through e-mail or a phone call.

Many parents mistakenly assume – whether through student grades, test scores, household income, or another cause – that they will not qualify for scholarships, grants, or other aid.  Counselors reply with this message: Someone’s going to get that money, why not you?

Here are some helpful resources:

http://www.collegeillinois.org/

http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/

www.chsd218.org

http://www.scholarships.com/