Seniors at Pottsville Area High School were given information they will need in applying for college Thursday.
The 28 students in Howard Merrick’s government class listened to Tracy Miller, representative with Penn State Schuylkill’s financial aid office, describe the ins and outs of the many ways to pay for post-high school education.
“Financial aid is like a funnel. First come first serve to the financially needy,” she said. “Please don’t miss out on opportunities by not knowing your deadline.”
“It’s time to get started,” Merrick said. However, when Miller asked how many had applied for financial aid, all but three hands went up.
Merrick said Penn State has been informing the students about the process of applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, loans, scholarships and options available for five years.
Students who are interested in higher education can visit www.fafsa.gov to file their application and must select a personal identification number along with their parents. Applying is free.
“Don’t wait. I know some schools want that FAFSA completed in February,” Miller said.
A list of deadlines is on www.fafsa.ed.gov.
She urged students to submit additional documentation when requested in a timely manner.
In determining what college to attend, costs should be considered, both said.
Some think college might not be financially available to them, but that isn’t always the case, they said.
“Schuylkill County has one of the lowest populations of college graduates in the state,” Miller said.
“Our goal is to help you afford it and get and education and find a way to do that. Currently, student loan debt is our number one debt in this country. You can’t file bankruptcy. You will always owe your student loans, except for certain circumstances including death,” she said.
Katie Courtney, 17, a senior, called the presentation “helpful” She will attend Penn State and major in crime, law and justice.
For those who have not completed their FAFSA application, Penn State will host a evening for that, she said.
Held 6 p.m. Feb. 8 at Penn State, anyone applying to any school is invited to attend. Call 570-385-6244 to pre-register.