Brandon Twp.-Brandon High School Senior Kayla LaLone is in a panic.
LaLone, 17, has accumulated an impressive 4.0 GPA (Grade Point Average) and was accepted to Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Oakland University, and the University of Michigan.
But, while the stellar academic accomplishments are notable, with high school graduation fast approaching another obstacle looms on the horizon.
‘I am worried about how expensive college is,? says LaLone. ‘I just don’t know where all the money will come from.?
Due to the costs, LaLone has recently decided to attend Oakland University for the fall 2007 semester.
‘Oakland offered me the best overall package,? says LaLone. ‘And this way I can stay at home and just commute, to save more money.?
LaLone’s economic situation is not unusual.
Brandon High School Counselor Charlie Pinter has noticed a slight increase this year in the number of seniors who plan on attending community colleges as opposed to living away from hom. He believes cost is the main reason.
‘We usually have a 60-34 split, with 60 percent of Brandon High School students enrolling at a university,? says Pinter. ‘This year, the split between universities and community colleges seems to be about equal.?
Pinter has been a Brandon High School counselor for just over six years. For the 2006-2007 school year, Pinter counsels more than 400 students.
‘College is a whole other ball game,? says Pinter, ‘We start encouraging students to think about their future and college as freshmen (ninth-grade).?
While students should be preparing for college throughout high school, Pinter identifies junior year to be the most crucial year for college preparation.
In early October of the junior year students take the PSAT, to prepare for ACT/SAT in the spring.
‘Students should be exploring and visiting colleges they are interested in during their junior year,? says Pinter. ‘Having good academic classes during this time is also important.?
By the students? senior year, they should have an idea of where they want to go to college and be sending out applications.
‘As of now, applications should be in,? says Pinter. ‘Students should now be deciding exactly where they want to go.?
Once accepted, students need to contact the college’s financial aid office.
‘Students must figure out where the money is going to come from,? says Pinter. ‘I have estimated that for the 2007-2008 school year it will cost about $7,500 for one year’s tuition and another $6,500 for room and board.?
There are different types of financial aid: scholarships which are merit/need based, grants from state or federal levels, and student loans which must be paid back. Students should contact the college financial aid office to find out more about cost and payment.
‘There are thousands and thousands of dollars out there, from charities and local organizations as well as the state, for scholarships and grants,? says Pinter. ‘Students don’t realize how much money goes unclaimed each year.?