As the second semester winds down, the cost of college and its questionable affordability starts to become a reality for senior parents and students.
Hosting Financial Aid Night in the LGI on Wednesday, Feb. 18, the Guidance Department invited financial aid counselors to tackle questions and explain FAFSA.
“We invited people from Valparaiso. One of them speaks about financial aid and FAFSA and where students can get information. Parents a lot of the time don’t know how they are going to pay for college. This is the point where they need to really start thinking about this because the FAFSA is due March 10 for the state of Indiana,” Mrs. Melissa Rettig, Dean of Guidance, said.
The night was not only for parents. Students like Sinai Valdez (12) came out to learn more about college affordability as well.
“It was more of a review because I already know. So it was kind of a refresh of what I knew already, [but] I’m worried about money situations especially rooming. That’s the only thing that’s on my mind,” Valdez said.
Having a turnout of about 100 parents and several students, The Guidance Department stressed the importance of Naviance in accordance with scholarships and different grants.
“We want students to start notifying us if they’re getting any scholarships or grants, and it’s on Naviance. There’s a survey that we want students to fill out. This is mostly so I know how much students have gotten so I can add it all up,” Mrs. Rettig said.
As seniors prepare for their college career, there are few things that can be done to save money.
“Be organized with your money, know where to take out your loans from and try not to take out a loan. Apply for scholarships,” Valdez said.
