College Information, Financial Aid Sessions Set for Fall 2018

Attend one of several information sessions this fall focused on college applications and financial aid.

Applying for college and getting financial aid may seem confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Aldine ISD is ready to help students and their families by helping demystify the process.

There are many options to finance college. Denise Keaton advises families to get familiar with grants and scholarships as early as possible. Keaton serves as the coordinator of student financial aid. She stressed that back-to-school is a great time to focus on future plans like college and career goals.

“I encourage high school students and their families to attend a session to learn about the college application and financial aid processes,” said Keaton. “Families want to know about college financing. This is especially important when students are juniors and seniors in high school. However, middle school is not too early to start talking about college. Families need to learn how to plan and prepare to finance their child’s education.”

Parents need to talk about interests and talents to help their child think how these might translate into a college major.

“Students have a chance to go to college or pursue a certification in a field after high school,” said Dr. Charlotte J. Davis, director of guidance and counseling. “Higher education is possible. We have staff to help guide students on their path to success and to achieving their dreams.”

Financial Aid Myths for College-Bound Students

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Myth #1 — My family makes too much money for me to qualify for aid.[/li] [li]Myth #2 — I need to file taxes before completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).[/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Myth #3 — The form is too hard to fill out.[/li] [li]Myth #4 — My grades aren’t good enough for me to get aid. [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Myth #5 — My ethnicity or age makes me ineligible for aid.[/li] [li]Myth #6 — I support myself, so I don’t need to include parent information on FAFSA.[/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Myth #7 — I already completed the FAFSA so I don’t need to complete it again.[/li] [li]Myth #8 — I am smart/athletic/talented and will likely get a scholarship to cover most college costs. [/li][/ul]

According to Keaton, most students and parents may be aware about federal financial aid. But she stressed that many were unaware of Pell Grants and other forms of aid. Financial aid awards are funded and regulated by federal and state governments, which is why applying for and receiving financial aid is a process.

How Do Students Miss Out on Billions of Dollars in Free FAFSA College Aid?

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]They don’t apply.[/li] [li]They don’t finish their applications. [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]They are rejected due to mistakes.[/li][/ul]

Avoid Making These Scholarship Search Mistakes

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Don’t start too late.[/li] [li]Don’t limit your search. [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Don’t write a cookie-cutter application and expect it to work for everything.[/li] [li]Don’t expect to get everything right on your first try. [/li][/ul]

Get a Head Start on College Plans

The Scholarship Office is hosting several Financial Aid Information Sessions for parents and students. The presentations will give information about college applications and the financial aid process. For example, parents will learn about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Families that attend can also ask questions to help them better understand the processes and be aware of resources. 

Please note that Blanson Career and Technical Education High School (aka Blanson CTE HS/Blanson CTEHS) does not have a session planned at the campus this year. However, Blanson CTEHS students can attend any session listed below.

Financial Aid/College Application Sessions

August — College Application & Financial Aid Nights

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Wed., Aug. 29 @ Aldine HS @ 6 p.m.[/li] [li]Thur., Aug. 30 @ Davis HS @ 6 p.m. [/li][/ul]

September — College Application & Financial Aid Nights

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Wed., Sep. 5 @ MacArthur HS @ 6 p.m.[/li] [li]Thur., Sep. 6 @ Eisenhower HS @ 6 p.m. NOTE: Students from Ike Ninth Grade School and Eisenhower HS, Carver HS as well as Victory Early College HS should attend this session. Again, students from these campuses need to attend the session at Eisenhower HS.[/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Tues., Sep. 18 @ Nimitz HS @ 6 p.m.[/li][/ul]

October — College Night

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Thur., Oct. 11 @ M.O. Campbell Educational Ctr. (1865 Aldine Bender • Houston 77032) @ 6 -8 p.m.[/li][/ul]

Did you know … In fall 2017, more than 140 colleges, universities, trade schools and military academies had admission representatives on hand at College Night to help students discover future opportunities and college programs.

November — College Application & Financial Aid Nights

Your future is so bright!

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Thur., Nov. 8 @ Davis HS @ 6-8 p.m. NOTE: Students from Nimitz and Davis campuses should attend this session. Again, students from these campuses need to attend the session at Davis HS.[/li] [li]Tues., Nov. 13 @ MacArthur HS @ 6-8 p.m. [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Wed., Nov. 14 @ Aldine HS @ 6-8 p.m.[/li] [li]Thur., Nov. 15 @ Eisenhower HS @ 6-8 p.m. NOTE: Students from Eisenhower Ninth Grade School and Eisenhower HS, Carver HS as well as Victory Early College HS should attend this session. Again, students from these campuses need to attend the session at Eisenhower HS. [/li][/ul]

Want to prepare your children for a brighter future? Then plan to attend!

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