Fall 2019

12 / 24

12
High School to College
BY MIKE RASCH, VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT AT OAK HILLS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE, BEMIDJI, MN
As a student, selecting a college is one of the most impor-
tant decisions that you will make, and as a parent one of
the most important in the guidance of your child.
I am a firm believer that it is never too early to start the process
of college selection. In fact, I know at Oak Hills - and I am sure
at other schools as well - the process is much easier when the
students have prepared early! Let’s take a closer look at what this
actually entails:
High School Freshman:
• Start collecting information from colleges
• Work hard, get good grades throughout high school.
Scholarships are often based on your grade point average.
• Parents: determine a transcript format for grading and stick
to it.
High School Sophomore:
• Start looking into dual enrollment college level classes.
There are certain requirements, so check early.
• Take college tours of campuses that are of interest to you.
This is one of the best ways to determine which place fits you.
High School Junior:
• Take your ACT/SAT and send scores to those colleges you
are interested in. (This will give you time to re-take the test
if you want to try for a higher score).
• Take college classes, this is a great way to gain college credits
early and sometimes, at no cost to you or at a reduced fee.
(Most colleges have certain criteria you must meet).
• Start applying for scholarships! Take the time to apply.
There is a lot of money available to those willing to take the
time to apply.
High School Senior:
• The financial aid process is complicated, so start it early.
Colleges like students who show initiative. Apply to the
schools you like. It’s okay to have multiple applications out
at the same time.
SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER: Narrow your college choices down
to two or three, if possible. Go online and look for more sourc-
es of funding. . Attend financial aid workshops.
Start to apply for scholarships and investigate student loans.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY: File your FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
You will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR). Review it
carefully! Start to complete any applications for financial aid
through the colleges you have applied to. Submit any correc-
tions to the FAFSA, if needed. (Called verification).
MARCH-APRIL: Contact the financial aid offices of the schools
you applied to and make sure they have received your materials
you have sent them. Send any outstanding material promptly.
(The most frustrating piece for the admissions and financial aid
department at the schools is not receiving your information in a
timely manner!) Scholarship aid is usually limited, so if you wait
the aid may no longer be available. Additionally, getting your
information in sooner makes it more likely that you will get the
classes you want, your first choice in housing selection, and etc.
When you receive your financial aid package, review it promptly
and carefully and follow up with the colleges if you have ques-
tions.
MAY AND JUNE: Accept and return financial aid package
from your school of choice. File any paperwork to take out
student loans and contact the financial aid office on details of
work study if applicable.
There. That is all there is
too it! Okay, not funny. But
if you stay on course with
your financial process, it is
really not that hard! The
process is pretty much the
same whether you attend a
secular college or a private
Christian college. I am par-
tial to the Christian college
myself. I know. You are think-
ing, “Sure, he is. He works for
one.” That would only be
partially true. Not only can
attending a Christian school
be a life-changing decision,
it can also impact your spiri-
tual life and spiritual future!
Christian colleges employ
Christian faculty and admin-
istration that will help you
grow not only in learning but
also in your faith and walk
with God!
Acronyms are in abundance in
the financial aid process. I have
listed a few with the explanations
that may help:
COA: Cost of Attendance. The total cost
of one year’s education, including tuition,
room, board, books, and fees. Remember to
plan for unbudgeted expenses as well.
EFC: Expected Family Contribution.
This is the dollar amount determined by
the information you provide on the FAFSA.
This is the amount your family or you are
expected to be able to pay out of pocket for
college expense.
SAR: Student Aid Report. You will re-
ceive this after filing the FAFSA.
FFEL: Federal Family Education Loans.
These are administered through the U.S.
Department of Education. These funds
come from banks, credit union, or other
lenders.
FSEOG: Federal Supplemental Edu-
cational Opportunity Grant. This grant
program is for undergraduate students with
exceptional financial need.