Programs help students stay on track to attend college

For students such as Alyssa Watson, getting into college can be an uphill climb.

Ditto on figuring out how to qualify for financial aid.

"I am actually the first one to go to college in my family," said Watson, who will be attending the Sikeston campus of Southeast Missouri State University in the fall.

Because of her family's inexperience navigating the admissions process, Watson easily could have numbered among the 10 percent to 20 percent of recent high-school graduates in the U.S. who never make it to their first day of classes.

It's a term the U.S. Department of Education calls "summer melt" because of how some students -- especially those from low-income families or families with no college experience -- melt away before their first semester begins.

In Watson's case, that didn't happen because of the support system at her alma mater, East Prairie High School.

"Our school counselor was really good about keeping on top of us to apply for scholarships and fill out admissions and housing forms," she said.

With her 3.6 grade-point average, Watson qualified for an A+ scholarship through the Missouri Department of Higher Education. She also is waiting to find out how much she will receive from her Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

"They're doing my FAFSA application right now, so I'm not sure if I'll get all of it," she said.

The rest of the help Watson received along the way came from counselors in the admissions office at Southeast.

Lenell Hahn, director of admissions at the university, said some students will be unable to attend their first semester for a variety of reasons, but most she deals with can navigate the endless forms with a little help.

"We try to make it as easy and seamless as possible," she said.

It helps the Missouri Department of Higher Education has several programs to help keep students on track.

One is called Journey to College. Throughout the school year, participating high schools host events that help students learn what to do as they prepare for college admissions.

Another, Apply Missouri, helps students determine which schools would work best for them and how best to apply.

During FAFSA Frenzy, held in November, December and January, high-school seniors can get free, one-on-one advice on how to fill out financial aid forms.

In May, schools hold Decision Day events in which students celebrate their choice of college or military service.

"There's a lot of great tools ... that help students stay on track," Hahn said.

If students miss earlier scholarship deadlines, they still can apply for the ones that aren't due until later.

Jessica Duren, a communications specialist for the state Department of Higher Education, said applying for college can be daunting, especially for students such as Watson who have never tried before.

"Although the admissions process should start early in the senior year, there are several steps to take after actually applying in order for the student to make it to college after graduation," she said.

Financial-aid disbursements often aren't made until school begins in the fall, and students often are asked to make a deposit before attending summer orientation.

In those cases, Hahn said it's best to get in touch with the admissions office and explain the problem; help is often there for those who need it.

Fee waivers also are available for students who qualify.

That's why it's best for students to begin applying for college admission as early as September of their senior year in high school, Duren and Hahn said.

ljones@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3652