Whether you are still scrambling to finish college applications or are already accepted, soon approaching is the time for seniors to look into scholarship and other financial aid opportunities.

“I plan on going to college, but I haven’t applied yet,” said senior Amanda Brauner.

Quite a few seniors are in the same boat as Brauner. For those who plan to go to a technical college or university, time is ticking quickly as we roll through term two.

In September, all seniors met with a guidance counselor at school to go over all of the necessary information regarding graduation, future education and financial responsibilities. Most students are already aware of the basic information.

“I get a little worried if students haven’t applied to college by now. Students are already hearing back from most two and four-year schools,” said guidance counselor Sue Leadholm.

Once students have gotten over the hurdle of college applications there is much more work to follow.

“Mainly students and parents come in asking about financial aid, housing and deposits,” said Leadholm.

There are multiple scholarship applications available in the guidance office and websites advertised on the bulletin board to find more applications.

“The bulletin board is updated every other week,” said Leadholm.

Is there really a rush to begin searching for scholarships and grants to apply for already? Senior students are feeling the financial pressure from different places.

“I am definitely under some pressure to apply for scholarships because I will need them,” said senior Kendra Gates.

Gates was recently accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her brother, Chris Gates, who graduated from BRFHS also attended Madison. Does that mean the whole process will be easier the second time around for Kendra’s parents?

“I think they know what they’re doing, but they are still little worried about finances, as I think most parents are,” said Gates.

Gates, like the rest of the senior class has scholarship opportunities locally and through the web, as well as through the school that she plans to attend.

“Students should remember that if they find a scholarship online that they have to pay for, it’s a scam,” said Leadholm.

Leadholm encourages seniors to check out local scholarships online by going to the high school webpage, double clicking on counseling and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

“The local scholarships add up to over 100,000 dollars. Two and four year college students are encouraged to apply. They do a pretty good job of spreading out the wealth to students between the different scholarships,” said Leadholm.  

One group of seniors that sometimes forgets to fill out these simple applications is the fraction of students who graduate early. All seniors must remember that they must take the time to complete the few effortless forms to be eligible for the local scholarships.

“Seniors should come to the guidance office with any question concerning financial aid. There will be a financial aid meeting on January 11 for seniors and their parents,” said Leadholm.