Class of 2021, now is the time to start preparing for the future. From applying for scholarships to choosing your college path, it’s time to take the steps necessary to secure your goals and plans. Start reaching out to your counselor and college advisor. Your counselor and college advisor Ms. Rodgers will help you and always do what they can to better your future. 

PHS counselor Mrs. Merseal has this advice for seniors: “Start early. Set a goal to apply for two scholarships per week. Apply to more than one school and see what kind of financial package each will offer you. On college and scholarship application essays, consider your audience. Include references to the history of the school or scholarship foundation. Volunteer for things and talk about that in your essays. Give to organizations that mean something to you and mention that in your essays as well.”  

PHS college advisor Ms. Rogers said, “The first step is to fill out the actual application. All applications can be found online on the college’s website. 

Once you finish your application, you will then need to send in your transcripts and test scores (usually ACT or Accuplacer). Most colleges require scores sent directly from the test provider, but some will accept scores from your transcript. 

If you took classes at a college while in high school (like MAC dual credit/enrollment), you will need to send your college transcripts. See Mrs. Walters in the PHS counseling office to request transcripts.

“If you are planning on going to college, you should also file the FAFSA, which is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Opening October 1 every year, FAFSA is a form families file online to apply for federal and state aid to help pay for college. Depending on your family’s financial situation, you could qualify for a full or partial Pell Grant, which is an award you do not have to pay back.” Ms. Rogers said that FAFSA can help you pay for college and is not required to pay it back. Families can apply for FASFA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Also regardless if you believe that you qualify for it or not, everyone should apply for FAFSA. Anyone needing help completing the FASFA can contact Mrs. Rodgers in the PHS counselors office.

“Federal loans may also be offered in order to help cover the cost of school. However, this is money that will need to be paid back. Once you file the FAFSA, it will be processed and sent to the schools of your choice. The schools will then review your FAFSA and send you a financial aid package details.” Federal loans are another form of payment for college but in contrast to FAFSA this will need to be paid back.

Students may also apply for outside scholarships. Fastweb, scholarships.com, and STL Scholarship Foundation are three scholarship sites that counselors often recommend. In addition to these, PHS students are also encouraged to apply for local scholarships here at Potosi High School. These will usually open in February and are handled by Mr. Bouse.