November 18th, 2015
Applying to college can be intimidating, particularly for low-income, minority, and first-generation college students.
Alabama’s College Application Week, which was held November 2-6, 2015, jump-started the process. Schools all over the state of Alabama held workshops and provided students with extra assistance in applying to college.
Alabama Possible and its Blueprints College Access Initiative team held seven workshops and worked with 508 students as they applied to at least one college or university.
In addition, 13 schools, including Athens State University, Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Auburn University Montgomery, Judson College, Jacksonville University, Spring Hill College, Stillman College, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Troy University, Tuskegee University, University of Montevallo, and University of North Alabama, waived application fees for students participating in College Application Week activities.
“College Application Week made the application process much easier than when I applied at home,” saidP.D. Jackson-Olin High School Senior Chelsea Brazzle, “I know that some of my classmates probably would not have applied without help.”
School counselors, college admissions advisors, and Alabama Possible staff and volunteers were on hand to answer questions and nudge students to apply to college and research scholarships.
“I remembered how difficult the applications were to understand. We could answer questions as soon as the students had them,” said Alabama Possible Intern Jasmine McKinney, a senior social work major at The University of Alabama. “College Application Week provided the students with the time to sit down, receive advice and guidance, and take a huge step towards their future.”
Students who finished their college applications had the chance to start applying to scholarships. Alabama Possible has a list of scholarship opportunities on its website.
College Application Week also marks the beginning of financial aid season. Students and their families must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for state and federal financial aid, including Pell Grants of up to $5,775. Students and their families can take the first step towards FAFSA completion by registering now for the new FSA ID.
By Ayumi Byrd, AmeriCorps VISTA at Alabama Possible