University High School is rushing in a new era of college readiness with the school’s college and career counselor, Michael Ferguson, urging the class of 2018 to complete their Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They have a goal of every senior completing their FAFSA by the deadline of May 1st as the school is taking part in the Florida FAFSA Challenge.
“The CCRC (College and Career Resource Center) really is great place,” said Mr. Ferguson. “And I owe all of the credit to Mrs. Bray and our other counselors and trying to make sure students have access to resources to help make their post-secondary options a little smoother.”
University now boasts a total of 318 senior’s FAFSA’s finished and submitted meaning we have almost reached the halfway point out of 686 total seniors.
Mr. Ferguson has had different student assistants create a poster featuring a thermometer displaying the progress of FAFSA completion in order to raise awareness of the FAFSA completion goal that has been set. However students are varied in opinion on the accessibility of this goal.
“I don’t think they will reach this goal,” said senior Edalih Torres. “It’s a hard thing to do and it’s a new thing they’re doing starting this year but I do think they’ll come very close.”
Along with the ushering of students to fill out their FAFSA’s for free federal aid the CCRC has been providing many different resources for our senior class, and underclassmen alike, such as Naviance, FAFSA nights, and appointments in the CCRC to fill out their FAFSA. These resources have made important strides in preparing students for their futures after graduation.
“The school’s effort to help kids is tremendous. They’re always there to help get every student college ready, and there’s lots of options and resources available,” said senior Brittany Caldwell.
The CCRC has greatly increased the chances of students graduating and going onto a successful college experience. This can be found in a multitude of student’s descriptions of the help they have received from the CCRC and from Mr. Ferguson.
“The CCRC is very helpful with any questions the students have about college,” said senior Alison Bell. “The school has helped me by providing me with information I needed to choose my college path.”
Currently, as a state, Florida has a FAFSA completion rate of 32.6% with a goal of 43%. “Of course UHS strives to have every senior fill out their FAFSA for federal aid, that’s the goal,” said Mr. Ferguson.
Written by Kayla Brooks