Financial Aid Reflection

This week with seniors, I am executing small group financial aid workshops for students who needs help with the process of financial aid. Our goals with this financial aid workshop are to educate seniors with how college can be paid for and what is expected to apply for financial aid. We decided to work with smaller groups because financial aid is very overwhelming for students and we wanted to be able to give students that individual attention with the financial aid process. A financial aid verbal quiz was the first thing we did with the students, so we could get a more knowledgeable understanding of their level of knowledge on applying for financial aid. Of course, we noticed that majority of the students did not answer the true or false questions correctly. One thing that I noticed in my field training so far is students lack sever knowledge with college admissions and financial aid. Students really do not have no idea on how where to start for college admissions and financial aid. I realized as a future advisor, that I want to take on the responsibility of advocating and informing students on successfully applying for college and financial aid.
I could have incorporated this online orientation with my workshop to give students an idea of how orientation can work at a college. The orientation discussed helpful tips that students should practice so they can be successful at school. A few examples, coming to class on-time and not being tardy constantly is one way that can help stay on track, using academic assistance center, not dropping classes or failing, and taking advantage of the schools writing and tutoring centers. This orientation video was helpful with giving students a synopsis of how to transition into college and let students understand college is for education and learning not just for