MINNEAPOLIS -- College can be the beginning of an exciting new journey for many incoming freshmen. It certainly is for Sophia Kuusisto a senior at South High School in Minneapolis.
The future library science major already has dreams about getting her master's degree. Her mother, Carolyn Serena, is proud but paying for college worries her.
"There's a lot to take into consideration," Serena said.
Money is one of those big considerations. That's why the mother daughter duo filed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, early.
But not everyone does it.
Last year, only 42 percent of graduating students in Minneapolis actually filed a FAFSA, according to Shelly Landry, a lead counselor in the district.
The goal is to bring that number up to 68 percent within four years. To meet its goal the Minneapolis school district is reaching out to families by hosting help sessions where they can walk in to get free assistance on their applications.
Landry said many people don't apply because they think they aren't eligible or think the process is too long. Landry said anyone can apply and FAFSA has changed to make it easier.
Kuusisto said it took less than 25 minutes to do hers. Experts say this already brings her one step closer to a college degree.
"The FAFSA completion is the number one indicator that they're actually going to go and complete college," Landry said.
A word of caution: There are look-alike websites that charge more than $50 to fill out the FAFSA form. By using the federal government website the application is done for free.
The tough part now for Kuusisto will be deciding which school to begin her journey at in the fall. She is undecided between the University of Minnesota Duluth or Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
Other FAFSA information and help sessions:
- February 13: South High School from 2 - 4 p.m.
- February 21: Southwest High School from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., American Indian OIC from 5 - 7:30 p.m.
- February 22: Urban League High School from 4 - 7 p.m.; Menlo Park from 5:30 - 8 p.m.
- February 23: South High School from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- February 24: Patrick Henry High School from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- March 8: Southwest High School from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
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