MCC offers information on college financial aid

Figuring how to pay for college can be a scary thought that may leave some students hesitant to even apply.

To ease students' fears about getting money for college or to get their questions answered, the McHenry County College Financial Aid Department has launched free Financial Aid 101 information sessions at area high schools.

The financial aid information sessions aim to provide juniors and seniors a more convenient opportunity to learn about getting money for college. Students will learn about the Free Application for Student Aid, other forms of financial assistance, how to apply for scholarships, student loans and to get their college money questions answered.

"Some students may not realize that financial aid is available, regardless of their family's financial situation," said Ina Weiskopf, financial aid/work study specialist at MCC. "Our goal is to reach students who may not be able to attend financial aid sessions outside of the school day by keeping the time and date very flexible in order to accommodate the school's schedule."

The sessions are free for high school students at their own high school. Students can look for the purple, green and white Financial Aid 101 posters at their high school or contact their guidance counselor for the specific times scheduled at their school.

In addition to the new, daytime financial aid information sessions at the high schools, MCC also offers financial aid information nights at the college, along with evening sessions at area high schools at their request.

They are scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21; Thursday, Oct. 23; and Wednesday, Oct. 29, in the Luecht Conference Center, 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake. To register, visit www.mchenry.edu/financialaidnight/index2.asp.

For details, call Weiskopf, (815) 455-7524. Visit www.mchenry.edu.