Counseling Corner: Willowbrook Counseling Department provides events and assistance for students regarding college applications and financial aid process

Members of the class of 2024 are immersed in the college application process, and the Willowbrook Counseling Department is assisting seniors with completing and submitting their applications and gearing up to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

As part of the school’s focus on helping students with their post-high school plans, the department provides the following events/information to guide seniors and their families.

  • On Aug. 24, the department hosted a Senior Parent Night, “The College Application and Decision Process.” During the evening, steps to complete college applications were discussed such as factors to consider when creating a college list; writing a college essay; submitting transcripts and requesting letters of recommendation through SchooLinks; and how to make a final decision by May 1. The presentation from the event can be viewed at https://dupage88.libguides.com/GuidanceandCounseling/ParentPrograms. Seniors can visit the WB Class of 2024-Counseling Resources Google Classroom for resources, handouts and videos to assist them in navigating this process. 

  • May 1 is National College Decision Day, so students have time to make their final decision. Seniors are encouraged to continue working with their school counselor and are invited to attend college application assistance during Warrior Time on Wednesdays (through Nov. 15) in the College and Career Center.

  • The process of researching and applying for financial aid to attend college can be overwhelming, but the Willowbrook Counseling Department is here to help. On Nov. 30, the department will host a “Senior Financial Aid Night” for students and parents/guardians. During the presentation, financial aid terms, how to apply for financial aid and how to search and apply for scholarships will be discussed. Steps to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form also will be shared, as completing the FAFSA is a graduation requirement for students in Illinois. The 2024-25 FAFSA will open in December, and the form can be completed by going to studentaid.gov. In the meantime, students and parents/guardians are encouraged to visit college/university websites and use the net-price calculator to estimate their financial aid from the institutions to which they are applying. 

  • Willowbrook will offer FAFSA Completion Workshops, during which members of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will assist students and parents/guardians with completing the FAFSA form. The dates of the workshops will be shared soon.

  • Scholarships also are a great way to help with the costs of attending college. There is quite an array of scholarships, so there is something for everyone. Many scholarships are based on merit, but there also are some based on ethnicity, gender, volunteer work, future education plans, financial status and many other factors. Students can search and apply for scholarships through multiple avenues, including:

    • Financial aid page of the colleges/universities to which they apply

    • Student’s or parent’s employer (many companies offer scholarships for children of their employees)

    • National scholarship search sites such as Fastweb.com and www.Scholarships.com (a more extensive list can be found on the Willowbrook Counseling Department’s webpage at https://dupage88.libguides.com/c.php?g=657101&p=4612003)

    • A large focus at Willowbrook is local scholarship offerings. There are many businesses and organizations throughout DuPage County that offer scholarships for students. Students can find those by visiting the Scholarship Google Classroom, which will be created in winter 2023-24 and shared with the senior class. 

The Counseling Department also encourages parents/guardians and students of the class of 2024 to join the department’s Remind account to receive updates and notifications of deadlines, scholarship information and more. To join, text @47ah89 to 81010. 

For more information about the application or financial aid process, contact the Counseling Department at https://dupage88.libguides.com/GuidanceandCounseling.