College Savings: Don’t Ignore The Experts

Here is a money saving secret hiding on most college campuses that was never meant to be kept in the dark.

“They may not know that they can take advantage of the services,” said Michelle Ellis, Executive Director of the Office of Student Financial Aid at the University of Akron.

Ellis told Call for Action Reporter Lorrie Taylor trained professionals are available to help would-be students find college scholarships and other free money, even if they have no plans to attend the school.

“I actually didn’t take advantage of their free services before cause I had no idea that you could actually come to one of these windows at our student services center,” said 19 year old Mallory Kennedy, a second year student on public relations.  She is a perfect example of someone in need of guidance navigating the world of financial aid.

Counselors realize potential students may also have questions about how to fill out forms. Kennedy said the process isn’t difficult, so much as, it is overwhelming.

“There’s a lot of information that you’re not really familiar with, especially in high school,” she told Taylor.

Ellis recommended taking a few minutes and checking out different university web sites.  She said, they can be a rich source of free information. For instance, UA has a link to a scholarship available only to Akron Public School students.

“Really, it’s our job to help and we’re happy to do so even though the family may not be coming to the University of Akron” said Ellis.