Our Valley Santa Clarita November/December 2016 | Page 25

By Dr. Karla Arriaran-Rodriguez
Scenario B: A student attends a
2-year community college, directly
from high school, and then transfers
to a 4-year university. The plan for
this student is that they will complete
their program, with a Bachelor’s
degree, in 4 years as well.

I

t’s never too early to think about
post high school options. As a
matter of fact, this is the season
when most college applications,
for current seniors, are due.
Students tend to be working on
financial aid applications as well
to make sure they are aware of all
possibilities. It is critical to understand
that post high options don’t only
refer to a 4-year university. That is
definitely one of the options but NOT
the only option. Students may also
consider a 2-year community college,
trade/vocational programs, joining
the military or entering the workforce
directly.
There is a common misconception
that is important to address regarding
2-year and 4-year institutions. The
first 2 years of a 4-year program
are the same 2 years that a student
would take at a community college.
To clarify, here is an example:
Scenario A: A student attends
a 4-year university, directly from
high school. The plan is that they
will complete their program, with a
Bachelor’s degree, in 4 years.

Oftentimes a lot of pressure is
placed on students to attend a
4-year university directly from high
school. It’s a fantastic plan and
schools prepare our students to
have multiple options. However, it is
important to be aware that it is not
the only plan. As you can see, or read

in this case, the finish line is the same
even if the route is a little different.
With regard to financial aid…because
again, ‘tis the season, the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid
commonly referred to as “the FAFSA”
is available for all students to apply for
financial support, regardless of how
they are planning on continuing their
education, 4-year, 2-year or trade/
technical. Usually the application is
available on January 1st of each year.
This year the window to apply has
been extended and the application

EDUCATION

‘Tis the Season…

became
available
October 1st. Sometimes,
students choose not to complete
the application because they don’t
believe they are eligible, for various
reasons. The truth is, financial aid
may look different for each student.
It includes, but may not be limited
to, “free” money, grants, loans, workstudy programs, and institutional
aid. Students should take advantage
of all options and take the time to
complete and submit the application.
You never know…
The application can be found at
www.fafsa.gov
Finally, I wanted to address the
“First Generation” students.
Those are the students that
are the first in their families
to attend college. As a first
generation student myself,
I understand the challenges
and the pressure that is
attached to this title. It is
definitely something to be
proud of yet it can elicit selfdoubt and anxiety. Don’t ever
let the lack of experience deter your
goals. This is the best opening line to
ask a teacher or counselor… “I really
want to continue to go to school after
I graduate. I’m not sure where to
start. Can you help me?” From then
on it’s just a matter of perseverance.
Dr. Karla

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