Students prep for Fall at College Goal Sunday - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Taking the first step toward college is difficult for some students, and the paperwork to get there is no easier.

"The goal today is to help those students and parents work through that form today," says Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Alvina Thomas, "and actually go ahead and send the form today electronically."

That form is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Some students feel comfortable tackling it on their own, but many others aren't so confident.

"I don't know what to do," says Tyler Allen, a Ouachita High Senior heading to ULM this fall. He and his mother, Melissa, describe the FAFSA as "intimidating."

"First time, first child going to college, so it's a new experience," says Melissa Allen.

With the help of volunteers at College Goal Sunday, a nationwide event aimed to help students file for financial aid, the Allen's are feeling much better.

"That's why we came here to do it," says Allen, "instead of trying to do it ourselves at home."

Allen is now ready for her next child to head to college, unfortunately, that isn't for another 6 years. Allen says either the forms will change by then, or she'll just forget how to do it, but no worries, she'll just come back to College Goal Sunday in 2019.