Financial Aid Night: Paying for College

We are in the middle of the college admissions season here at Oracle Charter School. Applications and transcripts are currently in process for a number of our students, with others putting the finishing touches on essays or lists of activities before mailing or submitting their applications online. Already, some of our Oracle Charter School seniors have been accepted to colleges, both in the Buffalo area and elsewhere!

The month of January marks the point in each school year when financing a college education becomes the focus of our efforts and of many parents concerns. To assist parents with this process, we will be hosting a special evening program called Financial Aid Night: Paying for College. The program will be in the Morning Meeting Room beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2009.

The meeting will be run by a representative from the Financial Aid Office of Niagara University. The representative will be discussing the financial aide process in general for all colleges...not just Niagara University. Topics will include: how to begin the financial aid application process, where to get information, and how to complete the FAFSA form. We will also provide time for a Question & Answer session for parents.

Parents of all seniors should plan to attend this program, especially if this is your fist time going through the college application and financial aid process. If you are a seasoned veteran of the college application process, with older children who have successfully navigated obtaining financial aid, it is still a good event to attend. Things in the world of financial aid change rapidly.

Please contact the school at 362-3188 if you have any questions or concerns.

College Happenings

The 2008-2009 school year brings with it our much anticipated, very first, High School Graduation! There is much to do and this Fall is proving to be a busy time for students, parents, and faculty alike.

We started this school year with a visit from the Western New York Consortium consisting of 17 local colleges in a mini-college fair atmosphere. Seniors had the opportunity to meet and talk with college representatives, discover program information and get on college mailing lists.

Shortly after our college fair, Oracle hosted a Fall College Night where Seniors and their families were invited to attend workshops highlighting "how colleges select students", "choosing a college major", "financial aid information", "visiting colleges", and an "overview of the SUNY system". This was a well-attended and informative night. Admission representatives from Niagara University, Buffalo State College, and Erie Community College were here to lend their expertise about the college process. Those who attended left with a better sense of the tasks at hand when planning a successful college transition.

Speaking of the college planning process, it wouldn't be the same without taking the PSAT and SAT. On Saturday (October 18th) the PSAT was administered for 10th and 11th grade students. This event was well attended and our students have commented on how they already feel better prepared for the time when they will take the "real" thing (the SAT!) Our Seniors will have the opportunity to take this important test for the second time on Saturday, November 1st.

I want to personally thank you for your support as your student takes on the challeges of navigating through the college preparatory process. When we work as a team everybody wins! Be sure to look for more information on upcoming events.

Diane Morgante
School Counselor