October is College Application Month

ISAC and the State of Illinois join the American College Application Campaign

DEERFIELD, IL – For the second year the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), high schools and community-based organizations around the state have joined the nationwide College Application Month campaign to encourage earlier college applications from students who might otherwise apply late in the school year or not apply at all.

“Students can feel overwhelmed by the process of choosing and applying for college or other postsecondary training, particularly first-generation students who do not have an immediate family member who attended college,” said Eric Zarnikow, Executive Director, ISAC.

Illinois has joined 38 other states and the District of Columbia in the American College Application Campaign. The primary purpose of College Application Month is to help high school seniors navigate the complex college admissions process and ensure they apply to at least one postsecondary institution. Many planned activities occur during the school day, with a focus on students who might not otherwise apply to college.

Over 200 local College Application Month workshops are scheduled throughout Illinois. A listing of events is available at http://www.collegechangeseverything.org/appmonth/.

“Research shows that providing students with guidance in college exploration and applications can help ensure that all high school seniors have the opportunity to take a critical step towards continuing their education,” Mr. Zarnikow said. “Such guidance can even boost the number of students who enroll in a school that fits their needs and goals, minimizing student debt and maximizing the chance for completing a degree or certificate program,” Mr. Zarnikow concluded.

The ISACorps, a team of over 100 of near-peer mentors based throughout the state will provide school support, participate in workshops, and appear in web seminars during the month to help students explore careers and apply to colleges. A list of ISACorps members and their contact information is available at www.ISAC.org.

“Students who begin the college application process early and who have the support of knowledgeable college access practitioners are better equipped to leverage time and resources to make better decisions. Promoting college completion begins with promoting high quality college planning,” Mr. Zarnikow concluded.

About ISAC

Established in 1957, ISAC’s mission is to help make college accessible and affordable for Illinois students through administration of need-based grant and scholarship programs, outreach efforts across the state and by offering College Illinois!®, the state’s 529 prepaid tuition plan. The Commission has distributed more than $10.4 billion in grants, scholarships and non-loan aid to over 4.8 million Illinois students and families.

For more information about finding and applying for financial aid, interested students may contact the ISAC Call Center. ISAC Call Center Representatives, including Spanish‑speaking representatives, are available to answer questions at 800.899.ISAC (4722)