Navigating the college applications and financial aid process can be one of the most difficult challenges for seniors and their parents. Part of this process is the college essay. Recently, U. City offered two after school help sessions for writing a college essay which about 30 students attended.

Staff members who facilitated this event were social studies teacher Mr. Daly, senior counselor Ms. Miller, English teacher Ms. McKenna and College Bound teacher Ms. Greenberg, in addition to a professor from Webster University.

“A professor came from Webster University to attend the meeting to help students with their common applications,” said Mr.Daly.

Sessions like these tend to help senior students the most. Seniors Shayla Jackson, Joi Miller, Valeria Toles and Erica Collins were a few who attended.

“The teacher definitely helped me with my college essay, she made it more appealing, so that it would help more with grabbing the reader’s attention,” said senior Brooklyn Payne. “I’m really happy with my results.”

Payne hopes to better her chances of getting scholarships and into the college of her choice.

Some students weren’t aware there was going to be someone coming from Webster to talk to them.

“I do wish that someone would have told me about the Professor from Webster attending one of the meetings. If I would have known, I would have been there,” said Payne.

While at the event, Toles wanted to learn how to write essays so she could finish her common application. Some advice she would give underclassmen would be to do your research early on your colleges and work as hard as you can in school so that you can have a nice transcript.

In addition to the college essay writing session, U. City also had a financial aid night in Nov. to help students prepare for the expense of a college education. Both students and their parents attended.

“I came here to day because I wanted to know a little more on financial aid,” said senior Julesa Webb. “I need to know more info on filling out the FAFSA form, and I also came out to find out what website to get on for scholarships. I’m interested in all of the different grants that I’m able to receive.