State urges seniors to apply to college this week

A lot of high school students are unaware of the opportunities available to them after college, Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau says.

So the state has launched Montana College Application Week.

The program encourages students, especially first-generation students, to consider giving college a try.

Montana State University-Northern is taking part by eliminating the $30 application fee for applying.

“College Application Week is a great way to motivate high school seniors to complete their college applications early,” said Kristi Peterson, Northern’s director of admissions and recruitment.

Peterson said her staff is working with students and schools to encourage first-timers to consider a college career. In some cases, she said, staffers are going to schools to provide on-site support.

Students have to submit the application paperwork this week to have the fee waived, she said.

“Applying to college can be overwhelming for students and parents,” Peterson said. “This week is designed to help students complete this first step to attending college.”

“There are so many opportunities available for the class of 2015, and I want to make sure students and families are aware of their options for life after high school,” Juneau said. “We know that Montana has some of the brightest students in the country, and we want to get these bright students enrolled in postsecondary programs. Ensuring today’s students are trained for the jobs of tomorrow supports a strong economic future for our entire state.”