Lake County Gazette

As the school year progresses, Warren Township High School District 121 is providing students and families with key information about upcoming college admissions and financial aid events.

For seniors, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026-2027 school year opened on October 1. The district shared a "Paying for College" presentation from September 11 to help families understand the financial aid process, along with additional resources available in a dedicated folder. Financial aid completion workshops are scheduled throughout October, November, January, and February.

Many four-year colleges and universities have a priority application deadline of November 1. Students are advised to check individual deadlines and submit their applications early. However, the College of Lake County operates on rolling admissions and does not observe this deadline.

Some selective colleges require submission of the CSS Profile by their respective priority deadlines. Students needing assistance are encouraged to contact their counselors.

A number of universities offer free applications or fee waivers during specific periods. For example, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers free applications until November 1; Miami University of Ohio provides a waiver until December 1 using the Miami Fee Waiver; Murray State University offers free applications with code MSU4IL2025; and Central Michigan University has waived fees through October 31 with code FireUp2026. A comprehensive list of more than 2,500 schools offering similar opportunities is also available online.

Juniors can attend an information session about college admission tests such as the SAT or ACT on October 1 at O'Plaine Auditorium. Eric Anderson from Compass Education Group will be presenting insights into these exams’ impact on college admissions.

Additionally, on October 16, the College of Lake County will host its annual Illinois Regional College Fair from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring over 200 colleges and universities nationwide. Counselors Ms. Hartley and Mrs. McGahan will be present at the event.

Warren Township High School District 121 represents Lake County in Illinois according to state education records. The district employs a total of 231 teachers who earn an average salary of $90,226 before pension contributions; just over half are women and none recorded more than ten absences in a school year. The student population is diverse: approximately 39 percent White, nearly one-third Hispanic, around eleven percent Asian, and ten percent Black based on recent data. In fiscal year 2020, spending per student reached $25,023 for a total district expenditure close to $97 million .

Mrs. McGahan stated: "Have a wonderful week!"

A list of Student Services members can be accessed through the district’s website.