Dawson County High School (DCHS) participated in Georgia Apply To College (GATC) day earlier this week. This is the first year DCHS students have participated in the event.

This gives us time with the students that we dont normally have, said Cherie Ferguson, counselor at the high school, this is an overwhelming process - especially to those whom are first generation college applicants.

Over 130 DCHS students took advantage of the event to apply to state colleges, universities and technical colleges.

Prior to participating, the students prepared by completing preparatory assignments such as creating their GAcollege411 profile, researching colleges and completing a practice application. This allowed students to make the most of the assistance they received during the event and successfully submit at least one college admission application at that time.

Representatives from Lanier Technical College, Gainesville State College, Valdosta State University and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College were on-hand to answer questions from students. Also participating were teachers, counselors, parents, community volunteers and representatives from the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC).

This is the events fourth year, said Hal Wilkinson, GSFC representative.

Over 200 Georgia high schools are participating this year, a huge increase from the 110 schools that participated in 2010. GATCs main focus is to provide assistance in applying to college to first generation and economically disadvantaged students. However, DCHS students are also utilizing GATC to assist with financial aid, career planning and scholarship search and application.

Rima Momin, DCHS senior, was utilizing the day to search and apply for scholarships.

I applied to North Georgia last week when they came to school, Momin said,

Its getting harder to attend a big college in your first year, Momin adds. The bigger schools look at prestige and acceptance, so for now I am applying to Kennesaw State and North Georgia.

I may transfer to a bigger school after two years but I want to start small and get used to college first.