Zhanna Golster knows financial aid. Having navigated the ups and downs of the financial aid process during her college years, Golster ended up making a career out of the college process most students loathe.
As McDaniel College's new director of financial aid, Golster aims to make the financial aid process less stressful for both students and parents.
Previously a staff member in the financial aid department at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and director of financial aid at Notre Dame of Maryland University, Golster's extensive experience also includes serving as an active member of student financial aid professional organizations such as the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
Named director of financial aid this month, Golster is now responsible for overseeing McDaniel's financial aid program, including more than $30 million annually invested in grants and scholarships.
With experience working in the financial aid departments of both public and private colleges, Golster has accumulated financial aid knowledge that can assist high school students preparing for college, current college students and even parents who want to help their child along the way.
Q: For some students, dealing with the financial aid department can be a hassle. While you were in college, were there any staff members in the financial aid department who were especially helpful to you or who gave you a hard time?
A: I could not have afforded my college education without financial aid. The members of the financial aid department of the college I attended were helpful and did not mind that I came often with questions. I hope that McDaniel students have the same experience with their financial aid office.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in higher education financial aid?
A: It is rewarding to see a student with his or her diploma at commencement. It makes you feel that you made a real difference in a student's life.
Q: How have your previous experiences prepared you for your current role at McDaniel?
A: My experience working in higher education financial aid at both public and private colleges has truly broadened my skills as a financial aid administrator. I have helped families with tasks varying from completing the FAFSA [Free Application for Federal Student Aid] to filing an appeal for additional aid. I strive to help every student with his or her financial aid questions.
Q: What is the most common form of financial aid you've seen used by students during your career and why do you think that method is the most popular?
A: The two most common types of aid are scholarships and loans. Scholarships can range in value from a few thousand dollars a year to full tuition and do not need to be repaid. Guaranteed loans are also an excellent resource to pay for a college education as these are backed by the federal government and offer a low interest rate.
Q: What is the most common grievance you hear from students regarding the financial aid process? How do you aim to make the process better for McDaniel students?
A: I think the most common issue is students don't always realize the scholarships and grants that are available to them. My goal is to make sure that students know about outside scholarships in addition to scholarships that are granted by McDaniel. I also will educate students about other financial aid options, such as loans and work study. I plan to use electronic tools to reach out to students to better inform them of various external scholarship options, as well as the resources for other types of aid.
Q: When is the ideal time for a student to begin the process of applying for scholarships, grants and loans? Why?
A: A high school student needs to begin the process during the junior year. This is the ideal time for a student to make a list of scholarships that are available and be ready to apply for them during the senior year. For grants and loans, the best time to apply is early January preceding the fall semester that the student plans to enroll. Families need to have enough time to make corrections on their financial aid application and still be able to meet deadlines.
Q: What should parents do during their child's high school and college years to ensure their child receives as much aid as they need?
A: Parents should know that it is crucial that a student applies for admission by the deadline set by the college that he or she is interested in attending to ensure that the student will be considered for any available scholarships. It is also important, especially for those families eligible for need-based funding, to fill out their FAFSA as early as possible and make sure that parents submit any paperwork requested by the financial aid office in a timely manner. It is important to note that tax forms will need to be completed early in the year in which aid is being requested.
Q: If you could give students just one piece of advice on financial aid, what would it be?
A: I would advise students to apply for aid early. Most financial aid, specifically scholarships, is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. This is the best way to know about your financial aid awards for next year and it also allows families to plan.
Reach Sarah Hainesworth at 410-857-7873 or email sahainesworth@tribune.com.
