Bonus *pre-POCS and **POCS Survival Story
| Cliché: | You never know until you try. |
| POCS Reality: | If POCS and students do not apply, they will not receive need-based financial aid. |
Willie and his parents did the math and came up short.
They are a family hit hard by the economic downturn.
Willie’s uncle has the deepest pocket in the family.
This is their conversation:
"We need your help," says Willie.
"What’s the problem?" asks Willie’s uncle.
"He got into college," says Willie’s parents.
"And that’s a problem?" asks Willie’s uncle.
"We can’t afford to pay for it," says Willie and his parents at the same time.
"Well, I’ll tell you what I told my other nieces and nephews when they asked for my help.
I need some more information from you and your parents so I can determine what you can afford to pay and
what is the extent of your family’s need. Then, I’ll see what I can do to help," says Willie’s uncle.
Willie gratefully shakes his uncle’s hand and says:
"Thanks, Uncle Sam."
* pre-POCS is an acronym for Parent Of a College-bound Student.
** POCS is an acronym for Parent Of a College Student.