With the new school year beginning, Mr. Van Winkle, our college advisor, is meeting with students to discuss college applications, ACT, and financial aid. 

Mr. Van Winkle’s room was in the main office until it got moved behind the circulation desk in the library. The move has made Mr. Van Winkle’s job more difficult to help students who want help.  

“I think that now that I’m in a place that is not as visible to students, I have spent more time making sure they know where to find me so they can get the help that they need.” –Mr. Van Winkle.

  Part of Mr. Van Winkle’s job is to ease students’ stress about how they will pay for college. 

“I make sure they know they have a lot of options, I never want college or education to feel like it’s out of reach for them. We can talk about scholarships, grants, loans, and other sorts of financial aid that would make it easier for them to go to college.”

Making sure students feel better leaving Mr. Van Winkle’s office is one of his main goals.

“My main job is to make sure that any student at Olathe North who graduates feels comfortable with their future plan. I want any student to feel less stressed compared to when they walked in.” Mr. Van Winkle says.

Not just upperclassmen should be thinking about college prep. Underclassmen also should be thinking about the future too. Mr. Van Winkle has advice for underclassmen.

“Starting early will reduce the stress they will have in their senior year, Researching colleges, going on college tours, talking to parents about financial aid options, and looking into scholarships opportunities, such as KC Scholars.”