Applying for financial aid can be so time-consuming and confusing that some parents feel as though they need an advanced degree to fill out the forms.

But local college officials are trying to simplify the process for those intimidated by the paperwork.

Area financial aid professionals helped more than 150 students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, at IPFW on Sunday during the annual College Goal Sunday.

Indiana students must get the complicated form into the federal processor by March 10 to be eligible for federal or state grants, loans, scholarships and other forms of aid for their undergraduate education.

Students and family members came to fill out the forms in IPFW computer labs, while volunteers walked around answering questions.

“I think it’s great that IPFW offers this service,” said Mary Hipskind, whose daughter, Erin, plans to go to college next year. “It can be really overwhelming. The fact that they have people here to guide us is really helpful.”

College Goal Sunday has helped more than 75,000 students and families fill out the forms during the past 23 years, according to organizers.

IPFW was one of 40 sites in Indiana to host the event, organized by the Indiana Student Financial Aid Association. Students who attended and submitted a completed evaluation form will automatically be entered in a contest for a $1,000 scholarship.

Cynthia Eckert, a senior at Leo Junior-Senior High School, attended College Goal Sunday with her mother, Tracie.

Although they were a little intimidated by the process, they were in and out of the computer lab in less than five minutes.

Cynthia said she was heading to Purdue University regardless of how much financial aid she received.

“You can’t really get anywhere without a college degree,” she said. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to pay loans back and get a job after the economy clears up.”

dhaynie@jg.net