POTSDAM-- Do you think it's too expensive to go to college? Did you know that tens of millions of dollars in various forms of financial aid may be available to you? Are you concerned or confused about how to apply for financial aid?

On Saturday, Feb. 2, the College Goal NY event, a nationwide volunteer program that helps students and families who need assistance in completing financial aid forms, is coming to Potsdam.

The event is open to any North Country graduating high school senior and their family.

This year, College Goal NY will be held at Clarkson University's Bertrand H. Snell Hall (hill campus) from 10 a.m. -2 p.m.

Financial aid professionals from several northern New York universities and colleges will be present throughout the day to answer questions and assist with the on-line completion of both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application.

This is a free program, but families must register in advance at http://www.collegegoalny.org .

The site also contains information regarding what documentation families should bring with them.

Students do not have to be an applicant at any particular college to participate.

In addition, as a College Goal NY participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for a $500 need-based scholarship. There will be five scholarships per site. New York State Higher Education Corporation (HESC) will select the winners. Details on how to apply will be available at the event.

College Goal NY is a service project of the New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association and HESC, the state financial aid agency. It is funded through a generous grant from the Lumina Foundation and supported by funds from the federal College Access Challenge Grant.

For more information, \contact either Pamela Nichols at 268-6413 or Stacey Hawkins at 268-6451.