All posts by Mary Stegmeir

Admitted writer/editor Mary Stegmeir welcomes additional comments and story ideas at mstegmeir@nacacnet.org.

Op-Ed: Incentives for Returning Students Could Boost College Completion Rates

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Want to increase the number of US adults who hold bachelor’s degrees?

One former college president is urging legislators to offer financial incentives to adult students who wish to return to school.

One in five Americans between the ages of 25 and 64 started college but have not finished, Sanford J. Ungar wrote in a Washington Post op-ed published last month.

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Updated NACAC Guide Highlights Options for US Students Seeking Degrees Abroad

Interested in exploring educational options outside the US?

NACAC’s newly updated Guide to International University Admission features country profiles and admission how-tos for 11 destinations that have proven popular among US students seeking full degrees outside their home country.

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DACA Update: What You Need to Know

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President Trump announced this week that the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will end in six months.

Since 2012, DACA has provided deportation relief to undocumented youth who came to the country before the age of 16, as long as they met certain criteria.

NACAC was among several education organizations to speak out against Trump’s decision. In a statement released on Tuesday, the association said the move to eliminate DACA was a “regressive step that hurts many of America’s brightest, most vulnerable youth.”

Continue reading DACA Update: What You Need to Know

#FinAid101: Share Your Tips on Twitter

Knowing the facts about financial aid can help college-bound students select a best fit school.

As students kick their college search into high gear this fall, NACAC encourages you to share your wisdom via Twitter.

Contribute your top tips using #FinAid101 and follow the hashtag to see advice submitted by colleagues from across the country.

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FAFSA Update: Data Imported From DRT Will Be Masked

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The IRS Data Retrieval Tool will be available to FAFSA filers this fall, but the tax information it imports will remain masked — even to students and parents.

According to a recent Federal Student Aid memo, the change will enhance security and privacy. But many financial aid professionals are worried the tool’s new constraints will discourage families and students from using it to import their tax information when applying for federal aid.

Continue reading FAFSA Update: Data Imported From DRT Will Be Masked

#NACACreads: Upcoming Book Discussion Will Explore Student Mental Health

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are on the rise among youth at many competitive schools in the US and abroad.

Yet when kids struggle academically or emotionally, we often put the onus on them to change.

Join us Oct. 24 to explore the adjustments educators can make to help students prepare for college in more healthy and balanced ways. An hour-long #NACACreads discussion of At What Cost? Defending Adolescent Development in Fiercely Competitive Schools will kick off on Twitter at 9 p.m. (ET) featuring special guest and author David L. Gleason.

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Students: Start Searching Now for On-Campus Jobs

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Planning to work during the school year to help pay for college?

Incoming freshmen should start searching now to increase their odds of landing a great campus job, according to a post on Homeroom — the official blog of the US Department of Education.

“If you’re interested in working part-time while in school, it’s best to start checking out those opportunities early, even before you get to campus or start classes,” notes blog author Susan Thares, who works with the department’s office of Federal Student Aid.

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4 Ways College Counselors Can Increase Access for Underrepresented Students

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Diversity on campus strengthens our colleges and our country.

Yet a large number of qualified students from low-income and minority populations are still underrepresented in American higher education due to inadequate access to college advising resources.

Continue reading 4 Ways College Counselors Can Increase Access for Underrepresented Students