EducationUSA Resources Open Now to Public, Agents

iStock

For some colleges and universities, partnering with commissioned agents to recruit international students is part of a multifaceted admission strategy.

Though the use of agents can be controversial, EducationUSA is changing its long-standing policy and will now make EducationUSA information and resources available to the public at large, which would include agents. They will also include agents working with US higher education institutions in EducationUSA events and meetings.

Continue reading EducationUSA Resources Open Now to Public, Agents

Facebook Live: Get Involved in NACAC Advocacy Efforts

During a Facebook Live broadcast Tuesday afternoon, NACAC Government Relations Committee Chair Jim Fowler discussed ways you can get involved with NACAC’s advocacy efforts and why they matter.

“What I’ve learned through my time in GRAC – at the affiliate and at the national level – is how important it is for us to stand up and be counted on a lot of these issues. Members of Congress work for us,” Fowler said.

“So many of us use metrics in our work, to do our jobs, and so do they. If 3,000 NACAC members sign up on a legislative action alert that raises the profile of the conversation. It really sends a message. If we don’t send that message, then that message falls on deaf ears. We are a large, growing organization that can have an elective voice that really is resonant on issues for students and education.”

Continue reading Facebook Live: Get Involved in NACAC Advocacy Efforts

#NACACreads: Join Us for a Discussion of ‘Becoming’

You’ve no doubt heard all about Michelle Obama’s record-breaking and emotional memoir, Becoming.

There are so many takeaways and lessons in the book for college admission counselors and professionals that we are thrilled to announce a special edition of our #NACACreads Twitter chat focused on the book.

Together with Reach Higher, we will host a discussion surrounding the former first lady’s own journey to college, her experience as a first-generation student, the importance of diversity on campus, and the role college counselors play.

“At its essence, Becoming is a story about the power of perseverance and of believing in yourself. As educators and advocates, we all know students with their own ‘becoming’ stories; we just have to help them fulfill their potential and see their own power,” said Stephanie Owens, Reach Higher’s director of programs.

Share your own insights during our #NACACreads chat on March 19. The hour-long discussion will kick off on Twitter at 9 p.m. ET.

Haven’t checked out the book yet? Read or listen to an excerpt about Michelle Obama’s college search.

Ashley Dobson is NACAC’s communications manager for content and social media. You can reach her at adobson@nacacnet.org.

Member View: Change Your Mentality on College Rejection

iStock

Rejection is always tough whether it’s at work, in a relationship, or in college admission.

NACAC member Rick Clark, the director of undergraduate admissions at the Georgia Institute of Technology, has some advice.

First, if you’ve been rejected, Clark writes, you likely need to take a moment. It’s okay that you’re not okay.

“Go ahead and scream, cry, beat your pillow, cook or eat a lot of something (do all of those at once if you’re really upset). You do you. Whatever it takes to begin clearing your head,” he wrote.

Continue reading Member View: Change Your Mentality on College Rejection

Students Believe School Shootings are Top Issue Facing US

iStock

School shootings are a primary driver of student activism and political interest, a new study found.

In a study shared by Axios, 68 percent of people aged 14 to 29 said school shootings are the most important issue facing the US.

“The issue connects young Americans unlike anything except 9/11 in the last 20 years,” said John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics, told Axios.

Continue reading Students Believe School Shootings are Top Issue Facing US

Facebook Live: Join Us to Talk About NACAC’s Advocacy Efforts

Wondering how you can play a role in NACAC’s advocacy efforts?

We’ll be broadcasting via Facebook Live on Tuesday, Jan 22 with Jim Fowler, NACAC Government Relations Committee chair and vice president for enrollment management at Salve Regina University (RI). Tune in at noon ET to learn more about the work of the Government Relations Committee, Fowler’s journey to his role as chair, and NACAC’s policy priorities.

Continue reading Facebook Live: Join Us to Talk About NACAC’s Advocacy Efforts

New Guide Seeks to Promote Greater Legal, Public Understanding of Holistic Admission

iStock

What exactly is holistic review? Admission professionals hear this common refrain each year.

A new guide, Understanding Holistic Review in Higher Education Admissions, Guiding Principles and Model Illustration, explains key features and elements of the practice and addresses how institutions can effectively incorporate holistic review goals on their campuses.

Written by Art Coleman and Jamie Lewis Keith, the guide “provides insights into the values, logic, and rigor behind effective holistic review in higher education admissions,” the College Board said.

Continue reading New Guide Seeks to Promote Greater Legal, Public Understanding of Holistic Admission

Department of Education Simplifies FAFSA Verification Process

iStock

The Department of Education recently announced changes to FAFSA verification aimed to help make the process less burdensome.

In lieu of IRS tax return transcripts and verification of non-filing forms, the guidance allows institutions to accept copies of signed income tax returns and written statements of non-filing from students who are selected for FAFSA verification. The changes are effective immediately and apply to both the 2018-19 and 2019-20 cycles.

Continue reading Department of Education Simplifies FAFSA Verification Process

New Consortium Formed to Study Gap Year Outcomes

iStock

A group of admission deans and researchers have banded together to form a new coalition dedicated to studying gap year outcomes.

The new Gap Year Research Consortium—based at Colorado College—will seek to determine how students who take an intentional gap year before college fare upon their return to the classroom.

“As long-time supporters of the gap year movement, we believe that creating a clearinghouse for the research that is going on at colleges and universities around the country is the logical next step in better understanding the positive outcomes that can come from taking a gap year,” Colorado College Vice President of Enrollment Mark Hatch said in a news release.

Continue reading New Consortium Formed to Study Gap Year Outcomes

Regular updates on NACAC and the world of college admission counseling. For more information about NACAC, visit nacacnet.org.