New from NACAC: Enrollment Deposit Waiver Form

Does the enrollment deposit present an insurmountable barrier to college attendance for the students you serve?

A new form from NACAC can help them signal their need for support.

Similar to NACAC’s application fee waiver, the enrollment deposit waiver is used by students to request a fee waiver or deferral. A supplemental document outlines additional ways students can advocate to get the support they need.

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Schools Adjust Graduation Requirements Amid Shutdown

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Graduation requirements across the nation are changing as schools work quickly to address the impact of coronavirus closures.

More than 30 states have already enacted changes to their criteria or issued guidance as schools retool their graduation requirements, according to a recent report from Education Week.

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Adjusting to a New Normal: Advice from NACAC Members

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Everyone is adjusting to a new normal amid the coronavirus pandemic, including college admission professionals and the students they serve.

What should seniors keep in mind as they make their college choice? And what can counselors and colleges do to better serve students during the COVID-19 crisis?

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College Rejection Inspires Song

Across the nation, high school seniors are coming to terms with a new normal.

Teens fear for the health of their family and friends amid the coronavirus outbreak. In addition, graduation ceremonies, proms, and spring sports have been canceled for many students—prompting understandable disappointment.

And like every spring, many seniors must also grapple with college rejections. For those students, Sophie Holohan has a simple message to share: “You are valid. You are incredible. You are going to do amazing things.”

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Lessons in Boosting FAFSA Completion Rates

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Louisiana became the first state in the nation in 2018 to set FAFSA completion as a high school graduation requirement.

Since then, Illinois and Texas have adopted similar policies and several other states are weighing the option.

Officials from Louisiana recently shared their state’s story during a webinar organized by the Education Commission of the States. During the hour-long presentation, education leaders explained the process Louisiana followed when adopting the new requirement and discussed how counselors can support students as they file for financial aid.

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Research: Teens Especially at Risk in Times of Crisis

Touching base with your students this week?

Research suggests teens in particular need support and reassurance during times of crisis.

“Research done in past disasters suggests that it is teenagers who are the most at risk when school is interrupted,” according to a recent NPR report. “Many are forced to work to earn money or have to stay home and take care of younger siblings. They are more likely to drop out and less likely to go on to college.”

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Admission Offices and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

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In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

The legislation temporarily updates the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act. It will expire Dec. 31 unless Congress passes additional legislation.

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