#NACAC19: Beyond Operation Varsity Blues

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Operation Varsity Blues uncovered a complex bribing and cheating scandal within the world of selective college admission.

Although no admission professionals were implicated in the wrongdoing, the scandal’s visibility prompted many discussions among those in the field—conversations that continued last week at NACAC’s 75th National Conference in Louisville.

A panel of nine NACAC members explored the long-term implications for the admission profession and responded to some of the big questions raised in the wake of scandal. The wide-reaching discussion was featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education and was one of the conference’s most well-attended sessions.

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#NACAC19: Day 3 on Social Media

The 75th National Conference in Louisville came to a close Saturday. In addition to the Assembly and Annual Membership Meeting, the day was filled with insightful sessions, an amazing closing speaker, and a rocking social.

Thanks to all of our attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and staff who helped make this incredible conference possible.

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#NACAC19: Goal-Setting Can Help Counter Stress for College-Bound Students

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Gen Z students from across the globe are increasingly internalizing the same harmful messages when it comes to college admission, school counselor Dominie Wilhite told attendees Friday at NACAC’s 75th National Conference in Louisville.

To an even greater extent than past generations, today’s young people believe grades, test scores, and application materials must be perfect to achieve their college dreams, noted Wilhite, who serves students at Ghidotti Early College High School (CA).

“There can be a sense that it’s really hard to succeed,” Wilhite said during a panel discussion focused on mental health and wellness in the college admission process.

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Make the Most Out of #nacac19 on Social Media

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NACAC’s 75th National Conference in Louisville is just around the corner. As the social media manager for NACAC I’m biased, but I think getting involved with the conference on social media is a great way to connect before, during, and even long after the event.

Check out my top five tips to get the most out of your national conference social media experience.

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Admission Survey: Debt Concerns Are Keeping Potential Applicants Away

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The majority of admission leaders believe their institutions are losing potential applicants due to concerns about student debt, according to a recent Inside Higher Ed report.

For the third consecutive year, more than 80 percent of admission directors believe a fear of debt is preventing students from applying to their respective institutions, survey results show. The concern is greatest among officials at private universities, with 91 percent of respondents citing debt worries as a barrier in the application process.

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Boosting College Success for Hispanic Students

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Nearly one in five college students are Hispanic, but college-going rates among Latinos still lag behind the national average, data show.

A new report — Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding Hispanic High School Students’ Perceptions on the Transition to College—offers recommendations to boost attainment rates. The research, which consisted of interviews with Hispanic students and parents, was conducted by ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning in conjunction with Univision Communications.

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Admission Officers Pen Open Letter to Students, Parents

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A group of 24 college admission professionals published an open letter this week in Inside Higher Ed.

Their audience: Students and parents.

Their message: A pledge to provide each student “with the opportunity to realize the very best in themselves, in others, and in the world they will help shape” amid a college admission process that can seem overwhelming.

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