Access, College Admission

Idaho College Initiative Helps Seniors Cement Postsecondary Plans

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iStock

Educators in south-central Idaho say the state’s direct college admission initiative is working.

The strategy — which involves sending pre-admission notices to qualified 12th graders — was adopted by the Idaho Board of Education two years ago as a way to boost the number of degree holders in the state.

Under the new initiative, students are sent a letter in the fall of their senior year informing them which state colleges they are pre-qualified to attend. The decisions are based on grades and test scores.

Continue reading Idaho College Initiative Helps Seniors Cement Postsecondary Plans →

College Admission, College Admission Resources

New Web Resource Provides Info About Community Colleges

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Looking for information about community colleges and tools to advocate on their behalf?

Check out ACCT Now, a new resource that delves into trends and data affecting two-year colleges in the US. The site, which launched this month, is overseen by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

“The site includes original reporting, research, and perspectives from ACCT’s public policy staff and guest authors, as well as of-the-moment legislative updates,” according to an email sent to supporters.

Continue reading New Web Resource Provides Info About Community Colleges →

Access, College Admission

Obama Dubs November National College Application Month

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President Barack Obama wants young Americans to set their sights on higher education, and he’s asking parents, educators, and community leaders to help.

The commander-in-chief issued an official proclamation last week declaring November National College Application Month.

“This month, we recognize the limitless potential in every student and reaffirm our commitment to offering them the resources they need to succeed,” Obama said in his announcement. “Together, let us forge a future where every student has the opportunity to go as far as their dreams and hard work will take them.”

Continue reading Obama Dubs November National College Application Month →

Career Exploration, National College Fairs, STEM

Survey: Students Lack Exposure to STEM Career Paths

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This post originally appeared on Admitted in June.

Teens who are interested in science need better career preparation pathways, according to a recent national survey.

The study — funded by Change the Equation and the Amgen Foundation— showed that although students like science, they aren’t crazy about the way the subject is taught. In addition, many lack the out-of-school resources and connections needed to explore STEM careers on their own.

“Teens know what good science education looks like, but they lack engaging learning opportunities, career guidance, and professional mentors,” the report states. “Science advocates in our schools, businesses, and communities can change that.”

Continue reading Survey: Students Lack Exposure to STEM Career Paths →

College Admission, NACAC News

#NACACreads: Help Shape the Upcoming Discussion of ‘Generation Z Goes to College’

generationzHow will the next generation of students approach the college search and selection process?

Share your insights during an upcoming #NACACreads discussion of Generation Z Goes to College. Special guest and author Meghan Grace will take part in the Twitter chat and address how this new cohort of students views higher education.

Continue reading #NACACreads: Help Shape the Upcoming Discussion of ‘Generation Z Goes to College’ →

Financial Aid, Paying for College

Reminder: Keep an Eye on Financial Aid Deadlines

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Need financial aid for the 2017-18 academic year?

The US Department of Education is reminding students to remain cognizant of deadlines when completing the FAFSA.

While the FAFSA is primarily used to award federal financial aid, many colleges, states, and scholarship programs also use the form to assess eligibility for their aid programs.

Continue reading Reminder: Keep an Eye on Financial Aid Deadlines →

Cost of College, Financial Aid, Paying for College

Report: Net Price Continues to Grow for College Students

Despite only modest increases to tuition and fees, the cost of a college education continues to outpace growth in financial aid, family incomes, and the average prices of other goods and services.

The findings are included in two reports — Trends in Student Aid and Trends in College Pricing — released this morning by The College Board.

Continue reading Report: Net Price Continues to Grow for College Students →

Access, College Admission

3 Things Your College Should Know about Fisher II

What does the future hold for colleges seeking to build diverse student bodies?

This summer’s 4-3 US Supreme Court decision in Fisher II provides insight into how the courts may evaluate future cases involving race-conscious admission policies.

The ruling affects public institutions of higher education as well as private institutions receiving federal funding, including student financial aid.

Continue reading 3 Things Your College Should Know about Fisher II →

Post-College Outcomes, Value of College

Survey: Hiring on the Rise for College Grads

Good news is on the horizon: US employers plan to amp up their hiring in the coming months, and they’re looking for college grads.

Hiring of degree holders is expected to increase by 23 percent in 2016-17, according to a recruiting trends study conducted by Michigan State University.

“Our report shows that the hiring of college graduates has been moving at warp speed for the past two years,” Phil Gardner, survey author and director of the university’s Collegiate Employment Research Institution, said in a press release. “And signs in the early fall of 2016 point again to another explosive year of hiring.”

Continue reading Survey: Hiring on the Rise for College Grads →

College Admission Resources, NACAC News

New Report Explores Preservice Training Available to Counselors, Access Professionals

councilreportWhat sort of preservice training is available to prospective school counselors and college access professionals?

A report released today explores that very question. The publication, which offers an overview of coursework, was developed by the Council of National School Counseling and College Access Organizations.
Continue reading New Report Explores Preservice Training Available to Counselors, Access Professionals →

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