Free College Planning Event for NH Juniors and Families
Destination College is designed to help high school juniors and their families prepare for college. This annual statewide college planning event is held each spring through the collaborative efforts of The NHHEAF Network and New Hampshire colleges and universities.
All of the day's events are free to students and parents.
Learn everything you've always wanted to know about college admissions...and more! Get advice about selecting a college, the application process, finding the right fit, and the criteria reviewed in the admission process from a panel of experts who know it best. Bring your questions! Available in Sessions I, II
Student Panel
This panel of current high school and college students is ready to discuss their favorite college admissions tips, details of the college search, and what student life is really like. Bring your questions and join our students in a lively discussion of all things college! Available in Session I and II
Understanding the Role of Standardized Testing in College Admission Standardized testing has been in the spotlight over the last several years, with colleges making new decisions about how they use (or don’t use) tests as part of applications. Join a panel of admissions experts who will discuss the real truth about test-optional, test-flexible, and test-blind admission policies and what this means for students. Available in Session I and II
Tips for Writing the College Essay From brainstorming just the right topic to capture YOU, to demonstrating your critical thinking, this workshop will present tips and strategies to develop your college essay. Our experts will share what college admission professionals are looking for in your essay and answer your questions to ensure you present your best work. Available in Session I and II
Presenting Your Best Self in the College Experience Join us for tips and advice about how to best present yourself during all parts of the college application process. From email inquiries to college interviews, learn how to communicate effectively and make a great first (and lasting!) impression. Available in Session III and IV
Making the Most of Your College Visit Campus visits are one of the most exciting parts of the college search process. When researching potential schools, getting on campuses is one of the best ways to figure out if they might be a good fit. In this workshop, a panel of college admissions professionals and their student tour guides share helpful tips to ensure you are taking full advantage of your time at each school. Available in Session I and II
The College Application Process The application process may seem complicated, but learning the steps in advance can set you up for success. This workshop addresses the various methods of application, senior year timeline, the elements of a strong college application, as well as tips and suggestions to present your best self. Available in Session III and IV
College Admission 101 for First Generation Families For an applicant who is the first in the family to attend a four-year college or university, the application process can feel particularly complex. In this workshop, a panel of experts will address the basics of the admissions process, how being a first gen student may impact applying to college, where you can find resources to help along the way, and how to search for scholarships specific to first gen students. Available in Session II
College Application Options & Timelines Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Admission, Rolling… There are lots of ways to apply to college! Confused, or want to hear more about what these choices mean? Join college admissions professionals to learn about these options and how to choose the right one for you, how these choices may restrict your options for applications to other schools, and the possible impact on financial aid. Available in Session III and IV
Community College Advantage Come hear about the many benefits to your education and career by attending a two-year college or trade school. Representatives from New Hampshire community colleges offer information and advice about program opportunities, positive financial impacts, and the many advantages of earning an associate degree or trade certificate. Available in Session I and II
Q & A with Financial Aid Professionals Some of the best things in life are free; unfortunately college isn't one of them! Join a panel of college financial aid professionals as they help demystify the financial aid process, share tips to ensure students receive their best financial aid offer, and explain how this aid can help families to manage college costs. Bring your questions! Available in Session III and IV
Exploring College Major and Career Options Many high school seniors (and college students) struggle with major and career choices. Choosing your major is an important step toward your career, but there is plenty of support for students along the way. In this workshop, you will learn how to navigate this choice to maximize future options. Available in Session III and IV
Searching and Applying for Scholarships Every dollar counts when it comes to paying for college. Earning scholarships can help close the gap- but where do you begin? In this workshop you will learn the types of available scholarships and who can apply, resources available to help with your search, and how to maximize your odds of receiving scholarship money. Available in Session III and IV
Building Your College List With the sheer number of potential educational institutions, creating the “perfect” list of colleges can feel like an overwhelming task. Join our experts to learn how to ease the stress, have productive conversations, utilize your resources, weigh your needs and wants, and make the most of the college exploration process. Available in Session III and IV
It's a Digital World: Utilizing Online & Mobile Resources in the College Process Learn about online tools available to aid you in the college selection, application, and financial aid processes. Explore the best methods – and some helpful tips – for using social media to your advantage in your college search and how information on your social media profiles can impact your life for many years to come. Available in Session III and IV
The College-Bound Student-Athlete Join college athletes, current college coaches, high school athletic directors, and a college compliance officer to learn about recruitment strategies, eligibility requirements, and what life is like for NCAA college athletes. Available in Session III and IV
Earn College Credit and Career Experience in High School There are many ways students can challenge themselves, work towards potential careers, and earn college credit while in high school. Join a panel of experts to learn more about registered apprenticeships, AP and IB coursework for potential college credit, and dual enrollment courses in the high school, online, or on college campuses. Available in Session I and II
Study Away Ireland? Australia? Washington, D.C.? France? Are you considering a study away program while you're in college? Or maybe you're thinking about attending a college outside of the United States for your entire degree program. Come learn more about study away and international admissions from a panel of experts. Available in Session I and II
Navigating Campus Resources There are impressive resources available on college campuses for learning effective writing and studying skills, for accommodations due to a disability, for physical, emotional and mental health, and for student activities. In this workshop, a panel of campus resource directors will share the process for accessing and utilizing these resources to maximize the campus experience. Available in Session I and II
Plymouth State University Campus Tour Tour the beautiful Plymouth State University campus. Current students will show you a variety of academic and student-centric spaces while sharing their favorite stories of campus. Your questions will be answered throughout the tour – so whether you are considering Plymouth State University or just learning more about the college search process, come ready to explore! Available in Session II and III
College Fair Meetstate, regional, and national college admissions representatives who will provide materials and information about their campuses, academic programs, course offerings, activities, and sports. Prepare your questions to make the most of the event! See our updated list of colleges and universities participating in the college fair here (add link to page on website). Available in Session III and IV
See The Colleges Attending Our DC College Fair
Admissions Representatives Click REGISTER NOW to participate in the 2023 Destination College Fair.
If you'd like a table at our college fair, please contact Cameron Owen directly at cowen@gsmr.org or 603-892-8531
New Hampshire college-bound seniors: submit a speech to our Speech Contest for the chance to win a scholarship and be the keynote speaker at the Destination College event. You will be speaking to high school juniors from around the state to share your best college planning advice and tips, and what you wish you knew when you were in their shoes! For details and how to enter, visit the Speech Contest page.
