During the week of November 16, 534 high school seniors at 14 of our state's public high schools submitted a total of 998 college applications! This nationwide campaign is designed to help high school seniors navigate the college admissions process and ensure that each student pursues a post-secondary education should they choose. During the school day, high school seniors are invited to submit at least one college admission application with the support of their school and local higher education professionals. While special focus is placed on assisting students who would be the first in their families to attend college and students who may not have otherwise seriously considered applying to college, all students are encouraged to participate.

To learn more about the 2015 "I Am College Bound/I Applied" week and view our photo gallery, please click here. Our statewide Steering Committee will begin planning shortly for 2016 and if you would like more information on how your school can participate, please call Tori Berube, State Coordinator, at 603.227.5310.

In September, President Obama announced two significant changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Beginning October 1, 2017, students will be able to file the 2017-2018 FAFSA with the option of using 2015 income tax information, eliminating the need for 2016 income taxes to be filed prior to applying for federal financial aid.

The U.S. Department of Education believes these changes will benefit students in the following ways:

• The financial aid application process will be more aligned with the college admissions process; allowing students and their families to better plan for college funding.
• Financial aid applicants will be able to have more certainty that their form is correct, with less need to estimate income or taxes.
• The earlier FAFSA release date will allow students and their families to feel less pressure when it comes to the financial aid process by allowing more time to better understand their financial aid options and apply before state deadlines.

We are pleased to share with you that every public high school in the state of New Hampshire is hosting a Financial Aid Night this academic year! Together with our colleagues from the New Hampshire Association of Financial Aid Administrators (NHASFAA), we are excited to help educate your students and families on the financial aid process.

With January 1 right around the corner, we are now booking FAFSA filing appointments in our Concord office. Appointments are available on weekdays with limited evening appointments and select Saturdays. Please encourage your families to call us at 888.7.GRADUATE, x119 to schedule an appointment today.

Families requiring assistance with the CSS Profile^® may find help here.

High school students are encouraged to consider the new Dual Admission program, which allows enrollment to one of the seven New Hampshire Community Colleges (CCSNH) while earning admission into one of the four New Hampshire University System (USNH) colleges at the same time. Students pay only one application fee and there are many majors from which to choose and as the student works toward an associate's degree, they can enjoy all of the cultural, athletic, and social events at the University campus as well.

We will host an informational Lunch & Learn for the DualNH program on Friday, March 4, 2016 with representatives from CCSNH and USNH. To sign up for this, as well as other school counselor trainings, please click here.

Our fun, interactive, and engaging college planning website for K-8 students, www.nhcollegeclub.com, is now tablet and mobile friendly! Encourage your students and families to visit the site, read the short college awareness articles, learn about different careers by watching videos and listening to audio clips. Students can also visit the Game Room for college-themed games and scavenger hunts!

Order updated posters and bookmarks to promote the new website here.