“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” ‑ Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

November is “I Am College Bound” month in the state of New Hampshire. This is a great way for you, your family, your teachers and your school counselor to start the conversation about preparing academically and financially for college, and for seniors, to check in about where you are in the process.

In order to get ready for “I Am College Bound Month” across the state, we are starting the celebration early! Just like Dr. Seuss, we know there are so many directions for you to go. Everyone may have a different reason why they are college bound, and for our “I Am College Bound” Monthly Promo contest in October, we want you to finish this sentence in 120 characters or less:

“I am college-bound because ...”

At the end of October, we will randomly draw 30 winners from all entries, and each of those winners will be featured as a post one day in November on our Facebook and
Twitter pages. And each winner receives a $10 Amazon gift card! Enter today!

As you finish up applying to colleges, it's also time to apply for federal financial aid by filing your 2017-2018 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about the FAFSA and financial aid process by attending a Financial Aid Night presentation at your high school. If you missed seeing us at your school, you can watch a pre-recorded version of the program on our NHHEAF YouTube channel anytime!

In order to file the FAFSA, you and one parent will need an FSA ID. An FSA ID, which is comprised of a username and password, will provide access to the Federal Student Aid's online systems and serves as your legal signature for your FAFSA as well as any federal student loan applications. For tips on setting up your FSA ID, click here.

The Center for College Planning helps families file the FAFSA in our Concord office. Call us at 888.7.GRADUATE, x119 to book an appointment at our Concord office. In addition, many college campuses across the state will be hosting FAFSA filing events for NH families beginning in November ‑ more information about this program will be sent to your school counseling office soon!

Pay one application fee and take advantage of a this educational pathway that allows you to enroll at one of our state's seven Community Colleges and be admitted into one of the four University System of NH institutions at the same time. First you’ll complete an associate degree at the community college and then transition to one of the University System of NH institutions to complete a bachelor's degree. Along the way, you will receive special academic advising and enjoy activities at two colleges that may include academic, athletic, cultural and social events.

To learn more, chat online with DualNH staff, or call 844.309.3855 to speak directly to a representative.

HS Seniors ‑ did you have a minimum 3.00 GPA at the end of your junior year? If so, consider applying for the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, and their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. With the 28th class in 2016, the Foundation has provided over 5,700 Coca-Cola Scholars with more than $60 million in educational support. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship. The application deadline is October 31, 2016. Learn more here.

Is your son or daughter a high school senior? Are you wondering how you can support your student as they plan for college? Click here to read our helpful tips!

High school juniors and parents ‑ mark your calendars now and plan to join us at the 18th Annual Destination College college planning event at Plymouth State University on Saturday, March 18, 2017! This year's theme is College: The Passport to Your Future.

Attendees will attend a variety of free college planning workshops, hear a student keynote speaker, and attend a college fair with over 70 colleges and universities in attendance. This signature event for high school juniors and parents is a collaborative effort between The NHHEAF Network Organizations and New Hampshire colleges and universities. All of the day's events are FREE to students and parents. Registration for this event will open in mid-January.

For the latest college admissions and financial aid information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn and check out the NHHEAF Channel on YouTube!