April 2019

Finalizing Your College Decision

Seniors, it's almost time to make your college decision! if you received an acceptance letter from a college or university that you applied to and you have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (and listed that college), you have undoubtedly received a financial aid award letter from every college you have been accepted to.

Over the last few months, we have talked about different components of financial aid. In February's Varsity Letter we discussed federal work‑study and last month we talked about federal student loans. This month we will cover grants. If a student qualifies for a federal or institutional grant, the name of the grant (and the amount of the actual grant award) will appear on the financial aid award letter. What is the best part about grants? They don't have to be repaid!

A Federal Pell Grant is awarded to students with exceptional financial need. The award amount is based on the cost of attendance, Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and enrollment status of the student. For the 2019‑2020 academic year, the maximum Pell Grant award is $6,195.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a federal grant program for undergraduate students with exceptional need; FSEOG grants are awarded by the school's financial aid office. The maximum FSEOG award is $4,000.

But wait ‑ there's more! If your award letters include other items listed as grants, this means the grant is being offered by the college itself and is considered an institutional grant. The same principle applies however ‑ these are funds that do not need to be repaid. .

If you have yet to receive a financial aid award letter from a college you’ve been accepted to, contact the school’s Financial Aid Office immediately to inquire if it has been sent, and ask how it has been sent (Is it snail mail? Was it emailed? Has it been posted in your portal?).

Would you like the opportunity to sit down and discuss your award letters and financing options?

Our college counselors are available for individual appointments at our Concord campus to help you and your family compare your financial aid award letters. Our counselors can help you decipher the various components of your award and explain your next steps. We are also here throughout the summer to help you with the funding options process. Call 888.747.2382, ext. 119 for an appointment.

Remember, most colleges require you to confirm your acceptance with a non‑refundable deposit by the National Candidate Reply Date, which is Wednesday, May 1, 2019. Be sure to check all your paperwork to confirm any further items needed.

Juniors ‑ Sign Up for A College Summer Boot Camp Today!

Our Summer Boot Camp workshops help soon‑to‑be rising high school seniors embark upon the college admissions process in a relaxed, small group setting with the support of our college counselors. Make the most of your summer and get a jumpstart on your college applications by signing up today for our Admissions Workshop or our College Essay Workshop or both! All workshops are held at our Concord campus. Please call 888.747.2382, ext. 119 to register. The cost is $25.00 per workshop.

Looking for something a little closer to home? Ask your school counseling office if they are hosting a boot camp or college prep workshop at your high school this summer!

And there is more help available! After May 1st, our college counselors are available for individual appointments at our Concord campus to help you and your family start to develop a list of colleges you may want to visit over the summer. Our counselors can outline the college admissions process for you as well. We are also here throughout the summer to help you with the funding options process. Call 888.747.2382, ext. 119 for an appointment.

Planning to Enroll in a Four‑Year Program?

Students who are planning to enroll in a four‑year degree program are eligible to apply for the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation' (NHCF) Statewide Student Aid Scholarship Program. Scholarships awarded based on financial need, academic merit and other non-academic factors such as community service, school activities and work experience. These scholarships are competitive. Applications are due Friday, April 12, 2019 at 5 p.m. Apply Now!

Considering a Certificate Program or Two‑Year Degree?

Also available through the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation (NHCF) is the Career Aid for Technical Students (CATs) Scholarship. Academic excellence is not a factor in selecting candidates for these awards; however, students are expected to demonstrate reasonable achievement and a commitment to their chosen field of study. For more information about how to apply for this NHCF scholarship, click here. Applications are due Monday, June 17, 2019 at 5 p.m.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Take note, juniors! The CollegeBoard and Khan Academy have teamed up to revolutionize the way millions of students get ready for the SAT. Get free test practice with your own personalized study plan and see improvement in as little as 15 minutes per day. Linking your accounts will further personalize your practice: the practice recommendations provided by Khan Academy will be based on your SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and/or PSAT 8/9 results.

To link your CollegeBoard and Khan Academy accounts:

Step 1: Log in to or create your Khan Academy account at satpractice.org.
Step 2: When prompted, agree to link your Khan Academy and CollegeBoard accounts.
Step 3: Sign in or create your College Board Account and hit “Send” to send your scores.

Do you know a NH resident that is currently a college sophomore or junior who demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities and academic talent? Do you think they could use $5,000 toward next year’s college costs?

Our College Equals Opportunity (CEO) scholarship campaign is a public awareness and scholarship campaign which involves successful business leaders from New Hampshire companies. Each member shares stories about their college experiences, some of the challenges they faced along the way and the opportunities college presented. The program also provides significant scholarship dollars to deserving college students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities and academic talent. Since the program began awarding scholarships in 2005, $400,000 has been awarded to 101 college students from New Hampshire

Qualified candidates will:

Be a NH Resident, although may attend college out-of-state.
Be enrolled as a full‑time student.
Be a college ‘junior’ or ‘senior’ grade level by fall 2019 and must be enrolled for entire 2019‑2020 academic year.
Be an applicant for financial aid (Filed FAFSA for upcoming school year).
Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher at the time of application.

We expect to award between 10 to 12 $5,000 scholarships in May 2019, and the deadline to apply is Friday, April 19, 2019. Click here to apply or to learn more!

“I Am College Bound” Promo of the Month

New Hampshire high school students are encouraged to enter the “I Am College Bound” Promo of the Month Contest. If you correctly answer our college admissions or financial aid quiz question, you will be entered to win one (1) of two (2) $25 Amazon gift cards! Enter each month for your chance to win!

The “College Bound” campaign provides New Hampshire high school students with the inspiration, information and planning support to pursue higher education goals. The Center for College Planning (CCP) team especially encourages low income students, their parents and their mentors to recognize that New Hampshire campuses and the U.S. Department of Education offer strong financial aid programs which enable eligible individuals to access financial assistance in paying for education beyond high school.

For the latest college admissions and financial aid information, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, and check out the NHHEAF Channel on YouTube! And catch up on reading our recent Varsity Letter issues here.