I Am College Bound / I Applied

I Am College Bound: I Applied

New Hampshire's I Am College Bound: I Applied campaign assists high school seniors with navigating the college admissions process. Students are invited to a dedicated school day event that provides direct support from local higher education professionals and their school’s faculty, staff, and administration. Working with these volunteers, students receive guidance and encouragement to submit at least one college admission application.

In support of I Applied, colleges and universities around the state waive application fees for students who submit applications during the event. The incentive both increases college access and drives applications for NH schools. In addition, the New Hampshire Department of Education, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the New Hampshire Association of Financial Aid Administrators, and the NHHEAF Network also provide scholarships to participating students, with each school receiving one $500 scholarship to award to a participating student at their discretion. Students are also provided extensive follow up support and materials to complete their college journey.

The NHHEAF Network launched I Am College Bound with I Applied in 2014, partnering with six public high schools and volunteers from around the state to help 264 students submit 533 college applications. Each year since, the program has expanded to include more high schools, students, and volunteers to support them.  In 2021, the I Am College Bound: I Applied campaign facilitated events at 57 high schools serving more than 1,637 students across New Hampshire. Students submitted 3,932 applications, with the vast majority (3,563) going to in-state schools. For the fifth year in a row, all New Hampshire colleges and universities offered free college applications during I Applied events. Participating students benefitted from over $152,000 in waived college application fees. 

This statewide initiative is facilitated by the NHHEAF Network and supported by the New Hampshire Department of Education, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the New Hampshire College and University Council, the Community College System of New Hampshire, the University System of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire School Counselors Association and the New Hampshire Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

For more information about this program, please contact the Center for College Planning by email or at 603.227.5444 .