Did you know most New Hampshire high school students can become a New Hampshire Scholar? New Hampshire Scholars is a community-based program encouraging students to take a more rigorous core course of study in high school. Students in grades 9 through 12 may currently choose from four possible pathways as a NH Scholar, the original NH Scholars Standard Core Course of Study, the NH Scholars STEM Emphasis, the NH Scholars Art Emphasis, and the NH Scholar Career Pathway.

Why should you become a NH Scholar? Colleges across the country are familiar with this program and recognize State Scholars through the transcript review process. Colleges in New Hampshire also recognize this program and encourage high school students to pursue this rigorous curriculum while in high school. In terms of financial aid, students are more likely to be awarded merit aid by completing a rigorous core curriculum and excelling in that course of study. View the entire list of scholarship opportunities at New Hampshire colleges here.

In addition to speaking with your school counselor about this program, students may also register here with their intent to graduate with the NH Scholars distinction and receive information regarding the program, recognition and scholarship opportunities. And juniors and seniors, it's not too late to ask your school counselor how you can benefit from this program! Ask today!

We have 15 easy-to-use online calculators you are welcome to use as you plan for college! From the Student Loan Calculator which can help you estimate monthly student loan payments to the Student Loan Debt and Expected Salary Calculator which provides a limited snapshot of what type of future income may be needed to manage student loan payments, these tools are free to use and may help your family have important discussions about planning and paying for college.

As always, the Center for College Planning counselors are available to help your family discuss options for paying for college! Call to make an appointment today - 888.747.2382, extension 119.

High school seniors - it's time to file your 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)! These four quick tips will get you started:

Tip #1: In order to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for your first year of college, 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 future federal student loan applications. For tips on setting up your FSA ID, click here.

Tip #2: Although most students will have to include parent financial information on the FAFSA, the FAFSA itself belongs to the student. The parent FSA ID can be used to access some parental information but in order to log into the FAFSA and have complete access to both student and parent information, you must log in with the student's FSA ID.

Tip #3: If you have an idea of the schools you plan to apply to, but you have not actually applied yet, it's okay! You may submit the FAFSA even if you have not applied for admission to the college. You will need to list at least one college on your FAFSA to successfully complete the filing process for this important financial aid form, but you can always add additional schools as you finalize your college list.

Tip #4: The Center for College Planning (CCP) helps New Hampshire families file the FAFSA throughout the year in our Concord office. Call us at 888.747.2382, x119 to schedule a free, 60-minute appointment today! During a FAFSA filing appointment, we also discuss possible funding and scholarship options for you and your family.

WHAT: 21st Annual Destination College - New Hampshire's Statewide College Planning Convention for High School Juniors & Parents

WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 2020, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Hosted by, and at, Saint Anselm College

The Organizations' signature event is designed to help high school juniors and their families prepare for entry into college. This annual statewide college preparation convention is held every spring through collaborative efforts between The NHHEAF Network Organizations and the New Hampshire colleges and universities. All of the day's events are FREE to students and parents.

Attendees will have access to a variety of free college planning workshops such as “Creative Ways to Manage the Cost of College,” “The Write Stuff,” and “Paths to Choosing a College Major.” In addition, over 60 colleges and universities from across New England will be on-hand as part of our annual college fair. We've got a great contest for a $500 scholarship for participating students as well! Registration is required for this event, and will open in mid-January 2020.

This is a great way to explore the beautiful campus of Saint Anselm College and get yourself in the driver's seat as you begin planning for college!

The Red Sox Foundation will award a $1,000 scholarship in 75 public high schools in New Hampshire in 2020. That's right, $1,000 each in 75 public high schools! Scholarship criteria includes academic performance, demonstrated community service and eligibility for financial aid. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 17, 2020, and while the application is comprehensive, just how cool would it be to be awarded a scholarship from the Boston Red Sox?