New Hampshire Next 2016

2016-2017

new hampshire

Your Guide to Life After High School

Prepare for the road ahead

A specialty publication of Parenting New Hampshire

2 | www.nhnext.com

nh next 2016-2017 | 3

next 2016-2017

welcome!

new hampshire

your guide to life after high school PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER:

Sharron McCarthy, x5117 smccarthy@mcleancommunications.com EDITOR:

Melanie Hitchcock, x5157 editor@parentingnh.com GROUP advertising SALES director:

Kimberly Lencki, x5154 klencki@mcleancommunications.com PRODUCTION MANAGER:

Jodie Hall, x5122 jhall@nhbr.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER:

Nancy Tichanuk, x5116 ntichanuk@mcleancommunications.com MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES:

Barbara Gallaher, x5156 bgallaher@parentingnh.com

Dear Students,

I

t’s never too early to start thinking about the answer to this question: What do you want to do after you graduate high school?

Whether you already have a career goal in mind or are still trying to figure out what career would suit your strengths, you have a lot of decisions to make. It is easy to get overwhelmed.

The goal of NH Next: Your Guide to Life after High School is to give you information to help get you started on your journey to figuring out who you are and who you want to be, whether you are off to college, to work, or somewhere in between.

In the 2016-17 edition of NH Next you’ll read articles about the college admissions process written by a current post-graduate student, financial aid information from The NHHEAF Network Organizations, what you should do if you decide to take a gap year, Career Technical Education (CTE) and how it can help you get a high-paying job, as well as how to build your resume while you are still in high school — and more.

Please know you aren’t on this journey alone. Your high school guidance counselors, teachers, and of course your parents are great people to talk to as you look at life after high school. They can point you in the right direction and give you additional resources and support as you make that significant transition into adulthood.

The best advice I ever received is to love what you do and do what you love. I wish you the best of luck in figuring out what your passion is and how to make a living doing it. I did it, and so can you.

Melanie Hitchcock Editor, NH Next: Your Guide to Life After High School

4 | www.nhnext.com

Debbie Birch, x5133 dbirch@parentingnh.com OFFICE MANAGER:

Mista McDonnell, x5114 mmcdonnell@nhbr.com EVENT & MARKETING MANAGER:

Erica Baglieri, x5125 ebaglieri@mcleancommunications.com BUSINESS & SALES COORDINATOR:

Heather Rood, x5110 hrood@mcleancommunications.com DIGITAL MEDIA Specialist:

Morgen Connor, x5149 mconnor@mcleancommunications.com

NH Next is published each fall by McLean Communications 150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 624-1442, fax (603) 624-1310 nhnext.com Please forward any inquiries or correspondence to 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101. For editorial information, please call (603) 624-1442, x5157.

To find out how to advertise in the 2017-2018 edition of NH Next, or on the NH Next website, nhnext.com, call (603) 624-1442, x5154. ©2016 McLean Communications, LLc All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is not allowed. Articles and advertisements in NH Next do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by NH Next does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

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nh next 2016-2017 | 5

contents 4 Welcome!

8 Should I take a gap year?

12 Build your resume while

still in high school

14 Will you be commuting

to college?

16 Not your parent’s

vocational education

18 The college application

21 Which admission tests

do I need to take?

22 Financial aid Q&A 25 Creative options to reduce

college costs

28 Postsecondary education

options in NH and college application timeline

30 Resources

process

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Not everyone knows what they want to do when they grow up — but it’s never too early to start imagining your possibilities. And at the University of New Hampshire, the possibilities are endless.

Just like you, UNH students are talented, lively and creative. They have dreams for their futures, and they know UNH is determined to bring those dreams to life.

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Our graduates go on to become doctors, movie directors, teachers, lawyers, engineers, business owners, journalists. Their time at UNH took them to the edge of possible, guided by professors who are experts in their fields and invested in the success of their students.

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nh next 2016-2017 | 7

Should I take a

N

ot every teen goes directly to college after high school.

Many students decide to take time off for what is often referred to as a gap year.

“There are so many options for how to fill your gap year — from volunteering and AmeriCorps to military service or full-time employment,” said Pamela Carr, assistant principal at Seacoast School of Technology in Exeter.

She said other considerations include attending a trade school or taking an apprenticeship for a year. “Learning a trade through a formalized program like a trade school or apprenticeship allows you to truly experience a career and allows

gap yea

you to see what it takes to be successful in that profession,” she added.

Additional possibilities include programs like Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOFing) or Work Away, although there are costs involved.

Andrea Badger, director, College and Career Advising at High Mowing School in Wilton, said programs like AmeriCorps or Student Conservation Association, however, are tuition-free.

“They offer wonderful possibilities for personal growth and for having an impact on the world,” she said. “There are also programs where students can earn college credit for their gap year experience.”

For more information Gap Year programs: www.usagapyearfairs.org/programs American Gap Association: www.americangap.org World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms: www.wwoof.net Corporation for National & Community Service (includes information on programs such as AmeriCorps): www.nationalservice.gov Peace Corps: www.peacecorps.gov How to join the military: www.todaysmilitary.com City Year New Hampshire: www.cityyear.org/newhampshire

8 | www.nhnext.com More gap year programs: www.nhheaf.org (click on planning for college)

The benefits

Zanna Blaney, dean of student services at Bedford High

School, cited numerous benefits to taking a gap year, including time to save money and to grow both personally and academically.

“Some young adults just aren’t ready for the full or typical college experience when they are 18,” she said. “Some students need time to mature a bit and discover what it is they want to devote themselves to in the next phase of life.”

For those who may need to improve their academic record, she said New Hampshire’s community colleges offer substantial value.

“Students can take a few ‘gen eds’ each semester to strengthen their academic skills and ‘portfolio,’ while still living in the comfort of home with that familiar support and most likely at a fraction of the cost,” she said.

For those who live in a small town, Jennifer Chapman, school counselor at Moultonborough Academy, said a

ear?

If you aren’t quite ready for college, make the most of your time before you go

By Rob Levey

gap year can provide an eye-opening experience to expand their world-view. “It can help a student narrow in on what they want to study in college, or it can help a student define their plan,” she said. “Students who do a gap year can really learn a lot about themselves, because it is a break from the more prescribed, traditional path they have been on.”

The pitfalls

Carr said it is important that students consider the long-term implications should they elect to take a gap year. “For some,” she cautioned, “it can lead them down the path to full-time work without a plan for more

education, so it is important for anyone considering a gap year to truly contemplate their reason for it.”

Blaney agreed and noted the short-term goal to save money in a gap year often does not exactly pan out.

“When considering the cost of tuition and room and board at most New England colleges, one more year of saving from a job paying minimum wage may not be worth the sacrifice of interrupting their academic path,” she said.

Blaney said another possible pitfall is keeping a gap year to one year, as she noted many students become overwhelmed trying to apply to college on their own.

“When they are seniors in high school, all of their peers

are writing college essays and filling out applications,” she said. “They are surrounded by teachers willing to write a letter of recommendation and a school counselor who can easily send out several transcripts.”

She said when students are away from that environment, however, time can sometimes slip away. For students who feel a gap year is in their best interest, she said she always encourages them to apply to college along with their peers.

“This way, the student may have the option to defer for a year,” she said. “They can send a deposit to the college they plan to attend and the institution will hold a spot for matriculation in the year after.”

Blaney said gap years sometimes yield unanticipated results, as she cited

“

A gap year can offer wonderful possibilities for personal growth and for having an impact on the world.

”

— Andrea Badger, director, College and Career Advising at High Mowing School in Wilton

nh next 2016-2017 | 9

“

There are so many options for how to fill your gap year — from volunteering and AmeriCorps to military service or full-time employment.

”

— Pamela Carr, assistant principal at Seacoast School of Technology in Exeter

two cases where students traveled around the world only to return and “completely change their path in life.”

“They decided to no longer attend their original school,” she said. “In these cases, the students lose the deposit, but can still apply to colleges that are better suited for what they decided is their new path today — nothing is lost.”

The plan

According to Chapman, the key is to have a plan. “If you want to work, where are you going to work?” she said. “Getting a job that is more

“

It can help a student narrow in on what they want to study in college, or it can help a student define their plan.

in line with your interests will be much more beneficial than continuing to work at a fast-food restaurant, for example.”

In advising students, Chapman said she asks them to remain open to meeting people and learning from others.

“I have had some students say they want to travel for the year,” she said. “In this instance, we usually need to talk about finances, and students will end up working part of the year and traveling for a short time. A few students have also looked into the WWOOF program or other more defined

”

— Jennifer Chapman, school counselor at Moultonborough Academy in Moultonborough

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travel programs so they have some structure.”

Carr agreed and added, “If you experience [the gap year] ‘on the fly,’ you may just find yourself hanging on the couch when you could be volunteering, traveling, or learning a trade. In order to make your gap year productive and meaningful, you need to plan and carefully plot how you are going to spend your time. How this time is spent will lead you on the career path of your dreams.”

Rob Levey is a freelance writer based in New Hampshire.

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Build your resume

while still in high school

Experiences outside the classroom can help you get into college or get a job

By Rob Levey

A

strong academic record is critical when it comes to applying for college, but the strongest student “resumes” also incorporate experiences outside the classroom.

Zanna Blaney, dean of student services at Bedford High School, said the key for students is to look for opportunities in which they have a genuine interest.

“Do what you’re passionate about,” she said.

“Don’t just join activities because they ‘look good.’

Join them because you care. Join because you enjoy it and it enriches your life.”

Jennifer Chapman, school counselor at Moultonborough Academy agreed and added, “Students need to follow their passions, not just join clubs to bolster their resume. It shows to a college if you have a long list of things you don’t do well compared to a list of overlapping interests and involvements.”

Blaney cited her own experience working in college admissions as proof that colleges are savvy when it comes to researching a student’s resume.

“I all too often saw resumes that were several pages long, which seemed impressive,” she said.

“However, when I took a closer look I would see one-year commitments in many activities or just volunteering with a group on a single Saturday morning. This type of resume doesn’t paint a picture of a student looking to impact his or her

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community, but a student eager to impress.”

Also emphasizing quality over quantity, Andrea Badger, director of College and Career Advising at High Mowing School in Wilton, said the best kinds of out-of-classroom experiences yield profound benefits for students, too.

“Extracurriculars, work, and service opportunities

are great ways for young people to find out more about themselves while also learning job or life skills, such as cooperation and conflict resolution,” she said. “They also help to build self-esteem.”

Chapman said diversification of experiences is their mantra to students at Moultonborough Academy.

“Throughout the year, we encourage students to do job-shadows, take challenging classes, take online classes, earn college credits through the Running Start program, and stay involved in sports and other activities that make you an interesting person,” she said.

Chapman said there are a variety of summer programs that enable students to pursue career interests that are otherwise unavailable at school.

She said that just having a steady part-time job can speak volumes to a college admissions department. “It shows colleges and employers that you have responsibility and can relate to people,” she said.

Blaney agreed and said, “Some students have to help pay the bills for their family or can’t afford to belong to expensive sports programs and are concerned that they don’t have a good resume—that’s wrong. If a student is dedicated to the same after-school job throughout high school, that’s impressive.”

Pamela Carr, assistant principal at Seacoast School of Technology in Exeter, said other resume-building activities include getting involved in student government, the school’s community service club, or the school newspaper and/ or yearbook. She said additional opportunities may also be available at area churches, local recreation departments, Kiwanis Club or Rotary.

“Your objective should be to show colleges or employers how ready you are to start working towards your career goals,” she said. “Just make sure you pick activities that you are truly interested in, as you will excel in them because you want to be there. You will build relationships with people who can then serve as references for you in the future and gain experiences that will prepare you for success in the future.”

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Find the balance Regardless of how a student looks to build his or her resume for college, substantial thought should be put into it. While extracurricular experiences are increasingly important, Badger noted students should not neglect their grades.

“In the college application process, extracurricular activities matter, but

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Even with that said, Blaney said balance in this day and age is critical, as the college admissions process has become increasingly competitive. “Every year, Ivy League schools deny admission to valedictorians,” she said. “Often times, this can be because the student is just that — only a student…Of course, colleges need to be sure that a student is a good academic fit for their programs, but how the student will impact their campus community is also very important.”

In finding that balance, Blaney said she has seen some students spread themselves too thin trying to do too much. She said that in these cases both the student and the program ends up suffering.

“I love the athlete that is in the fall production, works on the weekends and wants to create a new club at school,” she said. “However, I caution that student that they still need to earn strong grades, be social and get some rest...

Striking the balance of what works for each student needs to be individually considered.”

Rob Levey is a freelance writer based in New Hampshire.

We are now enrolling applicants ages 16 and up for classes beginning soon.

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Financial Assistance options and 100% tuition reimbursement available to those who qualify!

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Will you be

commuting to

school?

How you can get involved at your college or university

B

eing a college student isn’t easy, but it’s even harder when you commute to college. As a commuter student you may find it difficult to keep abreast of important information on campus, to connect with other students, and find accommodations on campus in between classes. The following tips will help you become more connected to your school.

 Research commuter programs on your campus. Some colleges and

universities offer programs specifically designed to help commuter students ease the anxiety of being disconnected to the campus. These programs offer services such as websites, newsletters or emails with current information for commuter students; commuter lounges, lockers, weekly gatherings for socialization, etc. You can check with your school’s student services center to find out what programs are available for commuter students.

 Get involved in student organizations. Just because you commute to school doesn’t mean that you can’t be involved in organizations and clubs on campus.

Getting involved in student organizations is a great way to meet new people and form friendships with your classmates. Furthermore, by being involved in student organizations, you will become more knowledgeable about what is going on around campus and thus feel more connected to it.

 Participate in intramurals. Become connected to your school and stay fit at

the same time by participating in intramurals on your campus. Instead of driving back home as soon as your classes are over, get involved in your campus’s intra-

14 | www.nhnext.com

mural programs to meet new people. Many colleges offer student-led intramural programs such as flag football, indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball, karate, dance, etc.

 Form study groups. To become connected to your

classmates, form study groups with them. Ask some of your peers if they would like to meet at the library or at a local coffee shop to go over class notes before a big test.

You may even bond over the stress of the upcoming test and decide to hang out during free time.

 Work on campus. Working on campus gives you more of an opportunity to meet people and start a campus network. By spending that extra time on campus, you would also be more aware of campus activities in which you could be involved.

Community Colleges

NH’s

Seven colleges across the state offer dozens of associate degree and certificate programs that make for one great college experience.

Whether you want to continue on to a four-year college to complete a bachelor’s degree or enter a wide range of interesting fields, NH’s community colleges will help you find your path.

 Attend commuter forums. Many campuses hold

Berlin

forums specific to commuter issues. Forum topics can range from off-campus security to campus parking to balancing a commuter schedule. Attending these forums will help you with your daily tasks of being a commuter as well as allow you to meet other commuters.

Littleton Academic Center

 Spend time in the residence halls. At some col-

leges and universities, commuter students are allowed to stay overnight in the campus residence halls, if they have them. Some campus residence halls try to make one room available per semester for short-term overnight stays.

Check with your school to see if this service is offered and what guidelines should be followed. Spending time in the residence halls will allow you to become acquainted with your classmates who live on campus.

When you just go to class and then go home, feeling a part of your college community is no easy task. By getting involved on campus and making the effort to meet new people, you will become more connected to your school and make commuting to college much more interesting.

Reprinted with permission from eCampusTours.com — a college planning website featuring 360-degree virtual tours of over 1,300 campuses nationwide. Sponsored by Edsouth Services. Copyright 2014-15. All rights reserved.

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Not your parent’s CTE prepares students for a high-wage, high-skilled job after high school

vocation

By Rob Levey

W

hile many high school students apply to and enroll in a traditional four-year college or university, there are other options. Research shows that the demand for “middle skills” jobs that require more education and training than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year college degree, is higher than ever.

“In the next 10 to 20 years, there are going to be more jobs in this ‘middle area’ than in any other sector of the labor market,” said Steve Rothenberg, board president of the New Hampshire Career and Technical Administrators. “This is what makes Career and Technical Education so important in New Hampshire — it fills that very real need now and in the future.”

According to Lisa Danley, director of the Cheshire Career Center in Keene, CTE in secondary schools is substantially different than what existed for parents of today’s high-schoolers. Today’s CTE programs are what parents may have referred to as vocational education during their schooling. However, CTE is not so much an educational end as it is a pathway, she said.

By working directly with business leaders to identify employment gaps, she said CTE can prepare students for a solid job after high school, while at the same time laying the groundwork for their long-term future.

Diverse career pathways Whereas the traditional conception of CTE programs is narrow, the reality is they are incredibly diverse. Offered at 30 high school Centers across the state, current CTE programs range from construction, automotive technology and welding to graphic design, health professions, accounting, business, child development and information technology. (For the list of 30 schools, go to www.nh-cte.org/schools) “High-school students can start working on their journeyman hours in a CTE program and acquire their apprentice license, or they can earn certificates in health care or IT-related fields” said Jen Haskins, director of Career and Technical Education at Pinkerton Academy in Derry. “There is no one kind of student that can benefit from career and technical education.”

Tracy Untiet, assistant director of Career and Technical Education at Pinkerton Academy, agreed and said certificates earned while in a CTE program — an LNA (Licensed Nursing Assistant) or EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), for example — are often viewed as a stepping stone.

“It can get students a job right out of high school and into a paying job

16 | www.nhnext.com

onal education

while they pursue their education,” she said. “That certificate also can knock out a lot of time in the post-secondary school setting…Less time in school means a lot less expense.”

“The Community College System of NH has introduced ‘65 by 25’ to help ensure that 65 percent of adults, 25 and older in New Hampshire, will have some form of post-secondary education by 2025,” Beth Doiron, director of College Access and DoE Programs at the Community College System of New Hampshire, said.

According to Doiron, working closely with high schools and CTE programs in particular is critical to the initiative’s success. One program, Running Start, has already proven quite successful, as it allows high school students to take Community College System of NH courses for college credit.

“In some CTE programs, a student can take up to 12 college credits during high school and could be three-quarters of the way toward a certificate or just a semester away from getting an associate’s degree,” she said.

Cognitive rigor For students interested in challenging themselves for any number of

possible careers, there may be no better opportunity than within a CTE program, according to Kirsten Soroko, curriculum and instruction coordinator at Pinkerton Academy. Soroko, who also trains CTE teachers statewide in best practices, cited one instructional tool, the Cognitive Rigor Matrix, as just one example of the strength of CTE programming statewide.

“Using the Matrix as a way to build complexity, teachers help students to build process and inquiry rather than just rote memorization,” she said. “The idea is to help students build their own connections and transfer the information into other aspects of their lives.”

As for why this is relevant for students, Doug Cullen, founding president of the Vermont/New Hampshire Career Development Association, said such an instructional paradigm shift better prepares them for sustainable success.

“We want students to solve non-routine problems and be able to think outside the box,” he said.

“Take a computer at a kiosk, for example. It can help anyone with a routine issue. If anything goes wrong, though, there is a person behind it who can solve a problem…We are working to help students creatively solve problems in real-world applications and working with industry to take advantage of that.”

In looking ahead at the future or CTE in New Hampshire, Cullen said the key is to help both students and the general population understand its importance to the economy as a whole.

“CTE represents a chance for students to not just understand the practical ‘what’ in an industry,” he said. “Cognitive rigor doesn’t teach students what or how to think, it teaches them to think deeply—that’s an important skill in any industry.”

Rob Levey is a freelance writer based in New Hampshire.

CTE FAQs How much does it cost?

There is no cost to the student or to their family to enroll in a CTE program.

On average, a two-year Career and Technical Education program costs approximately $8,000 more than standard high school tuition. This is paid by the state and/or the student’s home school district.

Do Career and Technical Education students earn a high school diploma?

Yes. Career and Technical Education students are enrolled in both their home high school and at their local Center. They must meet all of their high school’s requirements for graduation. Because they are highly motivated, CTE students’ graduation rates are high.

What types of jobs and careers do CTE students train for?

Career and Technical Education has evolved since most students’ parents were in high school. Training for traditional blue-collar jobs like construction, automotive technology or welding is still offered. Program options have expanded, however, to white-collar jobs like graphic design, health professions, accounting, business, child development and information technology.

See your Center’s course catalog for details.

What types of job opportunities are available for CTE students?

Careers are available to those with career and technical education credentials pay well. Many employees with hands-on experience and a certificate will actually earn more than bachelor’s degree holders or college graduates with advanced degrees. According to studies by Georgetown’s Center on Education and the Workforce, 27 percent of young workers with licenses and certificates out-earn bachelor’s degree holders, and 31 percent of young workers with associate’s degrees earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree.

— Courtesy of New Hampshire Career & Technical Education (www.nh-cte.org)

nh next 2016-2017 | 17

The college

application process

(From someone who’s been there)

By Raleigh McElvery

T

he college application process is like a scavenger hunt. There are treasures out there — or so you’ve been told — and you need to find them.

You collect SAT scores, notable accomplishments, teacher recommendations and the like, checking them off your list as you go along.

But, wait! That’s not quite right… Let me start again.

The college application process is like a roller coaster. There are ups and downs and terrifying momentum. There are people all around you going through the same thing, and yet your experience is all your own. There are times when you think, “I can’t wait to get off this thing.” And other times when you marvel that you are actually doing it.

No, that’s not it, either. OK, I think I’ve got it this time.

The college application process is like a corn maze — with all sorts of twisty, confusing paths. Some lead to where you want to be; others go nowhere.

18 | www.nhnext.com

While you are busy navigating the maze, the sun is setting on your senior year. So there is a sense of urgency to find the right path, or you might find yourself wandering aimlessly in the dark.

But, senior year is fun, right?

It’s true, you are at the apex of your high school career and others look up to you. But, there’s just so much to do. My advice to you — whether you feel like you are on a scavenger hunt, riding a roller coaster or navigating a corn maze — is to pace yourself. If graduation is the finish line and college is the trophy, you need to plan your race so you don’t burn out in the first mile. And there, I’ve done it: I’ve added yet another metaphor to this essay. Senior year makes you think (and write) that way!

Back to the pacing advice. The key is to start early. Go look at colleges any chance you can, beginning in the fall of your junior year, if possible. If you do start early, think: blue sky. Don’t limit your choices right off the bat. Do you want a big school or a small one? Rural or urban? Don’t just ask yourself; go look at one of each.

Near or far? Perhaps you can’t drive across country to look at colleges, but you can figure out how far away from home you want to be. Will the comfort of being able to come home frequently during your freshman year make a

difference in how that first year goes? Or are you ready to leave home and never look back? Travel is expensive so you’ll need to factor that into your college costs.

They say that you get a “feeling” when you visit the right college. I scoffed at this until it happened to me. There were some colleges that looked good on paper (or on their website), but felt wrong when I got on campus. Some felt unfriendly, others too competitive. I knew when I saw stressed expressions on students’ faces that I was at a school that wouldn’t work for me.

On the other hand, when it seemed that all I saw were party posters on the bulletin boards, I knew I was on a campus that wasn’t right for me either.

Once you’ve seen a few schools, you’ll begin to know what to look for.

When you visit them, be sure to take the college tour and listen to the presentation from the admissions office. Most importantly, have a meal in the cafeteria. That’s the only way to tell what the students actually eat, and how they talk and interact. Check out the bulletin boards, see a dorm room, and ask about everything that is important to you. Are the dorms co-ed? Will you be crammed into a triple that should really be a double? Do most students

nh next 2016-2017 | 19

Tutoring and Test Preparation

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graduate in four years? Does financial aid carry over from year to year?

When you’ve narrowed your choices, see how likely it is that you’ll be accepted. No sense applying to a school you can’t get in to, unless you know it will be a “reach” and can accept the possibility of rejection.

The most useful rule of thumb that I learned was to apply to a minimum of six schools: two that you know you can get into (because your grades and test scores are above those colleges’ averages), two that you can probably get into (because you are right in the middle on test scores), and two that you hope to get into (because your qualifications are on the low end of their acceptance standards).

Choose your six or more schools based on the programs they offer, and don’t be sucked in by the Ivy League (or mini-Ivy) label. After all, even the best school won’t be good for you if you can’t succeed there, or if they don’t teach what you want to learn.

But what if you don’t know what you want to learn? Pick a school with lots of options. That way, if you enter college undecided about your future plans, you won’t have to transfer once you figure it out. Remember, there will be an opportunity to try things at a larger school that a small school might not offer.

And what about those pesky tests? Even schools that say you don’t need them are likely to look at them if you score well. So take your first round of tests in the winter or spring of your junior year. If you do poorly, consider a test-prep program. They can be pricey, but often raise your test scores considerably. Consider that cost as an investment in your future.

Finish up your testing in the fall or early winter of your senior year. You’ll be busy with applications by then, so be sure to have a round or two of scores under your belt before you get too far into your senior year.

This brings us to the application part of this essay. The Common App (www.commonapp.org) is an online college application that most schools use. It is up and running in August, just before the start of your senior year.

You can go online and take a look at the things required by most colleges.

Many colleges have a “supplement” they will want you to fill out, along with the Common App. These often contain additional essay questions for you to answer.

And of course there is the most important essay of all: THE college essay.

A good idea is to tackle this in the summer before your senior year. Why? Because no matter how busy your summer seems, it won’t be as full as your senior year. Don’t second-guess yourself; college admissions officers read thousands of these essays each year, so write from experience. It’s more important to share a real piece of yourself than to attempt to portray yourself as something you are not. Don’t forget, this is about you — not your trip to Alaska or your best friend’s dog. The goal is to show who you are and why the college of your dreams should admit you.

Lastly, to find your way through the college corn maze, make yourself a map. It’s easy to be confused by the multitude of deadlines and different requirements for each college. Just make a list — or better, a chart — of whoneeds-what-when. The application process then becomes a checklist instead of a crazy mishmash of too much to do.

Finally: breathe! You’ll find your way through the maze, I promise. When you do, you’ll look back and say, “Whew! I did it!”

Good luck!

Raleigh McElvery made it through the maze and successfully applied to Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. She graduated in May 2016 with a degree in Neuroscience. She is currently a graduate student at MIT in Cambridge, Mass.

Which

T

admission do I need tests to take?

here are a few different standardized college admission tests. The word standardized means that the test measures the same thing in the same way for everyone who takes it. The results of these tests help colleges determine how well prepared you are for college-level work.

Some colleges ask applicants to take a specific test.

The SAT and the ACT Most four-year colleges require that students submit SAT or ACT scores. Here’s how each of these tests is structured:

 The SAT has three major sections: math, reading and writing (which includes a written essay).

The ACT has four major sections: English, math,  reading and science (and an optional essay section).

When to take the test These facts may help with your planning:

  

Most students take the SAT or ACT for the first time in the spring of junior year.

Students who choose to take the SAT or ACT a second time typically do so in the fall of senior year.

SAT Subject Tests are best taken directly following relevant courses, while the material from class is still fresh in your mind. But you can take them at any time during high school.

Collegeboard.org. Copyright © 2016.

The College Board. Reproduced with permission.

SAT Subject Tests Subject Tests are hour-long, content-based tests that allow you to showcase achievement in specific subject areas.

There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, math and science.

Some colleges require or recommend that you take SAT Subject Tests.

Even if a college does not recommend Subject Tests, you can use them to enhance your application and demonstrate knowledge you’ve gained outside the classroom.

Some colleges also use Subject Tests to place students into the appropriate courses. If you perform well on the tests, you may fulfill basic requirements or get credit for — and possibly place out of — introductory-level courses.

nh next 2016-2017 | 21

Financial Aid T

he total cost for attending college includes tuition, fees, room and board, as well as an allowance for personal expenses, such as travel, laundry and the occasional pizza. Most college catalogs and websites include the “cost of attendance,” but also check out publications specifically from the college’s financial aid office. You can also access a net price calculator on the colleges’ financial aid websites to get a better idea of how much college will cost your family after accounting for financial aid.

Q: What is a net price calculator and how can it help me?

To make it easier for prospective students to figure out how much it will actually cost them to go to college (sticker price versus their actual cost), Congress passed a higher education law that, among other things,

22 | www.nhnext.com

Scholarship opportunities in your backyard Ninety percent of all scholarships come from local community organizations. There are a lot of great resources and websites available to help you find local opportunities. Take a look at some of the more popular resources available to help you find free money.

The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation (www.nhcf. org) annually distributes more than $5 million in grant aid and loans to more than 1,700 New Hampshire students.

This is the largest source of independent student aid in New Hampshire. More than 300 separate funds have been established by individuals, families, organizations and businesses, all to support higher education. While most of the scholarships and loans are awarded to students entering college, already in college or pursuing a graduate degree, the foundation continually looks for new ways to deliver scholarship services to non-traditional adult students returning to school or exploring training opportunities.

Dollars for Scholars (www.scholarshipamerica.org) is a national network of 1,000 community-based, volunteer-driven scholarship foundations in cities, towns and neighborhoods

throughout the United States. Founded in 1958, Dollars for Scholars is the largest-standing Scholarship America Program. Dollars for Scholars Chapters awards millions of dollars in scholarships each year to thousands of students.

Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation (www.lrscholarship.org) has awarded more than $4.6 million in scholarships to more than 4,300 recipients since 1956.

Consider a parent’s (or relatives’) workplace. Look at local awards from civic organizations. Search for awards from private trusts.

Many local organizations provide scholarships to local high schools and libraries.

The School Counseling Office at your high school will post many local scholarship opportunities. National Websites also offer some local opportunities. Check with National Search Databases such as www.fastweb.com and www.collegeboard.org.

requires all colleges to offer a net price calculator on their websites. Essentially, it allows prospective students to get detailed estimates of their out-of-pocket costs as well as their eligibility for financial aid long before they file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Q: Why should I apply for financial aid?

Federal and institutional money can help you and your family meet some of the costs of postsecondary education. Aid can be based on several criteria including family income, student academics or program of study. Even if you think you might not qualify, you should still apply; many students and their families don’t apply and miss their chance at receiving aid. Before filing the FAFSA, many parents want to know how colleges will assess their financial situation.

Go to www.studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/estimate to get an early calculation on your Expected Family Contribution. The EFC is the amount of money the FAFSA determines that the student and his/her family can contribute toward the cost of one year of college. Essentially, the EFC represents the minimum you will have to pay based on your family’s needs.

Q: How do I apply for financial aid?

To be considered eligible for financial aid (including need-based federal aid, grants, loans and work-study) students and their families must fill out the FAFSA. Colleges and universities use this application to determine how much aid students are eligible to receive. The FAFSA can be completed starting Oct. 1 of the year BEFORE you intend to enroll in school and must include your parents’ federal tax-return information from the previous year.

Courtesy of the Center for College Planning at The NHHEAF Network Organizations

If you have concerns about getting parental support through the process, contact the Center for College Planning. Our college counselors have experience working with unaccompanied youth, foster youth and youth in care.

Contact the counselors from the Center for College Planning at 1-888-]-GRADUATE, ext. 119 for help. Some colleges also require supplemental forms, such as the CSS Profile Form. Check with each school for details. To continue to qualify for aid, you must submit a FAFSA form each year by the schools deadline. The FAFSA can be filled out and submitted electronically at www.fafsa.gov.

Q: When do I apply for financial aid?

Each college may have a different deadline for filing financial aid applications. Most deadlines range from Feb. 1 to March 15. Check with each school to be sure you know the school’s filing dates. At most schools, financial aid is granted on a first-come, first-served basis to need-eligible students. Missing a posted deadline could mean a significant reduction in the amount of aid received.

Q: What types of financial aid are available?

There are two types of financial aid – gift aid and self-help aid. Gift aid is money that does not need to be paid back and is comprised of grants and scholarships. Grants are usually need-based, which means eligibility is based on your family’s ability to pay for college (as determined by the federal government and the college). Scholarships are usually meritbased, which means eligibility is based on your talent (academic, artistic or athletic) or possibly community service. Some scholarships are also

nh next 2016-2017 | 23

offered through your high school guidance office through a local scholarship program.

Self-help aid includes student loans and work study. The federal loan programs – the Perkins and Stafford Loans –are flexible with students and have excellent repayment terms.

Most students do not need to pay back their loans until they graduate. Work study is considered a form of financial aid.

College students can earn money at an on-campus job. Most jobs average about 10 to 15 hours a week and earnings are most commonly used to cover personal expenses.

Q: What is an award letter?

An award letter is the official notification from a college or university’s financial aid office that outlines the aid awarded to an individual student. An award letter may include federal grants, college grants, scholarships, student loans, student employment/work study and parent loans.

It is important to understand the award packages will differ from school to school based on the different resources at each campus and your family’s level of need at each campus. A family’s level of need at a local community college may be different than at a four-year private college. However, don’t assume a higher cost institution is out of reach for you. Often, private institutions have large endowments to support scholarships. In some cases, a private college may actually cost less than a public college.

Q: Where can I turn for outside money to help pay for college?

There are plenty of opportunities for outside scholarships.

In fact, students have a greater chance for scholarships offered at the local level. Start at your school counseling office. Browse bulletin boards and scholarship file cabinets in your school counseling office for many of the local opportunities. Perhaps your school posts scholarships online.

Utilize scholarship search engines that highlight grants and scholarships for New Hampshire students. Visit www.nhcf. org (NH Charitable Foundation) for New Hampshire-based scholarships. After exhausting all of the local avenues, broaden your search to the national level at www.fastweb. com. Finally, inquire at your parent’s place of employment, local library and your college’s financial aid office for other opportunities.

Q: Where can I go for free help applying for financial aid?

Contact the Center for College Planning at The NHHEAF Network Organizations to schedule an appointment with one of our expert college counselors at 1-888-7-GRADUATE, ext. 119 or collegeplanning@nhheaf.org. Free workshops are offered at high schools around the state. To find a date or time we will be in your community check out NHHEAF’s events calendar at www.nhheaf.org/events.asp.

From the Center for College Planning at The NHHEAF Network Organizations.

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Maximize your

search

1. Start looking early! While searching for additional scholarships takes time and energy, it is well worth it if it helps reduce tuition costs. The more time you dedicate to your scholarship searches, the more options you will have.

2. Organize scholarship materials. Each scholarship may have a separate application deadline and specific criteria. Many scholarships require one or more of the following: • Parent and student financial information • Personal statement or essay • Letters of recommendation • Proof of eligibility (credentials) • High school transcript • Standardized test scores 3. Follow instructions and proofread. Complete the application accurately and fully. Include all required materials. Make sure your applications and essays are legible and free of grammatical or spelling errors. Do not forget to sign and date the application.

4. Make copies of everything. If your application is lost, this will make it much easier to resend your application.

5. Apply early! Keep a calendar of application deadlines. Consider using certified mail or return receipt. While many deadlines may not be until spring of senior year, others will be earlier.

Courtesy of the Center for College Planning at The NHHEAF Network Organizations

Creative options to reduce

college costs Tips for your parents Borrowing from retirement plans While many parents consider borrowing from their retirement as an option for managing college costs, it is important to remember that while your student’s education is important to their future, your retirement plan is your future. You can borrow for college; you can’t borrow for retirement. Carefully weigh the pros and cons to balance future financial well-being with current obligations.

Home equity loans or lines of credit For homeowners, home equity loans or lines of credit may be a viable option for managing college costs. With mortgage rates so low, families may have the ability to utilize a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit to their advantage. These rates are fixed for the life of the loan or are variable.

A line of credit is available to help when needed in years two, three and four as well. With a line of credit, families only pay interest on the portion they use. A line of credit acts as a checking account, as borrowers have the ability to write checks when they need it to pay bills. There may also be tax advantages with this option. Typically, the interest paid on the loan is tax-deductible. Keep in mind, however, this option posts your home as collateral. Work with the holder of your existing mortgage to discuss the benefits.

For more information about alternative funding options for education, go to www.nhheaf.org

D

o you think it’s too late to start saving for college? Not really! The truth is even if you are in high school and haven’t started saving, there are still things you can do to make college more affordable.

Get college credit early

Many high schools offer advanced placement (AP) courses that allow students who test at a certain level to earn college credit. In addition, check to see if colleges in your area offer concurrent enrollment, which means you would be taking college courses for high school and college credit at the same time, and for little or no extra money.

Go for 2 First

Begin your college career at a local two-year community college, a cheaper alternative that will offer you many of the same experiences of a four-year university.

After taking core courses, you can transfer to a four-year school and save a lot of cash while still moving toward your undergraduate degree. Check out the Community College System of NH (www.ccsnh.edu) for information on the Dual Admissions and NH Transfer programs that make transferring easier.

Stay local, go public

Attending college at a public college or university in New Hampshire is a smart financial choice for many students and families. The average cost of tuition and fees at a four-year public university in New England is $23,344 per year, while a private university will cost you $54,303 per year (Tuition & fees and room & board according to College Board in 2015-2016). That means you can attend roughly five semesters at a public university for the same cost of one year at a private school.

and sold at a partial discount. Try using the Internet to find great deals. Check out these sites for great deals and bargain books: www.eFollett.com, www.bigwords. com, www.amazon.com and www.half.com. You can also rent, yes rent, your textbooks for a huge savings.

Go to www.chegg.com for more information.

Higher education incentives

Borrowing to pay for tuition can be a little nerve-wracking for families, but you should know there are some benefits associated with paying college costs. Families and students should go to www.irs.gov to find out about the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credit, Tuition and Fees Deduction and Student Loan Interest Deduction.

Outside scholarships

Search within your school counseling office or website for local scholarships. Also contact the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation at 1-800-464-6641 or go to www. nhcf.org for additional scholarship opportunities. For national searches, consider www.fastweb.com.

Loan forgiveness opportunities

There are opportunities for those who qualify to have their federal loans canceled or forgiven. Loan forgiveness programs exist for a number of professionals including teachers, those that serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, medical professionals, or for those work in the nonprofit sector. Take a look at the financial aid section of www.nhheaf.org for more information.

Utilize your savings

As your high school career winds down, make a concerted effort to save as much as possible from your part-time or summer employment. These savings can be used to purchase books, supplies and class materials. You may also need money during your first week of school to pay for parking passes, phone and cable setup. If you are able to save a considerable amount of money, you can either use this for spending money throughout the semester or use it to help pay a portion of the tuition costs.

Look for deals on textbooks

You have options when it comes to textbooks.

Check out your college bookstore’s selection of used textbooks first. Usually they are in very good condition Courtesy of the Center for College Planning at The NHHEAF Network Organizations

nh next 2016-2017 | 25

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Mixing Energy Drinks, Alcohol Tied to Abusive Drinking in Teens

E

xpanding what we know about college students mixing alcohol with energy drinks, investigators from dartmouth’s norris Cotton Cancer Center and the Children’s Hospital at dartmouth Hitchcock (CHad) found teens aged 15-17 years old who had ever mixed alcohol with energy drinks were four times more likely to meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder than a teen who has tried alcohol but never mixed it with an energy drink. the team, led by James d. sargent, md, with first author Jennifer A. emond, msc, Phd published “energy drink consumption and the risk of alcohol use disorder among a national sample of adolescents and young adults,” in Journal of Pediatrics. “these findings are concerning,” said emond. “they highlight that mixed use of alcohol and energy drinks may signal the development of abusive drinking behaviors among adolescents.” several studies have documented a link between consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks and the increased rates of negative outcomes while drinking, including binge drinking. However, most studies to

date have been conducted among undergraduate college students. sargent’s team looked at a sample of 3,342 adolescents and young adults aged 15-23 years old recruited across the U.s. they found that 9.7% of adolescents aged 15-17 years old had consumed an energy drink mixed with alcohol. Analyses showed that group to have greatly increased odds of not just binge drinking, but also clinically defined criteria for alcohol use disorder.

“Abusive alcohol use among adolescents is a dangerous behavior that can lead to injury, chronic alcohol use and abuse, and even death,” said emond. “identifying those most at risk for alcohol use is critical. Given that this is a sensitive issue, it’s possible that clinicians, parents, and educators might open dialogues about alcohol use with adolescents by starting the discussion on the topic of energy drinks.”

Looking forward, the dartmouth team will consider how the marketing of energy drinks may influence an adolescent’s perception of use of energy drinks, including the acceptability of mixed use with alcohol.

James D. Sargent, MD is a pediatrician at CHaD. He holds the Scott M & Lisa G Stuart Professorship in Pediatrics, and is professor of Community & Family Medicine, at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine, and professor of The Dartmouth Institute.

Jennifer A. Emond. MsC, PhD is an instructor in Community & Family Medicine at Geisel. The doctors’ work in cancer is facilitated by Dartmouth’s NorrisCotton Cancer Center, where Sargent is co-director of the Cancer Control Research Program.

Lebanon | Concord | Manchester/Bedford | Nashua Keene | Dover | Exeter | Plymouth | Bennington, VT www.CHaDkids.org “Energy drink consumption and the risk of alcohol use disorder among a national sample of adolescents and young adults,” was supported by The National Institutes of Health through grants CA077026, AA015591, and AA021347. Additional funding was provided by Norris Cotton Cancer Center. © 2015 Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Reprinted with permission.

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Postsecondary education options in

Antioch University of New England www.antiochne.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ph. D

Empire Beauty School www.empirebeautyschools.com Highest degree obtainable: Certificate

Keene State College www.keene.edu Highest degree obtainable: Master’s

Colby-Sawyer College www.colby-sawyer.edu Highest degree obtainable: Master’s

Franklin Pierce University www.franklinpierce.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ph. D

Lakes Region Community College www.lrcc.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

Continental Academie of Hair Design www.continentalacademie.com Highest degree obtainable: Certificate

Granite State College www.granite.edu Highest degree obtainable: Master’s

Manchester Community College www.mccnh.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

Daniel Webster College www.dwc.edu Highest degree obtainable: M.B.A.

Great Bay Community College www.greatbay.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

Dartmouth College www.dartmouth.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ph. D and M.D.

Keene Beauty Academy www.keenebeautyacademy.edu Highest degree obtainable: Certificate

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences www.mcphs.edu/campuses/manchester/ Highest degree obtainable: Master’s and PharmD

College

timeline

Getting ready for college takes a lot of preparation. Use this college planning timeline to help you get started on the process.

J u n i o r

y e a r

Fall — August through December

TEST

Michael’s School of Hair Design www.michaels.paulmitchell.edu Highest degree obtainable: Certificate

• Take the PSAT in October to practice taking entrance exams and to establish eligibility for some scholarships.

• Attend sessions with college representatives who visit your high school. Visit local college fairs.

• Develop a list of possible schools. Your counseling office and school library may have materials to help you. Visit the websites of the schools on your list.

• Talk with admissions representatives to determine if there are any institutional scholarships for which you could apply.

• Research private sources of financial aid and scholarships, and review applications. Request financial aid bulletins or emails from all potential schools. Estimate the costs for each school and begin identifying ways to meet them.

TEST

28 | www.nhnext.com TEST

Summer

Spring — January through May • Take the SAT/ACT for the first time. Check with college(s) about what test they prefer. Begin narrowing your choices for post-secondary schools.

• Schedule campus visits. Consider an overnight trip that would allow you to get a feel for what life is like on that TEST particular campus.

TEST • Check with your counselor, libraries and community organizations for possible scholarship sources. Gather applications and review online applications as soon as possible. Keep records of anyone you speak with concerning grants or scholarships.

• Start TEST developing portfolios, audition tapes, writing samples, or other evidence of talents required for college TEST admission and/or for scholarships.

• Contact college coaches at your target schools if you plan to play sports in college. Give them a schedule of your athletic events for the upcoming year. Register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. Develop a resume of your sports accomplishments including a highlight tape and TEST relevant articles about your successes.

TEST

• Practice writing online applications, filling out rough drafts without submitting them.

• Review applications, especially the essays. Ask others to proof the essay for any grammar, content or punctuation errors.

• Read all college mail and send reply cards back to schools of interest.

• Apply for those scholarships whose deadlines are in the fall. You may be too busy once school starts.

New Hampshire Nashua Community College www.nashuacc.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

Plymouth State University www.plymouth.edu Highest degree obtainable: Master’s

Thomas More College of Liberal Arts www.thomasmorecollege.edu Highest degree obtainable: Bachelor’s

New England College www.nec.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ph. D

River Valley Community College www.rivervalley.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

University of New Hampshire www.unh.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ph. D

New England School of Hair Design www.neschoolofhairdesign.com Highest degree obtainable: Certificate

Rivier University www.rivier.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ed.D

NH Institute of Art www.nhia.edu Highest degree obtainable: Master’s

St. Joseph School of Nursing www.sjson.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

University of New Hampshire Manchester www.manchester.unh.edu Highest degree obtainable: Master’s

NHTI – Concord’s Community College www.nhti.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

Saint Anselm College www.anselm.edu Highest degree obtainable: Bachelor’s

NH Institute for Therapeutic Arts www.nhita.com Highest degree obtainable: Certificate

Seacoast Career Schools www.seacoastcareerschools.edu Highest degree obtainable: Certificate

Northeast Catholic College www.northeastcatholic.edu Highest degree obtainable: Bachelor’s

Southern New Hampshire University www.snhu.edu Highest degree obtainable: Ph. D

Paul Mitchell, The School- Portsmouth www.school.paulmitchell.edu/portsmouth-nh Highest degree obtainable: Certificate

Springfield College Manchester www.springfieldcollege.edu/shsmanchester Highest degree obtainable: Master’s

S e n i o r

Upper Valley Teacher Institute www.uvei.edu Highest degree obtainable: Certificate White Mountains Community College www.wmcc.edu Highest degree obtainable: Associate’s

y e a r

Fall — August through December

TEST

University of New Hampshire School of Law www.law.unh.edu Highest degree obtainable: JD

• Continue to meet high school graduation and college admission requirements.

• Organize and record relevant dates on a calendar.

• Register for Advanced Placement (AP) tests, if needed.

• Print copies of your admissions and financial aid forms.TEST TEST Practice filling them out before submitting the final one.

• MeetTESTwith visiting admissions representatives from the schools that interest you.

• Visit schools you are considering and schedule admissions interviews if required.

• Take or retake the ACT or SAT. • Make the final preparation of your portfolios, audition tapes, writing samples, or other evidence of talent required for admission and/or for scholarships. Finalize your high school resume.

• Identify at least two sources for recommendation letters: a teacher, an extracurricular advisor, a counselor, a principal or an employer. Hand out recommendation forms at least TEST one month before they are due. Follow up on their progress.

• Submit college admissions applications.

• Keep records of everything you submit.

• Contact coaches from the schools you are considering and include a resume of your accomplishments if seeking athletic scholarships.

TEST

Spring — January through May • Apply for financial aid by submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after Jan. 1 as possible.

• Call the school of your choice and confirm they have received your admissions materials, including letters of recommendation and housing applications.

• Ask yourTESThigh school to send a copy of your transcript to the schools where you have applied.

Make sure your first semester senior year grades are include.

• Make any needed corrections to your Student Aid Report (SAR) as soon as it is available.

• Submit additional financial aid forms and documentation required by the school of your choice.

• Review your financial aid award notification with your parents and make sure you understand the terms and conditions for each type of aid.

• Notify school(s) by the proper deadline as to whether you are accepting or declining admission.

• Notify the financial aid office of any outside scholarships or grants you have accepted.

• Be aware of due dates for tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Find out how your financial aid will be disbursed and whether you can defer payments until the funds are available.

• Respond immediately to all correspondence regarding TEST school, scholarships and financial aid.

• Participate in summer orientation programs for incoming freshman after graduation.

• Meet all class registration deadlines.

Courtesy of eCampusTours.com, a college planning website featuring 360-degree virtual tours of more than 1,300 campuses nationwide. Sponsored by Edsouth. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.

TEST

nh next 2016-2017 | 29

resources Beaven & Associates (please see ad on page 20)

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26 College Drive Concord, NH 03301 (603) 230-3500 www.ccsnh.edu Dartmouth-Hitchcock (please see ads on page 2 and 26)

www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org Health and Happiness with Network Marketing (please see ad on page 27)

Goffstown, NH 03045 603-660-0456 603-497-5549 email: 809campball@comcast.net Keene State College (please see ad on page 11)

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Lawrence Memorial/Regis College

New England College

(please see ad on page 5)

(please see ad on back cover)

170 Governors Avenue Medford, MA 02155 (781) 306-6600 www.lmregis.org

98 Bridge Street Henniker, NH 03242 (603) 428-2223 www.nec.edu

LNA Health Careers

New Hampshire Catholic Schools, Diocese of Manchester

(please see ad on page 13)

22 Concord Street, 3rd Floor Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 647-2174 www.lnahealthcareers.com Manchester Community College (please see ad on page 27)

1066 Front Street Manchester, NH 03102 (603) 206-8000 www.mccnh.edu Middlesex Community College (please see ad on page 13)

Toll free 1-800-818-3434 Bedford Campus: 591 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730 Lowell Campus: 33 Kearney Square, Lowell, MA 01852 www.middlesex.mass.edu Nashua Community College (please see ad on page 3)

505 Amherst St. Nashua, NH 03063 (603) 578-8900 www.nashuacc.edu

(please see ad on page 11)

Southern New Hampshire University (please see ad on page 31)

2500 N. River Road Manchester, NH 03106 (603) 626-9100 www.snhu.edu Sterling College (please see ad on page 20)

153 Ash Street Manchester, NH 03105 603-669-3100 603-669-0377 www.catholicschoolsnh.org

16 Sterling Dr P.O. Box 72 Craftsbury Common, VT 05827 802-586-7711 www.sterlingcollege.edu

NHHEAF Network Organizations

The School of Fashion Design

(please see ad on page 6)

(please see ad on page 11)

4 Barrell Court, PO Box 877 Concord, NH 03302 (800) 525-2577 www.nhheaf.org

136 Newbury Street Boston, MA 02116 (617) 536-9343 www.sfdboston.org

Northeast Catholic College

University of New Hampshire at Manchester

(please see ad on page 21)

511 Kearsarge Mountain Road Warner, NH 03278 (603) 456-2656 www.northeastcatholic.edu

(please see ad on page 7)

88 Commercial Street Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 641-4101 www.manchester.unh.edu

Experience TRADITIONAL without settling for TYPICAL. Located on a spacious 300-acre campus, Southern New Hampshire University has a history steeped in innovation. Students have access to an award-winning faculty, a brand new $18 million library, as well as top-notch career development services. Visit our web site to learn more, or better yet, tour our campus. You’ll see that SNHU is anything but typical.

www.snhu.edu

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The perfect place for hands-on learners who thrive in small, experiential and supportive settings. Choose from over 32 majors, 19 men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic teams, free Study Away programs, and an abundance of rich experiences that will transform you personally and prepare you professionally.

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More than 32 academic programs 1,000 undergraduate and 375 graduate students on campus Rolling admission and test optional Study abroad and hundreds of internships Merit scholarships from $7,000 $22,000, renewable each year

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93% job and graduate school success

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Average class size: 14 students

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Academic Support Services and Mentoring Program Located 15 minutes from Concord, in Henniker, NH

SCHEDULE A VISIT TODAY! NEC.EDU/VISIT CALL: 603-428-2223 | EMAIL: ADMISSION@NEC.EDU