CCRC Recommendations of the Week
Article: Does It Matter Where You Get Your Bachelor’s Degree In 2025? by Rachel Wells, 20 November 2024
Podcast: Getting In: A College Coach Conversation: FairTest.org; Mentally Preparing for Decisions; Apprenticeships 21 November 2024
FINANCIAL AID
2025-2026 Beta FAFSA now open
FAFSA is now open to everyone, not just certain test users. Anyone with an FSA ID can log in now and start working on 2025-2026 FAFSA in Beta mode. This is the real FAFSA and when you submit it will count. The National College Attainment Network shares the update in this article. If you do not yet have an account and FSA ID, you may head to studentaid.gov to start one. Here is a helpful handout for FSA ID creation in English and Spanish. When is the FAFSA due? It depends on each college or program, but typically around when you submit your application for admission. Check all deadlines!
Online Presentation for HVRHS Families by The College Place: Paying for College & FAFSA Demo
Tuesday, December 10, from 6:00 to 7:30pm. The “Paying for College” presentation includes topics like college costs, types of financial aid, financial aid applications, and family discussion topics. There will also be a 20 minute FAFSA Demo and time for Q &A. Advanced registration is required to get the confirmation email and meeting link. Recommended for families of 10-12 grade students.
The College Place services
The College Place, Connecticut is available to students in ALL grades. Students can sign up in less than 5 minutes. Students who are connected receive timely texts and emails, can text questions, may make appointments, and will get invitations to 30-minute College Knowledge info sessions on many topics.
COLLEGE
CT State Community College Website Merger
Following the merger of all 12 CT community colleges in July of 2023 to become CT State Community College, the websites of each individual college will cease to exist as of December 31, 2024, including the website of the former Northwestern CT Community College. Notice is posted online and the new website has the most up-to-date information https://ctstate.edu/.
Forms
Students can find forms for requesting recommendations on the School Counseling website.
UConn ECE Wallace Stevens Poetry Contest
This poetry contest for UConn Early College Experience students is now open! All students enrolled in at least one UConn course through the UConn ECE program for the 2024-2025 academic year are eligible. See submission guidelines and information online. Deadline: January 24, 2025.
CAREER
HVRHS Online Job Board
When community members and businesses want to advertise opportunities, students are sent emails with each description and those descriptions are posted physically outside the CCRC and online. Students can always drop in to the CCRC for job search help!