A Note from the Senior Director 

Dear friends, 

This year’s #WhyApply Day was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together to celebrate students. From the inspiring messages to the creative ways schools and communities participated, the day highlighted just how many people are committed to encouraging students to take that next step toward their future.  

Over the month of September, our #WhyApply social media campaign garnered 93 mentions, reached 362,300 people, and earned 1,622 interactions from organizations and individuals across multiple channels, nationwide. Let’s keep that momentum going! We encourage you to continue showing support for #WhyApply and postsecondary education all year long. Use of the hashtag and our campaign materials at your events and across social media to reach students at every touchpoint.  

As we head into National College Application Month this November, our focus is on giving students the tools and confidence they need to apply to college. From providing resources and guidance to answering their questions about applications and financial aid, your support makes all the difference. Every conversation, event, and bit of encouragement helps students see that their goals are within reach. 

Thank you for all you do to provide students with the tools, opportunities, and motivation to apply to college. Your efforts help open doors to bright futures, and that’s worth celebrating every day. 

With gratitude,  
Lisa Sommer King, senior director

ACAC Events: Empowering Students to Build Their Future

By Tammy Patterson, college career navigator, Springbrook H.S., Silver Spring, MD

As the college and career navigator at Springbrook High School, I knew my mission was to help students realize their potential and pave a pathway toward their dreams. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how talented and ambitious our students are. Yet, I’ve also noticed a recurring challenge: too many students lacked exposure to the resources, networks, and opportunities they needed to take the crucial first steps toward college and career success. 
 
The spark that started it all 
 
Sixteen years ago, we organized a simple college visit at our school campus. The concept was straightforward: bring representatives from local universities to speak with our students. What we witnessed that day exceeded all expectations. Students, many of whom had never interacted one-on-one with a college representative, were captivated. They eagerly asked questions, flipped through brochures, and for the first time began imagining themselves stepping onto a college campus. 
 
That initial event proved one thing to me: it’s not that our students lacked ambition, but rather guidance and exposure to understand how to turn their aspirations into reality. From that moment, I knew that to make a real difference, we needed to bring the tools, connections, and conversations directly to our students. And so, our first American College Application Campaign event was born. 

Want to know more? Continue reading here. 

Missed the previous blog features from the other 2024 School of Excellence winners? Check them out below: 

• Why We Do This Work: A Decade of College Access at Philip Barbour High 
• Inspiring Futures at North Platte High School: Our WhyApply Journey 

Ready, Set, Apply: 5 Must-Know College Application Tips for Students 

By Trevor McCray, Ph.D., program director, Center for Impact and Learning, ACT

The transition from high school to college is a pivotal moment for students, often filled with questions, uncertainty, and a fear of the unknown. As education leaders and counselors, we play a critical role in guiding students through this process. Early, intentional preparation is key. While students’ approaches may vary, helping them align their efforts with their goals can make all the difference. 

Whether working with first-generation college applicants or students already familiar with postsecondary pathways, here are five foundational areas to emphasize before they begin applying to college. 

1. Know Your Academic Fit and Goals Choosing the right college starts with understanding what fits students academically, socially, and professionally. For seniors, it’s never too late, and for underclassmen, it’s never too early to start. 
   • Explore options. Encourage students to research institutions to explore majors, campus culture, and career support services. 
   • Use innovative tools and resources. Recommend the ACT AI Advisory Tool and ACAC Student College Knowledge Resources to help students find institutions that align with their academic and personal interests.
2. Track Application Requirements and Deadlines Staying organized is key to a smooth application process. 
• Learn the application process. Direct students to college websites, state application portals, fee waivers, or national platforms like Common App for application requirements and materials, including essays, transcripts, recommendation letters, and test scores. Check out the ACAC Student Resource for application worksheets that students can use to keep this important information in one place. 
• Ask questions. Empower students to contact admissions offices and inquire about direct admission and free college application weeks, days, or months (e.g., Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, etc.). For the most up-to-date information, please don't hesitate to contact your ACAC state coordinator.
• Decide. Provide students with a checklist and timeline to keep track of deadlines and submission requirements. 
3. Prepare for Standardized Tests Standardized tests like the ACT, SAT, or CLT play a significant role in college admissions and can open doors to financial aid.
• Start early. Promote standardized tests, such as the ACT, with underclassmen as early as possible. Free, self-paced prep tools are available to help boost scores. 
• Research test fee waivers. If eligible, students can receive up to two ACT Fee Waivers, which may also qualify students for college application fee waivers. 
• Think beyond admission. Strong test scores can lead to scholarships and grants that reduce college costs. 
4. Attend Financial Aid Information Sessions Understanding how to pay for college is just as important as choosing where to go. 
• Share FAFSA Insight. Visit FAFSA.gov to learn the key terms and requirements. 
• Explore All Aid Options. Help students research institutional aid, state-specific programs, local and private scholarships, 529 college savings plans, employer benefits for parents or caregivers, or personal fundraising efforts.
• Facilitate family conversations. Support students in discussing household income and tax information with parents or caregivers, as this directly impacts FAFSA eligibility. 
5. Leverage Free Community Resources and Support Networks Students don’t have to navigate this process alone. It’s ok for students to apply without having a major in mind.
• Engage the local community. Churches, greek letter organizations, and education nonprofits often offer free resources, scholarships and grants, and webinars. 
• Use education platforms. Tools like MyACT and ACT WorkKeys can help students identify major/career interests and pathways. 

Strong Finishes, Bright Futures 
As seniors approach graduation, this final stretch is crucial for taking action. Ensure they’re applying to at least one or two colleges, completing the FAFSA, and following through on scholarship opportunities. Participation in ACAC events can provide the structure and support they need to stay on track, complete applications, and confidently take the next step toward their future. 

But just as important as the steps themselves is the encouragement students receive along the way. Every conversation, resource, and word of support reinforces the belief that their goals are within reach. When students feel seen, prepared, and inspired, they are more likely to embrace the opportunities before them.

Together, we can help learners not only finish strong but also envision a brighter future filled with possibilities and give them the confidence to take that first step toward making it real. 

Webinar: How to Kickstart the College Application Process

Whether students are just getting started on the college application journey or looking to get organized before deadlines pass, this free, on-demand webinar is designed to help them navigate with confidence and clarity before hitting “submit.” 

Watch now to learn: 

• How to create a personalized college application timeline. 
• The key components of a strong college application and how to approach them. 
• Tips for building a balanced college list. 
• Understanding early decision, early action, and regular decision options. 
• How parents can support their students without taking over. 
• Common mistakes to avoid. 
• Tools and resources to stay organized and on track. 

Watch the full webinar here. 

Webinar: College Admission 101: Your Ultimate College Application Roadmap

Navigating college admissions can be overwhelming, and Collegewise is here to help! In a new webinar, students and parents will learn from expert speakers who will provide guidance on each step of the admissions process, from researching universities to what makes a successful application. 

Participants will learn: 

• How to navigate course selection in high school. 
• What to do over summer and winter break. 
• Why extracurriculars matter and how to create your own. 
• How to create a narrative throughout the application. 
• What makes a great college essay. 
• What admissions officers value in applications. 

Register to attend at 7:30 p.m. ET Oct. 15, 2025, here.

FAFSA Update: 26-27 FAFSA Available Oct. 1

The 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form has completed its second phase of beta for early testing and was made available to everyone on Oct. 1, 2025. 

How students need to prepare for the 2026-27 FAFSA:

• Create a StudentAid.gov account (if they don’t already have one).
• Learn about the documents they may need to fill out the FAFSA form.
• Determine their dependency status and whether their parent(s) or spouse will be required to contribute information on their FAFSA form.
• If they’re a dependent student, use the Who’s My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on their form.

Follow Federal Student Aid to stay up to date on all FAFSA news.