Volume 2 Issue 7
by Michael Wagner
Knowledge Pilot, Launch Global Education
Each and every week we do our best to select articles and stories that are pertinent to the world of higher education. One thing is always consistent, change is constant. This week is no different. We continue to report on changes for standardized testing and this week also brings changes for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in the U.S. next year.
Each and every week we will continue to bring the most relevant and interesting college news stories, we promise. But don’t miss the Before You Go segments! They are a great way end to every edition of the Odyssey Newsletter. We hope you enjoy learning as much as we do.
Discoveries
The UK feels the pinch of college competitiveness
At the recent 2023 International Higher Education Forum (IHEF) organized by Universities UK International, it was discussed that there is a strong trend within international students that pursuing post-secondary education is moving in the direction away from the UK. Nic Mitchell is a UK-based freelance journalist and PR consultant specializing in European and international higher education and reports for University Global News, on the new trends.
Now that colleges and universities have transitioned back to most of their pre-pandemic operations, there is one college admissions function that continues to attract attention—to require tests or not to require tests. One entity that carries a significant amount of weight in the U.S. college world, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has decided to permanently end the standardized testing (SAT/ACT) requirements for student athletes beginning in the Fall of 2023 (however, there are still certain situations that they still may be required). Jeremy Bauer-Wolf, Senior Reporter for Higher Ed Dive, reports on the NCAA decision.
NCAA permanently ends SAT, ACT eligibility requirement for Division I, II student-athletes
For the upcoming college calendar year, and especially for the class of 2024’s college application cycle, there are changes coming to the FAFSA financial aid process. Bill Rabbitt of College Aid Pro reports on what you need to know about the changes.
Bonus article: U.S. Department of Education
Summary of Changes for the Application Processing System 2023–2024
Tip of the Week
Over the past few weeks, I have been highlighting college campus visits and tours. There is a lot of advanced planning that one can do to take full advantage of this very important aspect of the college application process.
There are plenty of questions that can be asked while on a tour. Many are dependent on the specific situation each student has regarding the school visited. However, there is always one question that I tend to ask college admissions representatives when they visit to conduct information sessions. The question is:
What is the one thing a student will miss out on by not attending insert school name here?
Give it a try and then make sure you record the different answers when you journal each campus visit. Which answer resonates with you?
Before you go...
A person very few will know.
When I was viewing this incredible story, it was all I could do but to think of the saying I have repeated a thousand times to my students when they are applying to colleges – What’s your story?
This gentleman will not be known by many people outside of the entertainment industry. This is an incredible story of human passion. Today host Willie Geist reports the story of this dedicated Disney employee.
Bonus feel good story:
Reported by CBS contributor Steve Hartman, the feel-good story of a lonely goose.
There are some weeks when I conclude the Odyssey Newsletter and I feel so great about the information that is included for our followers to read. Then there are other times when I just feel good on the inside and this week is one of those times. Not that the articles chosen don’t make me feel good but this week the Before You Go segments are fantastic.
Have a great week.
Michael Wagner, MAED is a founder and the Knowledge Pilot for Launch Education. Mr. Mike has assisted hundreds of students around the world on their college pathways.