We’re excited to head to Columbus, Ohio, for this year’s NACAC Conference. Every September, NACAC brings together a diverse community of K–12 counselors, admissions leaders, and partners across the higher ed ecosystem. For us, it’s an invaluable opportunity to engage with peers, deepen relationships, and strengthen the bridge between our district partners and higher ed users.

This year, we’re keeping a close eye on three themes that we know will shape both conversations at NACAC and the work we do for our students:

1. Supporting Students Through a Changing Political Climate

Policy shifts and new legislation continue to impact how students access and navigate their college-going journey. This topic will be front and center as institutions and districts are adjusting how they can best support students through these changes—ensuring equitable access, clarity in guidance, and a student-first focus.

Sessions we’re attending:

No Time for the Soft Life: Surviving 2025

Leaders discussing in a panel the administration has impacted higher education. 

Fly-Ins That Soar: Making Counselor Visits Meaningful 9/19 8:30AM

Shared best practices from admissions counselors in supporting quick engagements with students today.

2. Aligning Data Across the Ecosystem

From K–12 to higher ed, data can tell very different stories depending on the source. We’re looking forward to discussions around how to better align insights across platforms and institutions, and how SchooLinks’ perspective on student engagement can add value to those conversations.

Sessions we’re attending:

Recruiting the Anxious Generation - 9/18 1:30 PM 

How EAB surveys and enrollment leaders' experiences align to the sentiments of K12. 

The Shifting Competitive Landscape 1:30 9/18

Three enrollment and admissions leaders share how they are interpreting data and sharing engagement strategies for the changing marketplace. 

3. Identifying and Interpreting Emerging Trends

NACAC is such a great moment to hear voices across the industry and hear about new trends, pivots, and changes in the enrollment landscape. We want to understand what trends are surfacing across the national landscape versus what we see in our partner districts. 

Sessions we’re attending:

Is Direct Admission Having a Moment? Latest Learning from Today’s Superusers 9/18 2:45 

Four enrollment experts sharing success stories of direct admission strategies. 

Testing Policies in Trying Times 9/19 1:15

A discussion around the testing landscape and recent trends and their implications across the nation.

We can’t wait to connect with colleagues, partners, and new faces in Columbus. If you’ll be at NACAC this year, let’s find time to meet—we’d love to learn from your perspective and share how we’re investing in the SchooLinks higher ed experience.

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