Author name: Marlene Seeklander

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Latest ACT news available via on-demand virtual events

By Marlene Seeklander School counselors must keep current on a lot of topics, but trying to attend scheduled webinars can be challenging. After all, a student may need your help at any time and often it’s an issue that can’t wait. To address that challenge, ACT offers you a number of on-demand virtual events to watch

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Tip of the Week – November 19, 2025

Tip of the Week November is National Scholarship Month Scholarships play a key role in reducing student debt and increasing access to higher education. And while always important, scholarships will become increasingly so as new federal student loan limitations are implemented in 2026. November is “National Scholarship Month” – a national campaign created and led

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FISAP edit corrections and updates due December 15, 2025

By Marlene Seeklander Although submitting the FISAP is behind you, you still can make any needed corrections and updates by December 15. In a recent Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education reminds schools that any changes, corrections, or edits to the recent FISAP must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time (ET) on Monday, December

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Scholarship opportunities to help students pay for college

By Marlene Seeklander Most students know that applying for scholarships takes a lot of work. Successful students know the time spent on scholarships is worth it because of the funds and recognition received. Scholarship America recently published a list of a few scholarships students may want to consider seeking, including: SMART Scholarship Program – This SMART

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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – November 13, 2025

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 23 Upcoming changes to the FSA ID account process Creating a StudentAid.gov account or FSA ID shouldn’t be an obstacle for students and contributors when completing the FAFSA. 2026-27 Federal School Code List of Participating Schools The Federal School Code List – a key component of the FAFSA

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2026-27 Federal School Code List of Participating Schools

By Marlene Seeklander The Federal School Code List – a key component of the FAFSA – has been updated by the Department of Education for 2026-27. The Department announced the availability of the 2026–27 Federal School Code (FSC) List of Participating Schools. Students enter these codes on the FAFSA in order for the postsecondary schools to

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FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) text on graduation cap and money.

Student Aid Index – A deeper dive

By Marlene Seeklander What exactly is the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculated by the FAFSA? While the SAI isn’t a new concept – it replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA – it may cause some confusion for students and families. The SAI, based on a range from –1500 to 999999, is

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Upcoming changes to the FSA ID account process

By Marlene Seeklander Creating a StudentAid.gov account or FSA ID shouldn’t be an obstacle for students and contributors when completing the FAFSA. The FSA ID is a “key first step” to completing the FAFSA, and Federal Student Aid (FSA) has made updates over the past few years to make the process easier. Aaron Lemon-Strauss, Executive Director

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