Author name: Marlene Seeklander

Magnifying glass with FAFSA being magnified

Draft 2026-27 FAFSA application materials available for comment

By Marlene Seeklander While many students and parents are completing the 2025-26 FAFSA, the Department of Education is already looking ahead to next year’s FAFSA. Now is your opportunity to submit comments on or before April 7 to the Department of Education about the proposed draft 2026-27 FAFSA form and FAFSA Submission Summary. In an Electronic

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several pairs of students with books lying on the grass in the Park.

Early Awareness E-News – April 2025

Early Awareness E-News April 2025Vol. 17 – Issue 4 Keys to a successful scholarship strategy topic of upcoming webinar When it comes to getting money for college, scholarships can be critical. 2025-26 FAFSA reminder campaign underway Most of us need a nudge every once in a while, a little reminder to do something important like,

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Dad and teenage son working on laptop

5 things to look for in a financial aid offer

By Marlene Seeklander After the admissions acceptance letter, the financial aid offer is probably second when it comes to those highly anticipated notices from a college. For some students, getting admitted is just the first hurdle to overcome. Knowing they will get the financial aid they need can be critical to pursuing their education. After all,

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Dark blue folder with FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid on the front.

Contributing to a FAFSA when the invite isn’t received

By Marlene Seeklander Sure, sometimes high school students don’t want to invite their parents to something, but in the case of the FAFSA, most students need to invite their parents. Students completing the 2025-26 FAFSA (if they are determined to be dependent students) are asked to invite their parent or parents to contribute to the FAFSA. Students need to provide

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Turquoise blue piggy bank with stacks of quarters next to it.

Five reasons to begin your scholarship search early

By Marlene Seeklander It’s never too early to begin your search for college scholarships. All high students – not just seniors – should pursue scholarships. In fact, some scholarships are aimed at students as young as those in elementary or middle school. And, even if you can’t apply for some scholarships until you are senior, here

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Black Graduation cap over stack of coins next to stack of books

Department of Education reopens Income-Driven Repayment Plan and Loan Consolidation Applications for borrowers

By Marlene Seeklander Student loan borrowers wanting to apply for the Income-Drive Repayment Plan or Loan Consolidation can once again do so. A March 26 Press Release from the Department of Education announced that they have reopened the online income-driven (IDR) plan and loan consolidation applications for borrowers. In order to comply with the 8th Circuit

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Piggy with graduation cap on money

Keys to a successful scholarship strategy topic of upcoming webinar

By Marlene Seeklander When it comes to getting money for college, scholarships can be critical. Even a small scholarship could mean the difference between being able to continue postsecondary education or having to withdraw. Mapping Your Future’s “Four Components of a Successful Scholarship Strategy” webinar will address tips and techniques for applying for scholarships. The webinar

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Tip of the Week – March 26, 2025

Tip of the Week Keys to a successful scholarship strategy topic of upcoming webinar When it comes to getting money for college, scholarships can be critical. Even a small scholarship could mean the difference between being able to continue postsecondary education or having to withdraw. Mapping Your Future’s “Four Components of a Successful Scholarship Strategy”

Tip of the Week – March 26, 2025 Read More »

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