Author name: Marlene Seeklander

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Department provides new student data test files with Budget Reconciliation changes

Newsroom, Department of Education, FAFSA resources / By

By Marlene Seeklander Colleges and state agencies which receive student FAFSA data can now better prepare for the 2026-27 academic year with some updated test records.                                     In a recent update to an earlier Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that it has published an additional set of system-generated 2026-27 ISIRs. These ISIRs include updates to

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Making the commitment to meet scholarship requirements

College preparation, Paying for College / By

By Marlene Seeklander Not all scholarships are considered “free money.” When you are awarded a scholarship, make sure you understand any terms and conditions. For example, some scholarships may require you to maintain a certain number of credits each semester and/or a minimum GPA, while some may have a “work commitment” as part of the requirements.

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The importance of a FAFSA Submission Summary

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By Catherine Mueller The FAFSA Submission Summary may be the unsung hero of the financial aid process. The FAFSA Submission Summary doesn’t get as much attention as the FAFSA application or as the financial aid offer, but it’s an important part of the process and may help a student find a college that’s a good financial

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Department of Education corrects FAFSA error that impacted financial aid calculation for some applicants

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By Marlene Seeklander Some FAFSA filers may have received an incorrect determination of their financial aid eligibility due to an error in calculating assets. The Department of Education recently resolved an issue which impacted some 2025-26 and 2026-27 FAFSA filers and how assets were used in calculating their Student Aid Index (SAI). In a November 20,

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Latest ACT news available via on-demand virtual events

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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

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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

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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

Newsroom, College preparation, Paying for College / By

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

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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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