College preparation

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Debunking FAFSA myths

By Marlene Seeklander Spreading myths may not seem a serious issue and, yet it can be when it impacts choices that have a life-long impact. Such is the case with the FAFSA. When students choose not to complete a FAFSA because they believe they won’t be eligible or it’s not worth the time, it can impact […]

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Financial aid offers – the bottom line

By Marlene Seeklander Choosing a college is an important financial decision. After all, you are making an investment in your future. Therefore, it’s important to carefully review all the financial aid offers you receive from the colleges you’ve listed on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Bottom line, you want to make sure the

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Mapping Your Future hosts scholarship strategies webinar – recording now available

By Marlene Seeklander Scholarships can sometimes mean the difference between having enough money for a college education or having to borrow student loans.   Knowing the strategies of how to make the most of scholarships can be a key component in finding money for college. The “Strategies for making the most of scholarship applications” webinar, hosted

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May 9 registration deadline for June ACT test 

By Catherine Mueller Students interested in kicking off the summer by completing a college admissions requirement can register now for the June ACT test. The registration deadline for the June 14 test is May 9. Registration takes about 30 minutes to complete and requires students to register online, pay the fee, and upload a recent photo.

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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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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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