College preparation

Dad and teenage son working on laptop

June tasks for high school seniors

By Marlene Seeklander Congratulations on your graduation from high school! Like most high school graduates, you may be just now catching your breath after all the activity surrounding the end of the senior year. It’s a good time for you to relax and reflect on your accomplishments. But once you’ve had some time to consider all […]

June tasks for high school seniors Read More »

Son unpacking car at college with dad watching

A handy packing list with everything you need for college

By Marlene Seeklander Although graduation ceremonies are just now getting underway for many students, it won’t be long before move-in day on college campuses. If you plan to live in a residence hall for the fall semester, you can start preparing now by knowing what you plan to take with you. The Mapping Your Future Packing

A handy packing list with everything you need for college Read More »

Schoolboy making notes in exercise-book while sitting on the floor

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

Mapping Your Future hosts scholarship strategies webinar – recording now available Read More »

Photo of an hourglass on a paper calendar

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.

May 9 registration deadline for June ACT test  Read More »

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

Draft 2026-27 FAFSA application materials available for comment Read More »

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,

5 things to look for in a financial aid offer Read More »

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

Contributing to a FAFSA when the invite isn’t received Read More »

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

Five reasons to begin your scholarship search early Read More »

Scroll to Top