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 […]
Financial aid offers – the bottom line Read More »
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 »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial Aid Administrators have some new workarounds and functionality to address some of the lingering issues related to 2024-25 and 2025-26 FAFSA form processing. An April 14 Electronic Announcement provided updates and guidance for several items, including: Student Records with a Pseudo-SSN First-time FAFSA filers from the Freely Associated States (the Republic of
Updates to 2024-25 and 2025-26 FAFSA form processing Read More »
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 »
By Marlene Seeklander As your senior year winds down, don’t let yourself become distracted by solely focusing on celebrating graduation – stay focused and finish your high school career strong. Below are the tasks you should complete during the month of April:
April tasks for high school seniors Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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
Keys to a successful scholarship strategy topic of upcoming webinar Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander During Financial Literacy Month in April, Mapping Your Future encourages you to use its financial literacy tools and share the tools and resources with your students: Contact the Mapping Your Future staff at feedback@mappingyourfuture.org or (800) 374-4072 with any questions.
Mapping Your Future offers a variety of financial literacy tools Read More »
