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The past 180 days of articles are displayed below.
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Tip of the Week
February 08, 2023
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2023-24 Verification worksheets released
February 07, 2023
Mapping Your Future recently released the 2023-24 verification worksheets provided to assist Member schools and schools in Sponsored states in collecting information they need from students to complete the verification process.
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A strategy for choosing the right college for you
February 01, 2023
It's nice to have a choice.
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Celebrating National School Counseling Week February 6-10
February 01, 2023
A week-long celebration of school counseling is much deserved but almost too short.
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Early Awareness E-News
February 01, 2023
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February tasks for high school seniors
February 01, 2023
It's just a few, busy months away from graduation for high school seniors.
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Four components of a good college financial plan
February 01, 2023
It is understandable – that overwhelmed feeling you get when thinking about how to pay for college.
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Important questions to ask yourself before applying for a scholarship
February 01, 2023
Students should apply for as many scholarships as possible.
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No greater love
February 01, 2023
It was an act of sacrifice and service so great we should never forget.
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Tip of the Week
February 01, 2023
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The real reason admission and scholarship essays are so hard to write
January 31, 2023
It’s not that you don’t want to write the essay.
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Applications open for the 2023 Voyager scholarships
January 26, 2023
Students interested in public service are encouraged to apply for the Voyager Scholarship.
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Dates to look forward to (or at least prepare for)
January 26, 2023
Institutions participating in campus-based financial aid programs can now mark their calendars with the 2023-24 award year deadline dates.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
January 26, 2023
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Strategies for making the most of scholarship applications webinar recording available
January 26, 2023
The Strategies for making the most of scholarship applications webinar addressed tips and techniques for applying for scholarships.
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Tax Return Transcript ready for 2023-24 verification season
January 26, 2023
The key to deciphering an IRS Tax Return Transcript is now available.
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Updated verification worksheets under development
January 26, 2023
Mapping Your Future staff are working on the 2023-24 verification worksheets and the worksheets should be available in the next week.
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Waiver of funding requirements for campus-based programs available for some institutions
January 26, 2023
Students may have a little more access to some federal financial aid programs under a program that waives the institutional funding requirements.
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Tip of the Week
January 25, 2023
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Tip of the Week
January 18, 2023
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
January 12, 2023
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Comments sought on proposal to amend rules governing income-contingent repayment plans
January 11, 2023
The public now has a chance to comment the Department of Education's proposed changes to income-contingent repayment plans.
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Department of Education clarifies Federal Work Study Program rules on tutoring jobs
January 11, 2023
Although the Federal Work Study Program requires institutions to meet specific community service requirements, college officials may have been hesitant to allow students to take tutoring or mentoring jobs at elementary or secondary schools.
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Reminder about Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday closings
January 11, 2023
The Department of Education is among the federal offices closed for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday, January 16.
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The year of living financial aid
January 11, 2023
Not saying you should forget everything you know about financial aid, but some big changes are coming.
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Tip of the Week
January 11, 2023
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A checklist of applications to complete for a college education
January 04, 2023
By the first day of college classes, a student has completed a lot of paperwork to begin their educational journey.
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Data Retrieval Tool planned outage this weekend, impacting FAFSA completion and IDR Plan Requests
January 04, 2023
Students and parents who have a new year's resolution to complete the FAFSA may want to just sleep in on the morning of Saturday, January 7.
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Early Awareness E-News
January 04, 2023
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Simple steps to update your FSA ID
January 04, 2023
Your FSA ID is your key to your federal student aid account, and therefore it's important that you keep information associated with your account up to date.
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Tip of the Week
January 04, 2023
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How do I start applying for financial aid?
January 03, 2023
If you are a high school senior or the parent of a senior, the next few months are important for applying for financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans.
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New FAFSA to debut in late 2023
January 03, 2023
Students and parents applying for financial aid in the fall of 2023 will experience a totally new FAFSA.
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January tasks for high school seniors
December 31, 2022
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Tip of the Week
December 21, 2022
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
December 15, 2022
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Mapping Your Future review of top articles for 2022
December 15, 2022
Mapping Your Future strives to provide a variety of articles to benefit students, parents, high school counselors and educators, and financial aid professionals.
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New training opportunities for financial aid professionals
December 15, 2022
In a preview of coming attractions, the Department of Education has announced a new Wednesday Webinar series for early in 2023.
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Reminder about student aid website two-step verification
December 15, 2022
Students and parents, who completed the FAFSA or set up an account this fall at StudentAid.gov already know about the two-step verification now required.
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Strategies for making the most of scholarship applications webinar scheduled for students, parents
December 15, 2022
Register today for the January 24 or 26 webinar.
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Tip of the Week
December 14, 2022
Understanding taxes webinar available
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Tip of the Week
December 07, 2022
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Understanding taxes webinar recording available
December 07, 2022
Financial aid is in the midst of some of the most dramatic changes in the industry in decades.
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Completing the FAFSA webinar recording available with Spanish subtitles
December 01, 2022
To help more students understand and apply for financial aid, Mapping Your Future is now offering its FAFSA completion webinar with Spanish subtitles.
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Early Awareness E-News
December 01, 2022
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Five important things you should know about financial aid for graduate school
December 01, 2022
For many students, pursuing a graduate or professional degree can provide important career advantages, but for some students the advanced degree is not possible without financial aid.
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For a successful future, seniors must develop these five traits
December 01, 2022
Graduation is a significant milestone for high school students.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
December 01, 2022
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The two reasons you need to create a FAFSA save key
December 01, 2022
A save key for the FAFSA is not the same as a password, but it could be just as important to helping a student complete the form.
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A candid photo
November 30, 2022
I just wanted one good photo.
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December tasks for high school seniors
November 30, 2022
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice.
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Displaying your accomplishments
November 30, 2022
Winter break is a good time to get caught up on projects that are harder to find time for during the school year.
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Happy Holidays from Mapping Your Future
November 30, 2022
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Tip of the Week
November 30, 2022
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Draft guide to prepare for changes under FAFSA Simplification
November 29, 2022
In a move to help institutions prepare for upcoming FAFSA Simplification changes, the Department of Education has released a draft guide to determine a student's eligibility for need-based aid.
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Mapping Your Future 2023 holiday calendar
November 29, 2022
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Tip of the Week
November 22, 2022
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A good investment
November 17, 2022
It's not just about the money.
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Department notifies schools of FAFSA Simplification changes for 2023-24
November 17, 2022
In another sign that FAFSA Simplification is on the way, the Department of Education recently notified financial aid professionals of some upcoming changes for 2023-24 Award Year.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
November 17, 2022
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Schools reminded about upcoming Department of Education deadlines
November 16, 2022
In a world without any deadlines, you could always make edits and corrections.
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Tip of the Week
November 16, 2022
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Institutions reminded to disclose Perkins cash on hand
November 14, 2022
For those schools continuing to offer the Perkins Loan Program to assist students with financial need, there is more work to be done.
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Understanding taxes webinar scheduled
November 14, 2022
Register today for the December 7 webinar.
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Tip of the Week
November 09, 2022
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Change is coming
November 03, 2022
I know that about half the country is going to be very happy next week and the other half will be very upset.
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Department encourages use of soft tokens for secure access to federal systems
November 03, 2022
The Department of Education is recommending financial aid professionals use what are known as soft tokens as a part of the two-factor authentication process needed to access Federal Student Aid systems.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
November 03, 2022
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New place to find all the latest news on prison education programs
November 02, 2022
With legislative changes in recent years that expanded Pell Grant eligibility to incarcerated students, interest in prison education programs has been increasing.
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Tip of the Week
November 02, 2022
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2022-23 ACT national test dates and registration deadlines
November 01, 2022
Students interested in taking the ACT this academic year should make notes of the upcoming test dates for 2022-23.
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ACT is exploring a digital national test, but it won't be the only option
November 01, 2022
ACT is considering offering a digital version of its college admissions test taken on weekends.
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College costs up slightly but student loan borrowing continues to decline
November 01, 2022
The cost of college increased only slightly in recent years while borrowing and student loan debt amounts declined, according to new reports from the College Board.
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Department releases updated list of federal codes for postsecondary institutions
November 01, 2022
For students, entering the federal school code of a college or university may not be the most common way of listing an institution on the FAFSA.
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Early Awareness E-News
November 01, 2022
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November tasks for high school seniors
November 01, 2022
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice.
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These numbers have a huge impact on your financial aid offer
November 01, 2022
Whether you love or hate math problems, figuring out the amount of money you'll need for college can be overwhelming.
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Two questions to ask before accepting a grant or scholarship
November 01, 2022
The best way for a student to pay for an education is with grants and scholarships.
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Updated federal school code list released
November 01, 2022
For students, entering the federal school code of a college or university may not be the most common way of listing an institution on the FAFSA.
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Tip of the Week
October 26, 2022
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A contribution to the future
October 20, 2022
You are doing something historic.
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Borrowers with spousal consolidation loans need to act soon for PSLF
October 20, 2022
Borrowers with spousal consolidation loans who want to take advantage of the limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness waiver will need to act soon.
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Department reminds institutions about rules related to debit and prepaid cards
October 20, 2022
Schools that offer campus debit and prepaid cards to their students through arrangements with financial institutions must comply with regulatory obligations in overseeing those arrangements.
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Financial aid industry participants reminded to confirm mailboxes and accounts
October 20, 2022
Financial aid industry organizations that fail to confirm their accounts and mailboxes with Federal Student Aid risk losing access to federal data systems and services.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
October 20, 2022
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Mapping Your Future third-party servicer reminders
October 20, 2022
Completing forms and paperwork is a necessary part of a financial aid administrator's job.
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New College Financing Plan template available
October 20, 2022
Although this academic year has just gotten underway, financial aid professionals are well into their preparation for next year.
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Workarounds offered to correct FAFSA question about being homeless
October 20, 2022
Students, who mistakenly answered yes to the “homeless or at risk of being homeless” question on the FAFSA and were prevented from providing parent information, now have some workarounds to proceed.
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Tip of the Week
October 19, 2022
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Tip of the Week
October 12, 2022
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
October 06, 2022
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Plan for 2022 Federal Student Aid Conference
October 06, 2022
There won't be any travel hassles, but you will have to carve out some time in your agenda to attend the 2022 FSA Training Conference.
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Student loan default rate drops significantly
October 06, 2022
Hopefully, it's not the calm before the storm.
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This one FAFSA question you should always answer with a yes
October 05, 2022
Applying for federal financial aid has gotten easier in recent years, and you can make it even easier for yourself by preparing ahead to answer the questions on the FAFSA.
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Tip of the Week
October 05, 2022
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Early Awareness E-News
October 04, 2022
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FAFSA webinar recordings available
October 04, 2022
Completing the FAFSA is an important task for students and families.
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Strategies for students (and parents) when money for college runs short
October 04, 2022
With the fall semester well underway, most students have their minds on attending classes and getting good grades – and hopefully not on paying their tuition bill.
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The secrets of scholarship-winning students
October 04, 2022
Applying for scholarships can seem like a lot of work when there’s no guarantee that you will receive any money for your education.
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2023-24 FAFSA form now available
October 03, 2022
If it's October, it's time for fall festivities and time to apply for financial aid.
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Helping students with the why and how of FAFSA completion
October 03, 2022
Now that the 2023-24 FAFSA is available, all students and parents need to do is complete it.
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Worksheet available to prepare for 2023-24 FAFSA
October 03, 2022
With the launch of the 2023-24 FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education posted a final version of the 2023-24 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet on the StudentAid.gov website.
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October tasks for high school seniors
October 01, 2022
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice.
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Tip of the Week
September 28, 2022
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Documents available to help prepare for 2023-24 FAFSA
September 22, 2022
With the beginning of a new FAFSA year coming soon, the U.S. Department of Education has posted final versions of the 2023-24 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet and a watermarked version of the final 2023-24 FAFSA.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
September 22, 2022
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Opportunity to comment on future direction of Federal Student Aid
September 22, 2022
The Federal Student Aid plans for the future are now ready for your review and comment.
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That time of year
September 22, 2022
It is an astronomical event.
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Total outstanding loan balance increased. . . at least for now
September 22, 2022
The amount and status of student loans have changed somewhat since last year, but those changes may be somewhat minor compared to what may be seen in future reports.
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Tip of the Week
September 21, 2022
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Tip of the Week
September 14, 2022
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
September 08, 2022
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Something to cry over
September 08, 2022
Keep the tissue box handy.
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Gearing up for 2023-24 FAFSA season with new presentation materials
September 07, 2022
October first is just a few short weeks away.
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Tip of the Week
September 07, 2022
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Early Awareness E-News
September 01, 2022
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Questions removed from 2023-24 FAFSA
September 01, 2022
It may not save a lot of time in completing the FAFSA, but it is one step closer to FAFSA simplification.
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PSLF Days of Action designated
August 31, 2022
Public servants, such as first responders, healthcare professionals, and educators often act in ways to benefit others and now it's our turn to participate in a Days of Action to benefit them.
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September tasks for high school seniors
August 31, 2022
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Tip of the Week
August 31, 2022
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The key to knowing what to do first when it comes to college admissions and financial aid
August 30, 2022
Which came first - applying for college admission or applying for financial aid?
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Three new FAFSA questions to answer - or not answer - this year
August 29, 2022
It's strictly voluntary this year.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
August 25, 2022
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Tip of the Week
August 24, 2022
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Mapping Your Future turns 26
August 19, 2022
When it comes to planning for the future, we could all use a little guidance.
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The importance of letting go in a world of many options
August 19, 2022
When it comes to planning for the future, students today are blessed with many career and educational opportunities.
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Updated list of Title IV schools published; schools reminded to keep information current
August 19, 2022
It may not be a who's who list, but nonetheless, the list is pretty important when it comes to federal financial aid.
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Let MappingXpress help with your new academic year documentation needs
August 17, 2022
With a new school year upon us, let MappingXpress help your office meet your document collection needs by streamlining the document collection process.
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Tip of the Week
August 17, 2022