Resources for South Dakota School Counselors and Financial Aid Professionals
Welcome to Mapping Your Future. We provide information and tools to help you provide effective service to your students and families, especially as they explore higher education as a means to a better future.
Mapping Your Future offers:
The South Dakota College Access News provides information and resources for counselors, students, and parents on planning, paying and succeeding in college.
It isn't too early to schedule your fall financial aid night event
Now is a great time to schedule your fall financial aid night event with Mapping Your Future.
StudentAid.gov to be only site for students, parents to create FSA ID
To make StudentAid.gov a one-stop location for all federal financial aid functions, the Department of Education announced it will retire the previous website used for creating an FSA ID.
CareerShip information recently updated
The ability to research careers is important to selecting a career path.
2021-22 FAFSA completions in South Dakota
Mapping Your Future is publishing a monthly 2021-22 FAFSA update flyer for South Dakota with facts and figures related to FAFSA completion.
Packing list for college bound students
If you plan to live in a dorm for the fall semester, you can start preparing now by knowing what you plan to take with you.
Three things students should do to prepare for their senior year
Senior year of high school is exciting, but the truth is – it can also be very overwhelming.
How a campus tour can be critical to your college success
A key to a successful college experience for some students is being in the right environment.
May tasks for high school seniors
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.
Schedule 2021 online presentations for your students
Plan now for next fall by scheduling online presentations for your students. Borrowers warned about student loan scams in social media campaign
While a friendly April Fool’s joke can be amusing, it’s no fun to be fooled by student loan scams.
Handout created to explore SouthDakota.MappingYourFuture.org site
Mapping Your Future created a handout to help students explore the SouthDakota.MappingYourFuture.org website in conjunction with the Council on College Admission in South Dakota (CCASD) Virtual College Fair to be held March 22-April 1.
Celebrating work in South Dakota
Work is essential to our lives, and as such, it deserves a week-long celebration.
Register now for the South Dakota Education Conference
South Dakota counselors and educators are asked to mark their calendar for the state education conference to be held online later this spring.
Fall semester to look more like normal at state’s public universities
Students and parents can look forward to a return to more normal operations at South Dakota’s six public universities and two special schools, according to an announcement from the Board of Regents. Tuition and fee increase at South Dakota public institutions
Students will pay about $100 more per year to attend South Dakota’s public colleges and universities.
Understanding what it means to be a dependent for financial aid
It is an important term in financial aid, but one that often creates a lot of confusion among students and parents.
The secret of successful students
Students who do well in school know there’s a strategy that helps them make good grades, earn more awards, and, overall, enjoy the learning experience. South Dakota grant and scholarship information
South Dakota students have a variety of state grant and scholarship programs available to them. CareerShip helps with career planning and college selection
Choosing the right career takes research.
April tasks for high school seniors
Your senior year was probably not quite what you anticipated due to the pandemic.
Tips for encouraging your students to complete the FAFSA
With 36 percent of the state’s high school seniors competing the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA), South Dakota now ranks 28th in the country in terms of FAFSA completion*. Parents needed for input on Paying for College tool
Abt Associates and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) want to hear from parents and relatives who have taken out loans to pay for a family member’s college education or are thinking about doing so.
Applying for federal financial aid will be different in the future
Students attending college in the 2023-24 academic year will see a shorter, simpler form when applying for federal financial aid. New number and access code for college planning texting service
Mapping Your Future encourages high school counselors, parents, and students or anyone interested in valuable college planning tips to sign up for its new texting service. Students can visit Mapping Your Future at the CCASD College Fair
CCASD is hosting a Virtual College Fair March 22-April 1.
Important facts about the FSA ID
Students and parents should think of the FSA ID as the key that unlocks access to their federal financial aid.
Asking for a lower tuition bill
Controlling the cost of higher education is an issue on the minds of many students and parents. Five things you’ll need for a successful scholarship search
To find something, you first need to know what it is you are searching for and such is the case with scholarship searches.
March tasks for high school seniors
As your senior year winds down, make sure to complete the necessary admission applications, scholarship essays, and financial aid information.
Guide to Life after High School sessions given a fresh look
A fresh look can be energizing, especially in the middle of winter.
Celebrating school counselors today more than ever
School counselors have always been deserving of our thanks, but perhaps even more so this year.
Brookings counselor named South Dakota Counselor of the Year
Randi Hartman, counselor at Dakota Prairie Elementary School in Brookings, was named the South Dakota School Counselor of the Year by the American School Counselor Association
South Dakota among states with the lowest student loan balance
South Dakota is among the states with the lowest student loan balances, ranking 48th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to a report released by AdvisorSmith.
Scholarship application webinar materials, recordings available
To provide insight on completing scholarship applications, two webinars were recently held. The tactic used by successful students to win more scholarships
Scholarships are sometimes called free money or gift aid. February tasks for high school seniors
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. Promoting local scholarships through SDMyLife
A scholarship could make all the difference for a student trying to pay for college.
Where do I start applying for financial aid?
If you are a high school senior or the parent of a senior, the next few months can be crucial to applying for financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The difference between sticker price and what you will pay for college
One look at a college's sticker price and many students and their parents wonder how they will ever be able to afford higher education. Take the guesswork out of paying for college
When it comes to figuring out the cost of college, pencil-to-paper calculations can get very challenging very quickly.
One simple question for the best college and career advice
You have the freedom to do what you want with your life and knowing that can be both a liberating gift and a heavy burden. Four things to consider before taking classes at another school
Most college programs are designed so you can take all the necessary classes to graduate within four years. January tasks for high school seniors
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice.
Thank you for your part in a great 2020 financial aid night season
While the fall of 2020 has been very different on many levels, the virtual financial aid night was an established process that made the transition much easier for many counselors. College Scorecard enhanced with more information
Prospective college students can make better-informed decisions about careers and colleges with recent enhancements to the College Scorecard. Jobs for America’s Graduates program expanding
More students, who faced barriers to education and career success, will benefit from the Jobs for America’s Graduates program in South Dakota. Five important things you should know about grad school financial aid
For many students, pursuing a graduate or professional degree can provide important career advantages, but for some students the advanced degree is not be possible without financial aid. Opportunity for free graduate education
Because of the pandemic, some South Dakota teachers are getting first-hand experience in teaching online this year - without much preparation. Applying for financial aid? There's an app for that
It's never been easier or more convenient to apply for financial aid for college.
The bottom line on financial aid offers
Choosing a college is an important financial decision.
Displaying your accomplishments
Winter break is a good time to get caught up on projects that are harder to find time for during the school year. December tasks for high school seniors
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice.
New college, career resource guide created for South Dakota students
To help students navigate the overwhelming world of resources, the South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center (SFEC) created "The Ultimate College and Career Resource Guide." Guide aims to help parents understand, engage with digital learning
Just as the experience grows with digital learning, so may be some of the frustration for students and parents. Flyer provides important SD Cost of Attendance information
To plan for any major purchase, you first need to have an idea of the cost. Troubleshooting the FAFSA’s IRS Data Retrieval tool
Applying for financial aid is easy when you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool – unless the tool doesn’t work for you.
Test optional alternatives available for admissions
High school students have some flexibility when it comes to pursuing admission at South Dakota’s six public universities. Why grades are important in college
It is rare that anyone wants to know my grades in college.
Every college student needs this important skill
It is probably one of the most important skills needed for college. November tasks for high school seniors
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. Guide to Life after High School reinforces discussions
Students can benefit from learning in a variety of formats.
College Readiness Coursework available for South Dakota students
South Dakota high school students, who want to attend college, but didn’t meet certain college readiness benchmarks, can take advantage of the College Readiness Coursework program. South Dakota Board of Regents releases fall enrollment numbers
The impact of the pandemic of education is being experienced in numerous ways – including a drop in the number of students attending South Dakota’s colleges and universities. Three South Dakota Schools honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools
Three South Dakota schools were among the few hundred schools recognized last week by the U.S. Department of Education as 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Students can now apply for financial aid for 2021-22
Students planning to pursue education beyond high school in the 2021-22 academic year can start applying for financial aid now. One thing you must do before applying for financial aid
Before you can apply for financial aid to help pay for your education after high school, there is one step you must complete first. Session for high school students now on StudentAidPandemic.org
Planning for life after high school is challenging at any time. October tasks for high school seniors
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. Executive order allows flexibility for students pursuing scholarship
Students, who didn’t have the chance to take the ACT test due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will still be able to qualify for the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship. Career and Technical Education sessions available for replay
If you missed the South Dakota Division of Career and Technical Education virtual conference in early August, you have an opportunity to view many of the sessions online. New requirement implemented in state’s dual credit program
Earning a failing grade in a dual credit course could be a costly mistake with new state requirements that go into effect this fall.
Mapping Your Future needs your input on impact of COVID-19
In order to address some of the issues impacting FAFSA completion and higher education plans, Mapping Your Future needs your response to a South Dakota COVID-19 survey.
Order printed brochures, flyers, bookmarks for students and parents
The Estimated Costs and Resources for College-Bound Native American Students flyers have been updated. 2021-22 FAFSA webinars available
As students face what seems like an uncertain future due to the pandemic, it will be critical that they keep their options open by completing the 2021-22 FAFSA. A step forward in simplifying the FAFSA
This year has been filled with complications, but applying for financial aid should be a little easier with one of the changes planned for the FAFSA. September tasks for high school seniors
The college preparation that takes place during your senior year is filled with a lot of details and paperwork. Four ways for students to succeed during a crisis
Students who accomplish goals and succeed during the pandemic demonstrate an important leadership skill - to persevere despite the crisis. New schedule released for South Dakota public universities
Students attending South Dakota’s six public universities will need to update their calendars with some new fall academic term dates.
The action you should take now if you need more financial aid
A lot of things have changed in our world during the past year, and your financial situation may be very different than when you applied for financial aid. It's more important than ever to complete the FAFSA
And here's why. . . No proactive admissions letters this fall
The South Dakota Department of Education has announced it will not send out proactive admissions or college readiness coursework letters in fall 2020. Paying for college during a pandemic
Worries about how to pay for college have certainly intensified for many students during the pandemic. August tasks for high school seniors
Some facets of your senior year may look different than past years, but starting your senior year is still an exciting time. Common FAFSA questions addressed in podcasts
Mapping Your Future teamed up with South Dakota financial aid professionals to develop a series of podcasts to help students and parents preparing for higher education. New recordings available on financial aid topics
New recordings on various college financial aid topics are available for you to share with your students and their parents. New guidance for South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship under COVID-19
Recognizing that high school students face challenges this year as they try to plan for their future education, the South Dakota Board of Regents recently issued some new guidance for the Opportunity Scholarship. Webinars and other resources for Counselors to manage during COVID-19
In addition to the online resources offered by Mapping Your Future, a number of other organizations are providing services that may be of assistance to counselors and educators as they move programs and classes online.
StudentAidPandemic.org site released
Our world today is dramatically different that it was just a few weeks ago. Department of Education updates online COVID-19 information
The Department of Education updated its "Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents" information on April 1.
Using South Dakota website resources
The SouthDakota.MappingYourFuture.org website is designed to provide college planning information for South Dakota students and parents, as well as resources and information for South Dakota high school counselors and educators.