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Find answers to your questions about Online Student Loan Counseling or other topics. You also can send us an e-mail or chat live.
Questions about Online Student Loan Counseling
Below are some of the common questions about using Mapping Your Future's Online Student Loan Counseling. Review the problems listed below to find a solution to your situation.
If you still experience problems, we recommend you remove all spyware from your computer system. Spyware can cause intermittent problems and may affect only certain applications or web sites. If after that, you still have difficulty, you might want to use another computer. You also can send us an e-mail or chat live.
- What are the browser and system requirements needed to complete OSLC?
- Why do I have to complete a counseling session?
- How do I complete a counseling session?
- Can I later return to a partially-completed counseling session?
- Why isn't my school listed under a specific counseling type?
- How can I choose my country for the counseling session if the United States isn't listed?
- Why isn't my state or country included in the list?
- After I choose my state, I don't see my school on the list. Can I still complete loan counseling?
- Why do I have to complete an exit counseling session if I transferred schools?
- Why do I have to enter references?
- How can I complete the counseling session if I do not have a driver's license?
- What do I do if the answers to the counseling questions don't list an answer that pertains to me?
- How can I complete the budget (or Debt/Salary Wizard) within the counseling session if I don't have a job?
- What security measures are in place to protect my privacy?
- How can I retrieve my counseling confirmation page?
- Why doesn't my school have record that I completed my counseling session?
- How can I correct information that I put on the student form in my counseling session?
- Why can't I pass the test? I've tried all combinations of answers.
- I've entered all required information on the student form, including my date of birth. Why does the process fail when I try to submit the form?
- Why does nothing happen after I click on the start arrow?
- I have been bumped out of the counseling session and have to start over. What causes this, and can it be corrected?
- Why is response time slow?
- Why do I get a "Document contains no data" or "Page cannot be displayed" message?
- After completing the budget, I click to submit, but cannot proceed to Step Six. How can I fix this?
- After I completed the budget and clicked to submit it, I receive a security warning. If I complete the form, will my information be secure?
- Why can't I successfully complete a counseling session using a Macintosh computer?
What are the browser and system requirements needed to complete Online Student Loan Counseling?
- You must use Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher, Netscape Navigator 4.7 or higher, or MozillaFirefox 1.0 or higher. Get a browser now.
- You can use any Internet service provider (ISP) to connect to the Internet; however, you should access this counseling session using one of the browsers above after you've connected (don't use the ISP's browser, such as AOL or MSN).
- You must enable JavaScript in your browser.
Because of the variety of computer systems and browsers (computer software used to search for information on the World Wide Web) on the market, it is difficult to make an application work for everyone. However, Mapping Your Future strives to do so without compromising security or important features on the application. Contact us if you have suggestions.
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Why do I have to complete a counseling session?
Schools are required to ensure students complete entrance and exit interviews (entrance interviews prior to receiving proceeds from a federal student loan and exit interviews shortly before the student ceases attending the school at least half time). This is a federal regulation. The same regulation includes required content for counseling sessions and also recommends that schools administer a test to ensure students understand the loan and their rights and responsibilities.
How do I complete a counseling session?
To begin a counseling session, go to mappingyourfuture.org/oslc/ or go to the Mapping Your Future home page (http://MappingYourFuture.org) and click the “complete Online Student Loan Counseling” link on the left side of the page. Then, choose the appropriate counseling type. If you're not sure of your counseling type, please check with your school. NOTE: There's no "www" in our web address.
For more information on how to complete Online Student Loan Counseling, watch the video:
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Can I later return to a partially-completed counseling session?
No. You cannot save a counseling session to resume it at a later time. If you don't fully complete the counseling, you must start over from the beginning.
Why isn't my school listed under a specific counseling type?
While our counseling products are free, schools still must sign up to participate. You should check the correspondence from your school to make sure you chose the correct counseling type. If you need to complete a counseling type in which your school doesn't participate, talk to your school about alternative methods for fulfilling your loan counseling obligation.
How can I choose my country for the counseling session if the United States isn't listed?
You should click on the "Continue" button immediately under the state selection box. Do not scroll down to click "Continue" under the country selection box.
Why isn't my state or country included in the list?
A state or country will only appear on the list if one or more schools in that are participates in Mapping Your Future's Online Student Loan Counseling. See the next question for school participation information.
After I choose my state, I don't see my school on the list. Can I still complete loan counseling?
While Mapping Your Future's counseling products are free, schools still must sign up to participate. You should double-check the instructions that the school provided you to ensure you've selected the appropriate counseling type. Your school may not be participating at this time. Please talk to them about alternative methods for fulfilling your loan counseling obligation. If you don't see any schools in the drop-down menu, be sure you're using the proper Internet browser. If you still can't see any schools in the menu, it may be easier to use another computer.
Why do I have to complete an exit counseling session if I transferred schools?
Exit counseling is required when a student drops below half-time attendance or graduates from an institution where he or she borrowed a federal student loan, regardless if he or she has reenrolled at another institution.
Why do I have to enter references?
Schools are required to collect reference and next of kin information so your loan holder will have additional contacts in case they're unable to reach you in the future. You can list family members or close friends who live at different addresses.
How can I complete the counseling session if I do not have a driver's license?
A driver's license is not required to complete a counseling session, though you can't leave the fields blank. You must enter "NA" in the driver's license number field and then select "NA" from the drop-down box in the state field.
What do I do if none of the answers to the counseling questions pertain to me?
You should be able to read the text on each page and answer the questions at the bottom of the page accordingly. The questions are objective, not subject to your personal situation.
How can I complete the calculators (budget or debt/salary wizard)) during the counseling session if I don't have a job?
The budget calculator and debt/salary wizard are tools to help you estimate your current or future financial situation. The information enter isn't retained in any way, so feel free to estimate.
What security measures are in place to protect my privacy?
This site has security measures in place to protect the loss, misuse, and alteration of the information we gather. See Mapping Your Future's privacy policy for more information.
How can I retrieve my counseling confirmation page?
You can recreate your confirmation page for your records.
Why doesn't my school have record that I completed my counseling session?
Loan counseling records are available to schools in a secure area of the Mapping Your Future as soon as the sessions are complete. In addition, schools can elect to receive notification when counseling sessions are completed. Some sort of manual intervention usually is needed to update the school's records that the counseling session was completed, therefore, we recommend you give the school a few days to update their records. You can provide your confirmation page or number to your school if they're unable to locate your record online.
How can I correct information that I put on the student form in my counseling session?
Contact Mapping Your Future with your counseling confirmation number and the information to be corrected. Do NOT send your full Social Security numbers by e-mail. If necessary, you can just indicate the digits that need to be corrected (such as the first three digits).
Why can't I pass the test? I've tried all combinations of answers.
If you do not answer a question correctly, you can try again. You will receive a message letting you know which question(s) was answered incorrectly, and you can review the content before trying to answer the question(s) again. If you are not able to answer a question correctly, e-mail us or chat live.
I've entered all required information on the student form, including my date of birth. Why does the process fail when I try to submit the form?
This problem is most likely caused by the use of a proprietary browser from an Internet Servicer Provider (ISP) such as AOL or MSN. While you can use any ISP to connect to the Internet, you should access this counseling session using one of the browsers above after you've connected.
Why does nothing happen after I click on the start arrow?
When you click on the start arrow, the session should start. Check the following:
- If you have a slower connection (for example, if you have dial-up service), there might be a delay while the next page loads. After clicking on the start arrow, a page should open. It probably will display as blank for a few moments while the page loads.
- Make sure you have the latest version of your browser.
I have been bumped out of the counseling session and have to start over. What causes this, and can it be corrected?
There could be a number of factors that cause this to happen:
- Browser incompatibility and/or setup: Make sure you have the latest version of your browser. You also must enable Javascript in your browser software. Sometimes an older browser will allow you to start but not complete the session.
- High Internet traffic: The amount of traffic not only on the Mapping Your Future site but also on the Internet or at a specific Internet service provider can cause problems. High traffic times tend to be mid-day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you experience problems, you can complete counseling earlier or later in the day.
- Too much time spent on one page: If a page is left open for too long (approximately more than an hour or so), your Internet service provider or browser might assume you have left the session.
- Computer incompatibility: Some computers are configured or have software installed that prevents certain applications from running.
- Technical problems at Mapping Your Future: Like all web sites, Mapping Your Future can experience technical problems and need to shut down temporarily. Most of these shutdowns are brief. We apologize for the inconvenience of any technical problems.
During the day (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) the Internet generally is slower because of high traffic. At this time of day, getting a response from Mapping Your Future can take a long time. If you are experiencing delays, try again during off hours and see if you are successful.
Why do I get a "Document contains no data" or "Page cannot be displayed" message?
There may be a temporary problem with Mapping Your Future or with your Internet connection. You should try again in a few minutes or later in the day.
After completing the budget, I click to submit, but I cannot proceed to Step Six. How can I fix this?
After you complete the budget, the program is attempting to transfer you to our secure server so you can submit your personal information. Your browser must support SSL (Secured Sockets Layer). Be sure to check the version of your browser. Also see the question below about security warnings.
After I completed the budget and clicked to submit it, I receive a security warning. If I complete the form, will my information be secure?
This message can result for a number of reasons:
- Mapping Your Future's security certificate is issued to mappingyourfuture.org (no "www"). If you typed "www" in your browser to access Online Student Loan Counseling, you might receive this warning. The site IS secure. You can add https://mapping-your-future.org as a "trusted site" in your browser to prevent this in the future. To do so using Internet Explorer, go to Tools/Internet Options/Security/Trusted Sites.
- You might want have adware/spyware on your computer. An example of free spyware detection software can be found at www.lavasoft.com.
Why can't I successfully complete a counseling session using a Macintosh computer?
We receive occasional reports of problems for Mac users, though the cause of the problem isn't evident. Use an IBM-compatible PC if you experience difficulty.
Other questions
Below are some common questions about topics other than Online Student Loan Counseling. If you don't see your question, you can send us an e-mail or chat live.
- Who should apply for financial aid?
- How do I apply for financial aid?
- When do I apply for financial aid?
- If I receive a scholarship, will it affect the amount of financial aid I receive from my college?
- I plan to go to school part time. Can I get financial aid?
- I am not living with my parents and receive no support from them. Can I file as a self-supporting student?
- How do I choose a lender?
- Where is my Master Promissory Note?
- What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan?
- What is the status of my loan?
- When am I going to receive my loan funds?
- How do I cancel my loan?
- How do I contact my lender?
- How do I reapply for a loan this year?
- When will my Federal Stafford Loan enter repayment?
- How can I apply for a deferment or forbearance?
- Do I qualify for loan forgiveness?
- I have defaulted on a student loan. Am I eligible for additional financial aid so that I may return to school?
- Can I still get a student loan if I file or have filed for bankruptcy?
Who should apply for financial aid?
Anyone who is considering attending a postsecondary educational institution and feels they may need financial assistance should apply. There are many factors taken into account when packaging student aid, so the only way to know for sure whether or not you are eligible is to apply.
How do I apply for financial aid?
If you are a first-time financial aid applicant, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The preferred method of completing the FAFSA is online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You may also request one from the Department of Education at 1-800-4-FED-AID, contact the Financial Aid Office of the school you want to attend, or visit your local public library to pick one up.
When do I apply for financial aid?
You need to complete and send in the FAFSA application information as soon as possible after January 1 of the fall academic year you plan to attend school. For example, if you plan to attend school in the fall of 2008, you need to complete an application as soon as possible after January 1, 2008. It is also a good idea to contact the financial aid office of the school to see what other guidelines and/or information are required.
If I receive a scholarship, will it affect the amount of financial aid I receive from my college?
Scholarships are usually looked at in one of three ways:
- to fill "unmet need," meaning need for which you or your parents will have to borrow more money;
- to reduce the amount of money you need to borrow to attend college; or
- to reduce your college's grant assistance to you.
Call your school's financial aid office for specific information on how your school treats scholarships.
I plan to go to school part time. Can I get financial aid?
Many aid programs are available to students who attend school at least half-time. Some institutions give preference to full-time students.
I am not living with my parents and receive no support from them. Can I file as a self-supporting student?
If you are under 24 years of age, you must file as a dependent student unless you meet certain criteria. Get a FAFSA for detailed information. If you do not meet the criteria on the FAFSA, contact your school to discuss your situation.
Most school financial aid offices have a list of lenders that participate in the student loan program. You are provided the opportunity to choose the lender. If you already have a relationship with a particular lending institution or credit union, you may want to see if they offer student loans to their customers or members.
Where is my Master Promissory Note?
Mapping Your Future only has access to your loan counseling data, and not that of your Master Promissory Note (MPN) or other loan processing information. Please contact your financial aid office or lender for more information about the MPN and loan application process.
What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan?
The subsidized Federal Stafford Loan is awarded on the basis of financial need, which is determined by the information you provide on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). If you qualify for a subsidized loan, the federal government pays interest on the loan (subsidizes the loan) until you begin repayment and during authorized periods of deferment thereafter.
The unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is not awarded on the basis of need. If you qualify for an unsubsidized loan, you will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. You can choose to pay the interest while you are in school and during your grace and authorized deferment periods or allow it to accumulate. If you allow the interest to accumulate, it will be added to the principal amount of your loan and will increase the amount you have to repay. If you pay the interest as it accumulates, you'll repay less in the long run.
What is the status of my loan?
You should contact your financial aid office or lender to determine the status of your loan. Keep in mind that the loan application process has several steps, so you should give the process some time to work through.
When am I going to receive my loan funds?
You should refer to the loan documents from your lender or with your financial aid office for more information about the requested disbursement dates.
Contact your financial aid office if you want to reduce or cancel your loan amount.
Mapping Your Future doesn't have information about your loans or your lender. Look for your loan lender's contact information in your loan documents. If you're unable to find this information, locate them now for more guidance.
How do I reapply for a loan this year?
Contact your financial aid office about the loan application process.
When will my Federal Stafford Loan enter repayment?
After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, you have a grace period of six months before you begin repayment on your Federal Stafford Loans. Your first payment will be due after your grace period expires.
If you return to school at least half time before your grace period expires, you will retain the entire 6-month grace grade period for your loans.
How can I apply for a deferment or forbearance?
If you have a Federal Stafford Loan, contact your loan holder to apply for a deferment or forbearance. If you have a Federal Perkins Loan, contact your school.
Do I qualify for loan forgiveness?
If, based on the loan forgiveness chart and its linked definitions, you think you are eligible for loan cancellation, contact your loan holder for an application. Mapping Your Future isn't able to make determinations on borrowers' eligibility for loan forgiveness. Be sure to contact all of your loan holders, and don't stop making payments until you receive written notification that your loan has been cancelled from each one, if applicable. If only a portion of your loan was cancelled, update your records with your new balance after verifying the information with your loan holder.
I have defaulted on a student loan. Am I eligible for additional financial aid so that I may return to school?
If you arrange a payment schedule with the holder of your defaulted loan and if you make the payments on time, you may regain eligibility for additional financial aid, which includes grant aid and loans. Interested borrowers should contact their loan holder to receive more information about these programs and their requirements.
Can I still get a student loan if I file or have filed for bankruptcy?
If you meet the rest of the eligibility requirements you cannot be denied a federal loan or grant just because you have filed for bankruptcy. You should contact your lender with questions specific to your circumstances.
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