Meet the School Counselor
 Stephanie Turban

Hello! I am Stephanie Turban, the School Counselor at L-BF. I am available to discuss career interest, graduation requirements, and college preparedness topics as well as troubleshoot any personal or academic concerns that are impacting your student’s success in the classroom. If you or your student have any questions, please reach out! My phone extension is 219 and my email address is turban_s@isd362.k12.mn.us. I am looking forward to working with the students at L-BF to reach their full potential!

Planning for College

It is never too early to start preparing your student for college!  In early childhood, this looks like fostering enjoyment in reading and considering opening a college savings  account (529 Plan).  For more information on helping your student prepare for college from elementary school through 12th grade, visit: https://studentaid.gov/resources/prepare-for-college/checklists

Seniors and Families: October is known as “College Knowledge Month” in Minnesota!  This event gives extra focus on planning for your future and applying to colleges this fall.  A number of MN colleges do not charge an application fee at any time, but during College Knowledge Month other schools waive the application fee for the whole month of October, some for just the last week of October, and some do not offer free but always offer a fee waiver if eligible.  For a list of participating schools and fee information, go to https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oXgY5vaG9JFT2clshfmyW5mIz8EHRWxV/view

For more information about applying to colleges and other resources, visit the Office of Higher Education website at https://ohe.mn.gov/

Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid: FAFSA for students planning to attend college during the 2027-2028 Academic Year will open on October 1, 2026.  The 2027-2028 FAFSA application is based on the student and family 2025 tax information.

Direct Admissions Minnesota: Taking the Stress Out of College Applications!

We are excited to participate in Direct Admissions Minnesota, a state initiative designed to simplify the college application process for our graduating seniors.

Through Direct Admissions, eligible seniors receive personalized notification listing participating Minnesota colleges and universities that are offering them proactive admission based on their academic progress—before they even apply!

Why It Matters for Seniors & Families:

  • No More Wondering "Will I Get In?": The guess-work is removed early in the school year, boosting student confidence.
  • Free Applications: Application fees are waived for all participating institutions on your direct admission list.
  • Streamlined Process: Seniors check their list, choose the schools they are interested in, and complete the free, simplified application steps to secure their spot.

What Seniors Need to Do:

  1. Watch Your Email: Look for a personalized communication from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education outlining your eligible colleges.
  2. Explore Options: Review your list of participating public, private, community, and technical institutions across the state.
  3. Submit Free Applications: Follow the official link to select your choices and complete the official application process for your target schools.

Note: While Direct Admissions guarantees proactive acceptance to participating institutions, students must still complete the official application process for their chosen schools to confirm enrollment and submit the FAFSA for financial aid.

Questions? Reach out to Mrs. Turban or visit the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Direct Admissions Pagefor details.

High School Code

241-405