How to Apply for Florida Bright Futures

What is Bright Futures? How do you become eligible for the scholarship? If you are planning on or even considering attending college in Florida, you need to know this information and the earlier, the better. While there are 4 types of scholarships which are part of Florida Bright Futures Program, this information is focused on the 2 primary scholarships for students who plan on pursuing an undergraduate degree or certification at a college or university in Florida – the Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) and the Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS).

To be eligible for Bright Futures, students must:

• Be a Florida resident and US citizen or eligible non citizen

• Graduate from a Florida public high school or a registered Department of Education Private institution, earn a GED or complete an eligible Home Education program

• Meet high school college prep coursework requirements

• Be accepted to and enrolled at a Public or eligible private post-secondary institution in Florida

• Not have been convicted of or plead no contest to felony charges

• Meet official standardized test score and GPA requirements

• Complete 100 hours of volunteer service and/or paid work

• Have official transcripts sent from high school

• Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by Aug. 31 after senior year

Image from Bright Futures Handbook

The FAS scholarship is the highest level available to students and covers 100% of tuition and applicable fees at Florida public institutions. If a student chooses to attend an eligible private institution, they are given a comparable amount which could add up to approx. $6000.

The FMS scholarship is the second tier and covers 75% of tuition and applicable fees or 100% of an associates degree. It also covers a comparable amount at eligible private institutions.

To apply for Bright Futures, students must first complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA). This application typically opens on October 1 and must be completed by August 31 post graduation. After applying for the FFAA, the student will gain access to complete the Bright Futures application.

Students can send their test scores by simply requesting an official test score to be sent to any of the 12 Florida sate universities, state colleges or public high schools. Students have until August 31 post graduation to meet the testing requirements, which means completing testing by June 30. Scores can be superscored and students can take it as many times as needed to get the minimum required scores. Students can bypass the test score requirements if they complete an AICE or IB Diploma.

Service and work hours must be completed by high school graduation. To verify what activities meet the service hour requirements, students should speak to their high school counselors. Whatever the activity may be, the student must get the signed verification from the appropriate supervisor. Activities which typically count towards the service hours are volunteering for nonprofits, working on local political campaigns, or interning at local businesses. As of June 2022, paid work now counts towards the 100 hour requirement.

Students can complete their application any time after December, when they are able to officially enroll at one of the eligible post-secondary institutions. The funds will be distributed directly to the college. Students should ensure they keep their account updated with the institution they are attending as well as their service hours. They should also make sure their counselor sends their official transcripts.

Both levels of Bright Futures can be used for summer semester and depending on the college's programs, may be able to be used for study abroad. A common misconception is that the Bright Futures is a 'full ride'. However, it covers solely the tuition and some fees. unless a family has a 529. Families should not neglect to seek additional funding such as scholarships and other institutional and federal financial aid. Parents should follow all deadlines to file the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE where required in order to be eligible for other aid.

When families have a 529 Plan, the schools apply those funds first and then the Bright Futures. In this case, Bright Futures funds can be used for expenses other than standard tuition and fees. If there are funds left over, the school will usually give them back to the student to use for additional expenses.

Consider the requirements early as you go through high school and begin to complete the service hours, meet college prep course requirements, and prepare for standardized tests to ensure you do not miss out on these extra funds! Schedule a free consultation with us to discuss Bright Futures and your college search and applications.

How to Apply for Financial Aid in the US as an International Student

Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students seeking quality education and diverse experiences. However, the cost of attending a U.S. university can be a significant barrier for students no matter where they are from. In this blog post, we'll explore the process of applying for financial aid as an international student at U.S. universities.

Understanding Financial Aid Options

Before diving into the application process, it's important to understand the types of financial aid available for international students:

1.    Institutional Aid:  Aid which comes from the university itself, more common with private universities

Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic, athletic, artistic, or other achievements. They may cover part or all of tuition costs. Often, they do not require a separate application and are awarded based on the student’s general application for admission. These are VERY competitive and not offered by some top universities such as the Ivy League institutions.

Need-Based Aid: While international students are not eligible for federal financial aid in the US, many universities offer need-based aid to international students. This aid can come in the form of scholarships and grants which do not have to be repaid. This aid requires some form of application including details on the family’s income and financial resources.

2.     External Scholarships and Grants: There are numerous external organizations, foundations, and governments that offer scholarships and grants to international students studying in the U.S. These can be based on academic merit, field of study, country of origin, or other criteria.

Applying for Financial Aid

The application and policy for institutional aid varies significantly by university. Some universities do not offer need-based aid to international students at all, others such as Columbia or UChicago meet 100% of demonstrated need, and some colleges may offer both need and merit aid. It is important to thoroughly research the policies and requirements for each college before making the decision to apply there.

Colleges which offer need-based aid to international students will require the submission of either the CSS Profile, International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or their own version of a financial aid application. This financial aid form is due with or shortly after the application for admission. These forms require information about the family income, assets and expenses. You will usually be required to upload proof such as tax returns and income statements translated to English in order to complete the applications. Begin working on these applications early enough to gather the required documents well ahead of the stated deadlines.

It is common policy that if a student does not apply for financial aid for their first year, they are ineligible for need-based aid for the following years. So if your family truly needs aid, make sure you complete all forms accurately and ON TIME before the student’s first year of college.

Important Questions to Consider

1.     Will applying for aid affect your chances of admission?

2.     Are there other colleges which would give you more aid?

3.     Are there other colleges which are great fits and cost less overall?

4.     Can students get a job and and/or manage a job while attending college?

While the cost of studying in the U.S. can be daunting for international students, there are various financial aid options available to help make education more accessible. By researching opportunities, preparing strong applications, and staying persistent, you can increase your chances of receiving the financial support you need. This is an important issue I help my students and their families navigate as we work together on their college search and applications. If you have questions about applying to US colleges as an international student, schedule a free intro meeting with me.

December and January Scholarships

Between completing college applications and finishing out the year with lots of school work, most students have not had time to apply for scholarships. Now that break is starting, I am hoping they will find/make the time to apply for at least a few. I have compiled a very short list of some with December and January deadlines. Check them out and use a little of your holiday break free time to APPLY!

Niche Monthly $1000 Scholarship
Due: December 20, 2020
Open to high school, college, and graduate students, and those planning to enroll within 12 months. Simply fill out a short form.
https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarship/december-scholarship/

Peck Law Group Elder Abuse and Neglect Scholarship
Amount: $700
Due: December 29, 2020
Scholarship is open to students who have been accepted to or are enrolled in college. Create an article on elder abuse and neglect of at least 1000 words (the more the better). 
https://www.premierlegal.org/elder-abuse-neglect-infographic-scholarship/

Spotless Cleaning Chicago Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Due: December 30, 2020
If you are a dynamic, passionate, hard-working student in high school, college, university, or trade school, create a 2-4 minute video explaining why you think education is the key to a brighter future, and how you can shape society.
https://www.spotlesscleaningchicago.com/scholarship/

Shawn Sukumar 2020 Extracurricular Impact scholarship
Amount:  $1000
Due:  December 31, 2020
Open to US high school seniors and students currently enrolled in college.
An amount of $1,000 will be awarded to one student who best conveys in a 750-1,000 word essay how extracurricular activities have had an impact on their life and academic success. This can be an activity you are currently participating in or have previously been involved with. Whether it’s music lessons, art classes, sports teams, debate, or volunteering that garners your interest, what lessons have these extracurricular activities taught you that you have applied to your classes in school? What kind of positive impact have they had on your life as a whole?

https://washingtondccriminallawyer.net/2020-scholarship/

Fire Free Speech Essay Contest
Amount:  Up to $10,000
Due:  December 31, 2020
Open to US high school juniors and seniors. In a persuasive letter or essay, convince your peers that free speech is a better idea than censorship. Your letter or essay must be between 700-900 words. We encourage you to draw from current events, historical examples, our free speech comic, other resources on FIRE’s website, and/or your own personal experiences.

https://www.thefire.org/resources/high-school-network/essay-contest/

 
Fundera College Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Due: January 1 and June 1 each year
Scholarship is open to incoming and current college students in the United States. Applicant must be a young entrepreneur. Student must submit a video on a topic related to technology and small businesses. https://www.fundera.com/resources/fundera-scholarship

The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Scholarship
Foot Locker will celebrate 20 athletes for whom sports has helped them become leaders in their school and community by awarding them up to $25,000. 
Due: January 8, 2021
For HS Seniors, class of 2021
https://app.goingmerry.com/scholarships/foot-locker-scholar-athletes-2021/7996

Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Amount: Several scholarships up to $10,000
Due:  January 15, 2021
Contest is open to United States high school students in grades nine through twelve. Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917. Essay 700-1000 words.
https://www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Profile-in-Courage-Essay-Contest.aspx

LiveMas Scholarship
Various scholarship amounts totaling $7 million
Due: January 20, 2021
Open to students 16 and above who plan on or already are attending college.
The Live Más Scholarship is not based on your grades or how well you play sports. No essays, no test scores, no right or wrong answers. Submit a two minute video that tells us the story of your life’s passion. This is not about how well you can make a film – we just want you to tell us about your passion and how you will use it to make a difference.
https://www.tacobellfoundation.org/live-mas-scholarship/

I have a Dream Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Due: January 31, 2020
Ages 14 and up may apply
"We want to know... what do you dream about? Whether it's some bizarre dream you had last week, or your hopes for the future, share your dreams with us for a chance to win $1,500 for college." (250 words or less)
https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/i-have-a-dream-scholarship

My additional tips for your scholarship search: https://www.acmcollegeconsulting.com/blog/2019/1/2/the-spring-scholarship-search

TIME FOR MORE?
For more scholarships, I recommend checking out these pages which require you to set up a FREE account. Remember you should never have to pay to apply and be careful with what information you share and how that information will be used.

https://www.goingmerry.com/

https://www.fastweb.com/

SWFL STUDENTS
Don’t forget to apply for the Southwest Florida Community Foundation Scholarship funds. The application is due by January 11. It is a wonderful opportunity to receive funding specifically for students from your region and they have a lot to give!
https://floridacommunity.com/scholarships/

Budgeting in College

While keeping track of finances may not be of concern to some students, it is a valuable skill to learn for all. Students should take the time to sit with their family and discuss budgeting before arriving on campus for freshman year. Many unexpected expenses could arise and it is important for students and their families to establish a plan for how decisions about these expenses will be made and how they may be paid for.

After the first major decision of how the direct expenses (expenses paid directly to the school) of tuition and fees and room and board will be paid for, families have to take into consideration the indirect expenses which will most likely be incurred. These usually include transportation, books and supplies, and personal expenses such as health insurance. Creating a list of these expenses and calculating what is expected to be needed monthly will help families understand what funds are necessary before the bills come in. A plan should be in place for paying for these expenses before the student sets off for college.

In addition to the expected expenses, it is a good idea to budget for the unexpected such as additional trips or activities the student may want to do and other discretionary spending for the student. Where will these funds come from? Make a plan!

Many students already have their own checking account from saving and working while in high school, but if they do not, it is time to set one up together. Many banks offer a free checking account, but it is worth considering banks local to the college first in case an issue arises. Parents can easily send money to the account as needed and get access to the account summary (if student agrees of course).

There are some very helpful programs to assist with keeping track of budget and spending and it is great practice for life in the 'real world'. Mint is a free program which allows you to set a budget for different categories, keep track of all expenses and bills, and make sure you make your payments on time. At any time you can log in to see where you stand for the month and get a good look at how well you are staying on budget. They also have a mobile app which is perfect for today's students who never go anywhere without their phone.

Should students get a credit card? College is a great time for students to get their first credit card not only to have in case of emergency, but also to begin building their own credit history. They can also begin to acquire points for spending. As long as the student understands what the card should be used for, payments are made on time and you choose one with no fees, it is a great thing to have. Take a look at NerdWallet's May list of Best College Student Credit Cards to get an idea of the associated details to consider.

Keep in mind as you are budgeting for future years that you need to fill out the FAFSA each year to continue to receive financial aid and you can continuously apply for outside scholarships throughout the student's college years. If you have any major changes in your financial situation which would increase your need, be sure to communicate that with the financial aid office as soon as possible.

Make a plan, talk about it, and continue to communicate the importance of budgeting and discussing expenses after the student is on campus. It is a lifelong skill we all need and an important part of your student's journey to adulthood.

All About Bright Futures

What is Bright Futures? How do you become eligible for the scholarship? If you are planning on or even considering attending college in Florida, you need to know this information and the earlier, the better. While there are 4 types of scholarships which are part of Florida Bright Futures Program, this information is focused on the 2 primary scholarships for students who plan on pursuing an undergraduate degree or certification at a college or university in Florida – the Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) and the Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS).

To be eligible for Bright Futures, students must:

• Be a Florida resident and US citizen or eligible non citizen

• Graduate from a Florida public high school or a registered Department of Education Private institution, earn a GED or complete an eligible Home Education program

• Meet high school college prep coursework requirements

• Be accepted to and enrolled at a Public or eligible private post-secondary institution in Florida

• Not have been convicted of or plead no contest to felony charges

• Meet official standardized test score and GPA requirements

• Complete 100 hours of volunteer service and/or paid work

• Have official transcripts sent from high school

• Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by Aug. 31 after senior year

Image from Bright Futures Handbook

The FAS scholarship is the highest level available to students and covers 100% of tuition and applicable fees at Florida public institutions. If a student chooses to attend an eligible private institution, they are given a comparable amount which could add up to approx. $6000.

The FMS scholarship is the second tier and covers 75% of tuition and applicable fees or 100% of an associates degree. It also covers a comparable amount at eligible private institutions.

To apply for Bright Futures, students must first complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA). This application typically opens on October 1 and must be completed by August 31 post graduation. After applying for the FFAA, the student will gain access to complete the Bright Futures application.

Students can send their test scores by simply requesting an official test score to be sent to any of the 12 Florida sate universities, state colleges or public high schools. Students have until August 31 post graduation to meet the testing requirements, which means completing testing by June 30. Scores can be superscored and students can take it as many times as needed to get the minimum required scores. Students can bypass the test score requirements if they complete an AICE or IB Diploma.

Service and work hours must be completed by high school graduation. To verify what activities meet the service hour requirements, students should speak to their high school counselors. Whatever the activity may be, the student must get the signed verification from the appropriate supervisor. Activities which typically count towards the service hours are volunteering for nonprofits, working on local political campaigns, or interning at local businesses. As of June 2022, paid work now counts towards the 100 hour requirement.

Students can complete their application any time after December, when they are able to officially enroll at one of the eligible post-secondary institutions. The funds will be distributed directly to the college. Students should ensure they keep their account updated with the institution they are attending as well as their service hours. They should also make sure their counselor sends their official transcripts.

Both levels of Bright Futures can be used for summer semester and depending on the college's programs, may be able to be used for study abroad. A common misconception is that the Bright Futures is a 'full ride'. However, it covers solely the tuition and some fees. unless a family has a 529. Families should not neglect to seek additional funding such as scholarships and other institutional and federal financial aid. Parents should follow all deadlines to file the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE where required in order to be eligible for other aid.

When families have a 529 Plan, the schools apply those funds first and then the Bright Futures. In this case, Bright Futures funds can be used for expenses other than standard tuition and fees. If there are funds left over, the school will usually give them back to the student to use for additional expenses.

Consider the requirements early as you go through high school and begin to complete the service hours, meet college prep course requirements, and prepare for standardized tests to ensure you do not miss out on these extra funds! Schedule a free consultation with us to discuss Bright Futures and your college search and applications.

The Spring Scholarship Search

Now that college applications are complete, it is a perfect time for HS seniors to use some of their free time for searching and applying for scholarships. There are also many scholarships for younger students, so non-seniors could benefit from dedicating some time to this too. Many students ask me where to search and how to get the most money. Unfortunately, there is no single, simple answer. There are scholarships everywhere just waiting to be found! Here are some tips for your search for the $$$.

Of course getting scholarships from your potential college is the first stop. You should have filled out the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile by now if you have applied to college. If you have not completed those financial aid applications, do it ASAP! Colleges use these forms for determining financial aid awards and much of it is awarded on a first come-first serve basis. You will see what your scholarship and aid awards are on your financial aid award letter which you will receive from your potential colleges before May 1. If you are a junior considering your options, remember to take a look at the academic scholarships and financial aid colleges offer before applying. Some of the scholarships require a separate application and may even have an earlier deadline than the regular college applications. You do not want to miss out on those.

There are so many scholarship search websites it is often overwhelming. Select just 2-3 and consistently check them for updates. Some of the to best pages are:

• Fastweb - After signing up and completing a profile (yes, many pages require this), you will be able to search and get matched with their database of around 1.5 million scholarships. You are able to keep your scholarships organized by those you are not interested in, those you would like to apply for and those you have already applied for.

• Scholarships.com - Scholarships.com updates their database of more than 3.5 million scholarships to be sure to only include legitimate, current scholarships. Similar to fastweb, you sign up and complete a profile to get matched with potential scholarships.

Consider the local opportunities before jumping into the small nationwide scholarships. Great scholarship resources can be local community organizations, student and parent employers, banks, churches, and companies. Most states also have their own form of scholarship or grant for residents, for example the PHEAA grant for PA residents, Florida Bright Futures, and Hope Scholarship in Georgia. Click on your state on this handy map and find out what is available. These can be very valuable resources and should not be overlooked. Some of these statewide programs such as Bright Futures require a certain GPA, test scores, and community service hours which need to be taken into consideration earlier than senior year.

Although it may seem daunting to have to write yet another essay for an application or fill out another form, it may end up being well worth your time. As someone recently pointed out to me, ‘if you spend 2 hours on an application and end up getting $1000, that is $500 an hour. Where else can you get that?’ Take some time and submit quality applications.

A final note of caution to those of you on the hunt for funds - beware of the websites which require payment for access to scholarship lists or people who guarantee they will get you scholarships. As you know by now, almost nothing in the college application world is a guarantee and you are capable of finding the scholarships on free websites.

Additional Resources

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators parent and student resources: https://www.nasfaa.org/students_parents_counselors

Read more about scholarship scams here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0082-scholarship-and-financial-aid-scams

SWFL Scholarships

Community Foundation of Collier County

SWFL Community Foundation

Foundation for Lee County Public Schools