High school graduation may be just weeks away, but it’s not too late to meet the required test score requirement for Bright Futures eligibility.
Test score requirements for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program increased substantially this year, placing a lot of stress and concern on Florida students looking to go to college. But there’s still time to take the all-important tests, as students have until June 30 to submit the scores needed to become eligible for Bright Futures.
While the deadline to submit test scores is two months away, students need to register quickly for the few remaining test dates on the calendar.
The last date to take the SAT is Saturday, June 7, but students are required to register by Friday, May 9. For more information on SAT testing locations and registration, click here.
The last ACT test for Florida students is being administered Saturday, June 14, but also requires registration by Friday, May 9. Information on ACT testing locations and registration can be found here.
Students whose families cannot afford the registration fees may also apply for fee waivers to take the test for free. For more information, click here to find out how to apply for ACT fee waivers and SAT fee waivers. The ACT charges $36.50 for those who don’t qualify for fee waivers, while the SAT costs $51. Because some school districts offer free testing for students, make sure to speak with your school counselor about your options.
Students now need a 1290 SAT Reasoning Test score (critical reading and math sections), or a composite score of 29 on the ACT for the Florida Academic Scholars award, worth up to $103 per credit or $12,360 toward a 4-year degree in the state. The Florida Medallion Scholars Award requires students to have an 1170 SAT Reasoning Test score (critical reading and math sections), or a composite score of 26 on the ACT for eligibility, worth up to $77 per credit or $9,240 toward a 4-year degree. For a complete listing of eligibility criteria, visit this Bright Futures Fact Sheet.
Now is also a great time to check in with the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) to make sure all other eligibility requirements for state financial aid programs like Bright Futures and others are met. Students and parents can visit the OSFA website for information or call 1-888-366-2004 (toll free) to speak with a program specialist.