The Bright Futures Scholarship
by Amalie Ise, Junior, iPreparatory Academy
by Amalie Ise, Junior, iPreparatory Academy
Do you go to a high school in Florida? Do you want money to go to college? Look no farther. The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is a grant given to Florida high school graduates that demonstrate high academic achievement. Many students admit that without Bright Futures, they wouldn’t have the money needed to attend the school.
Amanda Leslie, Bright Futures scholarship winner, and Ms. Keller
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According to the Bright Futures Student Handbook, the scholarship applies to any Florida resident, US citizen, or eligible noncitizen. Jahone Green, an iPrep alumni class of 2017, claims that “Bright Futures covers all my classes each semester, which is about $650-$700 per class.” Likewise, Amanda Leslie, an iPrep alumni class of 2021, explains that “Bright futures cover my [her] tuition so that I [she] don’t [does’t] have to pay for classes… However, it helps me to pay for books and other costs by freeing up funds for me to use.” Our alumni provide an important point– Bright Futures ONLY applies to tuition, so more money is needed for room and board (rent, books, food) when planning the costs of college.
Both Leslie and Green attend a Florida Public University. However, students attending a nonpublic institution will receive a comparable amount as noted in the Private Award Chart” as found in the Bright Futures Student Handbook. Additionally, there is a separate PDF explaining the monetary award, if a student chooses to not attend a Florida Public University (see hyperlink in “Online Sources” Section).
What are the basic qualifications?
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The details of the scholarship:
Bright futures consists of two tiers: a 75% award and a 100% award. The requirements for 75% Bright Futures include a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0, an ACT composite score of 25 or SAT combined reading/math score of 1210, and 75 service hours. The 100% requires a minimum weighted GPA of 3.5, an ACT composite score of 29 or SAT combined reading/math score of 1330, and 100 volunteer service hours.
Ms. James, explains that Bright Futures is something students should keep in mind as early as sophomore year. Additionally, standardized test scores are a big factor (one of the qualifications) as more importance is placed on them. Students as early as sophomore year should begin to understand the differences between the ACT and the SAT, and they should begin to know their strengths and weaknesses for a study plan.
Ms. James expresses that Bright Futures is starting to become more competitive and the requirements keep rising. Ms. James received 75% Bright Futures in 2001 with an SAT score of 1010, now to get 75%, requires at least 1210!
Bryanna Major, an iPrep 2021 graduate, states that one tip that helped her with getting her standardized scores up was “to consistently practice with timed tests on Khan Academy…improved my time management and efficiency when taking the Official SAT.” Additionally, Leslie recommends to “take the test multiple times…It gives you more chances to get the best score possible and develop techniques that help you do your best.” However, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, some schools are becoming test-optional; however, the SAT or ACT is still required.
Bright futures consists of two tiers: a 75% award and a 100% award. The requirements for 75% Bright Futures include a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0, an ACT composite score of 25 or SAT combined reading/math score of 1210, and 75 service hours. The 100% requires a minimum weighted GPA of 3.5, an ACT composite score of 29 or SAT combined reading/math score of 1330, and 100 volunteer service hours.
Ms. James, explains that Bright Futures is something students should keep in mind as early as sophomore year. Additionally, standardized test scores are a big factor (one of the qualifications) as more importance is placed on them. Students as early as sophomore year should begin to understand the differences between the ACT and the SAT, and they should begin to know their strengths and weaknesses for a study plan.
Ms. James expresses that Bright Futures is starting to become more competitive and the requirements keep rising. Ms. James received 75% Bright Futures in 2001 with an SAT score of 1010, now to get 75%, requires at least 1210!
Bryanna Major, an iPrep 2021 graduate, states that one tip that helped her with getting her standardized scores up was “to consistently practice with timed tests on Khan Academy…improved my time management and efficiency when taking the Official SAT.” Additionally, Leslie recommends to “take the test multiple times…It gives you more chances to get the best score possible and develop techniques that help you do your best.” However, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, some schools are becoming test-optional; however, the SAT or ACT is still required.
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How / When to Apply:
According to Ms. James, iPrep Guidance Counselor, students should begin applying for Bright Futures as early as the fall of their senior year. Towards the middle of the school year, seniors should have their community service and test scores finished in order to guarantee that they qualify for Bright Futures. Students must APPLY for the scholarship by submitting the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) no later than August 31 after high school graduation.
According to Ms. James, iPrep Guidance Counselor, students should begin applying for Bright Futures as early as the fall of their senior year. Towards the middle of the school year, seniors should have their community service and test scores finished in order to guarantee that they qualify for Bright Futures. Students must APPLY for the scholarship by submitting the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) no later than August 31 after high school graduation.
Scholarships are not permanent
According to Major, “To maintain the full scholarship, I [you] need to earn at least 12 credits per semester and maintain a 3.0 GPA,” otherwise the scholarship is rescinded. Green additionally states that he has “...seen students lose their Bright Futures scholarship by Sophomore year because they did not care about their General Education classes…Bright Futures will not cover a class you have to retake (if you drop a class or get a failing grade).”
The Bright Futures Scholarship is a great opportunity for any high school student in Florida. It's benefits are sure to save you money in the long run.
Sources to help you study for the SATs:
According to Major, “To maintain the full scholarship, I [you] need to earn at least 12 credits per semester and maintain a 3.0 GPA,” otherwise the scholarship is rescinded. Green additionally states that he has “...seen students lose their Bright Futures scholarship by Sophomore year because they did not care about their General Education classes…Bright Futures will not cover a class you have to retake (if you drop a class or get a failing grade).”
The Bright Futures Scholarship is a great opportunity for any high school student in Florida. It's benefits are sure to save you money in the long run.
Sources to help you study for the SATs:
- Mr. Major, located in room 221 offers FREE math tutoring every Friday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- Khan Academy- free practice tests and lessons. Additionally, you can link your practice (or PSATs) to Khan, and the program will give you a personalized study plan.
Sources
Handbook for Bright Futures:
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter2.pdf
Bright Futures Private (non-public university) Award Chart:
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFPrivateAwards.pdf
Handbook for Bright Futures:
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFHandbookChapter2.pdf
Bright Futures Private (non-public university) Award Chart:
https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/BFPrivateAwards.pdf
