Applying for Bright Futures Scholarships

The Bright Futures Scholarship program is a great opportunity for all Florida high school students that are going to be attending a public in-state university. The process can seem complicated, but this article should make it simple.

Students that want to obtain a bright futures scholarship must submit the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by August 31 after high school graduation. It should optimally be done before graduation. To qualify, students must earn a Florida high school diploma. There are two tiers of the scholarship: The Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) and Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS). FAS is the top tier and to qualify students must graduate with a weighted GPA of 3.50 and complete 100 hours of community service. To qualify for FMS students must graduate with a weighted GPA if 3.00 and complete 75 hours of community service. There are also course credit requirements that are the same for both: students must take 4 English course credits (three must include substantial writing), 4 in math (at or above the Algebra 1 level), 3 in natural science (two must have substantial laboratory work), 3 in social science, and 2 in world language (sequential, same language). This varies slightly if a student is in an advanced program like IB or AICE. There is also a standardized testing requirement for students. Regarding the ACT, students must obtain a sub-test score of 19 in reading, 17 in English, and 19 in mathematics. Regarding the SAT, students must obtain a sub-test score of 24 on the reading test, 25 on the writing and language test, and 24 on the math test. To qualify for FAS students need a composite score of 29 on the ACT or 1330 on the SAT. For FMS students need a 25 on the ACT or 1210 on the SAT. Only one of the exams (SAT or ACT) has to be submitted. If students receive an AICE Diploma or IB Diploma then no standardized test scores are required. This could be very beneficial for students having a difficult time reaching those standardized test requirements.

FAS awards 100% tuition and fees while FMS awards 75% tuition and fees. FAS also awards an additional $300 towards applicable expenses per semester.

Helpful Links:

• Bright Futures Student Handbook: https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/SAPPRFILE/Application_Essentials.pdf
• Application website: https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/SAPHome/SAPHome?url=home

Sources:

“Bright Futures Scholarship.” Florida Student Scholarship And Grant Programs, www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/.