The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship helps students across the state with free money for college – if you are in Florida and you follow the eligibility requirements it can help you pay for college too!
The program is split up in to various awards, based on the student’s academic track, grades, and test scores. Find the award you’re most likely to be eligible for, then be sure to complete all of the required classes.
Gold Seal Vocational Award
- 75% of Public College/University Tuition
- $94 dollars per credit in a four year program – $47 – 64 per credit for community colleges and vocational centers
Yes, you can get a scholarship to attend a Florida college even if you’re in a vocational program and you want to further that vocational training to a degree in the field or specialty – or heck, even if you want to do something completely different.
Grade Point Average: 3.0 weighted in 15.5 “core credits” and 3.5 in 3 credits of vocational classes
Standardized Test Scores: 440 in BOTH the Math and Critical Reading Sections of the SAT; OR ACT scores greater than or equal to a 17 in English, an 18 in Reading, and a 19 in Math.
GOLD SEAL CORE CLASS REQUIREMENTS:
- 4 Credits of English
- 3 Credits of math (including Algebra 1 or higher)
- 3 Credits in Natural science
- 3 Credits in Social science
- 1 Credit in Performing art OR 1 Practical art or .5 in each
- .5 credit Life Management Skills
- .5 credit Personal Fitness
- .5 credit Physical Education
Florida Medallion Scholars Award
- 75% of Public College/University Tuition
- Up to $94 per credit for four year programs and $74 per credit at a community college
This award is worth a little more if you’re going to a community college, but the payout is basically the same as the Vocational program scholarship. The major difference is the classes required to achieve eligibility: Students pursuing the Medallion version of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship will be required to take a foreign language AND two of their sciences with a lab component.
Grade Point Average: 3.0 weighted in 15 “core” credits
Standardized Test Scores: 970 or higher on the student’s best combination of the math and verbal sections of the SAT. You could get a 490 in each section, or a 500 in math and a 470 in verbal. Any combo works to secure eligibility. The listed ACT score is 20 (not including writing).
CORE CLASS REQUIREMENTS:
- 4 Credits of English
- 3 Credits of math (Algebra 1 and above – take Geometry, too!)
- 3 Credits in Natural science (2 with substantial laboratory work)
- 3 Credits in Social science
- 2 Foreign Language (IN THE SAME LANGUAGE!)
This foreign language requirement is the one that gets people in trouble. Some people will take Spanish 1 and French 1 – but they will NOT qualify! You have to take two levels of the same language. One friend of mine did not qualify because the language they had taken in another country did not count. Another friend was disqualified for not taking a language. They WILL NOT let you get around this requirement. It is incredibly important and will ruin your eligibility for all four years of college if you do not complete it. Take your two languages, and take them early. It will help you on the English section of the SAT (really!) and you’ll probably be glad its out of the way.
Florida Academic Scholars Award
- Up to $125 per credit for four year degree programs and $86 per credit at public community colleges.
Grade Point Average: 3.5 weighted in 15 “core” credits
Standardized Test Scores: 1270 or higher on the student’s best combination of the math and verbal sections of the SAT. You could get a 640 in each section, or a 500 in math and a 770 in verbal. Any combo works to secure eligibility. The listed ACT score is 28 (not including writing).
CORE CLASS REQUIREMENTS:
- 4 Credits of English
- 3 Credits of math (Algebra 1 and above – take Geometry, too!)
- 3 Credits in Natural science (2 with substantial laboratory work)
- 3 Credits in Social science
- 2 Foreign Language (IN THE SAME LANGUAGE!)
See the note in the above scholarship award regarding the language classes required for eligibility. I’ve known several people who got caught up on this requirement and missed out on a few thousand dollars because of a technicality.
Community Service for a Brighter Future
To be eligible for the big award, you need 100 hours of community service approved by the school district or the student’s private school. This is also not negotiable. Like the language, I recommend doing this early. Community service will give you great experience, a rewarding sense of accomplishment, and a chance to help out someone or someones in need. Oh yeah, don’t forget – it will help you qualify for and win even more scholarships, other than the Florida Bright Futures! Don’t put it off to the last minute because you’re “not sure” if you’ll make the other qualifications like SAT scores and grades. If you’ve invested in the 75 hours of community service, you’ll have more motivation to keep the grades up and study hard for the SATs and ACTs. Its worth 25% of your tuition – and that’s money that could be used to buy a car, a laptop, or it could even be the difference between needing small student loans or no loans at all.
Forget Luck – Plan Ahead
I was going to wish you good luck in your quest for a free college education but I decided that was silly because luck has nothing to do with it! The premise is simple. Florida will help to pay for your college tuition if you can use your high school years to prove that you’re willing to work hard and follow instructions. If you’re that type of person, society wants you to succeed – heck, we need you to succeed.
At a public university in Florida, 75% of tuition doesn’t seem like much (since the tuition is so low to begin with) but it is an incredible deal when you realize you only have to pay out about $1000 for a full semester’s worth of classes and textbooks. Many semesters, I would pay more for my books than I did for the classes! That’s a deal – and the government is willing to give you that same deal if you can get decent grades and follow the correct course of study while you’re in high school.
Double Check Course Requirements
Grades and SATs aren’t everything – and two of my friends learned this the hard way. Their high school financial aid counselors weren’t up to date on the eligibility requirements and they ended up being disqualified on a technicality. Don’t let this happen to you! Since the criteria for selection is completely based on high school scores and classes, there is no way to appeal Florida state’s decision after you graduate high school. Maybe some day in the future, Florida will be ready to hear appeal cases and reconsider these decisions, but as long as budget constraints and low tax rates stay remain top voter priorities, our representatives in Tallahassee will be looking to save costs anywhere they can. Unfortunately, this means a lot of students won’t qualify for the scholarship due to technicalities like missing a certain credit, filing the forms late, or not getting the proper forms to where they’re supposed to be. Make sure you work with your guidance counselor, but don’t stop there: the ultimate responsibility is with the student.
These are the people who contribute major breakthroughs that advance society, these are the people who build businesses that employ others, and these are the people who love a challenge because they love the rewards of overcoming obstacles.
Never too early to start
Start before you’re even a freshman in high school. Sign up for language classes before you even see your new school. Study hard. Do your homework. Then, when you’re within one year of graduating, fill out the Florida Bright Futures application form at www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org. The only thing you will regret is if you let this great opportunity for free money pass you by.
Not Eligible? Not Enough Money for College?
If you’re not eligible or if the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship isn’t going to cover all of your costs in college, make sure to sign up for other scholarship search services like Fastweb and ScholarshipExperts.com. There are so many shcolarships and awards out there that you won’t ever know what is available for you to apply for unless you go out and look!
April 8th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
For the requirements, can you just have the 3.5 grade point average and still receive the Florida Scholar Academic Award? Or do I need to have the SAT and ACT score as well?
April 11th, 2008 at 10:24 am
To be eligible, you’ll need to meet the GPA requirement and test score requirement, but you can meet the test score requirement in either the SAT or ACT.
There are some good ways to raise your SAT & ACT scores and reach your best potential, check out these strategies:
Best SAT & ACT scores
April 16th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
What about students who are home schooled? I had heard from a counselor that you would have to be home schooled for 2 full years prior to graduation to be able to receive Bright Futures.
April 25th, 2008 at 10:20 am
I took the ACT (without Writting) I can still get the 75% from that score, Right?
April 25th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Does Florida International University accept the Florida Medallion Scholars Award – 75% of Public College/University Tuition?
April 29th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Betsy: Try as I might, I can’t find that information. According to the FL statutes, home schooled students are eligible for the program as long as they are following the guidelines of the home education program.
Jenn: Writing is not required currently for ACT/SAT scores, so that should be good.
Leslie: Yes, FIU is a public university and Bright Futures will pay 75% of tuition. I think any school will accept the state government’s scholarship check, it is just that the private ones will want that and a whole lot more, too.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:53 am
Do you know if Algebra 2 is counted towards Bright futures criteria?
I have taken Alg1, geometry, and Liberal Arts math, would those count as my 3 core credits?
May 9th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Yes, liberal arts math counts as a math credit for the purposes of scholarship eligibility.
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I was a little late in planning for this and did not get either language credits or an arts credit, do you know if I were to take a summer course in arts, would i qualify for the 75% and then take the foreign language courses in college and qualify for 100%?
May 24th, 2008 at 6:07 am
Does anyone know if Algebra 2 counts as a math credit?
May 24th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Tyler you’ll need to get those credits before you graduate unfortunately. I really wish counselors would introduce students to this program earlier, and I always recommend high schoolers to start planning ASAP. Pass the word along to your younger friends and good luck with finding a summer program that can fit your needs.
Suzette, that site is a navigation nightmare. Yes it has all of the information but good luck finding someone to answer a simple question 🙂
Francisco: Algebra 2 definitely counts for math and it will also help you be prepared for college algebra.
Good luck everyone I’m going to my best friend’s wedding!
May 24th, 2008 at 11:55 am
My daughter got 950 on sat she missed the 970 …can she still get the gold seal vocational public college. She is graduating from high school and took college classes while in high school does that count as vocational credit . and is there something else that can be used for the performing arts ,she is in a magna program
May 25th, 2008 at 11:29 am
will this scholarship pay for private universites like keiser university or UF
May 25th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Laura those college classes aren’t going to count as a vocational program, the best bet is to practice and re-take the SATs.
James, yes but only an amount based on 75% or 100% of the tuition of public universities. UF is public by the way.
May 26th, 2008 at 10:41 am
How are AP/Honors and dual-enrollment grades determined?
May 28th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Florida’s current statutes call for a .5 weighting to be added to advanced courses like the ones you’ve described, Mary. So yeah, the GPA used for consideration is a weighted one.
June 8th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Do I have to maintain a certain GPA in College for the Florida Medallion Scholar?
June 18th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Carsen, you’ll need to maintain a 2.75 GPA and you’ll need to take at least 6 credit hours each fall and spring semester to remain eligible for renewal
June 18th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I went to my school’s (UNF) financial aid award screen, and it said I am only getting about $2800 from the 75% Medallion award, and thats hardly 75% of the tuition and fees. Whats wrong with that picture?
John: Jason, when I went to UNF the financial aid award screens always tried to estimate Bright Futures in advance when the money is actually dispersed after you pay for tuition. They might be calculating fewer credits than you intend to actually take. If you go pay them 25% before tuition is due there shouldn’t be any holds.
June 20th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Do you know if our daughter must attend high school in Florida for all four years? We currently live in Nashville, TN but are considering relocating back to Florida. Our daughter will be entering 9th grade this fall and it may help determine whether we need to go ahead and move back this summer.
John: Scott, Florida statute defines residency for this purpose of tuition as 12 months of consecutive permanent residence. That is the simple version. Every exception and special case you can imagine is listed in 1009.21 of the law books, but most of these exceptions are for people trying to get the status in less than 12 months or as minors living with non-parental relatives, etc…
One thing to be aware of though is how high school classes transfer, especially language classes. Florida will require two years of the same language and the high schools here might not necessarily take a half-transfer since each school has different language programs available.
June 23rd, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I would like to attend Full Sail University when I am finished with high school, is the Bright Futures scolarship applicable there?
John: This is a tough question! Full Sail just recently attained official state “private University” status. Technically, I think this makes the school eligible – but I would double-check with them to make sure they have the financial aid infrastructure to handle payments!
Also, keep in mind that while Bright Futures may help you with tuition here, the total that the state will pay is only 75 or 100% of public university tuition. So for example: if FSU costs $5,000 a year and Full Sail costs $50,000, you will need to find $45,000 from other grants, scholarships, or loans.
Make sure to check out the Fastweb scholarship search on the left or the search we have on our site in the upper right corner. Fastweb will help you set up a personal profile and filter their database that way, our search will let you focus in on a few key factors you want to emphasize like your school, major, hobbies or whatever you think is unique and compelling about yourself. I’ve been constantly surprised at how many ultra-specific tuition programs are out there, just looking for the right students.
June 23rd, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Also, which of the 3 scholarships would it be if it is applicable? (Sorry for the double post)
John: No need to apologize!
The version of the scholarship any student gets depends on what your high school transcript looks like. If you took a vocational track, you would apply for that version of the award and if you took an academic track you would get the best one available for your grades.
June 24th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
My Daughter wants to attend a University outside of Florida. Will the bright Futures program treat this as a “Private” school and pay a prorated rate?
John: Unfortunately, no. The intent of the original scholarship law was to address the fact that so many of our Florida high school graduates want to attend colleges elsewhere 😉
June 25th, 2008 at 11:42 am
I was awarded the Gold Seal…does anyone know if I attend a public community college does it still pay 100% or is that only for the one above Gold Seal??
John: The Gold Seal award is always only 75% 🙁 If the Florida education budget wasn’t already in big trouble, I’d say its something worth writing the legislators about.
Also check out FastWeb or this site’s own scholarship search. There is usually low competition on the smaller $500 or $1000 dollar awards you’d need to make up the difference each semester. The Fastweb registration can help you get an idea what sort of personally unique characteristics private scholarship providers are looking for
June 25th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Hello,
I was wondering if you could name the Natural Science courses required? Just a list of some would be great. Our daughter took Physical Science 1 credit, Biology I with a lab 1 credit,and also took Marine Biology with a lab also for 1 credit. Do those count as the 2 labs required in the Natural Science category?
Thanks..
John: Any science class that specifically gives lab credits counts toward this requirement. So in this case, Biology and Marine Biology would do the trick.
June 26th, 2008 at 8:36 am
When you say “1270 or higher on the student’s best combination of the math and verbal sections of the SAT,” is that math plus critical reading OR writing? Or can you only combine critical reading and math? I got a 530 on the critical reading, a 630 on the math, and a 640 on the writing. If I have to combine the critical reading and math scores, I’m not elligible for the FL Academic Scholars Award, but if I can combine the math and writing scores I will be. Please and thanks! :]
John: Unfortunately they don’t currently count writing for this score. You could try re-taking the SAT, it is very easy to get a few extra points since each time you are a little bit more familiar with the way the test works. You might also be amazed at how much difference a few small things like how you eat can help you get higher scores!
June 27th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Whew! I missed a week and now I have a lot of questions to answer 🙂 For the sake of keeping things organized I’m going to edit the comments and respond directly on them. Please check your original comment for more info!
July 1st, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Hi,
I earned the GPA and SAT requirements for the 100%, and I turned in the volunteer forms a month before graduation. My guidance counselor said that because I did not turn in the forms by the beginning of senior year, I would first be notified that I had earned the 75% and then my status would be changed as soon as my forms were processed. Is this true? And if it is, when should I expect my award status to be updated?
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Good question…
Applications need to be turned in between Dec.1 and before graduation so it sounds like the school was trying to collect the information early so they could have it all in ahead of time. If the guidance office managed to get your updated application in before you graduated, then they should be able to process that data before your freshman year at college begins.
Otherwise, as far as I know, there’s no way to change which award a student is given after the first payments are made. So unfortunately, it sounds like a lot of room for bureaucratic error. I would try calling them at 1-888-827-2004 to make sure they have the updated information on file with your application. If not, they might be able to help you get everything squared away.
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:41 pm
My son qualified for the 75% scholarship, attended college out of state for one year and then returned. I understand that he is still eligible for this scholarship although he must bring his GPA to a 3.0 or higher. How many years is he eligible after high school graduation? Also, must I complete the FAFSA form each year to keep this scholarship available?
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:07 pm
what if i graduate high school do i still have a chance to bring up my score to receive bright futures
July 8th, 2008 at 11:41 am
When will i find out if was awarded brightfutures?
July 11th, 2008 at 8:36 am
I just graduated in june 2008 (last month)
can I still apply for bright futures?
July 11th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
You have to have the FAFSA form turned in by December, I believe.
July 11th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
And by the way: If you’re black, lived in New Orleans, have Active/Reserve/Retired Military parents, or have low-salary parents, you have a better chance of getting other scholarships besides Bright Futures.
July 13th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
the GPA criteria is confusing
i got one of the Bright Futures papers and it says its weited
but my counselor says its based on “my schools” unweited scale
does bright futures put into account the weight of honnors and AP courses wen calulating the GPA?
Thanks
July 13th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
to my previos comment:
My weighted GPA is 3.7 and unweited its a 3.0
How exactrly to i calculate my grades , including honors and AP to the Bright Futures Scale?
July 14th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
is there anyway you can get your scholarship upgraded from 75% to 100% after you are in college?
July 16th, 2008 at 6:58 am
Mary: three years from the time he graduated high school if he hasn’t received funding yet, seven if he’s received at least one semester of funding from Bright Futures. You’ll need to get a reinstatement form and turn that in prior when he’s eligible again.
suz and sharelle, the application and scholarship type are finalized before you graduate high school. It can be downgraded after that, but not upgraded.
Angela: technically its supposed to be in by the time you graduate. Since its kind of close, you might try sending an application anyway… I kind of doubt it would be accepted but it might be worth the risk of the time you’ll spend.
johnny, I’m not sure exactly. Its been a while but I think I got a letter. You can try calling the hotline if you don’t hear in the next week or two.
gpowsang: I don’t know how your school calculates grades. The Florida statute says honors and AP classes should be weighted, but like I said, I’d have to know if your school changed the way it reports them in any way.
July 16th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
On my sons last report card for Junior year reads:
current progress report district GPA =3.6285
cumulative district GPA =4.4216
cumulative state GPA = 3.5416
which of these GPA scores are used for scholarships and are the AP classes he took already calculated into his score or do we have to add to these scores?
John: Well, the state GPA would probably be the one used for Bright Futures. In this case, any of the GPAs could qualify for the top award so nothing to worry about. Each scholarship program will have its own favorite weighting, so they usually just ask for a transcript.
July 17th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
My daughter qualifies for the 100% award. However, she went out of state for her first year. I believe that she plans on returning to attend a Florida school next year. What will she need to do?
John: If she applied for Bright Futures prior to graduation then she’ll just need to contact state administration to update the file.
July 17th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Does Bright Future or Fasfa pay for housing? Even if it’s not on campus? (like nearby rented homes ect) Thanks!
John: The money from these programs can be used for any college costs. Just remember that money from FAFSA might have to be repaid at some point depending on if you have subsidized loans or grants
July 20th, 2008 at 10:10 am
If I recieved the 75% Bright Futures Scholarship when I graduated from high school and I have been admitted into college in Florida for the fall session and my parents have to move to Georgia am I still eligible for my four years of Bright Futures?
John: If you’re going to school in Florida then yes, you’re eligible.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:29 pm
How can i find out ow many community service hours i have? I meet the other requirements for academic but I am not sure if I meet that one.
John: Well you’ll need some sort of documentation of the community service. If you’ve been involved with any school or community organizations and helped out with any projects or anything find one of the organizers and ask for documentation – or use the summer time to complete some hours
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:14 am
My first child is in line to get the 100% Florida Academic Scholars Award: an unweighted 3.9 GPA (in IB), a 1400+ SAT and over 200 hours of community service. What exactly does 100% cover? The UF Web site says the tuition is $3,790. A co-worker says the award actually covers 75% of tuition, not the full 100%. Also, how does one submit the SAT scores? Have them sent directly the way they are sent to colleges?
John: The Scholars award pays 100% of tuition, other awards are 75 so your co-worker might just be a little confused… SAT scores are submitted with the application, not sure if you can use a copy or if you need to have them forwarded…
July 24th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I am gaining two step daughters by marriage sometime next Spring. They are in 9th and 10th grade in Brazil and are academically very capable. I am a Florida resident. I assume they will have immediate residency? (Visa issues aside, a whole different question). What should I keep in mind to prepare them for an Academic Scholar Bright Futures?
John: The most important thing is to make sure they take the right classes – especially language! Even if they already speak another language, its essential that they take 2 years of the same foreign language in a Florida public school! This one gets a lot of bright students disqualified so I would try to plan out high school courses well ahead of time.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
So I had the 100% Bright Futures, but then it dropped to 75% after one bad grade. With 75%, what is the minimum number of classes I need to take? I’ve read 6 credit hours, but I thought you had to be a full-time student to keep bright futures, and two three-credit classes doesn’t seem like full time at all. So I’m confused. Is it really only 6 credit hours?
John: Yup, just six. Don’t get burned out – slow & steady wins the race
July 31st, 2008 at 11:00 am
Full Sail is just another greedy corporation. They focus on the “top of the line” equip. and then when you cannot find a job, no wonder. Only the top %5 of films being made use the high-end tools and those jobs are occupied by people who have been in the business many years. This is only for film and their recording arts programs. If you’re thinking of attending for film, seriously look in to Valencia. They have a great program and once your a resident, the tuition difference is about $78,000. Full Sails refund policy is awful. They go out of their way to ensure you will pay top dollar, even for only one class. Happy hunting.
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I’ve only taken Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. People have been telling me that I need to take a fourth math to even be considered for any of the Bright Futures Scholarships. Is that true or can I get 100% or 75% with just those three?
John: You can get the 100% award with three math credits. I would still recommend taking a math class – if you skip math senior year it could be a lot tougher to get back into it when you get to college. Math is the type of skill that you can start to lose very quickly without some practice.
August 3rd, 2008 at 4:58 pm
My question is, is it guaranteed? I’ve met (will meet; I’m going into my senior year) all the requirements: SAT score, GPA, credits (again, pending due to my senior year), and community service. Assuming I apply on time and all that, is the 100% scholarship guaranteed?
John: For now, yes. If the Florida budget gets too bad, they may have to cut back in the future but doing so isn’t politically popular.
August 7th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I have recieved bright futures and signed up for classes and bright futures paid for them, i may need to drop classes will i lose my scholarship?
John: You might need to return the money then if you drop the classes after the drop/add period. If you get a refund then they’ll just pay back the state if I remember correctly… If you stay in at least 6 credits you’ll qualify for the scholarship
August 10th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I took my first language class last year.They put me in an Ap spanish course,and my counselor told me that that course was worth 2 credits.is that true? Or do I have to take an Ap spanish literature class to get my 2 foreign language credits in order to eligible for the bright futures?
John: This is hard to say… I haven’t heard anything like this but I think I’d need to see the transcript to be certain. Sometimes counselors make mistakes – and sometimes I do too. I’d take the extra Spanish class to be safe. And hey – being able to speak & read a second language is a very high-demand skill set these days
August 12th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I’m almost done with my 75 comm. service hours. I volunteered at teen court for my hrs. I know i was suppose to keep a log with 2 sentences, but I haven’t been doing that, what should I do. I did basically the same thing every week, juror or court clerk.
John: I’d write out a letter stating how many hours you worked each week and for how many weeks, then get one of the teen court organizers or leaders to sign off on the letter.
August 13th, 2008 at 9:17 am
i would like to apply for the Academic scholarship, however already took the SAT and did not get the requirements ( 980 ). i know i can retake it but i want to know if i get a higher score the second time, will they use my highest score or the average of both scores ?
Also, if i cant apply for the Academic , i am eligible for the Medallion schoralship but do i need 75 hours of community service to apply for the Medallion ?
John: You can use the best SAT score. Even better – you can pick your best math and your best English score even if each was on a different test!
The Medallion award does not require the community service.
August 13th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Hey John, I am starting my sophomore year at USF and am hoping to get an AF ROTC scholarship that pays for everything. My question to you is will I receive a check each semester for the funds I didn’t use on my Bright Futures since I will already have all my schooling paid off with the AF ROTC scholarship? I have heard we do, but would just like to make sure from someone who knows a lot about BF. I have Medallion by the way. Thanks
John: Bright Futures is completely need-blind – so it won’t matter what other sources of money for college you have. However! I don’t know the details of your ROTC scholarship and its possible that it sn’t need-blind. I’m looking at the AF ROTC website and I’m not seeing that specific information. I think you’ll probably get the check from Bright Futures, but maybe you should wait until its in your hands before you go spending it 😉
August 14th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Woo A lot of stuff for me to catch up on! Thanks for being patient, It seems like just because classes are out for summer doesn’t mean that people don’t have lots of questions. Check original posts for a response, I’ll try to get to all of these latest Bright Futures questions today and tomorrow…
August 14th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
If I have a florida prepaid college program, will I be able to get funds from the bright futures program? For volunteer hours-are there certain dates that I would have had to volunteer in to qualify? Just in high school or before that to count?
John – any time before graduation
August 14th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Facts.org has my sons weighted GPA for Bright Futures at 2.90. When I figure it I get a 3.33. How can I find out what grades they used to figure his GPA.
Thanks
Karen
John: FL statute allows for partial weighting of GPA. Check the report card for a cumulative state GPA
August 15th, 2008 at 7:43 am
I was awarded 75% florida bight future scholarship. I want to go to go to a community college but don’t know the number of the bright future so I can call and let them know what college I’m I ready to go so they can send it to the college. Please give me some information. Thank you and sorry for any inconvenience. Jessica Bravo.
John – No problem, its 1-888-827-2004 I’m going to add this up at the top in a prominent place because this question comes up a lot and its an important number to have
August 15th, 2008 at 7:44 am
I want to thank you for this award it was a very big help especially with the financial problems my family has been having.. thank you very much….
John – don’t thank me, thank the taxpayers and politicians who voted to help out our hardworking Florida students. This program has been a great success and I see other states working to learn from it. If you want to help keep the scholarship for future students, you can help out too by voting for representatives who will support it!
August 15th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
You can do it online, go to google, type in “Florida Bright Futures” it is the first link. I than believe you click on Application and Award Status and than from there it is one of those links, I can’t remember at the moment though, you can update what school you are going to attend or in my case I just transferred schools so I recently did this a couple of months ago to let them know what school I want the funds to be deposited into.
August 18th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
When do the volunteer hours have to be done? Certain years in high school or anything before that?
John – Prior to the application, which is sent in no later than graduation
August 18th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I had all the other requirements for a 100% scholarship but I was unlucky on my test scores. I missed the test requirement by a couple of points and ended up with the 75%. Is there a way to increase it to 100% now that am in college. Maybe by maintaining a certain G.P.A or something??
John – No, unfortunately I got stuck with the 75% too but for GPA rather than test scores. I would start looking for other small scholarships to fill in the gap. A few small awards can add up, even lead to a surplus.
August 19th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Does retaking courses on FLVS for grade forgiveness factor into the calculation for Bright Futures GPA?
John – That’s a pretty good question and I’m not entirely sure. FLVS doesn’t have the best help section, I would say to check out FACTS.org and see if they hold the old grade or just show the new one.
August 19th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
now that im in college (soph) and started get grades together (3.4) am i eligible to apply for any bright futures help or is it not available after you get out of high school?
John – you have to be eligible for Bright Futures at the time you graduate highschool. There is, unfortunately, nothing you can do to get it after that. There are other scholarships available through private routes or from the school – and a lot of them like to see constant grade improvement so you might have a good shot!
August 21st, 2008 at 3:57 am
Prospective Bright Futures students, please note:
I had had maintained a GPA in high school for the 100% award, scored high enough on the SAT, and completed my community service. Two days before I went to register for my first term of college (I had graduated 3 months earlier), my counselor tells me, “Your math course doesn’t count.” I had taken liberal arts mathematics, and despite doing the same level of math as in a current Algebra II Honors course, the state of Florida does NOT consider it to be higher than Algebra I.
I lost out on my scholarship, no exceptions, because I’d only had the chance to complete Liberal Arts Math. PARENTS AND STUDENTS HEED MY WARNING: high school guidance counselors don’t know their head from their rear. Take your education into your hands, and use this to verify that the classes you (or your student) taken will count towards that scholarship. I now must pay for all educational expenses out of pocket, and work a minimum of two jobs, because my parents are unable to fund my education. Good luck and don’t let FL or your school screw you out of a this award.
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
My son was told JR ROTC would count as a technical program credit. Senior year now and we have found out it does not count this way for Bright Futures so now he is struggling to make the higher score needed for the bright futures. Ask your counselor questions and then double check things for yourself…..
August 26th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Do volunteer hours at a church count towards community service points? Our high school counselor says she doesn’t think they will. My son put in over 80 hours this summer!!
John – They should! I know many of my community service hours were through church initiatives. Just make sure someone at the church can sign off on the time spent!
August 26th, 2008 at 10:52 am
I have the Florida Medallion Scholars Award. This fall will be my last semester of college, and I only need 9 semester hours in order to graduate. I have heard that if a person is in their last semester and does not need a full load of 12 hrs, bright futures will make an exception and still pay their percentage of the tuition. Is this true?
John – You’re only ever required to take 6 hrs a semester, but you can take less than that if you need less than 6 credits to graduate. Sounds like you’ve got it more than taken care of – good luck, and happy graduation!
August 26th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
I go to a community college. Do i have to be a full-time student in order to keep and use my 75% Bright Futures Scholarship?
John – Eligibility only requires six hours a semester
August 28th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
i have a 3.5 unweighted can i still be eligible?
John – Yes
August 29th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Hi! I received 100% scholarship because I got my IB diploma. I am currently out of state this semester but will be returning to florida for the spring semester of 2009. I was wondering if bright futures would cover me if I decided to do a two year community college program (therefore getting my A.A) and then transfering to a university to get my B.A? Thanks!
John – there are two conditions:
1) You were eligible at the time of graduation
2) You apply to reinstate the award within three years of your graduation
September 4th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Can I use my Florida Bright Scholarship in the state of Connecticut (75%)I went to a tech school in Tampa, Florida and finished my course in computers. I want to go for webpage design. I have relocated to Connecticut with my parents. Can I use the rest of my scholarship in Connecticut?
John – No, unfortunately part of the purpose of the program is to get students to stay in Florida to attend college.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
It looks like John does not want to answer our questions and is in this just for the google ads. Take care John, Thanks for all the help you have NOT helped me with!
John – Whether you realize it or not, you’ve made a perfect example of the type of customer mentality that won’t get much out of college. Here’s a few hints: The ads barely pay for the space this website is hosted on – and it definitely doesn’t pay me back for the dozen hours I work on this site every week.
Students have to take charge of their own education.
It has gotten to the point where a lot of the questions I am answering have already been answered – right here on this page. I try to help as I can: but no counselor, parent, or professor is ever going to be able to hold a student’s hand through every single step of the college and financing process. In college, initiative is what gets rewarded and you’ll never get away with the excuse that your responsibilities weren’t taken care of because some third party didn’t “help you enough.”
So I’m sorry if you’re disappointed with an absolutely free interactive service, but your questions should be answered now.
September 6th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Funny how you finally say something when someone says something bad about the site.
John – I’m sorry, is there something I can help you with? I love constructive criticism – this website has been a great learning experience for me to learn all of the technical and behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a site. But unless you can clone me so that I have more time to pay the bills AND write here, we’ll have to accept some sort of delays until I can find a free Saturday afternoon. I don’t want to make excuses, but I’ve kind of been dealing with the freaking’ hurricane that knocked down trees around my house on my weekends.
I’d thank you for the questions you’ve helped answer, but you’re trying to be anonymous with your angry comments and I don’t want to blow your cover. 😉
September 7th, 2008 at 11:43 am
My son missed the deadline for admissions to florida communtiy colleges this Fall. He has a Medallion BF scholarship. Can he enroll in a Florida on-line course of study like Everest and use his scholarship? He’s still in his Freshman year.
John – Everest is one of the eligible institutions for Bright Futures, so if he can get into a program and take it online, the scholarship should help pay (as long as its for credits toward a degree).
September 13th, 2008 at 11:56 am
I am currently a high school junior and will graduate in 2010. By Dec. 1 2009, I will have all required credits except for .5 in Social Sciences, which will be attained in my second semester. Can I still apply for Bright Futures in December 2009, even though all credits have not yet been awarded. Also, In 8th grade I completed a Physical Science (Honors) class which shows up on my official transcript. Does that course count towards the scholarship? Thank You.
John- Yes, you have to apply sometime between Dec. 1, 2009 and the time you graduate. I’m not sure about the physical science classs. Its listed on the official list of classes as a “core academic” class, but there may be some confusion when they review your transcript if the transcript makes any special case out of it. Ultimately, it should pass but the bureaucrats are notorious for unpredictable behavior. I would recommend taking another science class your senior year 1) to be safe, 2) to learn something new, 3) and to be better prepared to take science in college.
September 14th, 2008 at 11:55 am
John,
I am a Florida resident on active duty in the Army.
#1 Are my children eligible for the scholarship?
#2 Is there a Florida high school counselor that can assits us with out of state high school requirements?
#3 Is there some place we can verify if our children classess/transcript meets the requiremement?
#4 Where do we send the application since my children will not be graduating from a Florida high school.
Reading all the posts it makes me nervous to see that one little mistake no matter whos fault it is could cost my children the opportunity to be awarded the scholarship.
Thanks
Bill,
Unfortunately, the Bright Futures Scholarship requires the student to graduate in Florida or earn a GED in Florida. The only exception is in a reverse situation of your case – if you and your children were residents of Florida but you were serving elsewhere and that’s why they didn’t graduate from a FL school. I guess the up-side is that they would be eligible for in-state tuition since you are stationed here, but not the scholarship.
September 14th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Hi John,
Hypothetical question. Say I receive 4 credits for the same foreign language ( 2 more than requred ). In Spanish I – I get an A in the first .5 credit semester and a B in the second semester. Spanish II same grades. Spanish III same grades. Spanish IV same grades. As a whole, I would have a 3.5 GPA (Non-Weighted) for each year in which the credit was received. Am I able to mix semester hours from different years to get the 4.0 GPA ?
John: They’ll just take the average of the final grades each year – so a 3.5
September 15th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
hello,
im a freshman this year, but i would like to know, if a bright future scholarship (any) would do any good for a private collage? ( i want to attend NOVA)!!!! i am trying to do my best, in my classes ( i have all a ‘s !!- aleg. 1, spanish 1, integ. science, and life management.) (so far)…. 🙂
John – It will help a little but it certainly won’t be much compared to the total tuition cost!
September 17th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
How long is the scholarships for after you graduate?
John- You have to start using it within three years of high school graduation. As long as you’re enrolled in college, its good for all the credits required for graduation (if you go over 120 it may cut off)
September 25th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
if i graduated in Georgia, but have lived in Florida for 6 monthes and am now a Florida citizen, can i apply for Bright Futures?
John: No, unfortunately you need to have graduated from a FL high school, and you’d have to apply for Bright Futures by graduation.
September 27th, 2008 at 5:53 am
If i didn’t complete my two years of a foreign language in high school, but complete 1 year, is it still possible to do 1 year of that language in college and still get bright futures later on.
John: I hate to break the bad news, but this is exactly why two of my friends did not get the Bright Futures award. You have to have the exact course requirements when you graduate high school or its no good.
September 28th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Hi! I am currently a Senior and will be graduating this fall 2009… I have a few questions… (but, I would just like to say how much I appreciate this website and for you to take the time to answer questions!!)
1] Is my weighted GPA my HPA? and Is the weighted GPA what the florida GSV uses to be qualified for 75% bright futures?
2]I have a friend who was able to qualify for 75% bright futures with a 2.9 GPA…how does that work out?
3] my very last question… I slacked off my first years of highschool, I now have a 2.75 GPA, If I am able to obtain and maintain straight a’s for the rest of the year, will I be able to be qualified for bright futures (GSV)?
Thank you so much again in advanced
John:
1) They do use weighted grades, I don’t remember the exact formula but I *believe* it is .5 for honors classes and 1.0 for AP and IB.
2) Its possible that 2.9 was an unweighted GPA? I’ve never heard of individual exceptions being made since the scholarship is written right into the legal code, but it could be that 2.9 was unweighted and the weighted avg. went up over 3.0.
3) Yes, it would be possible to get the 2.75 to a 3.0 in one year if you take as many classes your senior year as you did before then and get all As or maybe even with a few A-. Its also a good goal to reach for – just showing improvement in your grades from year to year will give you bonus points with other scholarship and grant programs. Florida Bright Futures doesn’t make exceptions for this, but other sources of money for college students do.
October 1st, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Hello John,
Interesting blog. Thanks. My daughter is a senior, and is doing well in most classes. She is struggling in Algebra II, and we are trying to locate a tutor. IF she does not pass the math for graduation requirements, but has a good enough gpa, can she take a ged for math only and still graduate and qualify for Bright Futures? Strange question. Thanks, Kar
John – I don’t think so but I’m not 100% on this one. I remember when I was in high school I looked into the GED but ended up choosing an adult continuing education program at the local community college, instead. From what I recall, you had to have actual course credits in the core requirements and the GED doesn’t quite give that.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
someone told me that 2008 seniors are going to be the last ones to receive bright futures is this correct or no
John- Its impossible to say fore sure… The state legislature can change the laws anytime they like, but this has been a very popular scholarship program and it is very hard for them to cut even if the budget is bad.
October 7th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Hello,
I am currently a sophmore in College. I was awarded the Medallion Scholarship and have been using it since the moment I enrolled in the community college I currently attend. I don’t quite understand what this means though..
3 Credits in Natural science (2 with substantial laboratory work)
Does this apply to those students who are in High School and trying to apply or also to those who are in college and want to renew?
I have taken Human Anatomy and Physiology I with the lab but I did not take Human Anatomy and Physiology II because I didn’t think I needed it, and took Oceanography instead (which doesn’t require a lab). Does this mean If I dont take another Natural Science that requires a lab I will be disqualified ??
Please help! Next semester is supposed to be my last semester before I graduate with my AA and knowing this would really save me!!
John – Don’t worry, this is the high school requirement. As long as your GPA stays up and you enroll in the six required credits each semester you should be eligible as long as you’re in college. (Well, unless you stay more than 120sh credits)
October 11th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
John – My son is a sophmore in college and is struggling this semester.
He is worried about loosing his Bright Future Scholarship. What is the GPA that must be maintained to stay eligible and is it the semester or overall GPA that determines eligibility.
Denise: He will need a 3.0 to maintain the 100% Academic award, or a 2.75 for the 75% awards
October 12th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Hello, I am a college student and I have the 75% bright futures scholarship. I was wondering, if I were to get married in the near future, would my scholarship be taken away from me? A friend of mine heard that that can happen, and I’m trying to find out the truth. Thank you very much,
Melissa
John: It is possible for some scholarships – but not Bright Futures!
October 13th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I went to a college night the other night and I was talking to one of the college representatives that were there for one of the colleges. We were talking about the Florida Bright Futures 100% Scholarship. I told him my GPA and my hours, I told him I wasn’t the best test taker. He said that that was okay. To me it seemed like if I don’t do the greatest job on either the SAT or the ACT my GPA and hours will make up for that. I currently have a 3.92 unweighted GPA 4.3(or something like that) weighted. I have 170+ hours. I’m not the best test taker but I am one of the hardest working kids you will find and I don’t want to not get the full scholarship because I might get low scores on the tests. In my class of 2010 I am ranked 20 out of I think 200+
October 13th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
That 200+ should actually be 400+…
GPA: 4.231
Class Rank: 36 of 477
Unweighted GPA: 3.923
Unweighted Class Rank: 18 of 477
Hey Josh,
I think one of the best things ya can do is relax and not worry about the tests. Just make sure to take them early and try to stay as calm as you can about the whole thing. The scholarship’s requirements aren’t that challenging compared to your competitive GPA and class rank, so even if you really are weaker in test taking there’s room for that in the scores. If you keep working hard and challenging yourself with tougher classes you’ll be well prepared for college and the test scores are likely to reflect that
October 14th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Hi, i have 100% Bright Futures scholarship, and am doing 12 credits right now, but I failed one of my classes and need to drop. Is there any way I can still keep my scholarship with 9 credits? Does taking a CLEP exam count as the other 3 credits I need, because if it does I will buckle down and pass it. Please reply back. Thanks so much.
Hey Harshita:
9 credits is fine – in fact 6 will work.
October 15th, 2008 at 10:09 am
My son is in the Junior National Honor Society. He must complete 30 hours of community service hours for 7th/and 8th grade. Can he use these towards the service hours needed towards Bright Futures or must these hours be completed during high school years? This site is very informative and it highly appreciated.
Hi Polly,
This decision is ultimately made by the private high school or public school district your son attends. They may not allow him to use the 7th and 8th grade hours – because they’ll probably want him to join up with the National Honors Society again 😉
October 15th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Im about to drop my math class, this being my 2nd attempt on it. Will I loose my scholarship because I dropped the same course twice? Or will I keep it and the 3rd attempt have to pay the fee out of my own pocket?
Hey Sean,
If the third try includes an extra charge, like UNF did, you’ll have to at the very least pay the difference. I don’t remember if you get the funding for the normal tuition cost, but from what I recall that was only a pretty small fraction of the total cost
October 15th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
i’m a freshman at hcc, and i applied for bright futures in high school, but my sat scores weren’t high enough. i was wondering if i took it now, if i was still eligible for bright futures?
Hey Rahcel,
All Bright Futures eligibility decisions are based on the senior year application. The best way to get scholarships now would be to focus on maintaining a high GPA and being active with community service and local organizations. Make use of free scholarships searches like Fastweb and the one I’m trying to build up – and apply for as many as you can possibly find. The odds of winning are about 1:15 so the more programs you apply for the better your chances are.
October 16th, 2008 at 10:25 am
I qualified for 75% tuition with bright futures, but I went to school in Alabama so I couldn’t use it. I’ll finish my bachelors degree in Spring 2010 and would like to come back to Florida to get my masters in Elementary Education at FSU Panama City. Will I be able to use my bright future money for my masters since I never used it after high school? or are there any other scholorships they offer for people trying to get their masters?
Hey Haley,
Bright Futures won’t pay for any graduate studies. Graduate funding is a lot harder to come by – there are some programs for teachers who go to graduate school, and most grad schools also have some room for graduate assistants who get paid a small stipend.
October 16th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
What happens if you don’t take geometry in high school?
I went from Algebra I (9th) to Algebra II (10th) to Advanced Topics(taking currently).
Hi Sara –
I didn’t know they’d let you do that 😀 Technically its saying 3 maths, Algeba I and higher. I checked the official course listing and Advanced Topics does count as a higher course number so it should be enough for eligibility.
October 22nd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I am currently military and a florida resident. I will be stationed in England next year. My son is a florida resident and will have completed his sophmore year of HS here in Florida when he joins me over there. While in England he will attend and graduate from an American (DoD) school. Is there a clause for him to be eligible for a Bright Futures scholarship or does he absolutely have to have graduated at a Florida school?
Hey Brian
There is actually a clause about that in the Statutes under 1009.531 (1) (b) 2 – “The student earns a high school diploma from a non-Florida school while living with a parent or guardian who is on military or public service assignment away from Florida.”
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:27 pm
John, thanks for information you have provided. I do not understand why some people complain about the lack of “answers”. It appears you have tried to answer as many questions as possible and I have gained a lot of knowledge from this site. I also believe those complainers will fail miserably when they are actually in college. While private colleges need to retain students to keep the revenue stream flowing and will hold students hands quite a bit, public universities will not. I have 2 degrees and have earned credit hours at 6 different colleges / universities so I know pretty well what it takes to pass courses. I am also an employer and look first and foremost for degreed applicants from public universities.
October 26th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I got a 27 on my ACT’s is there any way possible to qualify for 100% bright futures even though its only one point below?
October 30th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Nela, I recommend re-taking the test! They won’t make exceptions on the technical requirements, but if you try the ACTs again you’re likely to beat your prior score just because you’re more experienced with what the test is asking about
@Larry, thanks for the vote of confidence! It helps balance out the hecklers 🙂
November 1st, 2008 at 5:11 pm
My son is currently enrolled in 4 (12 credits) at a public university using his Bright Futures (Gold Seal). This is his first semester and I am really concerned that his GPA is not going to be acceptable so we are contemplating having his withdraw from a course so his GPA won’t be impossible to recover next semester. I know that he is evaluated each spring for renewal. What are his obligations should he have to withdraw from a course this semester? (He has until 11/7 to withdraw.)Will he have to notify Bright Futures and pay the money back?
John: I think there’s a limit of how many credits it will pay, so its up to you if you pay them back for a dropped course or have it count toward the limit.
November 3rd, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I graduated in June and enrolled for the fall semester at a comm college. I had to withdrawl and move back home in another town due to a living conflict. As long as I register for the next semester will my bright futures still fund the new comm colletge. I am getting conflicting information, the school I withdrew from says yes the new school says no.
Thanks,
J
John: You should qualify unless a) your grades are too low to remain eligible, or b) too much time has passed. If your grades were low you may need to get them back up before you get the scholarship back.
November 8th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
John I am currently enrolled at FIU and i recieved the 75% tuition from the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship for this fall semesterand i was wondering if after this semester i did not keep my 2.75 Gpa what can i do for the spring semester? can i re-apply for the scholarship after i bring my gpa up?
Thank you,
peter
John: There’s a grace period so one bad semester shouldn’t completely knock you off the program. If its your first semester going under a cumulative 2.75, make sure you get it over that by the end of Spring.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Hello,
I’m a Senior this year in high school, scheduled to graduate in May. I have complete all my course requirements, meet the volunteer service requirements, and I have a 3.9 (on an unweighted scale) and 4.1 (on a weighted scale).
Despite several attempts on the ACT to get a 28, I have only managed to get a 26 (each time, I know, ridiculous). However, the three times I took it: First time, I had really high scores in English and Reading and then the second, I had high scores in Math and Reading, and the final time, English and Science were my highest scores.
I was told by a friend that Florida Bright will take my highest score in each subcategory on my ACT (like my best Science, best English, best Math, etc.) and then added them together (then divide by four) and that would be my official ACT grade. If that is so, then I would have a 100% scholarship. However, due to the insanity of the Florida Bright site, I can’t seem to figure out if this is a true statement or not.
So, my question, do you know how they take the ACT scores?
Please and thank you.
John: I am reasonably sure that you can mix your best subcategory scores, at least they did for the SATs!
November 12th, 2008 at 10:00 am
I have the bright futures scholarship and Im attending Miami Dade. Right now i have four classes and by the end of the semester I will have 12 credits completed. but I have a problem I got teacher who is an assshole Im really thinking about dropping his class, but will bright futures take my scholarship away if I drop one of my classes?
John: Nah, you can drop classes. I feel like I shouldn’t recommend that people drop classes, but I did it so much myself when I was in college. Of course you’ll probably need to retake the class, but it can be more useful to you if you happen to have a professor who teaches it in a way that connects to you.
November 12th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Do you know if the Doctor of Pharmacy program is considered a graduate program for purposes of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship? Thanks! By the way, you have provided a great deal of worthwhile information on this site–thanks!
John: That is a really great question that I don’t have a good answer for. Pharmacy is a very unique program and when I worked for a financial aid site we could never quite figure out how to classify it. I am pretty sure that they will help pay for your first few years, but the scholarship may run out of credits before the Pharmacy program is completed (its about five years, right?)
November 12th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
If you meet all the requirements for 199% Bright Futures, but have a 27.5 combined on the ACT, does the state round up your score or do you have to hit 28 without rounding?
John: Hmm I don’t think they do any rounding. Is this the best combined score (like best math + best english + best science etc…) or do you have some time left you could sign up for the test again? Could be worth quite a bit of money over four years even if its 25%
November 14th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I currently have the Medallion Scholarship, and have been using it to get 100% tuition at MDC. I’m now transferring to UM, which I know the scholarship will only cover 75% of.
My question is this: at MDC, I had to pay the full tuition, and I later got refunded. Will it be the same for UM? At MDC it wasn’t a problem because of how inexpensive the classes were, but UM is a oompletely different beast. Paying the full tuition for that upfront is pretty much impossible for me.
John’s reply to Jason earlier on this page suggests that as long as I pay the 25% required of me, the classes won’t get dropped. So does that mean Florida Bright will send the money directly to UM in that case? I’ve been trying to find out how this’ll work, but both the Florida Bright Futures and UM’s pages are fuzzy in this regard.
John: The good news is that the money is coming in, the bad news is that each school’s financial aid department sets its own policies for how they do accounting and requiring tuition. You may be able to get a deferment once you’ve proven that you’re eligible for the scholarship, but its something you may have to work out with a financial aid adviser at the new school.
November 15th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Ouch! I’ve been slammed with spam on this domain and others, too. Luckily, some ISPs have cut off some of the worst offenders and things seem to have slowed down enough to where I can respond to some questions. 🙂
November 16th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Hey John,
I was wondering if you knew about standards about specific schools like UF and such, I already got into UCF with a 5200$ scholarship but that was with my old SAT score of 1230, I now have a 1300 with a 3.8 HPA (I already know I have the 100% Bright Futures so that wasn’t really my question) but my question was what were the requirements for UF summer, I’ve read the charts and such about 3.6 – 4.2 for summer and 1070-1300 but besides that I feel I’m a little low on the standards with a 3.8 but I have done over 13 clubs at my school (which I have been readily involved with all including JV Cross Country and Varsity Track), Hispanic, my Mother attended the University in the 80’s, and I believe form the responses that I’ve gotten from my Guidance and peers that I wrote a good essay. With your expertise in the college application pool, do you feel that I could get in or would it be based solely on my lower HPA.
Thanks,
Ryan
John: I’m not sure I understand – are you wondering if you would be accepted for admission at UF? I am almost certain you would be, but you won’t know for sure unless you try.
November 16th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Also what does science with substantial lab mean? Would Chemistry and Biology count?
John: Who knows, its one of those definitions made up by a committee of lawyers working as politicians! Most chemistry and biology classes would certainly count unless there was no lab work involved.
November 17th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Hello John,
First off I want to thank you for being so helpful! Helping all of us get our questions answered is very generous of you 🙂
My question is.. I am almost done at MDC and next semester I will only be taking 3 credits because It will be my last semester and I have nothing else left to take. How will this work with my medallion scholarship? I know they won’t cover anything because I won’t be taking atleast six credits but, will something happen to my award? Or will it just automatically apply again when I transfer to FIU and start taking classes there?
Thanks so much for your help
November 17th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
John,
I am a advisor for a community based Teen Board. Alot of our Teens are getting conflicting information concerning their volunteer hours. Most of the teens on the board have 75 hours or more. When they talk to their school counselors they are told that their hours will not count because they did’nt do their hours fullfilling a community need or addressing a social problem. We are a city recreation center and these kids volunteer for community special events, and as teen counselors for our summer camp they also attend meetings during the school year. Any help or direction or insight you could give us would be most appreciated.
John: Unfortunately, this is a pretty subjective issue. Make sure you provide the students with some sort of documentation, and include the nature & scope of the work and how the community benefits. This may be a way that the state cuts back on funding during economic trouble without “officially” cutting back on funding.
If the guidance counselors won’t help students with their applications because they have an issue with the community hours, I would advise the students to personally work on the application and apply directly to the state.
November 18th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Hello John, my daughter is a senior with a Gpa of 3.5 and she did take the act with all passing scores, she also is a dual enrollment student and will have one semester to go after graduating high school to receive her AA. My question is she did not take the two years of foreign language, she only took one year is she eligible for the Bright Futures.
Thanks Kristina
John: Sorry, there’s no flexibility on course requirements. Two years of the same foreign language is mandatory, and a deal-breaker.
November 20th, 2008 at 2:44 am
Hi, I was wondering if Bright Futures is cut off immediately after you pass 120 credits?
For example, If I have 113 credits and I’m planning on taking 15 credits in my last semester, so I’ll be graduating with 128 credits, will bright futures cover the last 8 credits?
John: The scholarship will continue to fund you for 110% of your field of study’s requirements. If your degree consists of 120 credits, they will fund you up to 132.
November 21st, 2008 at 2:40 pm
My son attends the University of Florida and is currently at the 100% level of Bright Futures. He just informed me that the Bright Futures is being cut back and he will now be at the 75% level. Apparently this is due to budget cuts for the state of Florida. Do you know anything about this?
Thanks
And btw, you have some great information and it is much appreciate by many.
John: Hmmm, it sounds like this may actually have more to do with grades than budget cuts. If his GPA falls in between 2.75 and 3.0 he would be knocked down to 75%, I don’t know of any other cause for that. This may not be the case but its the only condition I’m aware of that causes an award adjustment. If it is the reason, he would be re-eligible if he got the cumulative GPA back to 3.0.
November 22nd, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Is is true that if you get an “F” in conduct at any time in high school, you don’t qualify for Bright Futures?
Thank you! This website has been of great help!
John: I haven’t heard anything about that, I think lettered conduct grades are school-specific.
November 23rd, 2008 at 6:26 pm
What are the different vocational classses that can be used? Does Art, or Photography count? My son has done the computer track but his girlfriend is interested in knowing what are other eligibility classes that also are considered.
John: The vocational award is only for high school programs that are specifically denoted as a vocational program. Each district has its own set up for vocational programs – I know here locally we have a few for auto mechanics and carpentry but they are only offered at one particular school. For a normal academic high school track, she’ll have to apply under the guidelines of the other two awards.
December 1st, 2008 at 4:11 pm
what are the maths that i could take to be qualified for the medallion scholars award?
John: Algebra I and higher. You could take Geometry, Algebra II, any calculus/pre-calculus, or trig
Just avoid math classes with class numbers lower than Algebra I has. And if there’s any doubt, check your high school’s class offerings against the state’s official course listing.
December 8th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Can you take summer semester courses to improve your GPA for renewal purposes?
John: Yes!
December 11th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
My wife and I have been FL residents for over 40 years, but due to some teen/home conflicts our son currently a senior, now attends a boarding school in GA. He has a FL drivers liscense and is still considered a FL resident. He will graduate from this private school in GA. Can he qualify for the bright futures scholarship? (can he challenge the FL GED?) He did attend a FL high school for most of last year.
John: The statutes are pretty specific that he graduate from a FL high school, or earn the equivalent degree which is basically the GED. Would it be possible for him to register for the Florida GED prior to graduating at the school in GA? You might be on to a loophole here that I hadn’t thought of, but I have no idea if it would work out.
December 12th, 2008 at 9:50 am
will the bright futures scholarship help me pay for embry-riddle since it’s a private college.
John: Yes, but the amount you’ll receive is limited to 75% or 100% of the corresponding public school tuition. Since the private college is a lot more expensive than that, you’ll have to find the difference somehow either through other scholarships or possibly through loans.
December 17th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
It seems my question was “skipped” 🙁 ?
My question is.. I am almost done at MDC and next semester I will only be taking 3 credits because It will be my last semester and I have nothing else left to take. How will this work with my medallion scholarship? I know they won’t cover anything because I won’t be taking atleast six credits but, will something happen to my award? Or will it just automatically apply again when I transfer to FIU and start taking classes there?
Thanks so much for your help
John: Ack! I’m sorry 🙂 I completely missed that. If you’re not eligible while taking the last three credits you may have to file a reinstatement when you transfer to the next school. I would get in contact with someone at the bright futures administration about that, there’s a number posted here on this page somewhere (its gotten so full with text that I can barely navigate it myself)
December 17th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
i had the florida gold seal scholarship but my gpa went too low and i lost funding for my sophomore year. im sure i will have the GPA to renew when it comes time for my junior year but what i was wondering is if i were to take 9 credits the spring before my junior year, would i still be eligible to renew my funding? im trying to take the least amount of classes before getting funding back in order to limit the amount of money i have to personally dish out. thank you and i look forward to your answer
December 17th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
I am a junior in high school and have been homeschooled all four years. I am planning on attending eckerd college (a private school) and the total cost is about 38,000$. Would that “Florida Academic Scholars Award” pay for all of that? (that cost includes on campus housing) Thanks!
John: The scholarship only covers the equivalent cost of
tuition at a public school. Unfortunately, that means it won’t come close to the cost of $38,000
December 18th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
i just finished my first semester at a florida community college, but i didn’t do so well. i got a B and three C’s 🙁 out of high school i qualified for 75% bright futures i guess but i think im gonna be on probation for next semester. i have a 2.4 gpa right now, what exactly do i need to keep my scholarship? what gpa?
John: 3.10 if you take the same number of credit hours
December 19th, 2008 at 6:12 am
I graduated from high school last year with the 75% scholarship, however due to the financial situation I was in I had to get a full time job and couldn’t attend school immediately. My question is now that I have been out of school for one year, will my scholarship follow me to an eligible college? Or did I miss my chance at it?
John: If you applied for the scholarship before your hs graduation, you should still be eligible. Applications can’t be submitted after a student graduates high school
December 20th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I have the 75% scholarship and I passed all of my classes this semester but I failed one. Will I loose my scholarship? Is there something that I can do like take the class over again? Thanks for your help!
John: Check with your college policies to see if they offer grade forgiveness. A few years ago, UNF would let students re-take a class or semester a limited number of times. It will depend on your school’s policy, but you may be able to get the F knocked off your record if you do better next time. If you recover within one semester, you may even be able to get back in good standing before the probationary period runs out.
December 24th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
My very bright daughter and I have been discussing the effect of a juvenile criminal record on ones elegibility for Bright Futures. Could simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time (under age drinking or at a party with pot) that results in a conviction make her ineligible?
John: There’s a federal policy making students with federal drug felonies ineligible for financial aid – I’m pretty sure Florida adheres to these standards. I don’t think a misdemeanor would make her ineligible, however.
December 28th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Hi, I posted here earlier. I have a 4.5 gpa but on my PSAT I did surprisingly bad. I wanted to know how hard it is to get the required GPA scores, in your opinion do you think it’s easy? and how hard is it to maintain a 3.5 (but I’ve read on this site it’s 3.0) in college. I don’t know anything about college and what classes you have to take.
John: Well it depends on the school and the class and the teachers, but in general it shouldn’t be too hard as long as you’re attending class on time and doing the required assignments. For every hour of scheduled class time, expect to put in another two hours outside of class for that subject.
Also, just wondering in college do you have to take like science classes if your major has nothing to do with it? Sorry, like I said I don’t know anything about college!
John: Yeah, most schools require one or two math and science classes in the general education requirements. Some liberal arts schools have versions of science that are integrated into other subjects, so you might be able to find one that makes practical sense for your major anyway.
December 30th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
iam currently in college, and i have the 75% i was wondering if i can retake my SAT and try to apply for the 100% once already in college?
John: All applications are finalized at the time of high school graduation… you can try signing up for other scholarships, though. Try using a free search service like Fastweb or our own scholarship search
December 31st, 2008 at 12:33 pm
What SAT test does it require, b/c there are two different types of the sat test. i hope i didnt sign up for the wrong one!
John: Math and verbal
January 2nd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I just wanted to know, could you still be eligable for this scholarship if you not a resident of floridia? Would you have to be a citizen for two years?
John: Only students who graduate from FL high schools and attend FL colleges, most of the statutes refer to a 12 month minimum residency defined by having a primary residence and employment in the state.
January 4th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
I’ve qualified for another scholarship that is paying for my full tuition and costs. But, I’ve also qualified for bright futures. Do I decide what scholarship to use to pay for college? Also, if I pay for school with the other scholarship, will I get to put the bright futures money in my pocket or, never see a penny of it?
John: It depends on the other scholarship – Bright Futures pays a set amount regardless of your other awards, but the other scholarship may or may not count that money into your expenses when deciding how much you get.
January 6th, 2009 at 12:30 am
If you did not do so well in your freshmen and sophomore years, although you did alright maybe like a 2.8 or 2.5 for those years although you got wonderful grades your junior and senior years and got high scores on the SAT’S or ACT’S, do you think you could have a chance for bright futures 75% maybe?
John: Sure, it is completely possible. If you averaged a 2.5 for the first two years, you would need to average about a 3.5 for the last two years. There are also many scholarships that look for improvement over the high school years so turning your grades around could help with other awards and sources of funding, too (not to mention being good practice for the rigors of college academics!)
January 6th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Do you know which courses are counted when you’re above the number of required? I will have 4 math credits but this semester will be my lowest grade. Do they just take the highest ones or the last 3 you did in HS?
John: Do you mean for the GPA? All classes are counted toward the GPA requirements, regardless of if they’re specifically required for scholarship eligibility or just for graduation in general.
January 6th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
My son has a 3.0 unweighted but may not have it weighted is this a strict requirment?
Also, when is the final deadline for applications for the upcoming freshman year?
John: The weighted GPA would be higher, so if he has a 3.0 unweighted that would be fine. Applications must be completed & sent in prior to high school graduation.
January 6th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Hi. I have been slamming my head against the wall trying to make sure that my Florida Bright Futures – Merit (or now Medallion) award is credited to my school.
So here’s my story …..
I graduated in 2002, went into the military, then got out recently in 2008. I have the paperwork that says I am eligible for bright futures. Did the FAFSA, Florida Student financial aid website, and va gi bill online. I should get credited my GI Bill within a few weeks. I recently called the Florida Bright Futures office and they told me I am supposed to apply for a reinstatement and not an initial app. So I just did that and tomorrow I start classes. And I have 10 days to pay the tuition or they will apply late fees. Now I want to make sure that I can use my bright futures this semester or I may just choose to wait for next semester… I have read also that it can only be used for one semester, is this true? And also I wanted to know if I start classes now and pay-out-of-pocket, will or can I be reinbursed when florida credits my school with the amount?
I have read that it’s deposited the last drop/pay day? what does that mean?
I am sooooo frustrated right now that I want to scream at my financial counselor …
please help
~John
Other John: Ok, this is a lot of stuff going on at once, let me try to help as much as I can 🙂
First, if you’re applying for reinstatement because you’ve already received initial eligibility, that sounds like a good thing. Second, Bright Futures isn’t limited to one semester – once you’re eligible its good until you either stop going to classes or your GPA drops below renewal requirements. Third, you would receive a check from the school for any amount more than you owe that Bright Futures paid into your account. So if you pay up full and Bright Futures sends a check for $500 to the school, the school will send a $500 check to you.
Drop/pay day (we called it “drop/add” at my school) is probably the last day to pay before the late fee is applied, and the last chance to drop a class without having to pay for it.
Here’s the thing I can’t answer: Will Bright Futures get your application in time to apply the funds to your account this semester? I have no idea! It probably depends how much paperwork is sitting on someone’s desk and whether or not they’re feeling productive this week.
It sounds like you’ve got everything lined up and you’ve done what you need to do to be prepared.
If you absolutely can’t afford to pay for the Bright Future’s portion of tuition this semester, I would recommend this: Sign up for your classes, show up to class, and find out if Bright Futures paid to your account on drop/pay day. If they didn’t, withdraw and drop the classes. If they did, pay the difference then before its due. One problem with this is that the lines are going to be crazy on that last minute day for paying and dropping classes.
If you can afford it, I would say to just pay up for tuition and get started on school. Consider the bright futures a bonus if it comes in this semester, and sign up for a bunch of other scholarships instead of waiting around to see if it happens.
January 10th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
John-
In the past, being a National Merit Scholar or National Hispanic Scholar (with the proper community service commitment completed) has been enough to get Florida Academic Scholars. Is this still the case?
Yes, there are alternative ways to qualify. I need to do an update here anyway to make sure the legislators haven’t changed anything
January 12th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
My son has received Bright Future benefits (100%) which he has used on his on-campus housing. Now he wants to move to an apt. Can he use the Bright Futures for that?
John: There shouldn’t be much difference here. The money will either be applied to tuition or sent as a check
January 15th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I live in Indiana. My kids are freshman and sophmore. They are both in their 2nd year of Spanish here. Will that meet the foreign lang. reqirement or will they have to take it again when we move?
John: I believe transfer credits are set by the school district, best bet is to check with the FL highschool’s policies
January 18th, 2009 at 9:09 am
I am currently a junior going into my 2nd semester, i took french 1 in my sophmore year and i was wondering if i needed to take french 2 this year or if i could take it next year?
John: Its probably best to take it as soon as possible to keep some sense of continuity from the first one. I don’t think its required to be consecutive but it would probably help you get the most out of the experience
January 18th, 2009 at 11:14 am
John, what is the best way to coordinate both Bright Futures (100%) and Florida Prepaid (4 year university plan)? My daughter will receive 100% Bright Futures as she will be receiving an IB diploma, and she will be attending a public Florida University. We have a Florida prepaid tuition account we started when she was 5 years old. In my reading it looks like it is best to use the Florida Prepaid for Tuition expenses, then have the Bright Futures applied to room and board, transportation, etc. Is this correct, and if so, what do we need to do to make that happen?
Thanks much, love your site!
John: As far as I know, they’ll both send a check to the college for tuition – if the balance is overpaid, the school sends a check to the student. Neither program is need-based, so any excess money should be quickly convertable to cash
January 18th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
I moved to Florida from England 3 years ago.
I’m a junior and on track to get the 100% tuition. I have all the right grades, classes, volunteer hours, languages, everything.
My family has applied for permanent resident status (a “green card”) and hasn’t been turned down and we’re just down to the waiting stage, ut it’s taking a long time.
It says you can get bright futures if you are an “eligible non citizen as determined by your post secondary instituition,” but I’m really worried I won’t get the green card in time and won’t get bright futures with out it.
Do I need a green card (permanent resident status) to qualify?
I could go to a guidance counselor, but I don’t like them and they are usually useless.
John: Yeah, the waiting can be tough! If you know what school you are going to attend the best bet is probably to ask the enrollment offices there.
January 21st, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Do you have to graduate from a Florida high school in order to receive bright futures, and can you apply after you graduate high school or do you still have to be in high school?
John: You do have to graduate from a Florida high school, and you cannot apply after graduation
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Do we need to have a 3.5 GPA in all our years in high school.
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:55 pm
sorry i didn’t mention everything, I am a junior and now I have spanidh 2 without having spanish 1, so do i have to take spanish 3 to complete.
John: the 3.5 is the required average of all four years, so if you’re under 3.5 on any year you’ll need better on another year to make up for that.
As far as the foreign language, you’re probably going to need to take Spanish3. Technically, I believe the school district could waive the requirement since you demonstrated enough proficiency to skip Spanish1, but I wouldn’t count on that! Admins tend to be busy enough jumping through government-mandated hoops to sort through exceptions to the rule.
January 24th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
will bright futures pay for me to go to university of florida? and what requirements do i need to meet to go to university of florida?
John: Yup – 75% or 100% of costs depending on what award you’re eligible for. I’m not sure about admissions requirements at UF because the only way to know if you get accepted or not is to apply. They don’t go by a rigid scale of GPA or test scores, its more like a “big picture” consideration that looks at everything in your application file.
January 25th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
I am the Valedictorian graduate of Chiefland High School-Class of June-2007. Currently attending IHOP in Kansas City, Mo. as a student in Bible Ministry. I am interested in continuing at IHOP as well as keep my options open for a Florida Bright futures scholarship. My phone# is 352-221-4439. My address is 4018 east 104th street, Kansas City, Mo.zip-64137. Please send me all the information you can about a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship and the Florida Medalion Scholars Award. I would also appreciate having a conversation with a scholastic counselor. Sincerely yours, Saralouise Autumn Gore Matheny.
January 25th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Please send to Saralouise Autumn Gore Matheny-Chiefland High School-Valedictorian of class of 2007 all info. available on the Fla.Bright Future Scholarship as well as the Florida Medalion Scholars Award to my address 4018 East 104th Street, Kansas City, Mo. zip-64137. My phone# is 352-221-4439. Thank you!!
January 26th, 2009 at 7:51 am
i would like to apply for the Academic scholarship. i’ve a bachelor degree in physical education and sport.
January 26th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
I have the Medallion Scholarship. It’s the second week of classes (past the add/drop week) and I need to drop a class, and maybe get into another class. Can I drop a class with the Medallion Scholarship? Is that legal within the rules?? And another question, how can I determine with my scholarship will discontinue disbursement? Does it go by credit hours or something….
John: Yeah, you’ll need to be enrolled and complete at least six hours a semester. If you want to otherwise drop classes that you’ve paid for already, that is fine as long as you finish the required six credits each semester.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
can you tell me if you have to have only A’s and B’s on all high school classes? if you get even one C or below you can’t not qualify for the bright future scholarships? also do middle school grades count in any way?
thanks for your help
January 28th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Im only a sophmore but i was hoping to graduate my junior year or halfway inot my senior year, do you still give out sholarships if you graduate early?
John: If you otherwise meet the eligibility requirements of Bright futures and complete the application before you graduate, I don’t think the amount of time you spend in highschool matters 🙂
January 28th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
If I am completrly with drawing from day school and I am starting all night school and some online classes, would i still be eligible for bright future scholarships?
John: In high school or in college? If you’re talking about high school, then alternative degree programs are fine – as long as they actually result in a degree and you’ve taken all the required classes (GED isn’t quite the same for the purposes of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship)
January 28th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
If one does not have social security….will they still be able to qualify for bright futures?
John: Hmm I sort of doubt it… The literal wording is this: “or eligible non-citizen, as determined by the student’s postsecondary institution.” I don’t know the details of immigration procedures here, the decision is up to the school but within whatever guidelines the state has set
February 7th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
does integrated science count as a sunstantual lab credit
February 8th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
How do you send your SAT test scores to florida bright futures? Do they just check them on their own or do you send them through mail or collegeboard.com? Also, about the transcript, do you have to send it electronically through your high school or can you just mail it? Do you have to send your seventh and eighth semester transcripts, or just one? Sorry, one last question, how do they verify that you competed your community service requirement (Is it through the transcript)? Thanks for your help:).
February 11th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I have the Florida Medallion Scholarship and I was wondering what G.P.A. I had to maintain to renewal next year (2009-2010)? Also, right now I am taking 4 classes worth 3 credits each totaling 12 credits, and I was thinking about dropping one of my classes, how would this effect my scholarship?
February 12th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
i have all of the credits for everything. i am taking spanish 1 and 2 on line now. i will be long before may. but im a little confused about the labs with science. do you have to sign up for them seperatly or do they go along with labs you do in class? and how do i know who to talk to to sign me up for the bright futures medallion?
February 16th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Hi i have a 3.1 core gpa and am entering my last semester as a senior this year, i have applied for bright future and counslers have told me i got it. However i feel that i may drop to a 2.9 because i have senioridous and have been slacking off, no one has been able to give me a clear answer if i will lose my bright futures if it drops. please help thanks!
February 17th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
hey i’ve heard from some that you have to use the scholarship you’ve received the following year.. like you have to start college THE NEXT YEAR for the scholarship to “work” and whatnot, but i’m expecting taking a year after highschool/before college to just travel?
i was wondering if this really was a problem..
thanks!
February 19th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Does Bright Futures cover the Summer Semesters for schools such as UCF, UF, FAU, others that fall into this category.
February 21st, 2009 at 4:15 am
Always one should pay close attention to the requirements of this or any scholarship program. Small details can cancel eligibility, and the financial aid administrators won’t have the luxury of a personal relationship with you, the student. One missed class, or a few points on the SAT can make all the difference between paying tuition or letting the state pick up the bill.
February 22nd, 2009 at 4:20 am
Even with the current budget problems, the bright futures scholarship is still be funding for upcoming college students. The program has been around for many years and helped many students pay for college and thankful to them.
February 23rd, 2009 at 7:17 am
Not all of us is aware of the process you have to follow in order to get a scholarship and in their confusion many parents or significant others simply fail to save on thousands of dollars spent on the education of their children. Financial aid like scholarships and grants are basically money gifted to students or pupils to help them get through college or university and can be in various forms. They are different from student loans in the sense that they don’t have to be paid back.
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:09 am
hii
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
My daughter, youngest of 10 sisters, first of them to graduate June 2009, has a score of 1260 on her SAT. I am disabled limited income 62 years old so no resources to give her financial aid..(Help Oprah!) My question is where can she get the aid she needs in the state of Florida. It would not be fair for her not to get aid. Please help her..
Carmen Jones
2/22/09
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 am
I believe the Bright Futures programs are regressive, since students from more affluent families are disproportionately helped by these scholarships based on grades. It is likely that the Citizens’ home insurance program is also regressive, redistributing benefits from the less affluent to the more affluent. Hence, our overall system of taxation and welfare benefits in Florida is highly regressive.
March 4th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
hey i was just wondering is able to wait a year. I am currently on Track for a 100% bright futures scholarship and i am in the 11th grade. i want to be an exchange student after i graduate high school for a year but i dont think i would if it would mean that i would have to lose this scholarship. any information would help
March 8th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Sorry if this question has already been asked…
When computing college GPA for remaining eligible (2.75), does total GPA count, meaning dual-enrollment, AP, IB etc. OR just college credits earned at university? Thanks John
March 9th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
I just recently got accepted to UF, but because their fall semster was full i got in for their Summer B term. Does bright futures cover that term?
March 14th, 2009 at 9:49 am
If i am most likely eligible for the 75 percent do i also need community service hours or is that only for the 100 percent.
March 15th, 2009 at 8:42 am
My son is a freshman and I would like too know exactly what he can do for his community service?? I want him to start thinking about his now and get a plan of action. thank You
March 17th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Doris March 17, 2009
I am trying to help my son with the bright futures. We thought we had the gpa it is 3.2 weighted and 2.7 core. Is the core already adding in the honors classes. Or are we waisting our time now. He graduates in june. He has taken only core classes all these years. Doing well in some and not in others do you have a choice on which core classes you can choose to determine the core gpa. It is my understanding that it is the core gpa that counts for the scholarship.
Thank you for any help
March 24th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Sir .. you are nothing short of being a saint to answer and re-answer the same questions again and again. I would suggest (in bold text) you direct your questioners (inquisitors?) to closely read previous posts and see whether or not their question has already been answered.
I’m putting the finishing touches to your medal ..
March 25th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Hello,
Im 13 turing 14 on June 21st. I really want a bright future award scholarship.
I was wondering if a can get in to fsu with one?
Sincerlly,
Tanya Scovack
April 7th, 2009 at 7:10 am
My daughter received high school credits for Spanish I and II, but no letter grade (on her high school transcript, it appears as a “pass”). In Spanish III, she received a credit as well as a letter grade. Do you know if the Spanish I and II (credits but no letter grade) will meet the foreign language requirement.
April 12th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
I am in my second year of college and my gpa is going to drop below a 2.5 will i lose my scholarship and if so how can i get it back
April 13th, 2009 at 11:08 am
I heard on the radio that bright futures does something [not sure if it is a refund for books or another form of refund] for $600 ? My parents have been asking me to find out, and everytime I go to my college, they tell me to go to the bright futures website. Is this just some radio conversation that I heard wrong?
April 13th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I currently have a bright futures scholarship and am attending a community college. I think I might already know the answer to my question but I wanted to be sure. I am getting married and moving to Washington (hes in the military) before I have the chance to finish school and wanted to continue going to school in WA. My question is will I loose my scholarship since I am moving out of state, even though hes in the military????
April 14th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I just checked the social science credits list and advanced placement World History is not listed on there (it’s on there for the class of 2009 and under which doesn’t help me). AP World History does not seem to come up on the list for the class of 2011 but regular and honors classes do. Seeing as I’m 75% done with the class there’s nothing I can really do about this.
But I just need confirmation, is it true that AP World History doesn’t count towards a social science credit?
April 15th, 2009 at 1:49 am
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April 16th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Im graduating as a senior this year, and I have initially been awarded 75% bright futures, however I took the ACT again and 2 of my subscores got better. Does FL Bright Futures accept a combination of subscores, because if so i have a 28.25. Do they take writing? And how would i change my status if I deserve 100%?
April 16th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
I am currently a senior and am eligible for 75% bright futures. I was very close to getting the 100% and was planning on taking it again on May 2nd. The only problem is that my school’s grad bash falls on that same day and I noticed it after I already paid for (no refunds) grad bash. The only other test date available for the SAT is the last one on June 6. Since I’m a senior and am graduating on June 4th, if I take the test in June, will that score count towards bright futures eventhough the test date is so late?
April 21st, 2009 at 9:53 am
My son is a junior these yr. My husband lost his job in September and I lost mine in December. We haven’t been able to find work here in Florida,if we have to move, can my son still be eligible for the bright future scholarship if he meets the requirements.
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:34 am
Hello there. This is GREAT informaiton. My son is a sophomore… he took two landuages: Spanish I and Spanish II in middle school (7th and 8th grade) Will he still quailify for the Bright Future award, if he get all the other requirements? Or does he still need to take the two language classes in the same language all over again?
Second Question: One of his teacher said that if he takes Web Design I, Web Design II adn Web Design III in high school, he can still get the 75% Bright future scholarship. Can you confirm that? Thanks,
April 26th, 2009 at 1:01 am
I didn’t recieve bright futures while in high school because I was a point under requirements for act score. I have taken it four times and finally got 20. I was wondering if I am still eligable for Florida Bright Futures….?
April 27th, 2009 at 6:29 am
Can you begin gathering volunteer hours during the summer right before 9th grade? Thanks for any help!
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Can a Bright Futures Scholarship be used to attend a University outside of Florida?
May 4th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Will Bright Future Scholarship accept Fl virtual On-line Latin 1 and Latin 11, for the foreign language requirement?
May 4th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
If my college program is a 5 year program where I walk away with a masters but do not officially receive my AA or Bachelors, can I continue to receive Bright Futures at the 75% at which I am use to?
Florida State – Exceptional Education Program
May 4th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
THIS IS REALLY INFORMATIONAL. BUT IF I HAD BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP AND I LOST IT DURING MY FRESHMENT YEARS BECAUSE MY GPA WENT UNDER 2.5 – COULD I REAPPLY FOR BRIGHTFUTURES AGAIN ONCE I BRING UP MY GPA
May 5th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Say I maintain at least a 3.5 all the way through freshman-junior years and 3/4 of the senior year. If I were to fail an AP class (not required for graduation) for just the last nine weeks, would grade forgiveness erase that from my GPA?
Would I not need to take the class again? and also, would I still be funded for the first three years?
May 6th, 2009 at 4:50 am
Do i need to score both SAT / ACT test or i maintain my academic records?
May 6th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
My daughter currently has the FL Brights Scholarship and this is her first year using it. Does she have to re-apply each year for it or is she set for four years as long as her GPA is good and at a FL college?
Thanks.
May 9th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
How many Credit hours do I need to renew my scholarship? I know I need a 2.75 gpa but how many credit hours do I need? BTW this is the vocational one.
May 11th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
What if you are taking your Last year of Foreign language in your senior year do you still qualify?
May 13th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Good afternoon, My son just completed his second semester @ FIU. His grades were very low this semester. The college has listed him as “warning” statue. For the sake of Bright Futures what exactly does this mean ? Thanks
May 15th, 2009 at 10:47 am
thank you for caring!
May 21st, 2009 at 3:40 pm
My daughter has a 3.5 unweighted G.P.A and 450 service hours. She is a senior and took the SAT’s twice and her highest score was a 950 with the reading and math combined. For the reading section, she recieved a 570 and the math a 380. Does bright futures look at the amount of service hours a student performs and gives the scholarship to this type of student (like my daughter), who tremedously is involved in her community but missed 970 by twenty points? My daughter is in ESE and is in the program merely for excess time for math test, for she learns math more slowly than most. Who would bright futures most likely choose, the candidate with a 970 and 75 service hours or the candiate with a 950 and 450 service hours? Isn’t 450 hours a sign of dedication to the community and 75 a lack of dedication to the community? Is it not more important to be involved in the community to help society advance for the good of humanity than to miss twenty points on a test? Is Bright Futurea a bureaucracy that is corrupted by simple regulations and will not examine the person as a whole? Anyone, feel free to respond.
May 25th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
How do you send SAT test scores for Bright Futures scholarship? Do they check them on their own or do you send them through the mail or the collegeboard.com. My son has taken the test on May 2 2009 and they have posted the scores online but the full report is not available yet. Will they get the information on time?
Thank you!
May 30th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Hello, one of my teachers from my high school said that they [Bright Futures] were changing their program for 2010 where you would need 4 years of natural science instead of three. What I would like to know is if this is true or not… please, anyone, I would definately appreciate it if you let me know…
May 31st, 2009 at 6:18 pm
I received the 75% Bright Futures Scholarship, and am attending FAU, what expenses exactly does Bright Futures cover?
June 1st, 2009 at 8:26 pm
I took one year off after high school before starting college and currently receive 75% bright futures funding. I just received my AA and was considering taking a year off before finishing up my last two years. Is it possible to put the scholarship on hold or will I lose my funding?
June 4th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Does the bright futures scholarship cover past the 7 year mark for school terms that we unused?
June 4th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
John,
I have been in college for about 2 years now, and am ready to transfer to UNF. I only needed 1 class this past Spring Semester, so I only had 3 Credit Hours. I submitted my renewal application only to find out that I am now ineligible for renewal.I’m not sure what to do.
I have about 2 options:
1. Pay out of pocket at UNF, which is very expensive.
2. Take a summer course or 2 in Summer B to compensate and then submit my grades. However, I dont know how this works yet.
I’m in a big dilemma with this. I work full-time and just really didn’t want to take silly classes to compensate. Can you help?
April 19th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
Hi, you have very good information on this blog. Beats anything I have seen from so called “Financial Aid Planners” by a country mile.
My question has to do with the site. Beginning on January 28th 2009, there are no more answers and yet people keep writing. This must mean that the way to read the replies changed and I dont know how to get to them? If I dont hear from you I will sadly have to assume that you finally got bored by people asking you the same already answered questions again and again.
June 22nd, 2009 at 1:27 pm
if the first time you take the ACT you have 20 in the math section and 19 in the reading section but you did bad in Sience and in English, and the second time you do good in the two you did bad, and bad in the two you did good, can they just take the best score only.
June 24th, 2009 at 8:38 am
i have a lot of questions and cant find an email nor a website to find my answer!
June 25th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
To receive a Academic (100%) award with Bright Futures do you have to have a 1270 SAT and 3.5 weighted, or will a higher GPA (combined with the 75 hours) negate a lower SAT score?
June 25th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
well , im going to be a senior in high school. i wanted to know if AP courses are counted for bright futures. for example im taking environmental science, and psychology. how about ap music theory?.
also, is full sail in orlando a private school?
June 25th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
For 75% scholarship, if i dont have the 3 vocational credits but have the 75 volunteer hours does that make up for it? Also, what is considered a vocational class?
June 27th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I was wondering what was the natural and social science classes? I am a sophmore and i want to make sure i take those classes. And does Full Sail University accept and scholarship? Thank you
June 29th, 2009 at 8:00 am
My son is 8/100ths…. from qualifying for Bright Futures – where/how can i challenge this to be sure they are pulling his top classes?
June 30th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
My son has attended a private high school outside of Florida but is a resident of Florida. (It was a military boarding school). If his grade and test requirements are met does he qualify for Bright Futures?
July 1st, 2009 at 4:33 pm
i got a letter n a couple months ago stating that they look at my act sat n grades n everything from my junior year until January of my senior year to see if i qualify for bright futures and i didn’t.. but i took act Feb.. and i got the score i needed. in the letter it said that i should be getting another letter to see if i qualify after school is over, i still didnt get a letter yet. do u know when im they suppose to send out the letters.
July 6th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I have taken l l/2 credit hours in French and now have moved to an area that does not offer French at my school. Can I take 1/2 a credit with Kaplan Virtual School and full fill the language requirements for a scholarship. This is my senior year and I must resolve this problem this year.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Do you really have to have 75 community hours to qualify for this scholarship? You can’t have like 60 something and still be accepted for the scholarship?
July 11th, 2009 at 12:57 am
well my boyfriend graduated from high school and is now 23 what does he need to be able to attend this school
July 16th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Question: May a student graduate from an accredited on line private school eligible for the Bright Futures Scholarship? The student resides in Florida.
Are there plans to scale back the Bright Futures Scholarship Program?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:07 pm
I have already graduated high school I’m starting college in the fall and didn’t qualify for bright futures but applied. I really need the money. I have Fafsa but I still need more money. I didn’t qualify for bright futures because my SAT scores were low but my ACT was a 19. Is there any chance that I can take the SAT again and have another chance? Im confused about when you apply and get denied or dont qualify the first time after you graduate if that means you can never get bright futures at all?
July 27th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
My daughter is taking her 2nd year of sign language as a senior this year.
We were told last year this was an accepted Language.
Is it?
July 30th, 2009 at 6:43 am
Read in today’s (Daytona Beach News Journal) paper Bright Futures may be in jeopardy, true or false?
July 30th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
My son has been in a private school from 6th to 11th grade. But, due to the economy he can’t finish his senior year there. So, we are going to home school him. My question is there any rules that say he can’t get Bright Futures because he hasn’t been home schooled before his Senior year. Can he still qualify for Bright Futures if he just starts home schooling as a Senior.
August 10th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
do you by any chance know how you pay the last 25% of the florida medallion scholarship off? i received the florida medallion scholarship and am enrolled in a community college as a freshman and plan to transfer to fsu. is there a time you have to pay the remainder off by. like for instance, do they start charging you monthly at least 6 months after you graduate with your bachelors? im confused and would like to know how that procedure works out. thanks!
August 21st, 2009 at 9:21 am
Hello, I’m currently a sophomore in highschool and I was wondering, does Bright Futures pay the full tuition for private colleges? I ask this because I’ve been doing some research about it but I’m still not quite sure :/ I really want to attend the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota but it’s quite expensive! Haha.
Please & thank you [:
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:09 pm
My daughter recieved the MS which is suppose to pay 100%, but now Charlie Christ has changed that and it only pays 72.00 per credit hr. Our local 2 year college is 84.00 per credit hour. You have to have 24 credit hrs. finished in your first year. It is going to make it hard on my daughter to have a full course load and work 20 hrs. a week.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
I have a question. When you refer to the “verbal” section of the SAT, does that include both your writing and critical reading scores?
I got a 1230 on the SAT with just math (560) and critical reading (670), but I got a 1970 with my writing score added in (740).
Would I be able to qualify for the Florida Academic Scholars Award with that, or do I need to retake the SAT once more to try and get those 40 extra points?
August 29th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
hey i have 4.00 unweighted GPA, 150 hours of community service hours, but my test score for the act is 26, are they gonna look over this or not? can i still qualify for the 100 %?
September 4th, 2009 at 5:38 am
How do you apply for the program? Is there an application online?
September 5th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
When will I receive Bright futures funds through Direct Deposit by Florida International University? The add/drop period is over, when will I receive the scholarship money
September 5th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
hi i’m a college student and have almost 30 credits is there any way i can apply for the bright futures?
i did not graduated in a Florida high school instead Ecuador.
would that be a problem?
September 7th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
i have three math credits. algebra 1A, algebra 1B, and geometry. do i qualify for Florida Medallion Scholars Award ??
September 13th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Hey John,
I have an issue. I applied to FIU for the Fall term (August 2009). They told me I was not accepted so I went ahead and enrolled in Broward College. I am now taking two classes there; all paid with the Medallions Scholarship. Now, I got a welcoming letter from FIU for the Spring Term and I am planning to go there. My question is: What should I do? Only one of the classes that I am taking at BC is transferable and I’ve only gone to that class once. Both of the classes are out of their withdrawn period with refund, but I have until the 16th of September to withdraw. Will I lose my scholarship if I drop all of my courses at BC? Of course, paying the government back for the classes. Will I have Bright Futures Scholarship when I begin at FIU? Thank you in advance.
September 15th, 2009 at 11:15 am
HELLO, NAME IRFANULLAH,,BBA(H) 7TH SEMESTER.NEED FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
September 15th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I run a site on the CLEP exams where I try to give study advice on the subjects. I have had a lot of inquiries where people wonder if they can use CLEP credits towards a scholarship. I always tell them to check with their schools but any other advice?
October 8th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
i got a letter stating that florida bright futures will no longer be giving out 100% or 75% of tuition. Instead i wil be getting a fixed rate depending on which award i get,- whether medallion or scholars, and what type of college i go to (4 year, 2 year, cc….etc..). Ummmmmm..well this is really confusing and you havent upgaded ur info either. Well if you know anything about this, can you please explain to all. Thank You
October 21st, 2009 at 10:41 am
I am a high school senior and will be attending college next year using the bright futures scholarship. My question is my parents will be retiring in 2 years and plan to move out of state. Will I still be able to continue using the bright futures when they move out of state or will I have to start paying out of state tuition?
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:43 pm
My daughter is a senior this year when and how can we apply for Bright Futures? she has sent out an application for FSU please let me know Thank you
October 27th, 2009 at 10:17 am
I have signed up for the minimum 12 credit hours per semester. I am going to fail a class. If i keep my gpa above the 2.75 limit and take extra credit hours next semester will I lose my scholarship?
October 27th, 2009 at 11:40 am
My son is graduating from UNC in NC this May after finishing HS in Florida. He is returning to Florida FSU for medical school. Is he eligible for any assistance??
October 27th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
how long does the bright futures (medallion scholar) last for? ex:semesters, credit hours, etc
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:41 pm
I just moved to Florida in June of 2009 after graduation, can I qualify for Bright Futures for the 2010-2011 school year?
November 5th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Great post. Thanks so much for providing information about scholarships which are an essential part of any education. In addition to the sites listed, students should speak to their guidance counselors about scholarship opportunities.
November 6th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Need more information regarding the program.
November 12th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Ok, I am in my senior year and am taking AP chemistry…but it is dragging down my GPA until I get switched out of it. I had a 3.0 before i took this class could i drop it from my transcripts when I apply for the scholarship? I already have my other 3 science credits…im not sure if this is possible but if anyone knows that would be great
November 15th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
How many community service hours should my son have at HS graduation to be able to receive 75% Bright Futures?
November 25th, 2009 at 12:37 am
To qualify for the Florida Academic Scholars Award, do you have to maintain the 3.5 GPA for all 4 years of high school or just your senior year?
November 25th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I have a 3.7 GPA and a 21 for the ACTs and 430 for Critical Reading, 510 for math and 460 for writing would i be able to get the 75% tuition for FIU?
thank you
March 24th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
YES.
December 4th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
hi! do they gave it to youu? because i got a 430 in reading and a 520 in math
December 1st, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Hello,
I live in Hull, Mass and have recently heard (if true?) that there are Free Colleges in the state of Florida..
My daughter is interested in finishing her degree in Psychology and has finished her 4 yrs with very good grades and on the Deans list.
Is there anything down there that could pay for her tuition?, if we (are thinking bout moving) relocate to Florida, to cover her tuition for Graduate School. The financial situation here in Mass is not good.
I know nothing of this stuffs, I am only her mom. Whatever you can tell me would be appreciated.
Patricia
mocha4192@yahoo.com
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:00 pm
How long, on average, does it take to find out if one has recieved a Bright Futures scholorship?
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
wooohoooo
December 9th, 2009 at 10:22 am
How many years do you have to be in FL schools (ie. High school, Middle, etc.) What if you move to FL in your sophmore of High school years. Are you still eligible? Thank you, Mom
December 10th, 2009 at 2:02 am
i have a score of 1480 in my sat exam
am i eligible to get a 100% scholarship
March 24th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
if the 1480 is the combined scores of math and reading then yes. and that you have the 75 hrs and the right GPA
December 10th, 2009 at 2:05 am
i am an international student
i scored 1480 in sat 550in maths 480 in verbal
450 in writing am i elligible to get dis scholarship
December 10th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
i am currently attending a state college but due to surgery i must i must miss the summer sumester at state college. will i be able to attend a community college in my home town since i need to have recovery time and be close to my doc for follow up visits, will my brite future pay for summer classes at a local community college since im not enrolled at the state college for the summer
January 1st, 2010 at 3:45 pm
How do you send your test scores in to apply for Bright Futures? Do they check them online or do you actually have to send them in by mail?
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:54 pm
I have a question. If a student has an above average academic GPA (4.98), 75+ hours of community service but only a 1260 on SAT can they still be eligible for 100% scholarships?
January 8th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
how important are our sat & act scores?
by when do we need thoses to score?
are there any exceptions?
January 15th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Yeah, if you want to prepare for CLEP exams, CollegePlus! has great CLEP practice exams.
January 19th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Hello,
I am currently an active duty service member who will be returning to college in Florida while I am on active duty. Since I left college to enlist in the service, I am technically still eligible for this scholarship. Am I still eligible for this scholarship if I will be using it while on active duty stationed in Florida?
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Nashville has great schools. There is a major college relocating to the Cool Springs area sometime soon, in Franklin.
Bill
January 24th, 2010 at 1:20 am
What do I do with my 75 volunteer hours once I have them?
January 24th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
hello dear, my name is vincent madumelu, from Nigeria. please am begging for scholarship to complete my education career.i wish it will be granted to me by the grace of God. Thanks and God bless you.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
I think it is unfair that the awards are based only on cr and math scores. The SAT now bases their score on cr, math and writing. Do you think Fl Bright Futures will ever follow suit and include writing in their criteria? It seems that if the SAT bases their scores on all three subject areas, then the BrightFutures scholarships should be based on all 3 scores as well. My daughter scored a 590cr, 610 math and 750 writing for a total score of 1950. However, her cr and math score of 1200 is not enough to qualify her for 100% BrightFutures.
February 11th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Does the Bright Future Scholarship apply to private institutions?
February 22nd, 2010 at 3:03 pm
If your child has 100% Bright Futures and Florida prepaid for tuition, how do the 2 coordinate? Which funds are used first? Can BF be used for books, room & board, fees, etc. if the bulk of tuition is covered by Florida Prepaid?
Thanks! for the help!
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:46 pm
I currently have the 75 percent scholarship but I might have to drop a class this semester. This will put me at 11 credits. Will I lose my scholarship and if I do lose it, can I ever get it back?
February 24th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
For the Medallion Scholarship can you use your best individual scores for the Act composite score?
March 1st, 2010 at 12:55 pm
how do you submit someone that you think deserves a mentor and a scholarship but they dont have the money?
March 14th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
I have the right GPA but my sat score was a 940. I took the Sat this saturday and although I studied I am not sure that I did that well.
I am taking the ACT April10 and Sat May2. Can I get the score of the best math in one sat combined with the best score of english from another Sat..Like combine score?
One more question, I register at http://www.floridastudentfinan...../ssfad/bf/ online but what else must I do. Any paperwork..anything I need to do.whats the next step?
🙂
Thank you so much and I really appreciate the time you dedicate to answer our questions.
March 14th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Hi can a illegal student apply. Live here all my life and I am going to Miami dade but really need the money. Can i apply if I live in florida all my live,attend a public highschool,have 3.6 GPa and the required SAT score and my family is really low income?
or is there any scholarship or anything else I can do.
I got accepted to Miamidade college but have no money to pay for it
March 16th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
I will be earning the Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship this year. I’m attending a public university in the Fall but I would like to major in Psychology, not the vocational classes that I qualified for this award in high school. Do I have to continue the vocational classes in college to keep the award, in addition to the 2.75 GPA or can I switch to my intended major – Psychology?
March 17th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
I have a 3.2 weighted GPA and the eligibility status says im not eligible because of a low gpa…What does that mean?
March 24th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Ok, so yesterday I was sent an email notifying me that I qualified for the Medallion and that I got it. Now, right now, I only have 1 class that I’m not doing so hot. I might fail the class. Will the scholarship be taken away? Even if my other classes are A’s and B’s?
March 24th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Plus, it’s not a class that I need for the scholarship or graduation. The only problem would be that my GPA may drop a bit….
April 5th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
This may or may not have been answered,but does my bright futures count towards online classes?
April 7th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
I’ve completed the core class requirement but I am currently taking AP Phyiscs B as an extra. I’m not doin too well so if I fail the class will it count towards my GPA calculation
April 8th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
I went to high school in florida and applied to BrightFutures and qualified for 100% but then my freshman year went out of state to the university of buffalo..my family now lives in NY and i am looking to transfer back to florida (ucf or fsu) i was wondering if i still qualified for bright futures even if my parents no longer live in the state of florida, does that matter even if i already have the scholarship technicially?
April 20th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Is anyone working this blog anymore? John used to produce some great answers. Is he gone, or is it that I dont know how to view his answers? last post with an answer seems to be january 2009.
Can anyone offer enlightenment ?
May 1st, 2010 at 2:13 pm
My daughter has attended USF for the past several years and was granted a Bright Futures scholarship before attending. I also prepaid her college with the Fla Prepaid Program years ago. She had the prepaid program that did not cover books and dorm, we paid for that out of pocket. My question is: Since she was awarded a Bright Futures scholarship would it not have helped pay for those things? How is the money dispersed? I would like to know more infomation on this matter, where can I get it and speak with someone………..
May 15th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
I am from the bahamas but i attend i a florida highschool. i dont have my ssn am i still eligible?
May 20th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
is there a list of names for those that got the bright futures scholordhip this year?
June 11th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
I am noticing kids from high end private schools with 1300+ SAT scores are doing well in Florida Universities and getting B- to C+ for their efforts. If professors were giving out higher grades, the State ponies up more money for Bright Futures. Do you believe they are under pressure to deflate grades for financial reasons?
June 19th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
I a, currently enrolled in the AICE program, and next year will be going into my junior year, and have yet to get in any community service hours, any suggestions?
June 21st, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Question, if a student was awarded the bright futures scholarship but chose to go to school in another state, could they transfer back to a school in Florida after a year and still be eligible for bright futures. Also, how long does a student have to use the scholarship. Can the student take a year off and come back to school and still be eligible for the scholarship. Thank you your help is greatly appreciated
June 23rd, 2010 at 2:58 pm
If my GPA drops below a 2.75 over the summer, do I lose bright futures?
June 27th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
someone told me that CPT scores get factored in as well…is this true?
July 15th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
the g.p.a.requirement, doesit start in your 9th grade year or your 1th grade year?
July 15th, 2010 at 4:59 pm
G.P.A. DO YOU HAVE TO MAINTAIN A 3.5 EVERY HIGH SCHOOL YEAR (9-12) OR JUST YOUR SENIOR YEAR?
July 16th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Does 2 years of American sign language count as a foreign language?
July 16th, 2010 at 11:33 am
Does 2 years of american sign language count as a foreign lamguage?
July 28th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Bright Futures paid my school a certain dollar figure for me to use for tuition, say $1600. If I only use $800 of that tuition expense, will I personally be reimbursed to remainder?
July 30th, 2010 at 2:57 am
I just graduated and was supposed to have bright futures for the fall. but i took one summer class and got a low grade in it so my gpa is now below a 3.00. Do I loose my bright futures for the fall because of this?
August 6th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
last fall I was awarded the Florida medallion scholarship, well in the spring I ended up making a 2.43 GPA. this summer I have made a 3.5 GPA, does this mean I still have bright futures? and do I need to send my summer transcripts or will my school do that?
August 11th, 2010 at 2:58 am
It is good that the university is offering scholarships to deserving students. This will help many students as long as they will do their best.
September 16th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
I was wondering if you could tell me the minimum credit hours needed to keep 75% bright futures. I originally thought you had to be full time but I have also read that it is only 6 credit hours needed to still have bright futures cover your costs. I want to become a part time student next semester but need to make sure I will still have the scholarship. Thank you!
October 17th, 2010 at 9:30 am
My daughter will be going to a private school (high school). Will this be a problem in getting the florida bright future scholarship for college?
October 26th, 2010 at 7:45 am
i was about to ask the same question here .My son is going to private school (high school).Will this be a problem in getting the Florida bright future scholarship for college?
November 10th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Hey i have 2.996 gpa in weighted can i get florida medallion scholarship i get in the sat 990. My graduation year is 2011.
November 10th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
If I have a 27.75 ACT combination (I divided my top scores- English, Math, Reading, and Science- from my 3 different sittings), would I be eligible for Bright Futures 100%? My community service is in the process? PLEASE I need to know if this will go up to a 28, securing my eligibility.
-Michael 😀
November 10th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Nevermind. I managed to peruse my way through the disorganization that is the Florida Bright Futures Website and found this… http://www.floridastudentfinan.....equire.htm
I’m so happy. I think I got the scholarship!
November 10th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Now I’m worried. When you apply, do you automatically get the scholarship or is it like any other scholarship where there’s a “weeding out” process?
November 27th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Hi John,
If I get the 100% of bright futures, can I still apply for FAFSA? Thank you.
November 29th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Hi john, i’ve been reading the comments on this site and i apreciate you helping those people for all those years. i have a really simple question. i don’t know much about the florida bright future scholarship but i know that i have a 3.0 gpa and all the credit hours. i got a 19 on the ACT i plan on taking it again. is there anything else i need and how can i use the award after i get it? please send me your reply at roodleyricardo@hotmail.com thx.
December 2nd, 2010 at 2:54 pm
I just discovered your site, I actually saved it and i ‘m looking at the particular blogposts. I undoubtedly really like it. Fascinating topic in any event a person look at it. I come from the mindset which view reviews as akin of tuning in.
December 4th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
hi! i have a 520 in math, a 430 in reading and i have the 3.5 …. my SAT reading score is a little low … do they still would give it to me
?
December 6th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
My very bright daughter and I have been discussing the effect of a juvenile criminal record on ones elegibility for Bright Futures. Could simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time (under age drinking or at a party with pot) that results in a conviction make her ineligible?
December 16th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
I did bad during my fall semester and I’m afraid that I’m going to lose my scholarship. I heard though that they calculate at the end of spring semester… Is this true?
January 19th, 2011 at 11:48 am
My son graduated from high school in 2005. He received a bright future scholarship as well as a CAP scholarship. We would like to get a refund of the unused prepaid tuition program but they are requesting a copy of the award letter. I have not been able to find it. Is there any way to get a copy of the letter notifying and/or congratulating him on being a recipient of the scholarship?
February 6th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Could my bright futures scholarship disappear if I went to college out of state for 2 years, then finnished my other 2 years back in Florida?
February 11th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
My daughter is in her second semester as a senior in high school. We just found out that her Liberal Arts Math does not count as a Math class for Bright Futures. We were not told this and it’s a pretty big shock at this stage of the game. Her GPA and SAT scores qualify her for the Medallion Scholarship and we were counting on that to help us pay for her college education. As there is only 4 months left to school for her I wonder if there are any tricks or secrets to get around the Liberal Arts Math requirements. She does not qualify for the Gold Seal as she did not take any Vocational classes. My daughter did start out in Pre-Calc and AP Stats and she was failing both, so we put her in Liberal Arts Math. Her Guidance Counselor did tell us that Liberal Arts Math may not be accepted as a 4th year of Math in “some” universities, however she never told us that it would not qualify for Bright Futures. Any suggestions?
February 21st, 2011 at 1:13 pm
What if You didnt take all of those classs? Would you still be able to recieve the scholarship?
March 2nd, 2011 at 6:22 am
I totally believe in CLEP programs to advance your college studies. Why do people not use this approach more? If you’re really serious about getting your degree fast, then it makes perfect sense to do all you can, to get your degree faster!
March 8th, 2011 at 10:55 am
Is a student from Cuba, who’s a legal resident and waiting to reside long enough to become a citizen, who also fullfills all other requirements be elegible for Bright Futures?
March 10th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
I am filling out my Florida Bright Futures Application and I have gotten to the part of the application process that requires you to fill in your “self-reported approximate” GPA. It asks for both unweighted and weighted GPA (based on a 4.0 scale). I have filled out the unweighted part with a 3.5 (estimate), but when I enter a value in the weighted GPA, I have consistently gotten a pop up window claiming “The character entered is invalid. Enter the correct information.” Due to this peeving pop-up window, I can’t go on with my application. WHAT IS GOING ON???
March 11th, 2011 at 11:27 am
That sounds like a database value error on the development’s end… like they only accept values up to a 4.0. Personally, I’d try using the unweighted GPA for both fields since that is the one that eligibility is based on. Otherwise, call the number on the application and stubbornly stay on the phone until they fix it or take your application verbally! The most important thing of all is to be persistent and committed to the outcome.
March 19th, 2011 at 11:59 am
Does Biology II/Forensic Science count toward meeting the science requirement for Bright Futures?
March 20th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
We are currently Florida residents, and have been, but my daughter attends school in Thomasville, Georgia, only 30 min. from the Florida line. She is currently not eligible for the Bright Futures because of attending school out of Florida. One of my clients told me that for Bright Futures Purposes she could graduate with her class this year, receive her diploma, but then get a Florida GED for Bright Futures purposes. Is this true?
March 21st, 2011 at 10:28 am
I’m a senior, just recently reached a 3.0 unweighted.
Can I only apply for bright futures before graduation or I can in the summer? because if I want to retake SAT’s and take ACT’s I don’t think I’ll get my scores back early enough to apply before graduation.
also i meet the 970 requirement but it’s a 460 in math and 560 reading, is that okay or the math HAS to be 500?
March 23rd, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Hi john i would like to know if i still qualify for the Florida Medallion Scholars Award if i received a 19 on my ACT test score but met all other requirements
March 24th, 2011 at 10:37 am
I am receiving bright futures right now and plan to get married in the near future. Will bright futures still cover me or will I lose my scholarship? I am receiving the 75% scholarship right now
March 24th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Where would I go to find a list of those who received the scholarship?
March 27th, 2011 at 8:46 am
I’ve tried to find the answer to this on here but can’t so sorry if it turns out to be a repeat. My daughter has been awarded the FMS. Her GPA is good enough for the FAS but her ACT scores are not high enough. The next ACT test date isn’t until after graduation. Can she re-take the ACT after graduation and if her score is high enough, will they re-evaluate her award and raise it to the FAS or is it too late once the award letter has been issued?
April 2nd, 2011 at 5:04 pm
I don’t get it. I have a 4.0 GPA and received a 1200 on my SAT, and it says I’m ineligible for the program? I’m enrolled in a public high school, so I don’t see what the problem is. This is so frustrating!
April 3rd, 2011 at 3:26 pm
Hey Bright Future helps alot! I have it and woah let me tell you it’s great!
April 4th, 2011 at 11:25 am
My son is a high school junior. I understand that the requirements were recently raised in order to receive the Bright Futures Scholarship in Florida. Can you summarize what GPA (whether it be weighted or unweighted) and SAT/ACT scores are necessary in order to receive either the 75 percent or 100 percent scholarship? Many thanks.
April 15th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
My daughter finished school in 2009 and didn’t use her bright futures that she worked hard to get now she is going to a college in orlando and could really use all the help that is out there would she still be elgible for the bright futures. She lost he dad in the last year of school and had a very bad time of it for sometime. I would like to keep her on the right track.
April 20th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Is the weighted GPA based on the 15 core credits only? Or is it the entire weighted GPA? In other words, for medalion, does my son need at least a weighted GPA of 3.0 in the core academic classes, 4 english, 3 math, 3 science, 3 ss, 2 language? Or is it based on his overall weighted GPA being a 3.0 or above?
April 22nd, 2011 at 5:37 am
Sir I AM DOING p.hd in soil science agricultural chemistry in pdkv akola in maharashtra in India. Where would I go to find a list of those who received the scholarship?
April 30th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
hello i have the medallion one…(75%) but i am afraid am not doing good this semester in college. what happens if u gpa falls a little under 2.75?? can u re-apply?
May 4th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
so i am a highschool senjor, and i messed up in school earlier in the year, now i have everything caught up and was wondering if it is still possible to obtain the 75% scholarship. or is there someone i can call to talk to?
May 6th, 2011 at 7:07 am
Ok I have a weighted GPA of 3.6 but I am one point away from the ACT requirments. Here are my scores
Composite: 19
Math: 19
Reading: 21
English: 16
Should I still Apply?
May 10th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
My family is looking to relocate to Florida this summer. I will be an incoming senior and will graduate in 2012.
I will be enrolling in a Florida College for the 2012-2013 year but I will be applying for the Florida Bright Futures Funding earlier. One of the requirements says that I have to be a Florida resident.
I have heard that you have to live in the state for 12 months until you are considered a resident and granted in state tuition. I will be establishing residency by this August 2011 and by the time August 2012 I will be on the college campus. Therefore, I will have been here a full year before I actually go to school, but when I apply for colleges and/or the Bright Futures I will not have been here a full 12 months. Am I still eligible for the Bright Futures Scholarship AS WELL as in state tuition?
May 14th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
So glad I found this website. Very cool for us parents treading the waters of approaching High School. P.S. Glad you’re still doing this blog after two years!
May 17th, 2011 at 12:04 am
From our High School we received information that the IT and web design courses my daughter has taken in Middle school, these classes where taken as high school credits, and if she web design 2 her freshmen year than she automaticly quaifies for 75% brght futures. Is this correct?
Lisa
May 25th, 2011 at 4:38 am
I
I am from FATA.I am in search of scholarship. I am graduate Now I need your help and support to get education in foreign universities.So please help me. THANKS
May 25th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
For the scholarship that is 75%, I don’t community service hours, right? that’s for the 100% one?
What about the SAT and ACT? Do you need to take those for both the 100% and the 75%?
May 29th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
If I have the GPA and SAT scores for the Florida Academic Scholars but not the ACT scores am I still eligible for the scholarship?
May 31st, 2011 at 8:16 am
If i missed bright futures with a 2.9 and not the required 3.0 in highschool an i am now about to start college is there any way for me to still get bright futures?
May 31st, 2011 at 11:55 pm
I have two questions:
My math classes have been Algebra 1 and 2, geometry, and math for college readiness. I am hoping to use alg 2, geometry, and math for college readiness as my three math credits (the grades were best in these three classes). Do you think this will be a problem?
I improved my spanish 2 grade through florida virtual school. Will my first “poor” grade be dropped when my gpa is being figured?
Thanks, Nick
June 6th, 2011 at 5:23 pm
My son complete way more than 75 hours community services during his summers in high school. He did about 20 hours during school year. His counselor is saying his hours do not count because he did not do them this school year. I looked at several websites listing requirements and none of them verify her information. What is the correct requirement.
June 7th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
Nick:
Four credits of math are now required. Alg I, Alg II, Geometry, and Math for College Readiness all meet the requirements.
Regarding the FL grade. Florida permits grade forgiveness if your course grade was a D or F. If you are trying to replace a B with an A it can’t be done. Your counselor would have to “X” out your old grade and “I” your new grade.
Ted
June 7th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Jodie:
I have never seen anything – anywhere indicating that there was a current year requirement for community service. Summer is a great time to complete community service.
Ted
June 7th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Jodie:
Having said that, school districts have a lot of sway in determining what counts as community service and what community service counts. It may be that the district has come up with a restrictive clause. For community service to count it must be recorded on the student transcript.
Ted
June 7th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
Bailey:
Bright Futures will use your higest scores for a particular test. Either ACT, SAT, or CPT(in the case of Gold Seal) You do not have to have the cut score in each test. Another neat thing is that BF will mix and match scores on indiviual tests to get you to your score if needed. i.e. If you score a 20 for Act English on one test and a 15 for the math and then retake the test and get a 15 for English and a 20 for the math, BF will calculate the score as if you got a 20 English and 20 Math. Good deal, Huh.
Ted
June 13th, 2011 at 11:11 am
So to get the 75% scholarship you don’t need any community service hours?
June 15th, 2011 at 7:30 am
What is the earliest grade that students can start accuiring the volunteer hours for eligibility to the program?
Thankyou.
June 16th, 2011 at 12:22 am
For Bright Futures what if i have the required gpa but i dont have the required test scores. does it mean that i wouldnt get bright futures or i will get the lower scholarship.
June 28th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Hi, quick question.. What if i got a 17 in math (which is the only subject that isn’t letting me get bright futures) would i be eligible for it? And is bright futures still doing the gold and what not programs or is it just one where you need a 3.5 gpa?
Thank you.
July 5th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
I was awarded with the florida medallion award but on my own personal college account under finanical aid its not showing me as receiving any money. My fafsa and a grant from the college is showing up but not my bright futures. Has this happened to anyone else or does anyone know why?
July 9th, 2011 at 10:31 am
I live in a small town in Florida, and I have been thinking quite strongly about switching to Florida Virtual School, since the high school is not so great. Would I still be eligible to apply for the scholarship?
July 24th, 2011 at 10:47 am
I’m about to start my senior year in high school and the schedule they have set up for my senior class is horrible. I’m strongly thinking about going full time to the near by college (PSC) and going there full time. Doing that, I would be able to finish off my high school educational requirements, but I heard that bright futures doesn’t pay for people that have enough credits to get an Associates Degree. Is there some sort of college credit max they have set up? And also, would I count as a transfer student if I apply to UF after that? I heard that UF only accepts transfer students from FSU.
August 1st, 2011 at 11:54 pm
Hello:
I am currently in the military, Florida resident and stationed in Fort Lewis – Washington; my daughter will attend UCF, she is already accepted there, she has all the requirements (academic and community service hours), but she graduated from High School on 11Jun2011, Is it too late to apply for Bright Futures? Can this delay be waived? I appreciate your input, thanks.
August 3rd, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Do you know if Bright Futures considers Statistics and AP Statistics math classes? My school does, but UF doesn’t.
August 3rd, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Also, are Honors classes taken in Middle school considered honors in high school, or regular? I took Algebra 1 and Geometry in middle school (A in algebra 1, c in geo) and if they’re considered it could help.
August 29th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
Does Bright Futures cover online classes?
August 31st, 2011 at 11:14 am
The SAT test has been around for many years, but SAT prep tools has not. And, throughout those years the same stumbling blocks have been basically the same. Namely, the MATH portion of the test ! Now this fact alone is enough to drive most test takers to some form of SAT prep tools. Fortunately, math appears to be the most coach-able and likewise the biggest difference maker to the test. Also fortunate is the fact that you have somehow found your way to, in my opinion, the best SAT study guide complete with sample tests and answers, on the internet. Focus on what needs the most attention and you will do fine.
August 31st, 2011 at 5:48 pm
On what basis is the GPA weighed? Like does an “A” in a Honors class weigh more than an “A” in a regular class? What’s the scale?
August 31st, 2011 at 5:49 pm
How do they find the GPA? Do grades for Honors and AP classes get more credit?
September 5th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
i received a 1250 on the SAT with just math & reading. but i also took the writing section in which i got a 650. i know the florida academic scholarship only considers math & reading but i missed it by 20 points & i got such a high writing score. could my writing score possibly have me qualify for the academic scholars?
September 6th, 2011 at 6:49 pm
you now need 100 service hours to get the FAS award, not 75 according to the florida bright futures scholarship program website. just wanted to keep this updated.
September 13th, 2011 at 6:24 am
I WANT STUDY ABOUT COLLEGE LEVEL
PLEAS HELP ME!
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:22 pm
I am a graduate from high school through IB program with a certificate. I am planning on retaking one of the exams to meet the criterion to obtain my IB Diploma which qualifies for 100% Bright Futures. However, by the time I retake, I would have already finished 1 yr of college with 75% tuition costs already covered by Bright Futures. Question: Will Bright Futures reevaluate my eligibility for 100% funding if I obtain my IB Diploma a year later after high school. Is the ship sailed to pursue this option? Please advise. Thanks.
September 28th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
Can we use the Florida Academic Scholarship if we are going to a college out of state after graduation?
November 21st, 2011 at 5:12 pm
What is the forgiveness policy for the medallion scholarship?
December 20th, 2011 at 11:31 am
For those with GPA calculation questions, our GPA Calculator is a great tool that allows you to organize, delete, and save your courses and grades.
January 11th, 2012 at 9:02 pm
what if you messed up in you application on your social security # and you lost you SSN card. do i re apply?
January 13th, 2012 at 4:42 am
I finished “o” level, and branch for a course not becouse i like it but i dont have choice. Some one help to pay my tuition, unportunatly, he pass away before i finished certificate course. but i struggle hard to finish my course where i got certificate in secretarial studies. i wish i succeed and go back to school.
January 13th, 2012 at 4:51 am
I need your advise, incase i succeed, can i take IT course or Public Adminstration/accounting?
January 23rd, 2012 at 10:43 am
My family and I have been out of Florida and living in England for 3 years. My husband is working for the UIS Military here and our daughter will be graduating from an American Department of Defense school next year. She is taking the SAT and ACT and completing her volunteer hours. My husband and I are Florida State residents with Drivers Licenses and a residence as well. Is there something that we will have to do differently in order to apply for the Bright Futures Scholarship because she is not graduating from a Florida High School?
February 1st, 2012 at 6:46 pm
John,
I have a client who is eligible for bright futures but was just arrested as a juvenile…will taking a plea to that offense make him ineligible for bright futures, even though it would not be an adult conviction?
February 4th, 2012 at 2:28 am
For those students who are considering a course in medicine or the health sciences, check out our website that will geve you all the information you could want on Dr Ross’s Human Anatomy Course.
February 4th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
My son has Florida prepaid tuition was awarded ROTC scholarship for tuition at a public university in Florida also will qualify for bright futures at one level. What is the usual way that credit is posted and does balance cover room and board?
February 11th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
I really dont want to take physics. All of my classmates say its required for bright futures but i want to take anatomy&phys then Marine Sciences. Do those count for the natural sciences i need? i have already passed Chem and Bio honors….
February 11th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
Hey, The Brightfutures site says that they accept test scores taken through June. If I take the ACT in June, can I use those scores to meet my eligibility for test scores? If i take the june ACT, my scores wont be back until 4 weeks after testing which will be sometime in the month after June.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:52 pm
Anatomy and Physiology and Anatomy and Physiology Honors with the course codes 2000350 and 2000360 respectfully are both fine for Bright Futures Science requirements.
Marine Science 2002500 also works for Bright Futures.
Ted N.
February 22nd, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Brittany:
Most would be juvinile convictions. I believe the threshold would be if it was a felony conviction.
February 26th, 2012 at 2:20 am
Hello John, I was just wondering that if I am taking 4 credits and am not recieving funding do I lose my bright futures for next year?
February 27th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
I recently applied for the bright furture scholarship, but didn’t meet the criteria because of my ACT score. I retook the the ACT and got a 22 which does meet the criteria. Do I apply again or does it automatically change?
March 8th, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Karen:
Assuming that you are a current senior, and probably applied this past December, your notification was a preliminary notification. Your county will forward the new scores along with your new grades for Semester 8 automatically. There is no need to reapply.
Ted
March 25th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
If we meet the requirements of one of the categories for bright futures, is it automatically guaranteed?
March 31st, 2012 at 8:07 pm
Mitchell:
You will always get the highest award that you qualify for – as long as you apply after December 1 and the last day of your senior year.
April 10th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
I am currently in Trigonomety, and i didn’t really have to take the course. I am failing it right now, and it is pass the time to drop the course. Will i be put on probation, or will I lose the scholarship??
April 16th, 2012 at 8:36 pm
can i take a break from college after i receive my associates degree to attend the police academy then finish my college using my bright futures scholorship
April 18th, 2012 at 11:06 am
Ok I am a senior who will be attending to PSC for upcoming year and my family and I have been in Florida for past 2 years but my father just changed his license and stuff. Would that consider me out-of-state tuition for colleges and would that mean even though I qualify for Bright futures, I can’t get my grant?
Thanks…
May 16th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
if i receive a bright future scholarship can i us it if i plan on going out of state?
July 11th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
i am trying to figure out if i am eligable for this scholarship. if you could email me information so that i can do a follow up it would be much appreciated.
August 6th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
when can i sign up for florida bright futures? im gonna be a freshman this year and i was wondering exactly what i should be doing.
August 6th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
My daughter is currently in the application process for bright futures (she qualifies for the medallion). We signed up and paid for her classes for this semester; will bright futures reimburse us?
August 13th, 2012 at 9:50 am
Hi. My son is graduating in 2013. I’ve been reading the Bright Futures requirements and noticed the additional foreign language requirement of the following: “This requirement can be met in one of the following ways. 1. Complete coursework as follows: second course in high school….”
My son took both his foreign languages (Spanish I and II) in middle school and we were thrilled that he had met his high school requirements for a foreign language. Does this mean, because he did not take the second course in high school, that he does not qualify for bright futures?
If so, what is your recommendation? I hope to hear from you shortly as I could then know what to do this year if it’s possible to make up for what I see inadequate advice from middle and high school advisors. Thanks so much for this service. It is very helpful.
October 18th, 2012 at 10:17 am
I was born in Florida. My family and I moved to a foreign country when I was in 7th Grade. My parents still file taxes in Florida and we are all American Citizen.
I am a Senior in IB with very good grades and would like to know if I have a chance of qualifying for the Florida Medallion Scholars Award or the Florida Academic Scholars Award.
I am also interested in your feedback for the following:
I took classes in one foreign language in 9 and 10th Grade, and took classes in another foreign language in 9,10,11 and 12.
Will that satisfy the requirements for the two foreign languages. And can the student take any foreign languages that he likes or is there a exclusive list of foreign languages that the student has to pick from.
October 18th, 2012 at 10:20 am
Sorry I forgot to mention that in the first part of my comment, I am requesting feedback regarding residency elegibility. Sorry for the ambiguity.
November 28th, 2012 at 8:10 am
What if you have a felony charge but case was dismissed and handled non judicially no charhes were formally filed and the state attorney office did not prosecute case will you be elgible for bright futures still?
August 15th, 2013 at 11:34 am
My daughter is a student at Dr. Phillips high school and has completed 150 hours of volunteer service at a local nursing home. I know this is acceptable for bright futures. However could another High School West Orange High school make a different requirement and say it must be a not for profit institution?
April 27th, 2015 at 11:01 am
My son is homeschooled, and we are trying to make sure we meet the high school requirements for a Bright Futures Scholarship. He is finishing 9th grade now, and will be dual-enrolling at a community college in the fall. My question is in regards to a few “duplicate” classes he has to take. He has taken Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 at home, and will now be taking College Algebra in the fall. Does the college course count toward Bright Futures, since it is a college/AP course but still Algebra? We have the same situation for Biology 1, which he has taken here at the house, and will have to take again for college credit. Do we get to count both courses toward his science requirements for graduation?
Thank you in advance for your help!
Wendy
May 21st, 2015 at 3:10 pm
My daughter is a dual enrolled student and has taken Biology honors her freshman year, Physical science sophomore year, and college Fundamentals of Biology with lab her junior year. Is this going fulfill the natural science, with 2 lab requirements.