Florida students who qualify for Bright Futures Scholarships will find new rules for the popular program effective with the 2009-2010 academic year. During the 2009 session, the Florida legislature made numerous changes including how the awards will be calculated. Bright Futures recipients will receive a fixed cost per credit hour based on the award level of the scholarship and type of post-secondary institution the student attends. Formerly, up to 100% of tuition and fees plus expenses were awarded to students at the highest award level. Award levels will continue to be based upon students' SAT/ACT scores and unweighted GPAs.

Florida Academic Scholars, the highest award level, receive the most generous scholarship. Under the new rules, the award per credit hour at a 4-year college is $126 versus $78 at a 2-year college. These students must earn a minimum combined score of 1270 on the SAT or a composite score of 28 on the ACT. In addition, the unweighted GPA must be 3.5.

The next level down is the Florida Medallion Scholar. These students will be awarded $95 per credit hour at a 4-year college or $59 at a 2-year college. To qualify, students must earn a combined SAT score of 970 or composite score of 20 on the ACT. The unweighted GPA must be 3.0.

College-related expense awards were abolished. Rules for renewals, payback for dropped classes, required minimum credit hours, and other programs were similarly revised. Check with guidance counselors or the Bright Futures website for more detailed information.

Students who need assistance getting their SAT/ACT scores up to a level to compete for these scholarships should contact National Education Consultants for either private tutoring in SAT-prep or small group seminars held in Stuart, Florida. Call 772-285-6024 or www.NECseminars.com.

Submitted by:

Professor Karen Maxwell
Mathematics Dept.
National Education Consultants, Inc.
772-285-6024
kmaxwell@NECseminars.com
www.NECseminars.com