College Bound Students
Students who plan to attend college need to start planning early. Florida colleges and universities expect students to take advanced classes, especially Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. Preparation for the rigor of these types of classes should start very early before high school even begins, if possible.
It is also very important to develop good reading and study habits. Actively participating in school life through clubs, teams, or music programs will help students learn to manage their time and it builds teamwork, organizational and social skills.
While the average cost of attending college can seem daunting, grants and/or scholarships can help ease the financial expense.
Florida’s Bright Futures scholarships pay for college tuition at public universities, and can also be applied to some of the private universities in Florida. Students who visit the college campus before enrolling sometimes receive tuition discounts of up to $500. Having an alumnus of the college endorse your application may be worth up to $1000 a year.
Most financial aid programs require that the student completes the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). FAFSA determines how much a family is expected to contribute, based on the income information filed on the family tax return.
College Entrance Exams
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The ACT® test is the nation’s most popular college entrance exam accepted and valued by all universities and colleges in the United States. The ACT is based on what students learn in high school and provides personalized information about their strengths for education and career planning. Find everything you need to know about registration, test prep, scores and more.
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The SAT Suite of Assessments helps students navigate their path through high school toward college and career, and offers a range of unique benefits to students. The SAT is an admission test accepted by all U.S. colleges, and the College Board has programs to encourage all students to take advantage of higher education.
Links
- ACT College Planning - whether your student is uncertain about going to college or they just need some reassurance they are on the right track, ACT explains the numerous reasons to go to college.
- Big Future - Collegeboard - find information about preparing for college including research on different colleges, various career fields, financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Campus Explorer - a free service that helps all types of students find the schools which best match their higher education needs.
- CollegeNet - student's in needs of a scholarship or former student's trying to pay off a loan, can earn money by writing on topics in ways that persuade others to vote for them.
- College Sports Information - this site will guide student-athletes through the eligibility and recruiting process.
- Working Ahead in High School: How to Grab College Credits Early
Questions or Concerns
Contact your child's Guidance Counselor for more information about preparing for college.