Hey guys, I've been hearing about the FMS Bright Futures Scholarship and how it can help cover tuition costs. Is there anyone who can explain how this scholarship works, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply? I'm a Florida resident, so it looks like it could be a great opportunity for me. Thanks for any info you can share!
Hey there! The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is indeed an excellent opportunity for Florida students. It's designed to reward Florida high school graduates who demonstrate academic achievement and are planning to pursue higher education in the state. The program is divided into two main awards: the Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) award and the Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) award. Here's a breakdown of the eligibility criteria for the FMS award and how to apply.
Eligibility: To be considered for the FMS award, you need to meet the following requirements:
1. Be a Florida resident and a U.S citizen or eligible non-citizen.
2. Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by August 31 of your graduation year.
3. Graduate from a Florida public or eligible private high school.
4. Achieve a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA in required high school courses.
5. Complete a minimum number of volunteer service hours (75 hours for FMS).
6. Take the required high school courses for the specific Bright Futures award.
7. Achieve a minimum required SAT or ACT score, which is set by the Florida Department of Education and may be subject to change. Currently, for the 2024 graduating class, the minimum score needed is 1210 (SAT) or 25 (ACT) for FMS.
Application Process: To apply for the FMS Bright Futures Scholarship, you should follow these steps:
1. Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) available on the Florida Student Scholarship & Grant Programs website. The application opens on October 1 each year, and the deadline is August 31 of your graduation year.
2. Submit your test scores (SAT or ACT) to the Florida Department of Education. Make sure you submit your scores by the end of September in your graduation year.
3. Check with your high school counselor to ensure they report your courses, GPA, and service hours to the state.
4. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it becomes available on October 1. Though not a requirement for the scholarship, it can help you get additional financial assistance.
Once you're accepted for the FMS scholarship, you'll receive funding to cover tuition and fees, including tuition, lab fees, and a range of other mandatory expenses (amounts vary each year) at any eligible Florida post-secondary institution.
I hope this information helps you better understand the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program and the FMS award. Good luck with your application!
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