• BrACE NEWS 6/8/2024

    Below is news that Brigitte Lynn, or BrACE Advisor, would like shared.

    ** Please call (754)321-5805 with any questions you may have regarding BRACE News. **    

     

    CURRENT ATTACHMENTS:

    McFatter 2024-2025 SAT ACT

    McFatter Transcript Requests via Direct Institution

     

    NEW: 

     

    Class Of 2024 Reminder –

    1. Don’t forget to update your Florida Financial Aid Application (Bright Futures authorization) with your final school choice and your social security number. Bright Futures needs to know where to send the money and the schools need the social in order to match the funds to your account.
    2. Final transcripts have been sent to the school that the student listed on their Xello graduation survey. This District has sent transcripts for the students who indicated a Florida public college or university. The transcripts for private and out-of-state schools will go out in Monday’s (June 10th) USPS mail.

     

    Summer is the perfect time to get a head start on your college and scholarship planning. Here are some things that all grade levels can do. 

    • Class of 2025 – Schedule post-secondary conference if you have not already had one (bookings link below) 
    • Check out summer programs (Check out info below) 
    • Work on college essays (check out Common App @ https://www.commonapp.org/apply/essay-prompts) 
    • Work on your resume 
    • Sign up for scholarship programs.
      • Raise.me 
      • Going Merry 
      • College Board Big Future 
        • More information listed in scholarship section. 
    • Use Xello  
      • Interest inventories 
      • College search 
      • Scholarship search (local and national) 
    • Check out programs such as Questbridge and Posse Scholars 
    • Use free resources – web site, and webinars/information sessions (i.e. - Florida Shines https://www.floridashines.org/plan-your-path and Coalition for College) 
    • Class of 2025 and 2026 – Start planning your SAT and ACT (and possibly CLT) testing schedule.

     

    Class of 2025 Students and Parents who have not already had a post-secondary conference with me – I have updated my Bookings page with my summer appointment schedule. I will be mailing letters home to the students who have not had a post-secondary conference. Please make the most of the summer and schedule a meeting, so that you/your child are ready for the college application process. Check my bookings link, making sure that you are on the post-secondary conference tab. https://bit.ly/4bvxIpx

     

    Class of 2025 Senior Yearbook Photos – It is now time to schedule and take your graduation photos. Munoz Studios is the approved vendor. To schedule an appointment, please visit: www.munozStudiosInc.com/OnlineBooking  or scan attached flyer and QR code.

     

    Coalition for College Summer Information Sessions – The Coalition for College is offering multiple virtual information sessions over the summer to help students plan for college and the application process.

     

    Every Senior who will be attending Broward College should apply for the Pledge2Success Program.

    It’s not too late - Broward College has announced their Pledge2Success program. The Pledge2Success (P2S) Scholarship Program is seeking 2024 graduates from any Broward County public, private, or charter high school, 2024 Broward County home school graduates, and Broward County residents who earned a GED in 2024. The application is currently open and will close on July 1, 2024. To be considered, a student must submit a BC admissions application and meet other eligibility requirements. The BC admissions application, P2S scholarship application, scholarship requirements, contact information, and info session dates can be found on the Pledge2Success Scholarship Program page.

    Free tuition, up to 75 credits, towards an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree program for up to 7 semesters. And: Career Services Financial Incentives In-Demand careers and degree programs taught by experienced faculty Internships, Peer Mentoring, Personalized Academic Advising Student clubs and fun activities Transfer Services Transportation assistance with Lyft Tutoring Wrap-around services and holistic support (Lap top loaner program, food pantry)

    Eligibility Criteria: Graduate from any Broward County Public, Private, or Charter High School in 2024, be an eligible Broward County homeschool 2024 graduate, or Broward County resident who earned a GED in 2024 Complete a 2024 - 2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with an annual adjusted gross income at or below $100,000. Submit a Florida Residency Declaration Form and qualify for Florida in-state tuition. Submit a final, official high school transcript with the graduation date posted to the Office of the College Registrar. Attend New Student Orientation to register for Fall 2024 classes at Broward College. Maintain full-time status at Broward College (Earn 30 credits per academic year). Minimum of 12 credits - fall term; Minimum of 12 credits - spring term; Minimum of 6 credits - summer term.

    For details, go to : https://www.broward.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/pledge2success.html 

    Summer College & Career Advising - Bridge2Life along with Broward County Schools and Broward Education Foundation will be offering Free one-on-one advisement sessions (phone, zoom, teams). Please see attached flyer with QR code to register for an appointment. 

    ** I will be holding in person post-secondary conferences for rising seniors. The schedule will be on Bookings shortly.

     

    2024-2025 Common App Essay Prompts – Common App has announced that their essay prompts will remain the same for the upcoming year. Juniors – Why not get a head start!

    1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
    2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
    3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
    4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful surprisingly. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
    5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
    6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
    7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

     

    Big Futures Scholarship for 2024, 2025, and 2026 – The College Board Big Future scholarship is available to students between the junior and senior years. Students who sign up for the program will complete various tasks, which include, researching careers, practice for the SAT, explore scholarships, strengthen your college list, complete the FAFSA, apply to colleges. After a student completes the task, their name is entered in a random lottery drawing. Every month 2 students will win a $40,000 scholarship, in addition to multiple $500 scholarships. If you are a senior and you have not already done so, I encourage you to sign up for this program! These are all steps that you will complete as part of your post-secondary planning.

     

    NOT NEW BUT STILL IMPORTANT:    

     

    General Advice for all students - While most of the information that I share is most pertinent to seniors (and juniors), I do try to share information for all grade levels. Over the years, the most common question that families ask me is: "What should my child be doing now to prepare for college?"  My answer is: your child should be doing whatever they can to make themselves marketable. That means:       

          Challenge themselves by taking their courses at the highest level of rigor that they can handle.

          Get the best grades that they can get.

          Get involved, both in school and out-of-school.

          Become a leader if possible.

    There is no magic formula for getting into college or into a specific college. Schools look at students holistically. They want students that "fit" what they are looking for. You want to be true to who you are. Try to find a passion.

          It's not about checking all of the boxes or having a laundry list of activities. Schools would prefer students do one or two activities that they are devoted to over 20 or 30 activities as a bystander. Be transparent and genuine and portray yourself well through your application and essays.

     

    Resources from Highly Selective Institutions Webinar - I was recently on a webinar with admissions representatives from Vassar, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, and University of Richmond. Here are a few resources that they shared with us.

    Essays & Personal Statements  

    https://apply.jhu.edu/college-planning-guide/essays-that-worked/  

    https://www.collegeessayguy.com/  

    Fly-in Colleges, Summer bridge programs, tons of resources   

    https://www.appily.com/guidance/counselors  

    These schools stated that they are reviewing students in three ways: Meta-cognitive skills (motivation, goal setting, perseverance), Academic Performance (transcripts, SAT/ACT Test Scores, School Profile) and Potential for student contributions. These three topics allow schools to review students holistically. When applying to these or any schools, make sure that you are thorough, giving them as much detail as possible, and that you are portraying yourself well.

    The question was asked about if/when to submit test scores for test optional schools. As a general rule of thumb, the student should look at the individual schools 50% scores. If they fall within range, they are confident that their scores are a good depiction of their academic ability, and they feel that the scores add to the application, they should submit them. If they are not confident of their scores, and the school is "test optional", they DO NOT need to submit them. 

    Although schools are race-blind, and they cannot offer a student admission based on their race, the student’s story is very important. Their lived experience can be considered.

    Some essay prompts ask about an impactful event or experience. It is important for students to remember to reflect on the outcome and how it shaped them. The essay should be 30% about the experience and 70% about the student. 

           

    Test Optional – Over the past few years, many schools have gone test optional. This applies mostly to private or out-of-state colleges and universities. All of our public Florida Universities require test scores. Test optional means test optional. However, many students and parents think that the student’s application will be adversely affected if the student does not share their scores with the school. This is not true. It is up to the student to decide. If they feel confident in their test scores and they believe that the scores are a good reflection of their academic ability, and they will add to their college application, they should submit them. If they are not confident of their scores, they may withhold them. Keep in mind that although the university may be test optional, scores may be needed for certain programs and/or scholarships. Students should check with their individual schools to see what the requirements and deadlines are.

     

    Unique Programs – Many schools have unique programs to offer their students. Sometimes the student is automatically reviewed and invited in. Other times, the student must self-initiate the application. Make sure that you check to see what programs are offered at the schools you are interested in, and you meet the deadlines.

    UF – Innovation Academy, Honors, Promise (for 1st generation students)     

    FSU – CARE Program (for first-generation, low-income students) Quest Scholars – Similar to CARE, but non-first gen.

    UCF – Burnett Honors College, EXCEL, Compass, LEAD Scholars     

    FIU – Top 10% Pathway (guaranteed admission for top 10% of class)     

    FGCU – Soar in Four (students who sign up for the program, graduate in 4 years, and take a job in Florida, will receive a rebate)      

    NSU – Dual Admission – Incoming Freshmen are able to apply to their graduate level program. If accepted into the graduate program, they will have a guaranteed seat.

     

    Slate.org for Students: Application Tracking & More!

    Slate.org is a platform designed to strengthen communication between undergraduate admission offices, school counselors, community-based organizations, and students during the college search process.

    SAT & ACT Test schedules - Please see attached flyer for the 2024-2025 SAT and ACT test dates. Pay attention to the registration deadlines. Fee waivers are available to students who qualify and have their name on the Meal Benefits Disclosure list.

        

    Free/Reduced Lunch Program - There are many benefits to qualifying for free or reduced lunch, other than the meals themselves. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch are eligible to receive SAT and ACT fee waivers for both their junior and senior years (per test, per year). Additionally, seniors who have taken a test using a fee waiver are able to receive college application fee waivers. If a student were to take advantage of all of the fee waiver offers, they could save over $500. It is well worth the time to complete an application to see if you qualify.

    Fee Waivers are now available in the BRACE office for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch and have given permission via the meal benefits disclosure form. A students’ name must be on the meal benefits disclosure list in order for me to assign fee waivers.

     

    College Entrance Exams - There is always a great deal of anxiety regarding college entrance exams. The Florida State University System (SUS) has always and is still requiring SAT, ACT, and/or CLT test scores for admissions purposes. Many schools (out-of-state and private) have gone “test optional.”  This means it is up to the student to decide if they want to share their test scores or not. If the scores positively impact and support the student’s application, they should send them. There is no penalty for not sharing test scores for these schools.

    Traditionally students take the SAT and or ACT for the first time during the spring of their junior year and a second time during the fall of their senior year. Both of these tests are college entrance exams. Schools will accept these tests equally. It is recommended that students take both the SAT and ACT. This way they will be able to determine if they have a strength on one test over the other. Keep in mind that most schools look at the scores that are most favorable to the student. At the time of registration, students are able to send their scores to 4 schools for free. If students wait until after testing to send these scores, they will have to pay a minimum of $12.00 to have their scores sent. It is the student’s responsibility to have their scores sent to the various schools. Schools will only accept official score reports which are sent directly from these testing agencies. *Students must send their test scores to at least one of the Florida public universities in order for Bright Futures to receive the scores.

      

    Classis Learning Test (CLT) -  https://www.cltexam.com/

    The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is a new college entrance exam option (in addition to the SAT and ACT). It is accepted at the 12 Public Florida Universities and by Bright Futures (for FAS and FMS). It may or may not be accepted at other colleges and universities throughout the country. Students should check with their intended schools to see what their testing policy is. Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) does not have an agreement with CLT to administer the test at school during the school day. Therefore, the student must purchase the test (or request a fee waiver claiming financial hardship) on their own and take the proctored CLT remotely at home. Students who wish to use this test for college admissions purposes must register for the CLT (NOT the CLT 10).

     

    SCHOLARSHIPS:

    Check out these social media scholarship links.

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scholarshipmoneyforstudents/    

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scholarshipmoneyforstudents/?hl=en    

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNeevUe8tLB8PdF0JwWK2ag    

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/scholarshipsusa       

    Scholarships!!!! - All students, especially seniors, should be very familiar with the scholarship page on Naviance. It is listed under the college tab. There are multiple ways to search for scholarships. Each scholarship has its own deadline. I would make a scholarship search part of your weekly routine.

    RaiseMe - Students (all grade levels) and parents, are you aware of Raise.me? It is a way for students to earn micro-scholarships for things that they are already doing (i.e. - completing a FAFSA, taking AP courses, earning an A). Raise/me has partnerships with many schools across the country. I highly recommend that all students create and update a Raise.me account. https://www.raise.me/      

    Going Merry - Going Merry was new to me last year.  https://www.goingmerry.com/  Going Merry is a scholarship database. It is also a scholarship application. Many of the scholarships listed on Going Merry allow students to use the one going merry application to apply to multiple scholarships.

    Big Futures Scholarship for 2024, 2025, and 2026 – The College Board Big Future scholarship is available to students between the junior and senior years. Students who sign up for the program will complete various tasks, which include, researching careers, practice for the SAT, explore scholarships, strengthen your college list, complete the FAFSA, apply to colleges. After a student completes the task, their name is entered in a random lottery drawing. Every month 2 students will win a $40,000 scholarship, in addition to multiple $500 scholarships. If you are a senior and you have not already done so, I encourage you to sign up for this program! These are all steps that you will complete as part of your post-secondary planning.

     

    RECURRING ATTACHMENTS:

    BCPS Work Hours Form

    Letter of Recommendation Request Form

    Student Volunteer Application

    Student Volunteer Log Sheet

    McFatter Transcript Request

     

     

    INTERESTING WEBSITES:

    Following are a couple of free test prep websites.

    PERT prep - Go to Broward.edu.~ Click on Student Resources, then click Testing center.~ When you click the PERT link it opens up to offer you a PERT study guide and practice test.~ They also have links to YouTube tutorials.~ You can also register for a free 4 - week on line college foundations course.

    March2Success -     www.march2success.com
    Website includes test prep for the ASVAB, SAT and ACT.~ They also offer help with high school math and verbal skills.~ There is a high school science hub to help with Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science.~~~ Additionally they offer a college readiness online course.~ There is a Spanish option for this website.~ 

    [     http://www.maldef.org ]www.maldef.org - MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) Scholarship List. - This list is an informative resource for students, parents, and educators. ~ MALDEF is not a direct provider of the scholarships on the list, with exception of the MALDEF Law School Scholarship Program. (This can be a valuable resource for students who have residency issues.)