While we can’t confirm the details, but here is what we know so far:
All students applying for and/or receiving a Bright Futures scholarship will be required to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
This new law, which goes into effect July 1, applies to incoming freshman, graduating from high school in 2012 as well as students renewing their Bright Futures scholarships.
No FAFSA = No Bright Futures $$$$ even though Bright Futures is still a merit-based scholarship and NOT need-based.
Students who do NOT submit a FAFSA application will not receive their Bright Futures Scholarship money this fall.
The FAFSA is also required for students getting Florida Resident Access Grants and Access to Better Learning and Education Grants.
A FAFSA is a detailed financial form used by the government to determine a student’s eligibility for need-based federal student financial aid. Until now a FAFSA was never required for Bright Futures. Lawmakers claim their only aim with a required FAFSA is to get more demographic information about students who are attending college on taxpayer money. Common wisdom says that lawmakers are making it more difficult for students to get the scholarship money. Students will need their parents help to fill out the forms, which are very detailed.
Parents and students with questions about the FAFSA requirement should contact their college, a university financial aid counselor, or a college admissions expert at International College Counselors.
International College Counselors
954-414-9986
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE COUNSELORS
International College Counselors provides expert college counseling on undergraduate and graduate college admissions, financial aid, tuition, essays, and college applications. Mandee Heller Adler, college admissions consultant and Founder of International College Counselors tailors her college counseling and college coaching services to address the goals, needs, and dreams of each student. Our college advising company works with domestic and international students. Let us help you make the best decisions in choosing, getting into, and paying for college.
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