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PCS WEB PAGE - INCLUDES Volunteer & Work Hours information.

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PCS WEB PAGE - INCLUDES Volunteer & Work Hours information.

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Community Service Requirements for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarships  -

Community Service is defined as identifying a social issue in the community.
This requires students to look beyond themselves and reach out to an issue faced by our society (i.e. poverty, abuse, elderly citizen rights).

These hours will meet the requirement for the Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars or Gold Seal Vocational scholarships. The completed hours will be recorded on the students transcript.

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Student Services / Bright Futures Volunteer Service/Paid Work Hours

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To be eligible to receive one of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Awards, students must complete either volunteer service hours or paid work hours.

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Keep in the know with the Osceola Guidance page!

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Keep in the know with the Osceola Guidance page!

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Click here for page!

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You are leaving MySchoolApps and going to a third party site. The owner of that website is solely responsible for the products, services, and content on its site. Do you want to continue?

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What does admission mean? What is a transcript? What's the difference between early action and early decision? When applying to college, you're bound to come across unfamiliar collegiate terms. This glossary can help you make sense of all the college terms you're sorting through.

Admissions Process

The entire process you go through to get into college. To define admissions, you need to include a number of components. The process starts early in high school as you begin building your GPA and ends when you move into your dorm. Your research, college visits, applications, letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, and admissions essays are all important parts of the admissions meaning.

Admissions Decisions

The decisions made by the college admissions committee about which applicants receive acceptance letters and which applicants do not. Early decisions are available to students who submit their applications within each school's early decision timeline. See "Early Decision (ED)" for further information.

Admission Tests

Also known as college entrance exams, these are tests designed to measure students' skills and help colleges evaluate how ready students are for college-level work. The ACT and the College Board's SAT are two standardized admission tests used in the United States. The word "standardized" means that the test measures the same thing in the same way for everyone who takes it. Read more about admission tests.

Articulation Agreement

An agreement between two-year and four-year colleges that makes it easier to transfer credits between them. It spells out which courses count for degree credit and the grades you need to earn to get credit.

Bachelor's Degree

When you complete the required courses and earn enough credits, typically after four years in college, you will earn a BA or bachelor's degree. Depending upon your major, you may earn a bachelor of arts (BA), bachelor of science (BS), or bachelor of fine arts (BFA).

Candidates Reply Date Agreement (CRDA)

An agreement many colleges follow that gives applicants until May 1 to accept or decline offers of admission. This deadline gives students time to get responses from most of the colleges they have applied to before deciding on one.

Class Rank

A measurement of how your academic achievement in high school compares with that of other students in your grade. Your class ranking is primarily based on your GPA. Some schools calculate class rank differently than others, so check with your school officials for information on how your school calculates GPA.

Coalition Application

A standard application form accepted by members of the Coalition for College. You can use this application to apply to any of the more than 90 colleges and universities that are members of the Coalition.

College Application Essay

An essay that a college requires students to write and submit as part of their application. Some colleges offer applicants specific questions to answer, while others simply ask applicants to write about themselves. Colleges may refer to this as a "personal statement." Learn more about college application essays.

College Credit

What you get when you successfully complete a college-level course. You need a certain number of credits to graduate with a degree. Colleges may also grant credit for scores on exams, such as those offered by the College Board's AP Program® and CLEP. Learn more about AP and CLEP.

College Financial Aid Offer

An offer of financial assistance to those who receive acceptance to a college. The offer includes all the monetary assistance available to you to pay for college. Also called an award letter, a financial aid award letter, or simply an offer, your letter will include the need-based assistance you qualify to receive based on your FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and any other required forms such as the CSS Profile or an institutional form.

Common Application

A standard application form accepted by all colleges that are members of the Common Application association. The definition of the Common Application is synonymous with college application. You can fill out the Common App once and submit it to any one or several of the nearly 700 colleges that accept it. Go to the Common Application.

Deferred Admission

Permission from a college that has accepted you to postpone enrolling in the college. The postponement is usually for up to one year. Often, a college requires a good-faith deposit to hold your place for the deferment period. Additionally, your college may ask you to account for your experiences during deferment.

Demonstrated Interest

An action that demonstrates you have a sincere interest in attending a particular college. Many admissions committees consider this factor in making their decisions. Some of the ways you can demonstrate an interest in attending include a campus visit or virtual tour participation, having an initial interview, conversations with admission representatives, and applying for early admission.

Early Action (EA)

An option to submit an application to your first-choice college before the regular deadline. When you apply early decision, you get an admission decision earlier than usual. Early decision plans are binding. You agree to enroll in the college immediately if admitted and offered a financial aid package that meets your needs. Some colleges have an early decision option called ED II, which has a later application deadline than their regular ED plan. Learn more about applying early.

Early Decision (ED)

An option to submit an application to your first-choice college before the regular deadline. When you apply early decision, you get an admission decision earlier than usual. Early decision plans are binding. You agree to enroll in the college immediately if admitted and offered a financial aid package that meets your needs. Some colleges have an early decision option called ED II, which has a later application deadline than their regular ED plan. Learn more about applying early.

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Everyone planning to attend college should fill in and submit a FAFSA prior to their first year. It determines if you qualify for financial assistance with tuition so you can attend the school of your choice. Your college offer may be based on your FAFSA results.

Financial Aid

Money given or loaned to you to help pay for college. Financial aid can come from federal and state governments, colleges, and private organizations. It might also include work-study assistance. Learn more about financial aid.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

A number that shows overall academic performance. It's computed by assigning a point value to each grade you earn. It is also a key factor in determining your class rank.

Legacy Applicant

A college applicant with a relative (usually a parent or grandparent) who graduated from that college. Some colleges give preference to legacy applicants (also called "legacies").

Need-Blind Admission

A policy of making admission decisions without considering the financial circumstances of applicants. Colleges that use this policy may or may not offer enough financial aid to meet a student's full need.

Open Admission

A policy of accepting any high school graduate, no matter what his or her grades are, until all spaces in the incoming class are filled. Almost all two-year community colleges have an open-admission policy. However, a college with a general open-admission policy may have admission requirements for certain programs.

Placement Tests

Tests that measure the academic skills needed for college-level work. They cover reading, writing, math, and sometimes other subjects. Placement test results help determine what courses you are ready for and whether you would benefit from remedial classes. They can also determine whether you need to take a basic course. Read more about placement tests.

Priority Date or Deadline

The date by which your application-whether it's for college admission, student housing, or financial aid-must be received to be given the strongest consideration.

Registrar

The college official who registers students. The registrar may also be responsible for keeping permanent records and maintaining your student file.

Rolling Admission

An admission policy of considering each application as soon as all required information (such as high school records and test scores) has been received, rather than setting an application deadline and reviewing applications in a batch. Colleges that use a rolling admission policy usually notify applicants of admission decisions quickly.

SAT

A standardized test used by many colleges and universities for admissions, scholarships, and placement. More students take the SAT than any other admissions exam. Learn more about the benefits of the SAT and how to prepare.

Sophomore Standing

The status of a second-year student. A college may grant sophomore standing to an incoming first-year student if they have earned college credits through courses, exams, or other programs at a previous school.

Transcript

The official record of your coursework at a school or college. Your high school transcript is usually required for college admission, and for some financial aid packages or scholarship applications.

Transfer Student

A student who enrolls in a college after having attended another college. Before transferring, you should check with your current and future colleges to find out which credits will transfer.

Undergraduate

A college student who is working toward an associate degree or a bachelor's degree.

Universal College Application

A standard application form accepted by all colleges that are Universal College Application (UCA) members. Established in 2007, this application offers shortcuts-such as no recommendation letter requirement-that may help you complete your package sooner. However, not all colleges accept it, so check with your school to make sure. Go to the Universal College Application.

Waiting List

The list of applicants who may be admitted to a college if space becomes available. Colleges wait to hear if all the students they accepted decide to attend. If students don't enroll and there are empty spots, a college may fill them with students who are on the waiting list. Learn more about waiting lists.

Weighted Grade Point Average (GPA)

A grade point average that's calculated using a system that assigns a higher point value to grades in certain classes, typically more difficult ones. For example, some high schools assign the value of 5.0 (instead of the standard 4.0) for an A earned in an AP class.

Virtual College

Online college classes. Some colleges are entirely virtual and do not maintain an actual campus, while others offer online and in-person courses. While virtual college classes are often more convenient because they allow you to set your own schedule, some subjects, such as science labs, require hands-on participation that you cannot do online.

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Common College Admission Terms Glossary - BigFuture

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When applying to college, you're bound to come across unfamiliar terms. This glossary can help you make sense of all the information and application process.

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announcing the 2026–2027 common app essay prompts

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Announcing the 2026-2027 Common App essay prompts

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The Common App essay prompts offer a flexible range of topics to help students distinguish themselves in their own voice. During the most recent cycle, the most popular option was "Topic of Your Choice."

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2024-25 State University System of Florida Admissions information. 

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2024-25 State University System of Florida Admissions information. 

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PATHe is a collaborative effort between the USF, St. Petersburg campus and SPC. The goal of the PATHe program is to increase the number of Pinellas County residents receiving education beyond high school.

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PATHe is a collaborative effort between the USF, St. Petersburg campus and SPC. The goal of the PATHe program is to increase the number of Pinellas County residents receiving education beyond high school.

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Skip Over Breadcrumbs and Secondary Navigation

Overview

The Pinellas Access to Higher Education (PATHe) program is a collaborative effort between the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg campus and St. Petersburg College. The goal of the PATHe program is to increase the number of Pinellas County residents receiving education beyond high school.

We support Pinellas County through outreach by partnering with local schools and community organizations to provide individuals and families with up to date information on college preparation and planning. And, we support students who decide to attend college locally through our 2+2 program. Students are able to start at SPC and transfer into USF, St. Petersburg campus with the support and guidance from a PATHe Counselor until they graduate with their bachelor's degree.

Join PATHe to achieve your ultimate goal of graduating from USF!

Earn your Associate and Bachelor's degrees while staying in Pinellas County. Pinellas Access to Higher Education (PATHe) is a pathway for you to begin your education at St. Petersburg College (SPC) and earn an Associate of Arts degree. You will then seamlessly transition to the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus to complete your undergraduate experience and earn your Bachelor's degree.

Benefits

PATHe counselors help you enroll at SPC and during the transition to USF St. Petersburg.

All courses automatically transfer from SPC to USF and fulfill bachelor's prerequisites.

SPC and USF offer small class sizes and personalized attention from highly credentialed faculty at an affordable cost.

Financial aid and scholarships are available at both SPC and USF.

Upon graduation from USF, you will have a highly-desirable and marketable degree from a preeminent research institution.

Get Started Today

1. LET US KNOW YOU'RE INTERESTED
Contact PATHe
2. START YOUR PATHe
SPC Admissions
Begin your journey by completing the application for SPC.

TALK TO US

Do you have questions or require more information? Let us know.

Email
Telephone: 727-873-4728

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University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus

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PATHe | Resources | USF St. Petersburg Campus

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Skip Over Breadcrumbs and Secondary Navigation The Pinellas Access to Higher Education (PATHe) program is a collaborative effort between the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg campus and St. Petersburg College. The goal of the PATHe program is to increase the number of Pinellas County residents receiving education beyond high school.

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Net Price Calculator tool- to estimate the total cost of college for 1 year.

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Net Price Calculator tool- to estimate the total cost of college for 1 year.

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Search for Schools' Calculator

What does Net Price mean?

Net Price is the amount that a student pays to attend an institution in a single academic year AFTER subtracting scholarships and grants the student receives. Scholarships and grants are forms of financial aid that a student does not have to pay back.

What is a Net Price Calculator?

Net price calculators are available on a college's or university's website and allow prospective students to enter information about themselves to find out what students like them paid to attend the institution in the previous year, after taking grants and scholarship aid into account.

How do other students describe net price?

Net Price Calculator - Typography Video

Justin, Remo, Bilyana Net Price Calculator Video

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College Affordability and Transparency Explanation Form

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Search for Schools' Calculator Net Price is the amount that a student pays to attend an institution in a single academic year AFTER subtracting scholarships and grants the student receives. Scholarships and grants are forms of financial aid that a student does not have to pay back.

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FAMU

FAU

FGCU

FIU

FL POLY

FSU

NEW COLLEGE

UCF

UF

UNF

USF

UWF

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Build your future with O*NET OnLine.

Welcome to your tool for career exploration and job analysis!

O*NET OnLine has detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, researchers, and more!

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Detailed descriptions of the world-of-work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, developers, researchers, and more. Individuals can find, search, or browse across 900+ occupations based on their goals and needs. Comprehensive reports include occupation requirements, worker characteristics, and available training, education, and job opportunities.

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FAMU

FAU

FGCU

FIU

FL POLY

FSU

NEW COLLEGE

UCF

UF

UNF

USF

UWF

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Research tool for Florida programs & universities.

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Research tool for Florida programs & universities.

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Get all the information you need for college prep, from scholarships and financial aid for universities in Florida to post collegiate career planning.

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College Board - Big Futures Parent Community

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College Board - Big Futures Parent Community

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BigFuture Live Just for Parents

Join thousands of parents seeking guidance on helping their teen plan life after high school. Get answers from college planning and financial aid experts.

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Get resources to help your teen plan for college and careers on BigFuture.

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Instead, many (including Harvard through 2026) are opting for "test-blind" admission policies that give more weight to other elements in a college application. This policy change is seen as fairer to students who don't have the means or access to testing, or who suffer from test anxiety.

So, what does this mean for you?

Simply that your college essay, traditionally a requirement of any college application, is more important than ever.

A college essay is your unique opportunity to introduce yourself to admissions committees who must comb through thousands of applications each year. It is your chance to stand out as someone worthy of a seat in that classroom.

A well-written and thoughtful essay-reflecting who you are and what you believe-can go a long way to separating your application from the slew of forgettable ones that admissions officers read. Indeed, officers may rely on them even more now that many colleges are not considering test scores.

Below we'll discuss a few strategies you can use to help your essay stand out from the pack. We'll touch on how to start your essay, what you should write for your college essay, and elements that make for a great college essay.

Be Authentic

More than any other consideration, you should choose a topic or point of view that is consistent with who you truly are.

Readers can sense when writers are inauthentic.

Inauthenticity could mean the use of overly flowery language that no one would ever use in conversation, or it could mean choosing an inconsequential topic that reveals very little about who you are.

Use your own voice, sense of humor, and a natural way of speaking.

Whatever subject you choose, make sure it's something that's genuinely important to you and not a subject you've chosen just to impress. You can write about a specific experience, hobby, or personality quirk that illustrates your strengths, but also feel free to write about your weaknesses.

Honesty about traits, situations, or a childhood background that you are working to improve may resonate with the reader more strongly than a glib victory speech.

Grab the Reader From the Start

You'll be competing with so many other applicants for an admission officer's attention.

Therefore, start your essay with an opening sentence or paragraph that immediately seizes the imagination. This might be a bold statement, a thoughtful quote, a question you pose, or a descriptive scene.

Starting your essay in a powerful way with a clear thesis statement can often help you along in the writing process. If your task is to tell a good story, a bold beginning can be a natural prelude to getting there, serving as a roadmap, engaging the reader from the start, and presenting the purpose of your writing.

Focus on Deeper Themes

Some essay writers think they will impress committees by loading an essay with facts, figures, and descriptions of activities, like wins in sports or descriptions of volunteer work. But that's not the point.

College admissions officers are interested in learning more about who you are as a person and what makes you tick.

They want to know what has brought you to this stage in life. They want to read about realizations you may have come to through adversity as well as your successes, not just about how many games you won while on the soccer team or how many people you served at a soup kitchen.

Let the reader know how winning the soccer game helped you develop as a person, friend, family member, or leader. Make a connection with your soup kitchen volunteerism and how it may have inspired your educational journey and future aspirations. What did you discover about yourself?

Show Don't Tell

As you expand on whatever theme you've decided to explore in your essay, remember to show, don't tell.

The most engaging writing "shows" by setting scenes and providing anecdotes, rather than just providing a list of accomplishments and activities.

Reciting a list of activities is also boring. An admissions officer will want to know about the arc of your emotional journey too.

Try Doing Something Different

If you want your essay to stand out, think about approaching your subject from an entirely new perspective. While many students might choose to write about their wins, for instance, what if you wrote an essay about what you learned from all your losses?

If you are an especially talented writer, you might play with the element of surprise by crafting an essay that leaves the response to a question to the very last sentence.

You may want to stay away from well-worn themes entirely, like a sports-related obstacle or success, volunteer stories, immigration stories, moving, a summary of personal achievements or overcoming obstacles.

However, such themes are popular for a reason. They represent the totality of most people's lives coming out of high school. Therefore, it may be less important to stay away from these topics than to take a fresh approach.

Write With the Reader in Mind

Writing for the reader means building a clear and logical argument in which one thought flows naturally from another.

Use transitions between paragraphs.

Think about any information you may have left out that the reader may need to know. Are there ideas you have included that do not help illustrate your theme?

Be sure you can answer questions such as: Does what you have written make sense? Is the essay organized? Does the opening grab the reader? Is there a strong ending? Have you given enough background information? Is it wordy?

Write Several Drafts

Set your essay aside for a few days and come back to it after you've had some time to forget what you've written. Often, you'll discover you have a whole new perspective that enhances your ability to make revisions.

Start writing months before your essay is due to give yourself enough time to write multiple drafts. A good time to start could be as early as the summer before your senior year when homework and extracurricular activities take up less time.

Read It Aloud

Writer's tip: Reading your essay aloud can instantly uncover passages that sound clumsy, long-winded, or false.

Don't Repeat

If you've mentioned an activity, story, or anecdote in some other part of your application, don't repeat it again in your essay.

Your essay should tell college admissions officers something new. Whatever you write in your essay should be in philosophical alignment with the rest of your application.

Also, be sure you've answered whatever question or prompt may have been posed to you at the outset.

Ask Others to Read Your Essay

Be sure the people you ask to read your essay represent different demographic groups-a teacher, a parent, even a younger sister or brother.

Ask each reader what they took from the essay and listen closely to what they have to say. If anyone expresses confusion, revise until the confusion is cleared up.

Pay Attention to Form

Although there are often no strict word limits for college essays, most essays are shorter rather than longer. Common App, which students can use to submit to multiple colleges, suggests that essays stay at about 650 words.

"While we won't as a rule stop reading after 650 words, we cannot promise that an overly wordy essay will hold our attention for as long as you'd hoped it would," the Common App website states.

In reviewing other technical aspects of your essay, be sure that the font is readable, that the margins are properly spaced, that any dialogue is set off properly, and that there is enough spacing at the top. Your essay should look clean and inviting to readers.

End Your Essay With a "Kicker"

In journalism, a kicker is the last punchy line, paragraph, or section that brings everything together.

It provides a lasting impression that leaves the reader satisfied and impressed by the points you have artfully woven throughout your piece.

So, here's our kicker: Be concise and coherent, engage in honest self-reflection, and include vivid details and anecdotes that deftly illustrate your point.

While writing a fantastic essay may not guarantee you get selected, it can tip the balance in your favor if admissions officers are considering a candidate with a similar GPA and background.

Write, revise, revise again, and good luck!

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12 Strategies to Writing the Perfect College Essay - Harvard Summer School

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College admission committees sift through thousands of college application essays each year. Here's how to make yours stand out.

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Instead, many (including Harvard through 2026) are opting for "test-blind" admission policies that give more weight to other elements in a college application. This policy change is seen as fairer to students who don't have the means or access to testing, or who suffer from test anxiety.

So, what does this mean for you?

Simply that your college essay, traditionally a requirement of any college application, is more important than ever.

A college essay is your unique opportunity to introduce yourself to admissions committees who must comb through thousands of applications each year. It is your chance to stand out as someone worthy of a seat in that classroom.

A well-written and thoughtful essay-reflecting who you are and what you believe-can go a long way to separating your application from the slew of forgettable ones that admissions officers read. Indeed, officers may rely on them even more now that many colleges are not considering test scores.

Below we'll discuss a few strategies you can use to help your essay stand out from the pack. We'll touch on how to start your essay, what you should write for your college essay, and elements that make for a great college essay.

Be Authentic

More than any other consideration, you should choose a topic or point of view that is consistent with who you truly are.

Readers can sense when writers are inauthentic.

Inauthenticity could mean the use of overly flowery language that no one would ever use in conversation, or it could mean choosing an inconsequential topic that reveals very little about who you are.

Use your own voice, sense of humor, and a natural way of speaking.

Whatever subject you choose, make sure it's something that's genuinely important to you and not a subject you've chosen just to impress. You can write about a specific experience, hobby, or personality quirk that illustrates your strengths, but also feel free to write about your weaknesses.

Honesty about traits, situations, or a childhood background that you are working to improve may resonate with the reader more strongly than a glib victory speech.

Grab the Reader From the Start

You'll be competing with so many other applicants for an admission officer's attention.

Therefore, start your essay with an opening sentence or paragraph that immediately seizes the imagination. This might be a bold statement, a thoughtful quote, a question you pose, or a descriptive scene.

Starting your essay in a powerful way with a clear thesis statement can often help you along in the writing process. If your task is to tell a good story, a bold beginning can be a natural prelude to getting there, serving as a roadmap, engaging the reader from the start, and presenting the purpose of your writing.

Focus on Deeper Themes

Some essay writers think they will impress committees by loading an essay with facts, figures, and descriptions of activities, like wins in sports or descriptions of volunteer work. But that's not the point.

College admissions officers are interested in learning more about who you are as a person and what makes you tick.

They want to know what has brought you to this stage in life. They want to read about realizations you may have come to through adversity as well as your successes, not just about how many games you won while on the soccer team or how many people you served at a soup kitchen.

Let the reader know how winning the soccer game helped you develop as a person, friend, family member, or leader. Make a connection with your soup kitchen volunteerism and how it may have inspired your educational journey and future aspirations. What did you discover about yourself?

Show Don't Tell

As you expand on whatever theme you've decided to explore in your essay, remember to show, don't tell.

The most engaging writing "shows" by setting scenes and providing anecdotes, rather than just providing a list of accomplishments and activities.

Reciting a list of activities is also boring. An admissions officer will want to know about the arc of your emotional journey too.

Try Doing Something Different

If you want your essay to stand out, think about approaching your subject from an entirely new perspective. While many students might choose to write about their wins, for instance, what if you wrote an essay about what you learned from all your losses?

If you are an especially talented writer, you might play with the element of surprise by crafting an essay that leaves the response to a question to the very last sentence.

You may want to stay away from well-worn themes entirely, like a sports-related obstacle or success, volunteer stories, immigration stories, moving, a summary of personal achievements or overcoming obstacles.

However, such themes are popular for a reason. They represent the totality of most people's lives coming out of high school. Therefore, it may be less important to stay away from these topics than to take a fresh approach.

Write With the Reader in Mind

Writing for the reader means building a clear and logical argument in which one thought flows naturally from another.

Use transitions between paragraphs.

Think about any information you may have left out that the reader may need to know. Are there ideas you have included that do not help illustrate your theme?

Be sure you can answer questions such as: Does what you have written make sense? Is the essay organized? Does the opening grab the reader? Is there a strong ending? Have you given enough background information? Is it wordy?

Write Several Drafts

Set your essay aside for a few days and come back to it after you've had some time to forget what you've written. Often, you'll discover you have a whole new perspective that enhances your ability to make revisions.

Start writing months before your essay is due to give yourself enough time to write multiple drafts. A good time to start could be as early as the summer before your senior year when homework and extracurricular activities take up less time.

Read It Aloud

Writer's tip: Reading your essay aloud can instantly uncover passages that sound clumsy, long-winded, or false.

Don't Repeat

If you've mentioned an activity, story, or anecdote in some other part of your application, don't repeat it again in your essay.

Your essay should tell college admissions officers something new. Whatever you write in your essay should be in philosophical alignment with the rest of your application.

Also, be sure you've answered whatever question or prompt may have been posed to you at the outset.

Ask Others to Read Your Essay

Be sure the people you ask to read your essay represent different demographic groups-a teacher, a parent, even a younger sister or brother.

Ask each reader what they took from the essay and listen closely to what they have to say. If anyone expresses confusion, revise until the confusion is cleared up.

Pay Attention to Form

Although there are often no strict word limits for college essays, most essays are shorter rather than longer. Common App, which students can use to submit to multiple colleges, suggests that essays stay at about 650 words.

"While we won't as a rule stop reading after 650 words, we cannot promise that an overly wordy essay will hold our attention for as long as you'd hoped it would," the Common App website states.

In reviewing other technical aspects of your essay, be sure that the font is readable, that the margins are properly spaced, that any dialogue is set off properly, and that there is enough spacing at the top. Your essay should look clean and inviting to readers.

End Your Essay With a "Kicker"

In journalism, a kicker is the last punchy line, paragraph, or section that brings everything together.

It provides a lasting impression that leaves the reader satisfied and impressed by the points you have artfully woven throughout your piece.

So, here's our kicker: Be concise and coherent, engage in honest self-reflection, and include vivid details and anecdotes that deftly illustrate your point.

While writing a fantastic essay may not guarantee you get selected, it can tip the balance in your favor if admissions officers are considering a candidate with a similar GPA and background.

Write, revise, revise again, and good luck!

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12 Strategies to Writing the Perfect College Essay - Harvard Summer School

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College admission committees sift through thousands of college application essays each year. Here's how to make yours stand out.

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College & Career Center Coordinator - Julia Long - longjul@pcsb.org

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College & Career Center Coordinator - Julia Long - longjul@pcsb.org

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Recorded presentation about recruiting process.

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Recorded presentation about recruiting process.

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College Board's Big Future's Scholarship Program

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College Board's Big Future's Scholarship Program

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Plan for life after high school. Compare colleges. Explore career possibilities. Learn about financial aid and scholarships.

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How Many Colleges Should I Apply To? | College Essay Guy

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Because most students are unclear on the answer, this article answers the question, “How many colleges should I apply to?” and shares resources for building a balanced, realistic, and fitting college list.

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The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program, was established in 1999 to provide outstanding African American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian Pacific Islander American**, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline area of interest.

Students selected as Gates Millennium Scholars will receive funds in an amount to be determined by GMS based on financial need. The award is based on the cost of tuition, fees, books and living expenses for the academic year, as well as the availability of grants, and other scholarships reported on the student’s financial aid award letter. The scholarship for the undergraduate award may be renewed annually based on satisfactory progress, full-time enrollment and the timely submission of required documents.

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Gates Millennium Scholars Program Promoting Academic Excellence + Providing Opportunities + Reducing Financial Barriers For 20,000 outstanding students of color.

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STEP 1 -  Student and parent need FSA ID - this is your digital signature to submit the application.

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Create your account (FSA ID) to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education online systems and sign student loan documents and the FAFSA® form electronically.

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The Applerouth TeamMarch 20, 2024•4min read

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Digital SAT vs ACT Test: Everything You Need to Know

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In this blog, we explore the key distinctions between the Digital SAT vs ACT, covering aspects such as timing and scoring, formats, sections, the topics covered, and more.

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About Xello & how to set up parent account

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About Xello & how to set up parent account

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Xello is an engaging, online program that helps K-12 students define their future goals and transform their aspirations into actionable plans for success. The program puts students at the center of their college and career planning experience. It helps them build self-knowledge, explore their options, create a plan, and develop the 21st-century skills needed to thrive in the world of work.

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Sign in to sign up for the ACT or see your scores!
Send test scores to Colleges

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Next Test Date: February 10
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More Information About the ACT Test

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ACT | College and Career Readiness Solutions

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ACT is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization, best known for the ACT test, dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success through industry leading college and career readiness solutions.

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FAMU

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Reserve your spot today for an SPC tour

Experience what being a St. Petersburg College Titan is all about. With locations across Pinellas County, we're sure you'll find one to call home.

Visit us and you'll find more than classrooms. We offer state-of-the-art laboratories, art and music studios, museums, a planetarium, intercollegiate sports, a nature center and expansive libraries.

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Experience what being a St. Petersburg College Titan is all about. With locations across Pinellas County, we're sure you'll find one to call home. Visit us and you'll find more than classrooms. We offer state-of-the-art laboratories, art and music studios, museums, a planetarium, intercollegiate sports, a nature center and expansive libraries.

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INVESTIGATION  TOOL FOR CAREER, COLLEGE MAJOR & COLLEGES

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INVESTIGATION  TOOL FOR CAREER, COLLEGE MAJOR & COLLEGES

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BigFuture | Find the Best College for You

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Article - Guide to Math majors in College

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Article - Guide to Math majors in College

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Math majors are a diverse bunch. Pure math majors wrestle with mathematical theories and concepts to create elegant proofs. Applied math majors take the concepts learned in the classroom and apply them to real-world situations, in sectors across a wide range of industries.

Potential math majors have several options for their specific field of study, as "math" can mean anything from pure math to statistics to computer science.

If you're interested in earning a math degree, but unsure which math major to choose, keep reading for insight into the various majors and career paths certain degrees can set you on.

What Can You Do With a Math Major in College?

Aside from the obvious skills developed in earning a math degree-such as an understanding of numbers, equations, and methodology-the study of math also nurtures other important skill sets that are applicable to a broad spectrum of fields. Critical and analytical thought top the list of skills that math majors possess, as do problem solving and quantitative reasoning. Cumulatively, these skills allow math majors to form and manipulate complex ideas, construct logical arguments, and take apart illogical ones.

Who Should Major in Math in College?

Students who enjoyed (and were successful in) high school math classes are good candidates to become math majors in college. This is particularly true for students who took high-level and advanced placement math courses. Math majors in college typically possess an affinity for problem solving, and are not deterred when answers don't appear easily-a willingness to wrestle through challenging questions is a must.

Math majors will study a wide breadth of mathematical topics, as most math programs have undergraduates take classes in everything from algebra to calculus to geometry. Much of this coursework occurs over a series of classes in these fields, with each one building on the previous class. Math is not a solitary field; the most successful students are team players, good communicators, and willing to work within a team or with TAs and professors to solve tricky problems and concepts.

Different Types of Math Majors

While there is the general math major, there are several other types of majors that might be offered under the math department. These degrees allow students to follow specific interests and prepare them for the unique needs of the fields they hope to enter.

This list includes some of the most common specialties offered in math departments, including applied math, pure math, statistics, and computer science. We won't be covering majors like Finance, Physics, or Economics, as these often are offered through other departments.

Applied Mathematics

A degree in applied mathematics is a common course for students hoping to pursue careers in engineering, science, and computers, as it provides students with the functional knowledge necessary to apply mathematical ideas and techniques to problems. Many applied mathematics programs are designed for flexibility, allowing individuals to shape their coursework toward their areas of interest. Computer savviness is required of applied mathematics majors since computational methods and application of algorithms are key components of coursework.

Applied mathematics majors can expect to take classes such as:

Because of the flexible nature of applied mathematics, a degree in the field can lead to a career in a wide range of industries, while also laying the foundation for many students to further their education in graduate programs.

Common careers for applied mathematics degree holders include:

Pure Mathematics

Students studying pure mathematics develop an understanding of the concepts and structures that underlie all mathematics. Over the course of their study, they will work in mathematical fields such as algebra, analysis, and geometry, along with developing core competencies such as problem solving, critical thinking, and modeling.

Pure mathematics majors can expect to take classes such as:

The problem-solving and analytical skills possessed by those holding a degree in pure mathematics opens doors in many industries. Common fields to find pure mathematics degree holders in are:

Teaching

Finance

Computing

Insurance

Medical and scientific research

Computer Science

Students graduating with degrees in computer science have the ability to solve complex problems using computer-based tools, such as software and artificial intelligence. Computer science students are required to use a solid base of math skills to form probabilities and create statistical models. All types of personalities are attracted to the field of computer science-some are excited by the possibility of long days in the lab developing new algorithms, while others are drawn to the idea of working as a team on projects, like developing autonomous driving cars.

Computer science majors can expect to take classes such as:

Computer science is not only a rewarding major, it's also one of the most financially beneficial-in 2017, CBS ranked it the most lucrative college major . Some jobs that are typically filled by computer science majors include:

Computer engineer

Information system professional

Human-computer interaction (HCI) professional

Information technical specialist

Software engineer

Computer scientist

Statistics

At the heart of quantitative reasoning there is statistics-students studying statistics in college learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data. Additionally, students learn how to effectively communicate and present data-based arguments and conclusions. Possessing an in-demand skill set, students graduating with a degree in statistics will find opportunities in all sectors, from government to business and industry to universities and research labs.

Common coursework for statistic majors includes classes such as:

Because statistics has a huge amount of practical applications, there are a multitude of career paths available to holders of a degree in statistics. Common careers include:

Be sure to also check out these posts:
The 10 Easiest and 10 Hardest Majors Easiest and Hardest Engineering Majors Easiest and Hardest Science Majors Luckily for high school students interested in becoming a math major in college, you don't need a statistics degree to know your chances of acceptance at your dream school. Our free chancing engine can tell you your odds of admission at over 500 colleges. Sign up for your CollegeVine account today to put this powerful tool to work for you.

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A Guide to the Different Math Majors in College

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Math majors are a diverse bunch. Pure math majors wrestle with mathematical theories and concepts to create elegant proofs. Applied math majors take the concepts learned in the classroom and apply them to real-world situations, in sectors across a wide range of industries.

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Miami Dade College - Tesla Technician Program

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Miami Dade College - Tesla Technician Program

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Advanced Automotive Service Technology - Tesla Technician Career Technical Certificate | Miami Dade College

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An intensive 12-week Electrical Vehicle service training program designed to provide students with the skills necessary for a successful career with Tesla

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The Military is made up of six branches, each with their own active-duty and part-time components. Each varies in service commitment, location and how its members contribute to the overall mission of protecting our country, though all components are on the same rank-based pay scale.

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Ways to Serve

The Military is made up of six branches, each with their own active-duty and part-time components. Each varies in service commitment, location and how its members contribute to the overall mission of protecting our country, though all components are on the same rank-based pay scale.

O'Quanne Wolf | Petty Officer Third Class Coast Guard

Full Time

Full-time members of the Military typically live on base or in military housing. They can also live on ships or in homes off base.

Part Time

Part-time service members include the Reserve and National Guard, and train one weekend per month and two weeks per year.

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Ways to Serve The Military is made up of six branches, each with their own active-duty and part-time components. Each varies in service commitment, location and how its members contribute to the overall mission of protecting our country, though all components are on the same rank-based pay scale.

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The cost of college continues to rise and graduating college with too much student debt is a real concern for many students. According to Forbes, 56% of students need to borrow in order to pay for tuition and fees. Among those who do, the average balance is a hefty $28,950. Yet, the college degree payoff still prevails. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more education means lower unemployment rates and the highest earnings. Median weekly earnings for those with a bachelor's degree were nearly twice as much as those with a high school education. While many students realize the importance and opportunity of attending college, they lack the resources. Fortunately, there are ways to pay for college without taking on student loan debt, like joining the military.

The Benefits of Enlisting to Help Pay for College
If you enlist in the military, you'll have similar career or job choices as you would in the civilian world and countless leadership opportunities. You can be a doctor, lawyer, engineer, data scientist, cyber security specialist, drone pilot and so much more. Whether you're in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard or Space Force, you'll have a specific job and develop a trade in the military branch you choose to serve. Students take the ASVAB to learn the best military job fit. Military.com references the number of careers offered in each branch and you'll find that there are more than 750 careers to choose from. As a service member, you'll learn what it means to be dedicated and respectable, and how to work as a team through basic training. You may even have the chance to see places you wouldn't have the opportunity to do so otherwise. In a way, these diverse interactions and relocation possibilities could be compared to the college experience.

Military service is more challenging than college, but the leadership, discipline, and real-world skills you will acquire are priceless. Joining the military is also a great way to ensure a steady income and access to housing and food while you go to school. For students seeking higher education and looking for big ways to get a degree without all the debt, enlisting in the military to pay for school is a great way to offset college costs. Military.com highlights, "Not only does the military pay up to 100 percent of college tuition while you serve on active duty," but it "also offers the GI Bill (about $36,000) to use for college up to 10 years after leaving the service." The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing, up to 36 months, for individuals with at least 90 days of active duty after September 11, 2001, or those with a service-connected disability after 30 days.

Tuition assistance is also provided by each military branch and other military scholarships offered at colleges. You can get your degree for much less than you would as a civilian by enlisting in the military. These scholarships and grants are in addition to the Federal student aid you may receive after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are several paths to consider as you're exploring joining the military to pay for college: 1.) Join the armed forces after high school and work on your college degree while you're on active duty. Most military bases have access to colleges and classes right on base. This close-to-home location makes it much easier to stay focused. Of course, you also have the option to enroll in online classes at most universities nationwide! Use your time in the service to nail down what jobs you dislike and what you prefer doing as a career. After your four-year military commitment is over, you could very well enter the civilian world with a college degree. Bonus: Your skill set will supersede other recent college graduates, giving you a serious advantage in the job market! 2.) Start college as a civilian (someone who is not enlisted in the military), graduate with your associate or bachelor's degree and become a military officer. Many colleges have Reserve Officers' Training Corps(ROTC) programs designed to help students prepare for the military, while in college. These programs allow you to connect to other students that want to join the military too. You'll be a United States Armed Forces reserve cadet, training to become a commissioned officer after college graduation. According to Military.com reports each armed force has their own ROTC program. You choose the service branch and the career path you prefer. Qualifying students can receive ROTC scholarships that cover the cost of their education! 3.) Serve in a military reserve branch or the National Guard while you're in college. If you're not ready to serve in the military full time, you can choose to join the reserves or the National Guard on an as-needed basis. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "The purpose of the Reserve is to provide and maintain trained units and qualified persons to be available for active duty in the armed forces when needed." The National Guard includes the Army National Guard and the Air Force, Air National Guard. These are Federal programs organized and managed by the state. As a guard member, you'd help American communities in times of critical need, such as national disasters or state emergencies. Similar to the active-duty military, you would be trained in a specific job role. The skills you learn will enhance your resume and help fund your college education. Military reservists and Guard members also have education assistance programs that help pay tuition and other educational expenses. 4.) Apply as a student (aka cadet) in a military academy. The cost to attend a military academy is $0. According to a U.S. News & World Report, in addition to a zero cost of attendance, all five military colleges provide cadets with a yearly salary or stipend. You will not have to pay for room and board, food or your textbooks. There are, however, terms and conditions you'll need to consider. Admissions into any of these schools is a prestigious endeavor as most require a letter of congressional nomination as well as specific admissions requirements, fitness tests and more. The five military academies in America rank as some of the top universities in the nation and include: * U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York * U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland * U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado * U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut * United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York You will take college courses and graduate with an accredited college degree. Unlike the typical college experience, there are physical fitness standards you must meet, and you'll be required to serve in the military after graduation. All five academies require a minimum of five years of service commitment. The Merchant Marine Academy requires graduates to maintain an officer's license for six years along with a service obligation.
A Patriotic Way to Pay for School
Considering military enlistment to help you pay for school is smart. The financial aid awards you'll qualify for will help you avoid taking out private student loans. Additionally, job prospects after your military service are great. HR departments are following an initiative to find and hire employees with military experience, including these 28 companies.
Military Recruitment Info and Scholarships for Veterans and Military Families
Whatever path you choose, if you enlist in the military, you'll graduate with zero to little student debt and have numerous leadership experiences to showcase. Looking for more military-related information? Contact a recruiter to learn more about the educational benefits offered by the military or visit Military.com. If you're a military veteran, check out these Veterans Scholarships that will help you pay for school. Thank you for your service to our nation! Are you a spouse or child to a current or veteran military member? Look at this list of College Scholarships for Military Children & Spouses.

Shawna Newman

Managing Editor, Contributing Writer

Shawna Newman is the Managing Editor and a writer at Fastweb. She has over 10 years of experience in higher education. Her direct work with college admissions teams, financial aid officers, college deans, ...

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military education benefits: join military pay school financial aid

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Military Education Benefits: Join Military to Pay for School

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Enlisting in the military and taking advantage of military education benefits can help you make college MUCH more affordable. Learn how!

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ROTC stands for "Reserve Officers' Training Corps."

ROTC trains college students for future service in the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

Students join ROTC for professional opportunities, service, scholarships, and other reasons.

ROTC prepares you to start your military career at the officer level.

For many interested college students, ROTC provides an effective way to pay for college and advance toward professional and personal goals. More than 1,700 colleges nationwide offer ROTC programs, which prepare graduates for officer roles within the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

Students can begin ROTC even earlier, as many high schools offer Junior ROTC (JROTC) programs. In addition to leading to officer positions in the military, these programs teach soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and dedication. Even if you don't plan on a lifelong military career, these skills can increase your odds of success in almost any field.

What Is ROTC?

The acronym stands for "Reserve Officer' Training Corps," and the program was created after the passage of the National Defense Act of 1916, which created both the ROTC and JROTC programs. This allowed high schools and colleges to obtain military training instructors and funding from a single ROTC organization.

ROTC aims to train college students for future service in branches of the U.S. military. The Army, Air Force, and Navy each have their own ROTC programs. Students interested in U.S. Armed Forces service at an early age can also gain exposure to the rigors of military training through JROTC programs offered at the high school level.

Why Join an ROTC Program?

There are many reasons to explore JROTC and ROTC programs. Some students join to fulfill the personal goal of following in the footsteps of a family member. Some join for the professional opportunities they have upon graduation. Others are drawn to ROTC programs out of patriotism and a desire to serve their country.

ROTC programs offer prospective and current college students several benefits, including:

An opportunity to develop technical and leadership skills

A structured path to a career after college

Specialized professional training for military officer positions after college

Scholarships that cover tuition, fees, books, and other student necessities

Long-term career guidance and continued professional education

It is important to note that ROTC scholarships provide these benefits in exchange for mandatory active duty service after you complete your bachelor's program. So you should carefully examine these commitments, along with your other goals, before accepting a scholarship or entering a program. Academic advisors and ROTC recruiters can answer your questions so you can make a more informed decision.

School certifying officials can help you determine if your involvement in the ROTC program will affect your planned major. From there, academic advisors will be able to show you when most classes in your major are offered. ROTC training times may interfere with some of the courses you need, but academic advisors should be able to help you figure out a solution.

On the other hand, an ROTC recruiter will be able to answer all of your questions about the program's rigors. Along with certifying officials, they will be able to provide more information on the scholarships available and the time you will need to commit to the program to meet their requirements.

Source: Today's Military, U.S. Department of Defense

ROTC in High School

Many U.S. high schools offer JROTC programs run by various military branches. These programs last 2-4 years. You may be eligible to enroll in your school's JROTC program starting in 9th grade.

We've provided links below to the detailed curriculum offerings for each type of JROTC program, along with details about co-curricular activities you can participate in as a high school cadet.

Army: Raider Fitness Challenges, drill formations, air rifle competitions, and first aid for emergencies

Navy: Navigation instruction, communication electronics, drill ceremonies, ship handling, naval science

Air Force: Flying model programs, drill formations, flight science, management principles, astronomy

Marine Corps: Color guard, drill formations, air riflery training, volunteer service, color guard ceremonies

Coast Guard: Nautical science, drill formations, calisthenics activities

As a high school student, you can still prepare to enter a college ROTC program, even if you haven't participated in JROTC. Start researching prospective ROTC programs early so you have time to apply for training and scholarships.

ROTC in College

Once students reach college, they can explore specific military branches by enrolling in ROTC programs provided by the Army, Navy, or Air Force. While the U.S. Coast Guard does not have an ROTC initiative, interested students can explore a similar training program, the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative.

Below you can explore some of the admission and program requirements for each type of ROTC program.

Academics

Initial acceptance into an ROTC program does not guarantee continued scholarship benefits. Students must adhere to strict academic standards to receive continued funding throughout their degree programs. Each military branch has its own rules and regulations regarding your course balance, major selection, and grade minimums.

Generally, the Army ROTC (AROTC) has the least stringent scholarship programs, allowing students to explore nearly any major and take two ROTC courses of their choosing each semester. The Navy ROTC (NROTC) and Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) are more selective about funding majors in specific fields. These military branches tend to prioritize scholarships for students exploring STEM majors or foreign languages.

Disenrollment Repercussions

Once you accept an ROTC scholarship, you are legally required to serve in the military for a specific number of years, as defined by your scholarships, degree program, and career path. Before you sign this contract, it is extremely important to consider how military service fits into your life and future goals and whether it's a long-term commitment you are willing to take on and see through.

If you fail to fulfill your ROTC academic program or active duty commitment, you could face ROTC disenrollment. You could face serious repercussions if you fail to perform your active service duties. Disenrolled students may be held to additional active duty order determinations and repayment of ROTC financial assistance.

Military Service Commitments

Once you obtain your undergraduate degree, your period of military service begins. ROTC prepares you to start at the officer level, so you do not have to work your way up through entry-level military positions. AROTC graduates start active duty as second lieutenants, while NROTC graduates become Navy ensigns or Marine Corps second lieutenants. AFROTC graduates also begin their service as second lieutenants.

Many students confuse active duty obligations with an actual long-term career in the military. However, once you complete your military service commitments, you have the option of leaving the military to explore other career options.

Also, select AROTC graduates have the option of pursuing outside career options right after graduation while fulfilling their service commitments with the Army Reserve instead. Keep in mind that reserve members may be shifted into active duty based on the needs of the military branch.

Frequently Asked Questions About ROTC Programs

What are the five courses under ROTC?

ROTC curricula vary by college and by military branch. For example, while courses are different at each school, the four possible stages of Army ROTC are basic course, basic camp, advanced course, and advanced camp.

Basic levels are for first-year and sophomore students, while advanced levels are for junior and senior students. Courses are extended learning experiences over the course of multiple semesters, while camps are intensive experiences completed over the course of 31-35 days at specific military locations.

Do the Marines have ROTC?

There is no dedicated ROTC program for prospective Marines. However, students who aspire to enter the Marines can participate in the Navy ROTC program. These learners must complete regular academic requirements, the Navy ROTC curriculum, and additional courses in the history of American military affairs and national security policy.

Does ROTC count as military service?

Your years in ROTC do not count toward retirement. Your first two years of an ROTC program count as a college elective, not military service. However, if you accept a scholarship for your final two years of the program, you also sign up for a military commitment.

What GPA do you need for ROTC?

You need a minimum 2.5 high school GPA for ROTC to qualify for ROTC scholarships. You must also maintain a 2.5 college GPA.

Additional entry requirements include being at least 17 years old, scoring at least 19 on the ACT or 920 on the SAT, and passing your military branch's physical fitness test.

Do colleges look at ASVAB scores?

No, colleges typically do not consider ASVAB scores part of the admissions process. The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a test used by the military to assess an individual's aptitude for various career paths within the armed forces.

While ASVAB scores are not directly relevant to college admissions, they may be considered if you are applying to a military academy or seeking certain ROTC scholarships.

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The Student Guide for ROTC Programs | BestColleges

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ROTC can help you fulfill your personal and professional goals and pay for college. Check out our guide to learn more.

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FAQs about the NCAA Eligibility Center

Student-athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to be eligible to play NCAA Division I or II sports in college. Athletes playing in Division III do not have to register.

What is the NCAA Eligibility Center?

The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or II institutions. It does this by reviewing the student-athlete's academic record, SAT® or ACT scores, and amateur status to ensure conformity with NCAA rules.

What are NCAA Divisions I, II, and III?

The NCAA is the governing body of many intercollegiate sports. Each college regulated by the NCAA has established rules on eligibility, recruiting and financial aid and falls into one of the three membership divisions (Divisions I, II and III). Divisions are based on college size and the scope of their athletic programs and scholarships.

When should students register?

The NCAA recommends that student-athletes register at the beginning of their junior year in high school, but many students register after their junior year. There is no registration deadline, but students must be cleared by the Eligibility Center before they receive athletic scholarships or compete at a Division I or II institution.

How do students register?

Students must register online at the NCAA Eligibility Center. They will have to enter personal information, answer questions about their course work and sports participation outside of high school and pay a registration fee.

Can students have the registration fee waived?

Students who have received a waiver for the SAT or ACT are eligible for a waiver of the registration fee. The student's counselor must submit confirmation of the student's test fee waiver. Go to the NCAA Eligibility Center High School Portal for more information.

What records does the Eligibility Center require?

Students should arrange to have you send their high school transcript as soon as they have completed at least six semesters of high school. The transcript must be mailed directly from their high school. They must also arrange to have their SAT or ACT test scores reported directly by the testing company to the Eligibility Center. Students can arrange this when they register for the tests.

You are responsible for sending in students' final transcripts and proof of graduation at the end of their senior year.

How often can students update their athletics participation information?

Students can update the information on the athletics participation section online as often as they want (and should update it regularly), up until the time when they request a final certification of their status. At that point - usually three to four months before enrolling in college - students must finalize their information.

What are the NCAA academic eligibility requirements?

To play sports at an NCAA Division I or II institution, the student must:

Complete a certain number of high school core courses (defined below).

Earn a certain minimum grade point average in these core courses.

Earn a certain minimum score on the SAT or ACT.

Graduate from high school.

For more information, see the NCAA's Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete, in the Publications section of the NCAA website.

What are core courses?

This is the name that the NCAA gives to high school courses that meet certain academic criteria specified by the association. Students must complete a certain number of core courses for NCAA Division I and II eligibility.

How are high school courses classified as core courses?

All participating high schools submit lists of the courses that they offer that meet NCAA core-course criteria. If approved, the courses are added to a database that the NCAA Eligibility Center maintains. You can check this database or view a list of approved core courses on the NCAA Eligibility Center High School Portal to see whether your student-athletes are enrolled in courses that will count toward NCAA eligibility.

It is often the counselor who provides the NCAA with the list of your school's core courses and updates it annually. The NCAA may ask for more information before approving a core course.

What are the NCAA amateurism eligibility requirements?

To play sports at an NCAA Division I or II institution, the student athlete must follow NCAA amateurism rules about receiving a salary or prize money for athletic participation, playing with a professional team and other areas. For more information, see the Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete.

Keep in mind

The best way for students to prepare for a future in college athletics is to complete the approved core courses and earn appropriate grades in them. Indeed, more students fail to qualify to play NCAA sports because of lack of appropriate course work than for low test scores.

Make sure your athletes are enrolled in the courses on your high school's core-course list, and also know the eligibility requirements of the NCAA Eligibility Center. Then make sure your athletes are taking the necessary courses, earning the necessary grades and doing anything else they must to stay on track for NCAA eligibility.

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NCAA Eligibility Basics – Working with Student-Athletes | Education Professionals – The College Board

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The information you need to help student-athletes register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, to be eligible to play NCAA Division I or II sports in college.

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APPLICATION TYPES - EARLY DECISION VS EARLY ACTION

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APPLICATION TYPES - EARLY DECISION VS EARLY ACTION

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The benefits and drawbacks of applying early

Early decision (ED) and early action (EA) plans can be beneficial to students - but only to those who have thought through their college options carefully and have a clear preference for one institution.

Early decision versus early action

Early decision plans are binding - a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college. Early action plans are nonbinding - students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1. Counselors need to make sure that students understand this key distinction between the two plans.

Approximately 450 colleges have early decision or early action plans, and some have both. Some colleges offer a nonbinding option called single-choice early action, under which applicants may not apply ED or EA to any other college.

ED plans have come under fire as unfair to students from families with low incomes, since they do not have the opportunity to compare financial aid offers. This may give an unfair advantage to applicants from families who have more financial resources.

ED applicants

Apply early (usually in November) to first-choice college.

Receive an admission decision from the college well in advance of the usual notification date (usually by December).

Agree to attend the college if accepted and offered a financial aid package that is considered adequate by the family.

Apply to only one college early decision.

Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans.

Withdraw all other applications if accepted by ED.

Send a nonrefundable deposit well in advance of May 1.

EA applicants

Apply early.

Receive an admission decision early in the admission cycle (usually in January or February).

Consider acceptance offer; do not have to commit upon receipt.

Apply to other colleges under regular admission plans.

Give the college a decision no later than the May 1 national response date.

Who should apply early?
Applying to an ED or EA plan is most appropriate for a student who:

Has researched colleges extensively.

Is absolutely sure that the college is the first choice.

Has found a college that is a strong match academically, socially and geographically.

Meets or exceeds the admission profile for the college for SAT® scores, GPA and class rank.

Has an academic record that has been consistently solid over time.

Applying to an ED or EA plan is not appropriate for a student who:

Has not thoroughly researched colleges.

Is applying early just to avoid stress and paperwork.

Is not fully committed to attending the college.

Is applying early only because friends are.

Needs a strong senior fall semester to bring grades up.

Encourage students who want to apply early to fill out NACAC's Early Decision Self-Evaluation Questionnaire, in the Deciding About Early Decision and Early Action handout. You may want to share this with parents as well.

The benefits of applying early

For a student who has a definite first-choice college, applying early has many benefits besides possibly increasing the chance of getting in. Applying early lets the student:

Reduce stress by cutting the time spent waiting for a decision.

Save the time and expense of submitting multiple applications.

Gain more time, once accepted, to look for housing and otherwise prepare for college.

Reassess options and apply elsewhere if not accepted.

The drawbacks of applying early

Pressure to decide: Committing to one college puts pressure on students to make serious decisions before they've explored all their options.

Reduced financial aid opportunities: Students who apply under ED plans receive offers of admission and financial aid simultaneously and so will not be able to compare financial aid offers from other colleges. For students who absolutely need financial aid, applying early may be a risky option.

Time crunch for other applications: Most colleges do not notify ED and EA applicants of admission until December 15. Because of the usual deadlines for applications, this means that if a student is rejected by the ED college, there are only two weeks left to send in other applications. Encourage those of your students who are applying early to prepare other applications as they wait to receive admission decisions from their first-choice college.

Senioritis: Applicants who learn early that they have been accepted into a college may feel that, their goal accomplished, they have no reason to work hard for the rest of the year. Early-applying students should know that colleges may rescind offers of admission should their senior-year grades drop.

Students and parents can use our Pros and Cons of Applying to College Early, in the Deciding About Early Decision and Early Action handout, to weigh their options.

Does applying early increase the chance of acceptance?

Many students believe applying early means competing with fewer applicants and increasing their chances for acceptance. This is not always true. Colleges vary in the proportion of the class admitted early and in the percentage of early applicants they admit.

Higher admission rates for ED applicants may correlate to stronger profiles among candidates choosing ED. Students should ask the admission office whether their institution's admission standards differ between ED and regular applicants, and then assess whether applying early makes sense given their own profile.

The ethics of applying early decision

The Common Application and some colleges' application forms require the student applying under early decision, as well as the parent and counselor, to sign an ED agreement form spelling out the plan's conditions.

Make it clear in your school handbook and at college planning events that your policy for early-decision applications is to send the student's final transcript to one college only: anything else is unethical.

Keep in mind

ED and EA program specifics vary, so students should get information as soon as possible directly from the admission staff at their first-choice college.

ED and EA applicants must take the October SAT or SAT Subject Tests™ in order for these scores to make it to the college in time.

Print out and share the Early Decision and Early Action Calendar with students and parents to be sure they are aware of all the required steps for applying early.

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Early Decision & Early Action Applications

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Early decision (ED) and early action (EA) plans can be beneficial to students - but only to those who have thought through their college options carefully and have a clear preference for one institution. Early decision plans are binding - a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college.

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Rolling admission and regular admission look a lot alike with one key difference. Colleges with rolling admissions evaluate applications as they are received versus waiting to evaluate all applications after a hard deadline. Schools will continue to evaluate applications until they've filled all the slots for their incoming class.

Unlike early action and early decision, rolling admission isn't an option you choose. It's the way certain colleges run their admission process. Here's what you need to know.

Advantages of Rolling Admission

You're putting together your college list and notice that your dream school accepts applications on a "rolling basis." Here's how rolling admission can be good for you:

1. It reduces college stress

The rolling admission process is quick. The earlier you apply, the sooner you get your answer, which could be as soon as 4-6 weeks after submitting your application. Many students can even begin senior year with a college acceptance in the bag!

2. It gives you a potential leg-up

The application process can be less competitive if you apply on the early side of the admission window. Colleges still have their whole incoming class to fill and won't be comparing you to already accepted students. (This is not to say that you still don't need a strong GPA, great test scores, and stellar college essays!).

3. It allows you to be flexible

Rolling admission decisions aren't binding like early action decisions. You'll have up until the school's deadline to decide whether you will attend. Rolling admissions schools often have long admission windows, meaning you could still apply after other schools' regular decision deadlines have passed.

How to Reap the Benefits of Rolling Admission

1. Do your research

As you're putting together your college list, pay attention to deadlines and requirements. Some schools will accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, but others will have a specific admission window.

2. Submit rolling applications first

Rolling admission colleges begin taking applications as early as July and continue as late as April. Your chances of admission will be much stronger early on when there are more spaces left to fill, so it's a smart idea to submit your rolling applications before working on your regular decision apps. The results (acceptance, waitlist, or rejection) could change the rest of your admission strategy.

3. Plan ahead for SAT/ACT prep

Most students end up taking the SAT or ACT more than once. If you're aiming to submit a rolling admission application in early fall, it's a good idea to take the test for the first time in October of your junior year (which gives you the option to take the test again in the spring, if needed). Check out our ACT and SAT Testing timelines to help you figure out when to start your prep.

4. Take care with your application

Your competitive advantage will be erased by a slapdash application. Give the same time and attention to your rolling decision applications as you would with your regular decision applications.

5. Don't forget about financial aid!

As with your regular decision applications, it's important to be on top of your financial aid applications and scholarship search. We recommend filling out the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1. If you're applying to college later in the rolling admission window, you run the risk that school aid funds and scholarship will have been awarded to those students who were accepted before you. Research each school's procedures for applying for aid, and have these docs ready to go.

Looking for strategic college advice?

Get one-on-one help from former Ivy League and top tier admission officers. Our College Admission Counselors will help you find, apply, and get accepted to your dream school.
Learn More

The Staff of The Princeton Review

For more than 35 years, students and families have trusted The Princeton Review to help them get into their dream schools. We help students succeed in high school and beyond by giving them resources for better grades, better test scores, and stronger college applications. Follow us on Twitter: @ThePrincetonRev.

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Rolling admission and regular admission look a lot alike with one key difference. Colleges with rolling admissions evaluate applications as they are received versus waiting to evaluate all applications after a hard deadline. Schools will continue to evaluate applications until they've filled all the slots for their incoming class.

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Apply to multiple colleges with Common App - must submit FERPA waiver & Match w/ Naviance

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apply to college with common app | your future starts here

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Apply to college with Common App | Your future starts here

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Common App is a nonprofit organization of 1000+ colleges and universities that simplifies, informs, and supports your college application journey.

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CSS Profile - Financial Aid application for select private universities.

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CSS Profile - Financial Aid application for select private universities.

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The CSS Profile is a financial aid application used by nearly 250 colleges, universities, and scholarship programs. It is administered by the College Board, the organization behind the SAT, PSAT, and other standardized tests.

Understanding the CSS Profile

The CSS Profile is used primarily by private colleges and universities to award non-federal aid. Those include some of the nation's most selective and expensive schools, such as Harvard, Northwestern, and Stanford. It is also used by some private scholarship programs.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), by contrast, is used to determine students' eligibility for federal Pell Grants, loans, and work-study programs. The FAFSA is also used by many public and private colleges and scholarship programs to award their own aid.

All students who hope to receive federal financial aid should fill out the FAFSA each year. Only students who are applying to a school or scholarship program that requires the CSS Profile need to fill it out. Some students (and their parents) will need to fill out both. The College Board provides a list of participating institutions and programs that use the CSS Profile on its website.

In addition, some states and institutions also have their own individual financial aid forms.

The CSS Profile vs. the FAFSA

The CSS Profile and the FAFSA both become available online on October 1 each year. Their due dates will depend on the school or other program and whether the student is applying for early or regular admission.

Beyond those similarities, there are several major differences between the two forms. For one, theFAFSA is free, while the CSS Profile costs $25 for the application and first college or scholarship program selected, plus another $16 for each additional one. First-time college applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver based on their family income, if they qualified for an SAT fee waiver, or are an orphan or ward of the court under the age of 24.

The CSS Profile also requires more financial detail in many cases, according to the independent website Finaid.org. For example, it takes family homeownership into account, while the FAFSA doesn't. In addition, the CSS Profile may ask questions specific to each institution or program to which the student is applying, whereas the FAFSA simply asks one set of questions.

If the student's parents are divorced or separated, the CSS Profile may require that both parents supply financial information. The FAFSA requires financial information only from the parent the student lived with for a greater period of time during the previous 12 months, plus any stepparent if that parent has remarried.

One advantage of the CSS over the FAFSA is that the maximum federal Pell Grant is $7,395 for the 2023-2024 school year, while wealthy colleges may offer scholarships worth many times that. Some colleges also require families to fill out the CSS Profile just once, before freshman year, while families have to fill out the FAFSA every year if they wish to continue receiving aid.

How to Fill out the CSS Profile

There are four basic steps to completing the CSS Profile, according to the College Board. They can be summarized as:

1. Create an account: If you've already created an account with the College Board-for example, to take the SAT-you should use that username and password. If not, you can create a new account.

2. Fill out the application: Before you sit down to fill out your CSS Profile, you'll want to round up some key documents. Those will include your most recent tax returns and W-2 forms, in addition to records regarding bank accounts and other assets. The College Board points out that you don't have to complete the application in one sitting; you can save it and return to it later. You'll find the application at cssprofile.org.

3. Submit your application: Once you hit the "Submit" button, your reports will be sent to the schools or programs you've listed.

4. Check your account dashboard for next steps: Those next steps may include submitting any required documents to the Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC).

What Is the Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC)?

The Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC) is the College Board's platform for uploading and storing your relevant financial documents. The College Board will automatically transmit them to any colleges or scholarship programs on your CSS Profile that request them. Those documents can include, for example, both the student's and parents' tax returns.

Can You Change Your CSS Profile?

Once you have submitted your CSS Profile, you can't change it more than once, although you can add more colleges to your list at any time by returning to your dashboard and entering their names.

Colleges recommend that if your circumstances change substantially after you submit the CSS Profile-say, a parent lost a job or the family faced some other financial setback-you should print out the relevant pages, make any changes by hand, and send them to the school's financial aid office. Many colleges have specific instructions on their websites.

Note also that the CSS Profile includes a "Special Circumstances" section where you can describe any changes in employment, catastrophic events, or other issues that may not be reflected on the tax forms or other backup you used to fill in the required information. If your circumstances change before you submit the CSS Profile, this is your opportunity to explain. The box allows for up to 2,000 characters.

The Bottom Line

The CSS Profile is the key to private financial aid at some colleges, universities, and scholarship providers. If you are not applying to any of them, filling it out may be unnecessary. However, if you are, it could be well worth the effort.

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CSS Profile: What it is, How it Works, FAQs

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The CSS Profile is a financial aid application used by nearly 250 colleges, universities, and scholarship programs to award non-federal aid.

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HBCUs  - HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

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HBCUs  - HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

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Apply to multiple HBCUs for with one fee. 

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Apply to multiple HBCUs for with one fee. 

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Order your copy of the book GET EDUCATED! The Man Behind The Common Black College Application!
Since the founding of the Common Black College Application (CBCA) in September of 1998, the company has helped to break the cycle of poverty in the lives of hundreds of thousands of students from around the world. To date, over 250,000 students have completed the CBCA. Approximately 97% of those have been accepted to at least one CBCA Member Institution, and over 33% have received a scholarship that ranges from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. In addition, the CBCA serves as an irreplaceable resource to Historically Black Colleges and Universities by aiding them in the achievement of their enrollment objectives. Now, with unflinching honesty, the CBCA creator Robert Mason tells the story of the man behind the CBCA. From his childhood being raised by a single parent in the Lincoln Terrace Projects, to helping to lead his fraternity chapter to winning the National Step Championship while at Virginia State University, to his life-altering career in college admissions, this is the story of how he overcame personal tragedy and professional obstacles and ultimately succeeded by Daring To Be Great!

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APPLY TO ANY NUMBER OF THE 65 HBCUs BELOW FOR ONLY $20.

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Map and complete list of America's 102 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by state.

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What is the ASVAB? The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a multiple-choice test, used to predict academic and occupational success in the military. Take the ASVAB practice test.

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Pinellas Education Foundation September 30th - January 31st

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Pinellas Education Foundation September 30th - January 31st

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One Application - Over 115 scholarships! Apply today!! Ranges from $500-$5000

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Each year, the Foundation awards approximately $700,000 in scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 to high school graduating seniors in the Pinellas County Public School system. Students only need to fill out one application to match their needs and future interests with over 120 scholarship opportunities.
The Senior Scholarship application period remains opens September 30 through January 31 annually.
If you would like to open or contribute to a scholarship fund, please contact Alex Buell at [email protected] or 727-588-4816, ext. 2114.

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Each year, the Foundation awards approximately $700,000 in scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 to high school graduating seniors in the Pinellas County Public School system. Students only need to fill out one application to match their needs and future interests with over 120 scholarship opportunities.

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College Fund of Pinellas is a non-profit organization that helps financially disadvantaged Pinellas County students who have excellent scholastic potential but insufficient funds to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Applications must be accompanied by a transcript which includes spring 2023 grades, a financial aid notice from the college showing that they have received a Pell grant for the fall 2023 - spring 2024 school year, and a one-page essay telling us about themselves and their career and life goals.

To be eligible to apply for one of our scholarships, students must meet the following criteria:

Be a resident of Pinellas County.

Be a citizen of the United States of America.

Be eligible to receive a Pell Grant for the upcoming school year.

Plan to attend a regionally accredited college or university in the upcoming school year.

Plan to receive a bachelor's degree.

Have a high school GPA of 2.5 or better OR a college GPA of 2.0 or better.

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Apply - College Fund of Pinellas County, Inc.

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P.O. Box 673 Clearwater, FL 33757 | info@collegefundpinellas.org | College Fund of Pinellas County, Inc. © 2023

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FOR UF,FAMU,FSU,FGCU, TCC, SANTA FE & FLAGLER STUDENTS

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Southern Scholarship Foundation  - Housing Scholarship for students attending Florida Universities

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Southern Scholarship Foundation  - Housing Scholarship for students attending Florida Universities

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Through rent-free housing and cooperative living, Southern Scholarship Foundation supports students who lack financial resources, demonstrate excellent academic merit, and exemplify good character attend institutions of higher education.

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Through rent-free housing and cooperative living, Southern Scholarship Foundation supports students who lack financial resources, demonstrate excellent academic merit, and exemplify good character attend institutions of higher education.

For more than 65 years, SSF has helped students achieve their dreams of attending their choice university through our partnerships at Florida Gulf Coast University, University of Florida, Santa Fe College, Florida State University, Flagler College - Tallahassee, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College. While SSF does not provide monetary-based scholarships, we offer rent-free homes located near our partner institutions. We currently have 26 homes statewide and serve 470 students. Check out information about each specific house here.

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Through rent-free housing and cooperative living, Southern Scholarship Foundation supports students who lack financial resources, demonstrate excellent academic merit, and exemplify good character attend institutions of higher education.

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District Scholarship List & Financial Aid Resources

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District Scholarship List & Financial Aid Resources

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Apply today for multiple scholarships!

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Student Services / Financial Aid & Scholarships

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Nina Harris Exceptional Student Education Center (ec)

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ASVAB  - A great resource to determine Career Progression 

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ASVAB  - A great resource to determine Career Progression 

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There are Many Ways to be Successful

To figure out where to find career satisfaction, you need all the facts about your skills and interests, the world of work, and your post-secondary options to make informed decisions.

Take the Assessments

Explore Your Options

Build Your Plan

The ASVAB Career Exploration Program includes a validated aptitude test and interest assessment. The results are used to guide career exploration using our career planning tools.

Design a post-secondary plan that works for you.
See how it works.

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What career is right for me? | ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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Find what career is right for you with the ASVAB CEP career exploration & planning tools. Find career satisfaction & your dream job.

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Interests -                                                                           Athletes

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Interests -                                                                           Athletes

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PCA – Tampa Bay’s volunteer mentors support our Triple-Impact Competitor® Scholarship Program for high school senior student-athletes.

Our mentors are accomplished former student-athletes who respect the core PCA principles and offer invaluable guidance and advice on how to succeed not only on the field or court, but off the field and later in life by using the lessons one gains from participating in sports. Mentoring events take place throughout the scholarship program in a variety of settings and formats.

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Triple Impact Competitor Scholarship - Positive Coaching Alliance

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Triple Impact Competitor Scholarship PCA - Tampa Bay’s volunteer mentors support our Triple-Impact Competitor® Scholarship Program for high school senior student-athletes. Our mentors are accomplished former student-athletes who respect the core PCA principles and offer invaluable guidance and advice on how to succeed not only on the field or court, but…

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Trophy Central Sportsmanship Scholarship - $1000.00                                                                                  Due in September!

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Trophy Central Sportsmanship Scholarship - $1000.00                                                                                  Due in September!

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Sportsmanship Scholarship | Compassion Scholarship | Scholarship Awards

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Now Accepting Applications for Students Starting College Beginning September 2022 Congratulations to our 2020-2021 winner, Marcus Lo! Meet our 2019-2020 winner, Addison Stone! Also meet our 2018-2019 winner, Devon Willis! General Description & Selection CriteriaTrophyCentral is thrilled to be able to offer a qualifying high school senior a $1,000 scholarship award to be applied to their first year's tuition to a college or university.

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Senior girls / Flag Football Scholarship

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Senior girls / Flag Football Scholarship

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers She is Football Scholarship

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About - Homepage & Scholarships for Seniors

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Scholastics Art & Writing - National Competition

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Scholastics Art & Writing - National Competition

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Supporting the future of creativity since 1923

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YoungArts can open up doors for you that you didn't even know were there. It can connect you to others who will then be a part of your life for the rest of your life."

- Shamel Pitts (2003 Dance)

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Learn More About YoungArts: Mission, History, and Values

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YoungArts can open up doors for you that you didn't even know were there. It can connect you to others who will then be a part of your life for the rest of your life." - Shamel Pitts (2003 Dance)

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About the contest

What is the "Doodle for Google" contest?

Doodle for Google is an annual contest open to students in grades K-12. Students are invited to create their own Google doodle for the chance to have it featured on Google.com, as well as win some great scholarships and tech packages for their schools.

Why is Google doing this contest?

Doodles are meant to surprise and delight people when they visit Google.com. Past Doodles have celebrated some of the most brilliant, talented, and passionate people throughout history. Doodle for Google offers students K-12 an opportunity to display their own artwork on Google.com.

How long has Google been doing this contest?

We've been hosting the Doodle for Google contest every year in the U.S. since 2008, so this is our eleventh year. This website shows details for the U.S. only contest, but the Doodle for Google contest takes place in many other countries throughout the year as well.

Can I see the previous Doodle for Google winners?

Yes! Check here to view previous winners and the 2018 winner's artwork.

Entry information

Alright, I'm ready. How do I get started?

Check out the instructions on the How it works page and be sure to use the Enter page to send us doodles before the March 19th deadline.

Who is allowed to enter artwork?

Parents, teachers, non-profits and after school programs are welcome to enter artwork on behalf of students K-12. When teachers and after school programs enter doodles on behalf of their students, the entry form must be signed by each student's parent or guardian. Teachers can enter multiple doodles at one time, but only one original doodle per student. Regardless of the entry channel, the $50,000 technology award will go to the winning student's school.

All students entering the contest must be enrolled in a U.S. based school (including homeschool) or a school in Puerto Rico or Guam. Children of military personnel abroad can enter this year, and will be judged with applications from their home state.

Can teachers and non-profit leaders enter artwork on behalf of their classrooms?

Teachers, non-profit leaders, and after school programs are welcome to enter doodles on behalf of their K-12 students as long as the entry form is signed by each student's parent or guardian.

Is there a limit to how many doodles a school, non-profit, after school program, or parent can enter?

No limit. Though teachers and non-profit leaders may enter multiple doodles for their classrooms at one time, we only accept one original doodle per student.

Are students enrolled in homeschools eligible?

Students enrolled in homeschools are eligible to participate in the contest. If the National Winner is enrolled in a homeschool, the homeschool in which he or she is enrolled will receive $5,000 in value towards Chromebooks for Education and/or tablets with Google Play for Education. The National Winner may then donate $45,000 in value towards the establishment/improvement of a computer lab or a technology program for a public library or public school in their community that meets Google's criteria for awards.

What happens if two doodles are entered from the same student?

We can only accept one doodle per student. Our judging platform will verify that each doodle entered is in fact a unique entry. If we receive two entries from the same student, we will accept the doodle that was received first. Any other entries from the same student will be disqualified. We ask that all parents check in with their child's school before entering to avoid duplicative efforts.

Do you accept group entries?

We do not accept doodles that have been created by more than one student. Each doodle should be created by only one student.

Do students have to be U.S. citizens to participate?

Yes, at the time of entering the doodle, the student must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. legal resident (e.g., must be able to show proof of legal permanent residence, for example, a "green card"), be enrolled in a U.S. based school or a school in Puerto Rico or Guam, and be living in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or Guam. Children of military personnel abroad may take part in this year's contest.

What materials can be used on the doodle?

This is the third year that students may create a doodle using any medium or materials. However, please note that doodles will be reviewed and scanned in a two-dimensional (2D) format. If students create a three-dimensional (3D) doodle, please make sure to take a photograph and enter the photograph rather than the original. Original 2D scannable doodles made with materials such as paint, pencils, crayons, markers, chalk, pastels, charcoal, cray-pas, or a 2D collage will be accepted. Computer-generated images will also be accepted. For more information, see the How it works page.

Do doodles have to be drawn directly on the entry form?

No. As long as you are able to take a photo of the doodle and combine it with the completed entry form, parents and teachers can enter a doodle created on any material. Parents, teachers, or non-profit leaders can combine the doodle and the entry form by printing hard copies or by digitally editing the photo and the entry form. For more information, check out the How it works page, and when you're done, use the Enter page to send us completed doodles.

Can I enter the contest online?

Yes. Parents, non-profit leaders, and teachers can also enter 2D and 3D doodles online. See the How it works page for detailed instructions, and use the Enter page to enter a doodle via the digital submission form.

Can I tape the doodle to the entry form?

Yes. If the doodle is drawn on another sheet of paper, you can tape it to the official entry form. Just be sure that the tape is clear, the doodle fits above the description, and the information on the bottom of the entry form is visible.

How should the Google logo be incorporated?

Students can trace the logo outline on the entry form, or start from scratch by using any materials they wish. Students are free to design their doodles however they want as long as they use the letters G-o-o-g-l-e. Please note that since the winning doodle will be appearing on Google.com as an interactive experience created with the Doodle team, we will be judging 2D and 3D doodles in a 2D format.

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What is the "Doodle for Google" contest? Doodle for Google is an annual contest open to students in grades K-12. Students are invited to create their own Google doodle for the chance to have it featured on Google.com, as well as win some great scholarships and tech packages for their schools.

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National Press Club Scholarship Opportunities

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The National Press Club and the Journalism Institute are accepting applications for 2024 scholarships. Opportunities available for high school, college & graduate students.

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We support Florida high school seniors who excel in the visual and performing arts with scholarships.

Apply for a Scholarship

2023 Award Winners

Alumni Spotlight

Katerina McCrimmon

2016 Winner in Drama

Congratulations to Katerina McCrimmon, 2016 Arts for LIfe! winner in drama, who will star as Fanny Brice in the upcoming tour of Funny Girl.

Jessica Chancey

2015 Winner in Music

Congratulations to Jessica Chancey, 2015 Arts for Life! winner in music. She recently won a seat in the Louisville Orchestra as the orchestra's third flute and principal piccolo.

Support Students

Patrons of the Arts

Dr. Zachariah P. Zachariah

The Cobb Family Foundation

Kathleen Shanahan

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Arts for Life! annually awards $1,000 scholarships to 25 graduating high school seniors in Florida who demonstrate excellence in creative writing, dance, drama, music or visual art. Launched by former First Lady Columba Bush in 1999, the program has awarded scholarships to more than 600 gifted high school seniors.

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Amazon Future Engineer | Homepage - Award Amount - $40,000 Application  Deadline - January 

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This is a double sized opportunity for future engineers. 100 students like you will win $40,000 for college and a guaranteed paid internship at Amazon.

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Amazon Future Engineer is a comprehensive childhood-to-career program aimed at increasing access to computer science education for students from underserved and underrepresented communities.

Thank you for your submission!

We use cookies to enhance your visit to our site.

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Learn about our computer science opportunities, from childhood to career.

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Apply for these top STEM scholarships for high school and college students majoring in science, math, engineering, and technology!

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The Mensa Foundation Scholarship Program awards more than $175,000 in assistance every year to college-bound students around the globe.

Scholarships are awarded based solely on 550-word essays expressing applicants’ academic and professional goals and how their personal experiences will help them to accomplish those goals.

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The Mensa Foundation Scholarship Program

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The Mensa Foundation Scholarship Program awards more than $140,000 globally every year, based solely on essays written by applicants, who need not be Mensa members.

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www.tuitionfundingsources.com
www.scholarships.com
www.fastweb.com
www.scholarshipowl.com
www.unigo.com
www.goingmerry.com
www.cappex.com/scholarships
www.collegegreenlight.com
www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx
www.scholarsapp.com

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The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (ASVAB) is extremely important to anyone who has dreams of putting on a uniform and defending their country.

Your score on this test will literally determine what branches and what military jobs you are eligible for.

For that reason, it is also important that you understand how the test is actually scored.

About that AFQT Score ...

The first thing you need to know is when it comes to the ASVAB is the AFQT.

What is the AFQT? It is the Armed Forces Qualification Test, this is actually a subset of the ASVAB. It contains your scores on four of the ASVAB's 10 sections. Those four sections are:

* Word Knowledge (WK)
* Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
* Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
* Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

The combination of your scores in these four test sections - your AFQT score - is used by the recruiter to determine your enlistment eligibility and your military job eligibility. The score can also be used to help you explore your career options.

The remaining six sections on the ASVAB are used to drill down and determine what job you are best suited for in the military as these scores will provide in-depth insight into your knowledge, skills and interests. These six sections are: General Science (GS), Mechanical Comprehension (MC), Electronics Information (EI), and Assembling Objects (AO), Auto Information (AI) & Shop Information (SI). Please note: AI and SI are combined into one single score (labeled AS) on the paper and pencil test.

There are actually two versions of the ASVAB - a paper and pencil version (P&P) and a computerized version.

How the ASVAB & AFQT Are Scored

According to the official ASVAB website, test scoring is based "on an Item Response Theory (IRT) model."

The site goes on to explain that "IRT is a theory that enables test questions and examinee abilities to be placed on the same scale, thereby allowing tests to be tailored to the specific ability level of each examinee and scores to be expressed on the same scale regardless of the combination of items that are taken."

The underlying model used for the ASVAB is a three-parameter logistic (3PL) model. This model represents the probability that an examinee at a given level of ability will respond correctly to an individual item with given characteristics. The characteristics used are difficulty, discrimination and guessing (this refers to the likelihood that a very low ability examinee would respond correctly simply by guessing).

For the paper-and-pencil (P&P) version of the ASVAB, the 3PL model is used to compute final ability estimates for examinees. For the purpose of scoring, any unanswered items are treated as incorrect.

The ASVAB site goes on to explain that "after the final ability estimate is computed, it is converted to a standard score on the ASVAB score scale that has been statistically linked to the ability estimate through a process called equating. Equating studies are conducted for every paper and pencil ASVAB form to ensure that scores have the same meaning regardless of which test form the examinee receives."

AFQT scores, which remember are computed using the Standard Scores from four ASVAB subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Word Knowledge (WK), are reported as percentiles between 1-99.

An AFQT percentile score indicates the percentage of examinees in a reference group that scored at or below that particular score. For current AFQT scores, the reference group is a sample of 18 to 23 year old youth who took the ASVAB as part of a national norming study conducted in 1997.

Thus, an AFQT score of 80 indicates that the examinee scored as well as or better than 80% of that nationally-representative sample. An AFQT score of 60 indicates that the examinee scored as well as or better than 60% of the nationally-representative sample.

AFQT scores are divided into categories, as shown in the table below.

So What ASVAB Score Do You Need?

To turn your military dreams into reality you need to achieve at least the following minimum ASVAB score for each branch of military:

Air Force - 36
Army - 31
Coast Guard - 50
Navy - 35
Marine Corps - 32

According to the latest figures from The Education Trust, 77% of enlistees between the ages of 17 and 20 years passed the ASVAB with a score of 31 or above in 2010.

The best way to prepare to pass the ASVAB is using online practice tests like those offered at ASVABTutor. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.

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How the ASVAB (AFQT) Test is Scored - What You Really Need to Know

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The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (ASVAB) is extremely important to anyone who has dreams of putting on a uniform and defending their country. Your score on this test will literally determine what branches and what military jobs you are eligible for.

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Join a Teen Volunteer Team  -  work towards earning Community Service Hours over the Summer!

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Join a Teen Volunteer Team  -  work towards earning Community Service Hours over the Summer!

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DALI ART MUSEUM - summer volunteen program

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DALI ART MUSEUM - summer volunteen program

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Free summer program offers high school students (ages 14 and up) education and enrichment opportunities in a culture of philanthropy, introducing them to volunteerism and immersing them in the world of Salvador Dalí.
Students may use volunteer hours for Bright Futures eligibility requirements.

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This free summer program offers high school students (ages 14 and up) education and enrichment opportunities in a culture of philanthropy, introducing them to volunteerism and immersing them in the world of Salvador Dalí.

In addition to providing volunteer hours in service of the Museum's educational mission, students in the Summer VolunTeen Program will interact with Museum staff, docents and guest from the Volunteer Directors Association of Pinellas County to explore the role volunteerism plays in our lives and to reflect on why it matters.
Students may use eligible volunteer hours for Bright Futures, National Honor Society, the International Baccalaureate® (IB) program, ExCel, or CAS requirements.
schedule

The program consists of six sessions and a final presentation and reception:

Wednesday, June 7th, 1pm-3pm

Wednesday, June 14th, 1pm-3pm

Wednesday, June 21st, 1pm-3pm

Wednesday, July 28th, 1pm-3pm

Wednesday, July 12th, 1pm-3pm

Wednesday, July 19th, 1pm-3pm

Wednesday, July 26th, 6pm-8pm

Applicants agree to...

Adhere to all Museum policies and procedures.

Attend at least 5 of the 6 sessions. (Advance notification of absence is requested.)

Have an active e-mail account and check it at least once a week before sessions.

Practice appropriate Museum behavior, being respectful to Museum staff, docents, other volunteers, visitors, peers and guest speakers.

Volunteer at the App Information Desk and/or as a Gallery greeter for 6 hours (2 shifts) each week for the length of the 6-week program.

Complete the online application below, including a letter of commitment by May 31, 2023.

For additional information please contact:
Simone Crawley, Volunteer Manager
SCrawley@thedali.org
727.623.4731

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Summer VolunTeen Program is a free program for high school students ages 14 and up introducing them to volunteerism and immersing them in Musuem culture

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ART - Teen Council at the James Museum Of Western & Wildlife Art

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ART - Teen Council at the James Museum Of Western & Wildlife Art

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Pinellas County Florida - Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)

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Pinellas County Florida - Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)

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Important Information

Now accepting applications for the 2022/2023 School year!

Apply by Friday, August 26th by to be considered.

We will be holding a virtual open house to answer any questions about YAC
Wednesday, August 24th from 3:30pm to 5pm.
Register for the virtual open house.

Our Orientation meeting will be held
Saturday, September 24th from 11am - 3pm

Membership Information:

To become a member, committee participants must be:

current students in grades 9-12

reside in Pinellas County

have a desire to learn about county government

Why Join?

to learn about county government and operations

leadership opportunities

learn about county history

volunteer to help with community projects

meet the government leaders

Videos:

Meetings:

Teens serving the community - invasive species removal at
Fort De Soto Park

To allow students the opportunity to explore Pinellas County, government meeting locations will vary month to month.

Interested youth and their parents are welcome to sit in on a general session meeting. Please let us know you will be attending a meeting by sending us an email, so we can welcome you properly.

The committee provides regular reports and updates to the Board of County Commissioners at their monthly night meeting. In addition, the committee plans and participates in several community service projects throughout the year.

Contact Information:

For more information about the Youth Advisory Committee, please contact the staff advisor or County Commissioner liaison:

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pinellas county youth advisory committee

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Pinellas County Florida Youth Advisory Committee

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Now accepting applications for the 2022/2023 School year! Apply by Friday, August 26th by to be considered. We will be holding a virtual open house to answer any questions about YAC Wednesday, August 24th from 3:30pm to 5pm. Register for the virtual open house.

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Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.)

Responsibilities

TAB requires a high level of commitment and will help teens to gain leadership experience that will be a benefit in the workplace and on college applications.
TAB members are expected to promote library services in the community through outreach events as well as play an integral role in the planning and presentation of library programs. TAB members are also encouraged to suggest new library materials.

Meetings

Teens meet monthly with Library staff; meetings are usually held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

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If you are interested volunteering, contact Josie Griffin.

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Check out the YMCA's YReads Program! -
The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg’s collaboration with local educators, volunteers and donors to address the issue of childhood literacy.
Click link for page -
https://bit.ly/331nxen

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The Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive.

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Volunteer Opportunities - Petersburg Parks & Recreation
For more information call (727) 893-7441
Volunteer Opportunities:

Junior Leaders Program (Must be 14 to 18 years old and in high school)

Program Animal Care (Must be 14 years old and younger)

Birds of Prey Program Steward (Must be 16 years old and up)

Environmental Education/Envrionmental Outreach

Gardening

Land Management/Invasive Plant Removal

Pinellas Pioneer Settlement

Special Events and Festivals

Tram Tour Docent (Must be 18 years old and up with a valid driver's license)

Wildlife Research

Junior Leader Program

Teens entering tenth to twelfth grade can volunteer at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, a city recreation center, or a city pool.

Junior Leaders are carefully recruited, trained, and placed in leadership positions with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience from professionals.

LEARN MORE:

Junior Leader Program at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Junior Leader Program at Recreation Centers

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Junior Leader Program

Volunteer Opportunities

Teens entering tenth to twelfth grade can volunteer at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, a City recreation center, or a city pool.

Junior Leaders are carefully recruited, trained, and placed in leadership positions with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience from professionals.

Job Opportunities

We want you on our team! Apply to become a lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, or water safety instructor today! Part-time summer positions available:

Click here to apply!

Looking to become a certified lifeguard or water safety instructor?
We offer lifeguard and water safety instructor training classes throughout the year.

Lifeguard & Water Safety Instructor Training Classes

Job Opportunities

Teaching Opportunities
All instructors must be permitted and approved.
To apply to teach a class or specialty camp at one of our recreation centers, please contact the center directly that you would like to teach at.

Youth Development Opportunities

Youth Development Worker positions are available throughout the year, including summers. This position works as a counselor in youth programs at our recreation centers by overseeing a group of 25 children in Kindergarten to eighth grade.
The position monitors activities, plans programs and maintains the facility in a safe and efficient manner.
Work involves actively engaging youth in positive character building and youth development activities while providing leadership and instruction in games, sports, crafts, and other programs and activities.

You must be 18 years of age with a high school diploma to apply. Pay is $16.25 an hour and position requires 15-29 hours per week during the school year and 35-40 hours per week during the summer.

For more information, contact Parks & Recreation Administration at 727-893-7441.

Internship & Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities:

- Junior Leaders Program (Must be 14 to 18 years old and in high school)

- Program Animal Care (Must be 14 years old and younger)

- Birds of Prey Program Steward (Must be 16 years old and up)

- Environmental Education/Envrionmental Outreach

- Gardening

- Land Management/Invasive Plant Removal

- Pinellas Pioneer Settlement

- Special Events and Festivals

- Tram Tour Docent (Must be 18 years old and up with a valid driver's license)

- Wildlife Research

We also accept court adjudicated community service workers.

How to become a volunteer:

Step 1: Fill out thevolunteer application prior to attending a volunteer orientation

Step 2: Attend an orientation. Sign up for an orientation by calling the preserve at(727) 893-7326.

PLEASE NOTE: Volunteers are expected to commit to volunteer at least once every 90 days.

Internship Opportunities:

PLEASE NOTE: Internship interest should be reported at least two months to the date that you expect to start your internship.

- Land Management Internship focuses on learning plant identification and land management strategies

- Environmental Education Internship focuses on leading public programs, learning to create lesson plans, and developing evaluation tools.

Background Checks

Interns and volunteers over the age of 13 are required to complete a background check. Please note that if you have lived out of the state of Florida in the past five years, the background check process will take longer than usual. Please sign up for a volunteer orientation at least two months in advance of when you would like to begin your internship.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Green Thumb Festival is seeking adult, teenage, and family volunteers for the annual Arbor Day celebration at Walter Fuller Park, 7891 26th Avenue North.

Family and friend groups are welcome and credit for school volunteer hours is available for students who volunteer.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit Green Thumb Festival page.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Sunshine Center Volunteer Office coordinates several part-time staffed positions through the Senior Community Employment Service Office with AARP as well as overseeing the operations of the three enterprise operations at the Sunshine Center including the snack bar, gift shop, resale shop and greenhouse as well as scheduling the positions for those operations.

Several collating and mailing projects are coordinated utilizing various volunteers for city and county agencies throughout the year. Call for volunteer opportunities, (727) 893-7622.

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Teens entering tenth to twelfth grade can volunteer at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, a City recreation center, or a city pool. Junior Leaders are carefully recruited, trained, and placed in leadership positions with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience from professionals. We want you on our team!

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Goodwill Junior Ambassadors (J.A.G)

Check out Goodwill’s Junior Ambassadors Programs!
Currently offered to high school students ,age 14 years and up.

As a J.A.G. Summer volunteer, you’ll earn up to 40 hours of community service over the course of a one-week program in St. Petersburg, FL.  This summer  program allows you to volunteer at Goodwill-Suncoast’s Gandy Center and have a hands-on impact on our mission to transform lives through lifelong learning and the power of work.

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Need Volunteer or Community Service Hours for High School or Bright Futures? Check out Goodwill's Junior Ambassadors Programs! Currently offered to high school students in ten Gulf Coast counties. 14-years-old and up As a J.A.G. Retail volunteer, you'll earn up to 60 hours over

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Interested in working outdoors and helping to cultivate a growing garden site? We could use your help!

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Youth employment and volunteer opportunities, as well as adult volunteering opportunities available. Sign up here!

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The mission of Keep Pinellas Beautiful is to conserve and beautify our natural environment by means of community engagement and education.

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In January 2023, NCAA Divisions I and II adopted legislation to remove standardized test scores from initial-eligibility requirements for all student-athletes who initially enroll full time on or after August 1, 2023. Check with the NCAA school you plan to attend regarding whether standardized test scores are necessary for admission or scholarship requirements. For more information, .

Creating an account is the first step toward becoming an NCAA student-athlete
DOWN

Register

Not sure which division your school is in? Learn more orsearch NCAA schools.

Want to Compete at an NCAA School?

Create the Eligibility Center account that's right for you!

If you want to compete in NCAA sports, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Plan to register before starting your freshman year of high school (or year nine of secondary school). The information below will help guide you through the registration process.

To get started, review the three account options and choose the one that's right for you! You'll only need to create one account with the Eligibility Center. Starting with the free Profile Page is best practice, as you can transition it later to the Certification account needed for your circumstances.

Not sure which division your school is in? Learn more orsearch NCAA schools.

Make registration easy.

Use this checklist to make sure you have all required information ready to enter.

Search our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about becoming an NCAA student-athlete.

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College-bound student-athletes preparing to enroll in a Division I or Division II school need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure they have met amateurism standards and are academically prepared for college coursework.

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NAIA - National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

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NAIA - National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

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National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, The experts in the business of small college athletics.

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We train technicians at National Aviation Academy because aviation maintenance is what we know, love, and to do. In our opinion, that's exactly how it should feel when you wake up to do your job every day. The good news: Aviation Maintenance Technicians are in demand!

The future of aviation maintenance depends on a new generation of highly-trained technicians. Our mission is to build that future together.

NAA is one of a select number of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved schools in the country. Our hands-on curriculum is taught in classrooms, labs, and hangars at active airfields. You're in for an immersive, meaningful, career-focused aviation maintenance education.

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National Aviation Academy - Land - Branding 2020

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We train technicians at National Aviation Academy because aviation maintenance is what we know, love, and to do. In our opinion, that's exactly how it should feel when you wake up to do your job every day. The good news: Aviation Maintenance Technicians are in demand!

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Financial Aid
and Scholarships

We love supporting the dreams of our cosmetology school's Future Professionals. That's why our Financial Aid Office at our Tampa campus is here to help educate you on the types of financial aid. There are several financial aid, alternative funding, and scholarship options available to those who qualify.

Explore Your Financial Options

MAKING A DIFFERENCE
IN TAMPA

Our students (we call them Future Professionals) donate their time, talent and energy to various charities through cut-a-thons, fashion shows and countless other fundraising events and philanthropic activities. We make a difference-and have fun doing it!

See How We Give Back

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Cosmetology & Beauty School in Tampa, FL | Paul Mitchell

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We love supporting the dreams of our cosmetology school's Future Professionals. That's why our Financial Aid Office at our Tampa campus is here to help educate you on the types of financial aid. There are several financial aid, alternative funding, and scholarship options available to those who qualify.