HIALEAH HIGH SCHOOL College Assistance Program

Testing For College  PSAT  SAT  ACT  CPT  PERT

PSAT/NMSQT  PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.  It’s a standardized test that provides practice for the SAT Reasoning Test.  It also gives you a chance to enter the National Merit Scholarship Competition.

The PSAT/NMSQT measures  Critical reading skills  Math problem-solving skills  Writing skills

The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are:  To receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses so that you can prepare for the SAT  To enter the National Merit Scholarship Competition (when taken in 11 th grade)  To receive information from colleges

SAT Reasoning Test  The SAT Test measures critical thinking skills you’ll need to succeed in college.  It measures three areas: Critical Reading, Math and Writing  The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors  Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of  It is administered seven times a year  Don’t guess, what you don’t know CAN hurt you

ACT  The ACT test measures high school student’s general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work  It measures: English, mathematics, reading and science  There is also an optional Writing Test  The ACT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors  Scores: 1-36  Administered six times a year  No penalty for guessing

FEE WAIVERS Students participating in the free or reduced lunch program could receive waivers to pay for these tests.  Two SAT Test Waivers  Two ACT Test Waivers  Up to eight College Application Waivers when taking both the SAT and the ACT

CPT/PERT MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE PLACEMENT TESTS PERT Writing 103 Reading 106 Math 114  You are exempt if: SAT – 440 Critical Reading 500 Math ACT - 17 English 19 Reading 19 Math

Now You’re Ready!!

Florida Bright Futures For more information visit or call A copy of the current Bright Futures Brochure can be found at e.pdf

Florida Academic Scholar  Specified award amounts  3.5 weighted BF GPA  1290 SAT (Critical Reading & Math Only)  29 ACT  100 hours of community service

FLORIDA MEDALLION SCHOLARS  Specified award amounts  3.0 weighted GPA  1170 SAT (Critical Reading & Math only)  26 ACT.  75 Hours of community service

FLORIDA GOLD SEAL VOCATIONAL SCHOLARS  Specified award amounts  3.0 weighted GPA  3.5 weighted GPA in a minimum of 3 vocational credits in one vocational program  Specified SAT/ACT/CPT scores  30 hours of community service

ources of Financial Aid  Federal  State  Institutional  Private

Financial Aid  Grants – Free money you don’t have to pay back!  Loans- are borrowed funds. Money must be repaid with interest.  Work study - Work at college/university and get paid.

Florida State Financial Aid  Application available December 1st of senior year at:  Students must apply to be considered for: Bright Futures Scholarship Florida Student Assistance Grant Florida Student Access Grant Florida Work Experience Program Jose Marti Scholarship

Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)  Free Application for Federal Student Aid  Available January 1st of senior year  Current Family Income Tax information needed to complete form  Application available online at:

How Can I Earn Scholarships?  You must SEARCH and APPLY for them  Look into local scholarships  Look for scholarships from the colleges/ universities you are applying to  Read Mrs. Grandal’s Scholarship Bulletin published once a month available at hialeahhigh.org

Watch Out! College Scams Want Your Money Here are some ways to spot them:  The Scholarships will cost some money  Credit card or bank account number please!  Money back guarantee  We will do all of the work for you  You’ve been selected by a national foundation to receive a scholarship  “You’re a finalist”… in a contest you never even entered For more information visit

Important Dates  Bright Futures Scholarship Application available – December 1 Deadline to apply - End of Senior Year  FAFSA – After January 1  Apply as early as possible after January 1, some funds are first come first serve  For Florida grants FAFSA must be processed by May 15  New application every year while in college

Plan You Work Work Your Plan  Focus on grades and tests Working for these “A’s and B’s” will pay off since these are the grades that will get you into college. Also, select the most challenging curriculum that you can handle  Get Involved Colleges and universities are looking for well-rounded students. Get involved in school and community activities.

ENJOY COLLEGE!!!