Sydney Scott is a third-year undergraduate at Southeastern Louisiana University. She shares practical advice, inspiration, and tips for high school and college students using her unique brand of candor and humor. This is the second in our fall series of college myth-busting posts.
As a college student, I know this better than anyone: college is expensive, and the world of financial aid, grants, and scholarships is a complex one! In the last blog, we sat down with a few of Career Compass’s own college & career coaches to discuss some frequently asked questions that students have about the college planning process. In a continuation of this blog series, we will be exploring the topic of qualifying for grants, applying for scholarships, and other nuances involved in figuring out how to pay for college.
Join me in my conversation with coaches Jeri, Brandyn, and Darelle, as we talk about the complicated world of paying for college.
Standardized tests can be one of the ways that students qualify for certain grants and scholarships, so let’s start out with a question about the ACT test: Everyone varies in their test-taking abilities. I was OK as a test-taker, but I had many friends who were not. What do you think about this? My friends often ask, “Does my ACT/SAT score really matter? How much does it matter?”
Coach Jeri: It definitely matters! In Louisiana, a 23 on your ACT (along with other stipulations) can qualify students for scholarships to many in-state schools. Many people are unaware of another scholarship available to Louisiana students - the TOPS Tech Scholarship. This scholarship is available to students who score at least a 17 on the ACT and meet other requirements to be used at a technical or community college. Colleges even set aside scholarships for students with higher ACT scores. If a student is considering going out of state, some schools are even willing to waive out-of-state fees for high ACT scores.
Sydney: Wow, I did not know that about the potential to waive out-of-state fees! I’m always torn on giving advice to high school students about standardized testing. Many of them tend to let their academic identity rest in their test scores, and I definitely think standardized tests are geared mainly towards students who are good test-takers. A few of my high school friends were excellent students, but had test-anxiety in high school. It was quite an obstacle for them to overcome, and one that often resulted in them feeling disappointed in themselves, despite the fact that they were bright, intelligent, high-achieving students.
I know some universities are now taking a more holistic approach to admissions, and considering more than just ACT/SAT scores, so I am hopeful that will aid in the immense pressure high school students feel regarding the ACT/SAT. With that being said, there are still other benefits to good ACT scores, such as the opportunity to be awarded merit scholarships.
And in a new development, the ACT is majorly expanding testing options next year by allowing students to retake certain portions of the test in efforts to improve certain scores, as well as offering an online version of the test, which delivers scores faster. Now I kinda wish I could take the ACT again! (But not really.) My general advice to high school students would be: YES, you should study hard and try to perform well on the ACT (or SAT), but that score does not totally define your academic identity.
Image by StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay
What about the importance of FAFSA? I get a lot of questions on this. Some examples: “Do I need to file every year?” and “What’s the point in filing if I know I won’t be receiving a federal Pell Grant?” or “What would you tell students is the overall importance of filling out FAFSA?”
Coach Jeri: This is an excellent question that comes up often. You absolutely want to file a FAFSA every year. Many people think that the FAFSA is only for students with great financial need, but it is not. The FAFSA is several things: an application for possible Pell grant money, an application for low-interest student loans, an application for work-study programs, and it’s also one way to apply for the TOPS scholarship. A family’s financial situation can change from year-to-year, and that means you never know if you may qualify for available aid.
Sydney: Many of my friends didn’t know about having to file annually for FAFSA, so I’m glad you brought that up. I didn’t know until last year that even graduate students have to complete a FAFSA. And good point —it is totally possible for your financial situation to change, meaning that it is totally possible that you don’t qualify for a Pell grant one year, but you might the next.
Now, moving on to TOPS! “How do I know if TOPS is for me?”
Coach Brandyn: If you are following the TOPS University track and wanting to attend a four-year University, you must graduate with a minimum of 2.5 core/TOPS GPA and earn at least a 20 on the ACT to receive this scholarship.
If you graduate with a 3.0 GPA and you earn a 23 on the ACT, you can receive additional scholarship money, and with a 27+, even more.
If you are following the TOPS Jump Start track, or you wish to pursue a qualifying two-year or technical degree (typically from a community college), you can qualify for TOPS Tech. You must graduate with a minimum of 2.5 core/TOPS GPA and earn a minimum of 17 on the ACT. If you have taken the ACT and don't quite meet the minimum score, you may also qualify with a silver score or higher on all of the categories of WorkKeys.
Sydney: I’ve observed that students often assume that they don’t have the GPA or ACT score to qualify for TOPS, and they just sort of give up. Since there are so many different levels of TOPS awards, I always think it’s a good idea for students to comprehensively check the different levels of TOPS/TOPS Tech awards and see what they qualify for and/or make a plan to aim for qualifying if they don’t already. TOPS is such an awesome program and one that is unique to Louisiana, which we often forget. You don’t want to pass up such a great opportunity to be awarded for your hard work in school!
While we’re talking about it, I’d love for you to clear something up: I hear a lot of confusion on the differences between FAFSA and TOPS, since they’re both emphasized in Louisiana: “Are FAFSA and TOPS the same? What’s the difference? Do I need to apply for both?”
Coach Darelle: They are different. FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. TOPS is the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students. I recommend that ALL students fill out FAFSA. It’s not only a way to receive TOPS, grants, loans, etc., but it can help you obtain scholarships from your school (plus, it’s a requirement at most colleges!). As a student, you can apply only once for TOPS, but you just never know what you are leaving off the table by not filling out your FAFSA.
Sydney: Totally! That’s a great way to put it. Usually, when friends come to me with this question, I tell them: All states have FAFSA, but only Louisiana has TOPS. Most colleges require you to fill out the FAFSA, so everyone should definitely fill it out. As college students, we need to fill out FAFSA once a year, as opposed to TOPS, which is a one-time application.
Here’s one that I’m super interested in: What would be your #1 resource for scholarships, if you could only suggest one? How do I go about writing scholarship applications if I’m not great at writing?
Coach Brandyn: Scholarships can get time consuming, so I especially like resources that make it quick and easy to apply. Select one scholarship resource, such as fastweb.com, and create your profile and see what scholarships are identified for you. Another great one --take 5 minutes to fill out scholarships like those available on asklela.org which are scholarships given by random drawing.
If you are not a good writer, ask for help from someone who is - a sibling, a parent, teacher, friend, etc. No one said you can’t get help writing the essay. Also, writing about topics you are passionate about may help the words flow a bit easier, such as "drinking and driving,” "texting while driving," "pollution," "bullying," etc.
Finally, be sure to save a copy of your essay because you may be able to change a few words and use the bulk of the information for other scholarship entries.
Sydney: I’m glad you brought up the LELA scholarships, because they have great monthly drawings where all you have to do to enter is fill out basic information like your name and email. Seriously, if you are a high school student, take a pause on reading this for a second and go check out asklela.org. It’s such an easy application!
One resource that I personally have found helpful is my own university! Most colleges will have a section on their website dedicated to scholarships students can access. Also, check out the website for your specific college department. My university’s College of Business website is a great resource for scholarships that are specific to business majors, and I know that many universities have a similar system in place for posting scholarship opportunities. You never know what you’ll find by doing a little searching on your college’s website!
To wrap up: The transition from high school to post-secondary education can be difficult and overwhelming, which is why it’s important to stay on top of things. Hopefully, our expert College & Career Coaches’ answers helped put some of your college worries to rest.
Want more? Check us out on Instagram (@careercompassla) to see Behind-The-Scenes coach features all month long… you may even spot your own coach! Download our app (more info below) to enter our student giveaway (+ follow us on IG to get additional entries!). We’re choosing a winner every month!
Still need help? The Career Compass ASK ME! App is available for free in the App Store and Google Play. You can find scholarships, FAFSA and TOPS information, ACT and SAT reminders, application dates, important reminders, and more!
Cover image by Career Compass of Louisiana.