BRACE / BrACE NEWS 05312024 (2024)

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

** Pleasecall(754)321-5805 withany questions you may have regarding BRACE News. **

CURRENT ATTACHMENTS:

ACTE Horatio Alger Scholarship

BCPS Work Hours Form

Big Future Scholarship Flyer

Bridge to Life Summer Advising

Class of 2025 Senior Photos Flyer

Coalition Summer Events 2024

McFatter 2024-2025 SAT ACT

McFatter Transcript Requests via Direct Institution

See Me Forward Flyer

See Me Forward Eligibility Form

Student Volunteer Log Sheet

Student Volunteer Application

Xello Scholarship Guide

Yearbook QR Code

NEW:

Underclass Awards – We held our annual underclass awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 29th. Many students were recognized. However, there was a group of students who were meant to receive certificates but did not. My sincere apologies to these students. I have since requested the missing certificates and will get them to the students as soon as possible.

Class Of 2024 Reminder –

1. Don’t forget to update your Florida Financial Aid Application (Bright Futures authorization) with your final school choice and your social security number. Bright Futures needs to know where to send the money and the schools need the social in order to match the funds to your account.
2. Final transcripts will not be available until after graduation (approximately after June 14th). Transcripts will be sent to the school that the student listed on their Xello graduation survey. This District will send transcripts for the students who indicated a Florida public college or university. McFatter will send transcripts to the private and out-of-state schools.

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

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

• June 12: Discovering Major and Careers- https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/event/discovering-majors-and-careers
• June 18: Supporting Your Student Through Their College Search- https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/event/supporting-your-student-through-their-college-search
• June 24: Apoyando a su estudiante en la búsqueda universitaria- https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/event/apoyando-a-su-estudiante-en-la-bsqueda-universitaria
• July 9: The College Essay - https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/event/the-college-essay
• July 23: All About Testing - https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/event/all-about-testing-event
• August 14: Behind the Scenes of the Admissions Committee- https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/event/behind-the-scenes-of-the-admissions-committee

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

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

NOT NEW BUT STILL IMPORTANT:

Class of 2025 – Rising Seniors -Would you like to be nominated for the Voices of Tufts Program? This fall, our virtual Voices program will take place on October 5, 2024, and ourin-person Voices program will take place October 6-7, 2024. For the in-person program, travel assistance will be provided for students for whom the trip to Boston would be a financial hardship. All students who are nominated for Voices and all students who apply for Voices are eligible to apply to Tufts next yearwith no application fee. Additional program details, including a link to the Voices application, are available at https://admissions.tufts.edu/voices/voices-home/.

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

SAT and ACT Dates for 24-25 Academic Year– Please check out the attached testing schedule for 2024-2025.

Horatio Alger Scholarships CTE Scholarship– Deadline June 15. Award: $2,500

For students ages 18 – 35 with intentions to earn a certificate or technical program (2 years or less). ACTEonlin.org/haascholarship.

***There is a lot of money available and few applicants.

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

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

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

Eligibility Criteria: Graduate from any Broward County Public, Private, or Charter High School in 2024, be an eligible Broward County homeschool 2024 graduate, or Broward County resident who earned a GED in 2024 Complete a 2024 - 2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with an annual adjusted gross income at or below $100,000. Submit a Florida Residency Declaration Form and qualify for Florida in-state tuition. Submit a final, official high school transcript with the graduation date posted to the Office of the College Registrar. Attend New Student Orientation to register for Fall 2024 classes at Broward College. Maintain full-time status at Broward College (Earn 30 credits per academic year). Minimum of 12 credits - fall term; Minimum of 12 credits - spring term; Minimum of 6 credits - summer term. For details, go to : https://www.broward.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/pledge2success.html

Senior Specific Information:

June 4th– Mandatory Graduation rehearsal @ 10:00 am(senior breakfast prior to rehearsal)

Seniors will receive their cap and gown and graduation tickets at rehearsal.

2024 Graduation - McFatter's graduation date is Friday June 7, 2024 @ 7pm. The ceremony will be held at the Broward Center for Performing Arts. Students must attend the mandatory graduation rehearsal and have purchased a cap and gown, in order to receive their tickets.All graduates are guaranteed 4 tickets (for guests, the graduate does not need a ticket) for the graduation ceremony.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Going Merry Senior Spring College Decision Handouts –

Going Merry knows that the college decision process brings a mix of emotions. Some students get into their dream schools while others may not get any acceptances at all. Therefore, Going Merry created these three flyers on student’s next steps. *Documents attached

• Got into College: What to Do Next
• Rejected from Top-Choice College
• Not Accepted to Any Colleges

SeeMeForward is a non-profit organization that is targeting students 9 – 12 grade students (12thgraders must start early in their senior year) who are first generation, low-income, and high achievers. SeeMeForward’s goal is to help students reach their potential to attend and be successful at top tier colleges and universities. There are no fees for their services. See flyer for more information.

Gap Year– I have been hearing more students talk about taking a “Gap Year.” A Gap Year is an intentional period of time devoted to personal growth and exploration through experiential learning opportunities (not taking time off from school to earn money). If you would like to learn more about gap years, I would suggest that you check out these resources (www.EnRouteGapYear.comor on social media @enroutegapyear.

Helpful videos from BrACE Cadet Videos – The district has a program known as BrACE Cadets. It is a peer-to-peer leadership program. Students from across the county are trained on College and Career topics. They then choose a project to address. Following are a couple of projects that BrACE Cadets from across the county created.

11. BRACE Cadets mini-documentary - We Are YOU! Going to College Debt-free. As students are thinking about how to fund their college/career programs, the stories of these students will inspire and instruct them what to do. Please watch before sharing - you will love the cost of attendance breakdown for each student.

Trailer - https://youtu.be/fDXWn_koDms?si=S8Baa10Me4QDPScb

Documentary- https://youtu.be/m-jEIPJlkRg?si=m9w-uzG_b4RbK4lq

2. Khan Academy Digital - https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/digital-sat- not sure if your students know this exists to help them prepare for the new SAT. I'm thinking this would be especially helpful for seniors who are only missing the SAT/ACT scores to qualify for Bright Futures.

Transcript Requests– It is time to transition the transcript request process to Xello. Under Goals and Plans, students select college planning. The student should “create a college application” for all of the schools to which they are applying. Under application method list “Direct Application” (even if applying via Common App). Add the college to your application list. Then under application tasks, click “request transcript.”

**If you have trouble requesting transcripts this way, you can make your requests by sending me an email through Xello. Please make sure that you list whether you need a pdf (unofficial) or hard copy (official transcript)

Don’t forget about Xello Scholarships – The district has started adding scholarships to Xello. There are currently 225 scholarships available, but more are being added every day. Please make sure that you check out the scholarships list. Many scholarships are Broward County or South Florida specific. Go to: Xello – Goals and Plans - College Planning - Local Scholarships

New Information regarding Bright Futures – For the Class of 2024, Bright Futures will accept all test scores through August 31st(previously through June of senior year).

The State of Florida has approved the use of the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as a concordant test for Bright Futures criteria. So far New College of Florida and the University of South Florida will also accept CLT test scores.

Bright Futures will now combine volunteer and work hours for Bright Futures purposes. Students will need 40 service hours for graduation purposes. They will need a total of 100 combined hours for all of the four Bright Futures scholarship awards. *Work hours can only be used for Bright Futures, not graduation or silver cord.

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

Essays & Personal Statements

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

https://www.collegeessayguy.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out Fastweb Scholarship Opportunities–

Scholarships for High School Juniors –

Scholarships for High School Seniors –

Scholarships for College Students –

Vocational, Technical and Trade School scholarship programs -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Slate.org for Students: Application Tracking & More! Slate.org is a platform designed to strengthen communication between undergraduate admission offices, school counselors, community-based organizations, and students during the college search process.

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

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

      Get the best grades that they can get.

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

      Become a leader if possible.

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

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

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

Free/Reduced Lunch Program -Thereare many benefits to qualifying for free or reduced lunch, other than the meals themselves. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunchare eligible to receive SATandACT fee waivers for both their juniorand senior years (per test, per year). Additionally, seniors who have takenatest usingafee waiverareable to receivecollegeapplication fee waivers. Ifastudent were to takeadvantage ofall of the fee waiver offers, theycould save over $500. It is well worth the time tocompleteanapplication to see if you qualify.

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

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

Traditionally students take the SATand orACT for the first time during the spring of theirjunioryearandasecond time during the fall of their senior year. Both of these testsarecollege entrance exams. Schools willaccept these tests equally. It is recommended that students take both the SATandACT. This way they will beable to determine if they haveastrength on one test over the other. Keep in mind that most schools lookat the scores thatare most favorable to the student. At the time of registration, studentsareable to send their scores to 4 schools for free. If students wait untilafter testing to send these scores, they will have to payaminimum of $12.00 to have their scores sent. It is the student’s responsibility to have their scores sent to the various schools. Schools will onlyaccept official score reports whichare sent directly from these testingagencies. *Students must send their test scores to at least one of the Florida public universities in order for Bright Futures to receive the scores.

ON CAMPUS EVENTS:

College visitsare open to juniorsand seniors. ~All students must haveacollege visit pass to attend. ~ The student must sign up through Eventbriteto getacollege visit pass/ticket. ~ Space islimited ~ Students must have their teacher's signature/permission toattend. ~It is between the teacherand the student whether it isappropriate for the student to missclass time to attend thecollege visit ~ Students shouldcheck Naviance oftenas visitsareconstantly beingadded.

June 4^th– Senior Breakfast – Time to be determined.

June 4^th– Mandatory High School Graduation Rehearsal @ 10:00 am following senior breakfast(This is when cap, gown and tickets will be handed out.)

OFF CAMPUS EVENTS:

June 7^th– Class of 2024 Graduation @ Broward Center for the Performing Arts @ 7:00 pm. All graduating seniors will be guaranteed 4 tickets (for guests).

SCHOLARSHIPS:

Check out these social media scholarship links.

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

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

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

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/scholarshipsusa

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

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

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

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

Kantner Foundation Scholarship– Deadline: June 30^th– Award: $2,00 - $3,000

Florida resident. Criteria: academic achievement, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Application and details available.

The Robinson Scholarship Fund– Deadline: Dec. 30^th, 2024 – Award: Varies

Be a current or Future Broward Technical College post-secondary student. Pursuing a degree in the Building or Construction Trades. See attached.

INTERESTING WEBSITES:

Followingareacouple offree test prep websites.

PERT prep - Go toBroward.edu.~Click on Student Resources, thenclick Testingcenter.~ When youclick the PERT link it opens up to offer youaPERT study guideand practice test.~ Theyalso have links to YouTube tutorials.~ Youcan also register forafree 4 - week on linecollege foundationscourse.

March2Success -