High schoolers encouraged to utilize Big Futures for scholarships and college prep
July 02, 2025 | Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, EDUCATION & ARTS, Executive Departments, Organizations, Executive, Pennsylvania
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As the summer sun casts its warm glow over Pennsylvania, students and educators alike are gearing up for the upcoming school year, with a focus on higher education planning. During a recent meeting hosted by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, key discussions revolved around essential resources and strategies for students preparing for college.
One of the highlights was the unveiling of the academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, providing students with a clear timeline from August 2025 through June 2026. This advance notice allows students to plan their academic journeys effectively, including important milestones like standardized testing.
A significant point raised was the financial aspect of college preparation. Many students may find the costs of taking the SAT daunting, but the meeting emphasized the availability of fee waivers. Students are encouraged to connect with their school counselors to access these waivers and gather necessary information from educational websites.
Another valuable resource discussed was the Big Futures program, part of the College Board initiative. This platform serves as a comprehensive hub for scholarship information, guiding students on how to enhance their chances of receiving financial aid. By engaging in specific activities, such as researching colleges or completing the FAFSA, students can earn credits toward scholarship opportunities. The program is accessible to students as early as their sophomore year, making it a vital tool for those looking to navigate the complexities of college funding.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of proactive scholarship research during the summer months. With many opportunities available, students, particularly juniors, are encouraged to start building their scholarship resumes and drafting college essays. This preparation can significantly enhance their chances of securing financial support for their higher education endeavors.
As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the path to higher education is becoming more structured and accessible, thanks to resources like Big Futures and the proactive measures being encouraged by educators. With summer as a pivotal time for planning, students are urged to take advantage of these tools to ensure a successful transition into their college years.
One of the highlights was the unveiling of the academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, providing students with a clear timeline from August 2025 through June 2026. This advance notice allows students to plan their academic journeys effectively, including important milestones like standardized testing.
A significant point raised was the financial aspect of college preparation. Many students may find the costs of taking the SAT daunting, but the meeting emphasized the availability of fee waivers. Students are encouraged to connect with their school counselors to access these waivers and gather necessary information from educational websites.
Another valuable resource discussed was the Big Futures program, part of the College Board initiative. This platform serves as a comprehensive hub for scholarship information, guiding students on how to enhance their chances of receiving financial aid. By engaging in specific activities, such as researching colleges or completing the FAFSA, students can earn credits toward scholarship opportunities. The program is accessible to students as early as their sophomore year, making it a vital tool for those looking to navigate the complexities of college funding.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of proactive scholarship research during the summer months. With many opportunities available, students, particularly juniors, are encouraged to start building their scholarship resumes and drafting college essays. This preparation can significantly enhance their chances of securing financial support for their higher education endeavors.
As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the path to higher education is becoming more structured and accessible, thanks to resources like Big Futures and the proactive measures being encouraged by educators. With summer as a pivotal time for planning, students are urged to take advantage of these tools to ensure a successful transition into their college years.
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This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
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