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THE "TALENTED 20" PROGRAM


Girl in Red

What is the Talented 20 Program?

The Talented 20 Program is a state program that provides a way for students to be admitted to a university in the state of Florida. Students eligible for the Talented 20 Program are guaranteed admission, within space and fiscal limitations, to one of the eleven state universities, within space and fiscal limitations, and are given priority for the awarding of funds from the Florida Student Assistance Grant, a need-based student assistance program.




In Order to be Eligible for the Talented 20 Program, a Student Must::

* Be enrolled in a Florida public high school and graduate with a standard diploma
* Be ranked in the top 20% of the senior class after the posting of seventh semester grades
* Take the ACT or SAT (no minimum score is required)
* Complete all 18 college preparatory credits as specified in State Board of Education Rules



What are the Required Courses for State University Admission?

4 English (3 with substantial writing)
3 Math (Algebra I and above)
3 Natural Science (2 with substantial lab)
3 Social Studies
2 Foreign Language (in the same language)
3 Approved Electives (see your counselor)
____________
18 Credits total



How Many Credits do You Have?



Checklist of Things to Do:


* Have you seen your school counselor to discuss your schedule?
* Have you taken or are you registered for the 18 required courses?
* Have you taken the SAT or ACT?
* Are you on track to be in the top 20% of your class?
* If you are a senior, have you completed an application for admission to the Florida postsecondary institution of your choice?
* If you are a senior, have you completed an application for financial aid with the same Florida postsecondary institution and with the state?



What are the Benefits of Being Eligible for the Talented 20 Program?


* Students are identified as a top 20% high school graduate.
* Students have a space reserved at one of the 11 state universities. Please note that, while eligible students are guaranteed admission at one of the state universities, it may not be to their first choice of schools.
* Students are given priority for the awarding of funds from the Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG), if they are eligible for this need-based grant.



How Do I Obtain Financial Assistance?


* Contact your high school guidance counselor to inquire about federal, state, and other student assistance programs.
* Request a financial aid packet from the postsecondary institution you wish to attend.
* Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) to be considered for State of Florida student financial aid programs including the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. This is available on-line at www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org
* Complete the Free Applicaiton for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you apply, you will be considered for many State of Florida financial aid programs, including the Florida Student Assistance Grant. The application is available on-line at www.fasfa.ed.gov
* Apply early for the FAFSA and other financial aid. January or February of your senior year is recommended. The earlier students apply, the better chance they will have of being considered for all available programs!



After a Student has been Denied Acceptance at One or More Universities, What Should the Student Do?
Students should contact their high school counselor. After three notifications of denial, other universities will provide complimentary reviews of the transcripts of the Talented Twenty applicants at the request of the high school counselor. Once any university accepts the student, the guarantee for admissions has been considered met, even if the student does not wish to attend that particular university (see Rule 6C-6.002(5), FAC (PDF)).




Where Can I Get More Information?

See your high school counselor for more financial aid information!

WEB SITE:
Click on the the "Programs Offered" drop down menu and then click on "Talented 20".)

PHONE NUMBERS:
Florida Department of Education: (850) 488-6736
Division of Colleges and Universities: (850) 201-7180

Gal Talking on Phone




You may also contact Jane Howell at 727-588-6013 with your questions about Florida's Talented 20 Program.

Updated 2.4.2008 - by s.o.
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