<p>How do they know if your qualified for the ACG based on your final transcript? What exactly do they look for if your a first year student?</p>
<p>You have to meet a rigorous high school coursework standard. For many, it’s a combination that includes 4 years of English, 3 years of science (which must include 1 year/credit bio & either 1 year/credit bio or 1 year/credit physics), 3 years social studies, 1 year foreign language. There are other definitions of rigorous coursework that vary by state … the list is on the federal financial aid student website if you look it up. Another way to qualify is to have taken 2 AP courses in high school and received a 3 or better on the AP exams for those classes. </p>
<p>Your transcript must show all of your courses/grades for high school, and it also must state that you graduated (a copy of your diploma can be added to the transcript if it doesn’t specifically state that you graduated).</p>
<p>This year, you must be a US citizen & you must be enrolled in at least 12 credits. Next year, you can be an eligible non citizen … and ACG will be prorated for less than full time enrollment like Pell is (but not for less than half time).</p>
<p>One interesting change proposed for next year is that the ACG will be awarded strictly on academic grade level (freshman/sophomore). Currently, a very confusing formula is used that does not necessarily match year in school. This will help some & hurt others. </p>
<p>One scenario that may affect students is this: a student who comes in with enough AP/IB credits to have sophomore standing will completely lose his Year 1 ACG, because he will never be a freshman. He will also never be eligible for a Year 2 ACG if his sophomore standing is based only on AP/IB credits. This is because in order to receive a Year 2 award, a student must have at least a 3.0 gpa. In this case, there IS no gpa … and no award as a result. If the student had a combination of AP/IB credit AND dual enrollment credit that has grades, the dual enrollment credit grades can be used to meet the gpa & thus receive a Year 2 award.</p>
<p>Kelsmom, that is very interesting, thanks for clarifying. I’ve wondered what they do with kids coming in with alot of credits too. What happens to a kid who comes in with the fairly common 15 credits AP/dual enr - are they only a freshman for half a year? Do they receive a $375 1st year award, then start their 2nd year award in the middle of freshman year? Or is the award based on the number of hours accumulated at the beginning of the award year?</p>
<p>Currently, the formula would not allow that due to a number of weeks clause when progressing. However, next year it will be solely based on the same grade level classifications used for other financial aid programs. In the scenario you mention, the student would get 1/2 year 1 1st semester, then 1/2 year 2 in 2nd semester. In this case, the student could have all AP credits & still get the year 2 as long as the college gpa for 1st semester is at least 3.0.</p>