So minority students become equally represented in AP courses, the AP Start-Up Grant provides the materials, classroom supplies, professional development and consults for beginning programs. The Advanced Placement Incentive Program provides subsides for low-income students and supports states to make courses and exams available to all students.
College Board now approves syllabuses for programs designated as Advanced Placement classes so that the rigor of the instruction meets College Board standards. When you enroll in an AP program, you can expect that the instruction will be challenging and demanding. If you score a 3, 4 or 5 on an AP exam based on a 5-point scale, the college you attend might reward you credits for the course, thereby reducing the number of credits you must earn to graduate and your college expenses.
Average living expenses for a college student in the United States for nine months are estimated to range from a low of $12,000 to a medium of $18,000, figuring 49 percent housing expenses, 19 percent transportation costs and 32 percent miscellaneous expenses. That doesn't count tuition. College Board provides a scholarship search that lists 2,300 sources of college funding or nearly $3 billion in aid.
Receive the highest score of 5 out of the eight exams in math and science in your state and Siemens Foundation will award you a $2,000 scholarship. You could also be the national winner and receive a $5,000 scholarship. To be eligible, you must score a 5 on two of the following exams: Biology, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, Environmental Science, Physics C: Mechanics, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, Statistics. You do not have to apply; College Board identifies the students for the Siemens Foundation.
Most grants for students attending college are based on need. Colleges and universities, which provide the most aid, might offer discounts depending on your economic status. In addition, federal and state governments provide grants. Investigate eligibility requirements for Pell Grants, which have increased to more than $18 billion, or a maximum of $5,550 per student for the 2010-2011 school year. Inquire about private grants and scholarships offered by employers and the private sector, which make up approximately 16 percent of grants offered. Consult your guidance counselor for further information.
Begin your scholarship search by using the tools provided by College Board. You must complete each section, which will ask for personal information, including minority background, ethnic background and religious affiliation. In addition to providing scholarship information, this College Board site also provides alternatives to scholarships based on need and academic performance.
The application process to a university or college should begin no later than fall of your senior year in high school. The estimated cost of tuition and fees for a public education last year was $7,020. Narrow your search for your college, complete applications, request letters of recommendations and write effective college application essays. By winter, send out college applications and begin the search for scholarships.