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College Advising

The four years of high school are profoundly important in the development of our young men and women at The Classical Academy. The courses they take, the extra-curricular activities they choose, and their relationships among peers and faculty will join to create a well-rounded student. At TCA, we strive to help our students become virtuous citizens and we will help them as they plan for their college/post-secondary education career experiences.

The college and career advising office is open to assist all ninth through twelfth grade students. It is here to help students seek out appropriate post-secondary institutions, explore career options, register for SAT, ACT, CLT, and CLEP examinations, and apply for scholarships. The advisors, Mrs. Schwartz & Dr. Patella, are happy to meet with students and parents.

We encourage you to visit this page often. Here you will find updated testing information, scholarships, information from the Florida Department of Education, and useful forms and links.

Bright Futures

Information can be accessed through the State Scholarship and Grant Programs website. The Bright Futures link describes current requirements and awards amounts. Be sure to follow legislative updates and any changes to the current program.

https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/SAPBFMAIN/SAPBFMAIN

The Common Application

If you are applying to more than one college/university, it will likely save you time to use an application system known as the Common
 Application or simply the “Common App.” This electronic platform has been designed to combine questions from many college applications into one universal document that can be sent to any college that is a member of the Common Application organization. Over 1000 colleges/universities now use the Common App.

The information requested on the Common App includes basic identifying information like name, address, date of birth, test scores, grade point average, etc., as well as more subjective content such as essays, descriptions about clubs and activities, and the inclusion of recommendation letters. In addition, each college may require a supplement with additional questions to which the Common App will alert you.

The Common Application website offers detailed information about the various parts of the application, downloadable forms, answers to FAQs, and online demos.

FAFSA 

FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid) typically opens October 1st.  Even if you feel your family will not qualify for grants or scholarships, it is still important to apply because many schools will not give out merit based (or other) scholarships without having a completed FAFSA on file.  Click here to go to their website: FAFSA  There are several short videos to get you started and there is help all the way through the application.  To watch the videos, click on the “FAFSA Form” dropdown tab at the top and select (under Learn About the FAFSA Form) ” How to fill out the FAFSA Form” or simply click here: FAFSA HELP. This page gives you comprehensive instructions and steps to completing the form.

Once you are ready to start:

  • On the main page, click the button that says, “Log In To Start” under Start a 2025-26 FAFSA Form.
  • On the next page (under the login), click “Create An Account”
  • Click “Get Started” (You will need your social security number and your own email)
  • Continue through the process to create your account

Now you have a login to start the FAFSA Form.

If you need help filling out the FAFSA form, use these free tools:

  • In the online FAFSA form, select the question mark icon next to a FAFSA question to view a “tool tip” that provides information about how to answer that question.
  • Visit the “FAFSA® Help”to find answers to common questions.
  • In the online form, chat with Aidan®, our virtual assistant.
  • Chat with, email, or find a phone number for the Federal Student Aid Information Center.
  • Contact the financial aid office at the college or career/trade school you plan to attend.

We are always here to help too!  It’s really not as intimidating as it seems – you can do it!  But, do it as soon as possible to get the most money available.

One last thing – as the name implies, the FAFSA is FREE!  If you end up on a site that asks for money to submit the form, you are not on the correct site.  Be sure to follow our links or check to see that you are on a .gov website.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Links

You should not have to pay money to apply for a scholarship. See a counselor if this comes up to determine the legitimacy. Typically, the best scholarships are from local businesses or foundations because there are less students competing. Here is a great link that lists many local scholarships on one site www.edfoundationsrq.org/scholarships. The very best scholarships are only for TCA students. Fish Hole Mini Golf has established a scholarship for TCA students in honor of their friend, Debbie Mast. See Mrs. Schwartz or Dr. Patella for an application. This opportunity is open to seniors and is due February 1st, 2025.