TOPS
Louisiana Tuition Opportunity
Program For Students
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Louisiana’s Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a comprehensive program of state scholarships and one of the most innovative and progressive student assistance programs in the nation. TOPS has four award components: the Opportunity Award, the Performance Award, the Honors Award, and the Tech Award. Each component has specific eligibility criteria, award amounts, and continuation criteria. Parents and students must make sure that the correct classes are taken so that qualifications are met. See your counselor for additional information. GPA is computed on core courses.
Requirements
Award GPA ACT Maximum Award
Opportunity Award 2.50 currently 20 Tuition + certain fees
Performance Award 3.50 23 Tuition + certain fees + $400
Honors Award 3.50 27 Tuition + certain fees + $800
Tech Award 2.50 17 Tuition
How and When to Apply for TOPS
To apply for all TOPS awards, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year you enroll as a full-time student at a Louisiana college or university. For example, if you will graduate from high school in the school year 2006-2007, and enroll in college during the 2007-2008 academic year, submit the 2007-2008 version of the FAFSA. The FAFSA or On-Line Application may be filed after January 1, and will be given priority consideration if received by May 1, and must be received by July 1 to avoid penalties. A FAFSA may be obtained from your high school guidance counselor or college financial aid office or by calling the Office of Student Financial Assistance at (800)259-5626, Ext. 1012, or you may file a FAFSA over the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Regents/TOPS
High School Core Curriculum
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Why do I need to take the Regents/TOPS High School Core Curriculum?
The core curriculum is the most important component of the Regents’ admissions framework. Research shows that students who take college prep courses double their odds of success in college.
What is the Regents/TOPS Core?
Units Course
4 English I, English II, English III, English IV
1 Algebra I (one unit) or Applied Algebra 1A and 1B (two units)
1 Algebra II
1 Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, or an approved advanced math substitute
1 Biology
1 Chemistry
1 Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology II, Chemistry II,
Physics, Physics II, or Physics for Technology (one unit), (Beginning with the
graduating class of 2008 and thereafter, Agriscience I AND Agriscience II (two units) may be
substituted for one unit required from among these science courses.)
1 American History
1 World History, Western Civilization, or World Geography
1 Civics and Free Enterprise (one unit combined) or Civics (one unit)
1 Fine Arts Survey (or substitute two units of performance courses in music, dance and/or
theater; or substitute two units of visual art; or substitute two units of studio art; or
substitute one unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in the core
curriculum).
2 Foreign Language (two units in the same language)
½ Computer Science, Computer Literacy, or Business Computer Applications (or
substitute at least ½ unit of an elective course related to computers approved by the
State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education or ½ unit as an elective from
among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum.
1* An additional unit of advanced math or advanced science from among the following
courses: Geometry, Calculus, Pre-Calculus, Algebra III, Probability and Statistics,
Discrete Mathematics, Applied Mathematics III, Advanced Mathematics I, Advanced
Mathematics II, Integrated Mathematics III, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, or
Physics II.
16.5 Total Core Curriculum Units (effective through the 2007 graduating class)
*17.5 Total Core Curriculum Units (beginning with the 2008 graduating class)
