FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
S
TATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Chairman
Members
DONNA G. CALLAWAY
DR. AKSHAY DESAI
ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ
PHOEBE RAULERSON
KATHLEEN SHANAHAN
LINDA K. TAYLOR
Dr. Eric J. Smith
Commissioner of Education
May 7, 2008
Dear Student:
First, let me commend you on your significant academic accomplishments. As a student ranked
in the top 20% of your senior class, your achievements represent a level of college preparedness
that is valued by our State University System. The State University System has committed,
within space and fiscal limitations, to ensure enrollment in a state university for Florida’s
Talented 20 high school seniors. I would encourage you to continue to prepare yourself for
admission to a state university as part of the Talented 20 program.
Florida’s Talented 20 program cannot guarantee admission to the campus of your choice, but
eligible students are guaranteed admission to one of the eleven state universities. To maintain
your eligibility, you must meet the following criteria:
-
G
raduate with a standard diploma in 2008
-
Take the ACT or SAT prior to enrollment in university (no minimum score is required)
-
Complete all eighteen core course requirements for state university admission
Talented 20 students are in a position of priority for the award of funds from the Florida Student
Assistance Grant, a needs-based grant. Please visit www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org for
eligibility requirements and additional information on state financial aid and scholarship
opportunities, including the Bright Futures Scholarship program.
High school counselors are prepared to assist you with the application process for state university
admissions. You may wish to search www.FACTS.org for information concerning individual
universities. Additional information and Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Talented 20
program are available online at www.fldoe.org/Talented20.
Sincerely,
Dr. Eric J. Smith
Commissioner
325 W. GAINES STREET • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0505 • www.fldoe.org