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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Click
Section Topic for Q and A)
"ACT" AND "SAT" TEST
Q. What is the minimum ACT for
2002 high school graduates and does the score go up every year?
A. The ACT qualifying scores
for 2002 are:
· TOPS Tech - 17
· TOPS Opportunity - 20
· TOPS Performance - 23
· TOPS Honors - 27
The minimum qualifying score
for the Opportunity Award can vary depending on the state's average composite
score reported for the prior year. The TOPS statute provides that the required
score is calculated by rounding the state's average composite ACT score
reported for the prior year to the nearest whole number. The minimum score
may never be less than 19 and is currently 20.
Q. What is the deadline for taking
the ACT/SAT?
A. A qualifying score must
be achieved on or before the official April test date in the year a student
graduates from high school. Students may qualify after graduation, but prior
to July 1, by using June test scores, but their period of eligibility for
the award will be reduced by one semester or two quarters. Only those students
who do not achieve a composite score of 20 or higher on the ACT/SAT on or
before the national ACT test date in April, prior to their graduation may
use the June test scores.
Q. Is any type ACT or SAT test
acceptable?
A. No. The student must take
an official National, International, Military, Arranged, or Special ACT
test or the SAT I test.
Q. How is the ACT score reported
to LOSFA?
A. LOSFA has an agreement with
ACT, Inc. that requires ACT, Inc. to electronically report to LOSFA all
ACT test scores for Louisiana residents. However, occasionally, individual
test scores are omitted from the reports. For this reason, LOSFA recommends
that when registering for the ACT, students include the TOPS report code
of "1595" in the list of institutions to receive the test scores.
Out-of-state students must
either include the TOPS report code of "1595" in the list of institutions
to receive the test scores or mail a copy of their ACT scores to LOSFA.
Q. Will LOSFA waive ACT scores
or cumulative GPAs for a child with ADD?
A. No. The minimum ACT score
is established by the TOPS statute and cannot be waived. The student may
apply to ACT, Inc. for special testing conditions.
Q. A student who took the ACT
listed the incorrect ACT high school code or the incorrect year of graduation,
or graduated from a different high school than the one attended when they
took the ACT test that resulted in the highest score. What does the student
do to correct this?
A. The student or counselor
should contact LOSFA in early May to advise us of the incorrect code or
year of graduation that was entered and to advise us of the correct high
school code or year of graduation so that we may request certification of
the TOPS requirements from the correct high school for the correct year.
Q. Can a SAT score be used in
place of an ACT score, and if so, what is the minimum qualifying score?
A. Yes. The minimum score to
qualify for the TOPS Opportunity Award is 940.
Q. What are the SAT test deadlines?
A. The SAT test deadlines are
the same as the test deadlines for the ACT.
Q. How do students substitute
a SAT score?
A. In order to substitute a
SAT score, the student must take the test no later than the ACT test deadline
(April in the year of high school graduation or before July 1 30 with a
one semester penalty) and must direct the College Board to electronically
report the score to LOSFA within 45 days of the date the test is taken.
SAT scores received in any other manner shall not be considered. We will
use a conversion table to determine the ACT equivalent of SAT scores.
When registering for the SAT,
students should indicate the Louisiana Tuition Opportunity Program for Students
as a recipient of the score by entering code "9019" as one of the institutions
to receive a score report.
Q. If a student has an ACT score
that will qualify him for a TOPS Opportunity or Performance Award and takes
the June ACT or the May or June SAT, can he increase the level of the TOPS
award?
A. No. Only a student who has
not qualified for any TOPS Award (other than the TOPS-Tech Award) can qualify
for the first time for a TOPS Award based on a score achieved after the
national ACT test date in April and before July 1. A student who has already
qualified for a TOPS Opportunity or Performance Award cannot increase the
level of the award based on a score achieved after the national April ACT
test date.
Q. If a student has qualified
for a TOPS-Tech Award takes the June ACT or SAT, can he or she increase
the level of the TOPS award?
A. Yes. A student who earlier
qualified for a TOPS-Tech Award may increase the level of the award based
on the ACT or SAT score achieved. Because the test is taken after the April
national ACT test date, there will be a one semester penalty.
APPLICATION FOR TOPS
Q. What is the application for
TOPS?
A. The application for TOPS
is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (the "FAFSA").
Q. Is there a certain year FAFSA
that a student must file? If so, how do students know that they are completing
the correct year FAFSA?
A. Yes. All first time applicants
for TOPS must apply for federal aid by completing the FAFSA for the college
academic year following the year the student graduated from high school.
For example, if the student
will graduate from high school at any time during the 2001-2002 school year
(September 2001 through August 2002), the student must submit the 2002-2003
version of the FAFSA. The application is available on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov
and can be submitted electronically or the paper application can be completed
to be mailed after January 1, 2002.
Q. Is the FAFSA form the only
form a student needs to fill out to sign up for TOPS?
A. Yes. The rest of the information
is supplied by the student's high school and by ACT or SAT.
Q. A student's parents have told
her that they cannot complete their taxes by the state deadline for TOPS
of July 1. What should she do?
A. There is a question on the
FAFSA that permits the student to report whether her parents have filed
or will file a federal tax return. If the student's parents indicate that
they will file a return, they should complete the income questions based
on their best estimate using W-2 forms, year-end accounting reports, or
other income reports.
Q. What is the "abbreviated" FAFSA
for TOPS?
A. An abbreviated FAFSA is
a FAFSA filed in the paper format with the parents' financial information
left blank. DO NOT USE ZEROS TO COMPLETE THE FINANCIAL QUESTIONS.
Q. Who is eligible to file an
abbreviated FAFSA?
A. Students who can demonstrate
that they do not qualify for federal grant aid because of their family's
financial condition. Parents and student should be aware that students who
file an abbreviated FAFSA will be the first students eliminated from the
TOPS program in the event the legislature does not appropriate sufficient
funds to pay the awards to all eligible students and will not be considered
for any federal financial aid program including student loans and the college
work study program.
Q. Can a 2002 graduate qualify
for TOPS by submitting an application after the deadline?
A. No. A FAFSA filed after
October 29, 2002 will not be considered for TOPS eligibility.
The final deadline for submitting
a FAFSA without a penalty for academic year 2002-2003 is July 1, 2002. The
TOPS statute provides an extended filing period of up to 120 days after
July 1. Students who file after July 1, but before October 29th, 2002, will
be considered for TOPS, but will be penalized one or two semesters of eligibility
depending on whether the FAFSA is up to or more than 60 days late.
Note: A FAFSA filed after the
TOPS deadline(s) will be processed by the federal processor throughout the
academic year to determine whether the student is eligible for federal student
aid.
Q. Must a student reapply for
TOPS after each semester or once a year?
A. Once per year. A student
must file a FAFSA or a renewal FAFSA to be received by the final deadline
of each year (July 1 or the next business day, if July 1 falls on a weekend),
unless the student can demonstrate that he does not qualify for federal
grant aid because of his family's financial condition. Students who can
demonstrate that they do not qualify for federal grant aid because of their
family's financial condition are not required to submit a renewal FAFSA,
however, in the event of a budgetary shortfall, students who do not file
a FAFSA or who do not complete all sections of the FAFSA will be the first
denied a TOPS award. There is no grace period after the July 1 deadline
for filing a renewal FASFA.
Note: A correction can be
made to a FAFSA at anytime. Corrections do not change the initial filing
date.
Q. How is LOSFA able to determine
which high school a student attended if the FAFSA does not have a section
for this information to be conveyed?
A. The student's high school
is determined using the high school code reported by the student on his
or her ACT or SAT test registration form. If the student graduates from
a high school different from that listed on the ACT or SAT test registration
form, the student's high school academic record cannot be certified, in
which case the student will be sent a letter requesting the correct high
school.
Q. If a student submitted her
Free Application for Federal Student Aid, sent the information by UPS overnight
delivery and has the receipt that it was delivered by July 1, but her federal
application receipt date is July 3, what should she do?
A. The student should copy
the receipt and submit it to LOSFA along with a written explanation of the
above circumstances. We encourage students to obtain and retain proof of
mailing if the electronic application is not used.
AWARD AMOUNTS
Q. How much does TOPS pay to pursue
an academic degree?
A. For enrollment in a Louisiana
public postsecondary institution, TOPS pays an amount equal to the tuition
and mandatory fees in effect on January 1, 1998, plus any additional tuition
and fees after that date authorized by the legislature to be paid by TOPS.
The Technology Fee authorized by Act 1450 of the 1997 legislative session
is not paid by TOPS. The Academic Excellence Fee at Louisiana State University
at Baton Rouge is not paid by TOPS.
For enrollment in a regionally
accredited independent college or university in Louisiana that is a member
of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the
amount paid is calculated by dividing the total dollar value of awards made
under TOPS in the prior academic year to students attending public colleges
and universities that offer academic degrees (excluding award stipends)
by the total number of students that received the awards.
For students who have not yet
been awarded a baccalaureate degree, but who have enrolled in a public professional
school, the amount is equal to the tuition charged for a student while pursuing
a baccalaureate degree at the highest cost public school.
For students who have not
yet been awarded a baccalaureate degree, but who have enrolled in a private
professional school, the amount is calculated by dividing the total dollar
value of awards made under TOPS in the prior academic year to students attending
public colleges and universities (excluding award stipends) by the total
number of students that received the awards (weighted average).
Q. What is the value of a TOPS
award?
A. It depends on the college
attended and the award made to the student. The total value of a TOPS Honors
Award for attendance at LSU in Baton Rouge for four years, based on the
tuition for the 2001-2002 academic year, would be $15,032.00.
Q. Will TOPS pay for summer school?
A. TOPS will pay for college summer school
only under the following circumstances:
-
the summer session is required
in the student's degree program for graduation and the student enrolled
for at least the minimum number of hours required for the degree program,
or
-
the student can complete
his or her program's graduation requirements in the summer session, or
-
the course(s) taken during
the summer session is required for graduation in the program in which the
student is enrolled and is only offered during the summer session.
Note: An award made for summer
school expends one semester of eligibility.
Q. How many semesters can a TOPS
award be used?
A. Students may receive TOPS
Awards for no more than eight (8) semesters or twelve (12) quarters. Students
who are prior Louisiana Honors or Tuition Assistance Program recipients
may receive up to ten (10) semesters or fifteen (15) quarters. In exceptional
circumstances, such as permanent disability, TOPS students may be granted
authority to attend part time, but the total award may not exceed the equivalent
of eight (8) semesters or twelve (12) quarters.
Q. Will TOPS pay for graduate
school?
A. No. The TOPS award is paid
for undergraduate school and, if the student has not been awarded a baccalaureate
degree, for professional school (dental, pharmacy, veterinary, etc.) up
to a total of eight (8) semesters or twelve (12) quarters or award of a
baccalaureate degree, whichever occurs first.
Q. How does the college get the
money for a TOPS award?
A. TOPS awards are paid by
LOSFA directly to the institutions upon verification of the student's enrollment.
Q. When are TOPS funds disbursed
to the institutions?
A. Institutions are not allowed
to invoice for tuition until after the 14th class day (semester schools)
or the 9th class day (term or quarter schools). Payment is made after receipt
and processing of the invoice.
Q. How does the university get
the TOPS money to the student (both tuition and stipend)?
A. This varies from institution
to institution. Students should contact the bursar or the financial aid
officer at his or her school. Normally, the award is applied to charges
owed the institution and the balance, if any, will be remitted to the student.
Q. Can TOPS be used in conjunction
with other types of scholarships?
A. Yes. A student can be awarded
scholarships, other financial aid, and TOPS up to the cost of attendance
for the college or university attended. Cost of attendance is determined
by each college and university based on federal guidelines and can include
tuition and fees, on-campus room and board (or a housing and food allowance
for off-campus students) and allowances for books, supplies, transportation,
child care, costs related to a disability, and miscellaneous expenses. After
amounts owed to the college or university are deducted, the remainder is
refunded to the student.
If the total of the scholarships,
loans, and TOPS Award exceed the cost of attendance, loans will be reduced
first followed by the TOPS Award, by that amount over the cost of attendance.
Q. Can a student with TOPS Opportunity,
Performance or Honors Award use his award to enroll in an occupational,
skill or technical (nonacademic) program.
A. Yes. See the Section entitled
TOPS-Tech Award for additional information.
AWARD LETTERS
Q. Is there a schedule set up
for the mailout of award letters?
A. No. Award letters are sent
out as soon as a student is determined eligible. A computer program to determine
the eligibility of applicants is run once weekly and produces award letters,
which are mailed immediately. In 2001, the first run was made on June 1,
2001. A student cannot be determined eligible until LOSFA has the ACT score,
the FAFSA information, and the high school's certification of the applicant's
academic record. If any one of the three is delayed or incorrect (social
security number problems, late FAFSA, residency problems, etc.), the student's
eligibility will not be determined until the corrected information is received.
High school certifications that are not submitted via the Internet must
be manually entered and, therefore, slow down the initial determination
of eligibility.
Q. What does the word "tentative"
mean on the award letter? Does that mean the student is guaranteed TOPS?
A. The award letter acknowledges
that a student has met the initial eligibility requirements to qualify for
a TOPS Award. However, the award is "tentative" because, in order to receive
the TOPS award, the student must still enroll for the first time as a full
time student in an eligible institution no later than the fall semester
immediately following the first anniversary of the student's graduation
from high school in order to receive the TOPS award.
CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT
Q. When a person is not a U.S.
citizen, are they eligible for TOPS?
A. No. Generally, a student
must be a citizen of the United States to qualify for a TOPS award.
Q. Are there any exceptions or
circumstances that would allow a waiver of the citizenship requirement?
A. Yes, there is one exception.
The TOPS statute provides: "if within sixty days after the date the student
attains the age of majority (18), the student applies to become a citizen
of the United States and obtains such citizenship within one year after
the date of application," the student will be treated as an eligible citizen
for TOPS. Because of the Immigration and Naturalization Service requirements,
most students will not qualify for this exception.
The TOPS statute does not provide
any circumstances that would allow a waiver of the citizenship requirement.
Q. A student is an eligible non-citizen,
but was older than 19 years plus 60 days when he graduated from high school.
Can he be considered for TOPS?
A. No. The statute requires
the student to be a U.S. citizen when he or she graduates from high school.
The exception to the citizenship requirement would not apply to this student.
Q. If a student has applied for
and been granted permanent residence status, but will not be eligible for
citizenship until he is 20 years old, can he be eligible for TOPS if he
will graduate when he is 20 and after citizenship has been granted?
A. Yes. The citizenship requirement
is based on the student's citizenship status at graduation. However, if
the student is 20 years old and graduates before becoming a U.S. citizen,
he would be ineligible for TOPS.
COLLEGE GRADE POINT AVERAGE
Q. How is a college cumulative
GPA calculated?
A. Only grades and hours earned
which are on the official report received from the school attended will
be considered. All college courses attempted for which a grade is awarded
must be included in the grade point calculation, including college courses
taken by a high school student during an early admission program and prior
to enrolling for the first time as a full time student in an eligible college
or university. In addition, the college cumulative grade point average calculation
must include all courses attempted for which a grade is awarded at all colleges
and universities attended, regardless of whether the courses are accepted
by the subsequent school for credit or for graduation. The cumulative grade
point average reported by the school will be used to determine continued
eligibility for a particular award. Students should be aware that individual
school policies may affect the reporting of grade point average and hours
earned for the academic year and, accordingly, should become familiar with
these policies.
Q. How is my college grade point
average calculated if I transfer from one college to a college that does
not accept all my courses.
A. The TOPS statute requires
the calculation to include all courses attempted. This means that the cumulative
GPA for TOPS purposes must include every course for which a grade was given
at every college and university attended. Courses that do not transfer because
the student failed the course or because the courses are not needed for
graduation in the new college must be included in the calculation of the
TOPS cumulative GPA.
CORE CURRICULUM
Q. If a high school does not offer
a core course, can it be waived?
A. Yes. If a principal can
certify a course required by the core curriculum is not available to a student,
the course may be waived. Starting with the 2003-2004 high school academic
year, students are required to complete all core curriculum requirements.
If the school does not offer a course, other arrangements must be made if
the student desires to be eligible for a TOPS Award.
Q. Is a student who graduates
from out-of-state high school required by TOPS to meet the TOPS core curriculum
requirements to be eligible for a TOPS Award?
A. Students who graduate from
out-of-state high schools are NOT required to meet the core curriculum requirements
for TOPS to qualify for a TOPS Award. However, the student must have an
ACT (SAT) score of 20 for TOPS Tech and at least a 23 for Opportunity, 26
for Performance and 30 for Honors.
Q. A student did not take French
I, but took French II and French III. Can these two classes be used to meet
the Foreign Language requirement?
A. Yes. TOPS legislation only
requires two (2) units in the same language.
Q. Can a student be eligible for
TOPS if she graduated early and could only take Business English instead
of English IV?
A. No. The student would not
be eligible for TOPS Opportunity, Performance, or Honors because the TOPS
statute requires English IV. However, the student may be eligible for the
TOPS Tech Award.
Q. Some of the TOPS core curriculum
courses permit the substitution of an elective from among the other subjects
listed in the core curriculum. Which courses does this include for 2002
graduates?
A. Except as indicated, one
unit of any of the following courses that have not been used to satisfy
other core requirements may be substituted for Fine Arts Survey or one half
unit for Computer Science, Computer Literacy or Business Computer Applications.
For TOPS Opportunity, Performance,
or Honors: Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus or comparable Advanced Mathematics,
Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Biology II, Chemistry
II, Physics, Physics II, Physics for Technology, World History, Western
Civilization, World Geography, Fine Arts Survey, Foreign Language, General
Science, Integrated Science, Algebra I, Parts 1 and 2, Applied Mathematics
I and II, Integrated Mathematics I, II and III, Pre-Calculus, Algebra III,
Probability and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Applied Mathematics III,
Chemistry Com, Speech Debate (2 units), European History, Computer Science,
Computer Literacy and Business Computer Applications.
For TOPS Tech: Business English,
English IV, Geometry, Applied Algebra 1A and 1B (2 units), Applied Mathematics
III, Algebra II, Financial Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics I, Advanced
Mathematics II, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics (2 units),
Integrated Mathematics I, II, and III (three units), Applied Geometry Trigonometry,
Calculus or comparable Advanced Mathematics, Chemistry or Applied Chemistry,
Applied Physics, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science,
Integrated Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, Physics
for Technology, World History, Western Civilization, World Geography, Fine
Arts Survey, Foreign Language, Technical Writing, Speech I, Speech II, General
Science, Algebra I, Parts 1 and 2, Applied Mathematics I and II, Pre-Calculus,
Algebra III, Discrete Mathematics, Applied Mathematics III, Chemistry Com,
Speech Debate (2 units), Computer Science, Computer Literacy, Business Applications,
European History, and any approved vocational course in the areas of Agriscience,
Business Education, Family and Consumer Science, Health Occupations, Marketing
Education, Technology Education, or Trade and Industrial Education.
Q. If a student has passed a proficiency
test for a foreign language, can the unit be used for completion of the
core curriculum foreign language requirement?
A. Yes. If the high school
includes the foreign language unit obtained through proficiency testing
on the official transcript, it may be used for the core curriculum.
Q. Can an extra foreign language
be used to substitute for either the required unit of Fine Arts Survey or
one half unit of Computer Science?
A. Yes. An extra foreign language
(third in the same language or in a second foreign language) may substitute
for either the required unit of Fine Arts Survey or the one half unit of
Computer Science.
Q. A student earned a half unit
of Fine Arts Survey and a half unit of Environmental Science that is not
needed to meet his other core curriculum requirements. Can he use the half
credit of Environmental Science to complete his Fine Arts Survey requirement?
A. No. The student must earn
a whole unit of Environmental Science to substitute for the Fine Arts Survey
requirement.
Q. A student in my high school
has taken college courses for credit. May these be considered as part of
the core curriculum for TOPS purposes?
A. Yes. College level courses
taken in the classroom or by correspondence may be used to qualify for TOPS
provided that they are determined by the high school to be equivalent courses
and are added to the student's high school records.
College level courses taken
in an early admissions program must be reported on the forms required by
the Louisiana Department of Education. See the section on "Early College
Admission Programs" for additional information.
Q. We have a student who grew
up in China and speaks fluent Chinese, but is just now learning English.
Can the English courses count as the foreign language, and if not, can the
fact that he speaks Chinese count?
A. No. English is not considered
a foreign language. The English courses are part of the core curriculum.
The foreign language courses must be taken and passed during high school.
By itself, the fact that he speaks Chinese does not count toward the core
foreign language requirement, however, if the student passes a proficiency
test in Chinese and it is reflected on the official transcript, it may be
used to satisfy the foreign language requirement.
Q. Who should be contacted to
get approval for courses taught at a high school that may be equivalent
to courses in the TOPS core?
A. The school's local governing
school board (or equivalent authority for private schools) must submit a
request to LOSFA. The request should include the course syllabus and sufficient
information to support the request. BESE and the Board of Regents will determine
if the course is equivalent. If BESE and the Board of Regents concur that
the course is equivalent to a course in the core curriculum, a proposed
rule will be submitted to the Commission for initiation of rulemaking to
authorize the course as an equivalent.
CUMULATIVE HIGH SCHOOL GRADE
POINT AVERAGE
Q. How is the high school cumulative
GPA calculated?
A. The final cumulative high
school grade point average calculated on a 4.00 scale for all courses attempted,
including each course that is repeated. For those high schools that utilize
other than a 4.00 scale, all grade values must be converted to a 4.00 scale
utilizing the following formula:
|
Grade Points
Awarded for the Course
|
=
|
X (Converted
Grade Points)
|
|
Maximum Grade
Points Possible for the Course
|
|
4.00 (Maximum
Scale)
|
For schools awarding a maximum
of 5 points for honor's courses, the formula would be used to convert the
honors course grade of "C" (which assumes that a "C" would be equal to 3.00
points in the 5.00 grading system) as shown in the following example.
By cross multiplying, 5X
= 12; X = 2.40
Q. Why doesn't a student's TOPS
high school GPA agree with the GPA shown on their official transcript?
A. The TOPS cumulative grade
point average must be calculated using all courses attempted, including
courses that are repeated. Some high schools do not include failed courses
that are repeated for a passing grade on the official transcript. This results
in a grade point average that is higher than the grade point average computed
for TOPS.
In addition, some high schools
use a grade point scale higher than a 4.0 for honors and advanced placement
courses. This can result in grade point averages higher than a 4.0. For
purposes of determining TOPS eligibility, all grades are converted to a
4.0 grade point scale.
Q. If a student failed a class,
took the class over, then made an A, and our parish policy states that the
F is not transferred to the transcript, how does the counselor calculate
the GPA for the student for TOPS?
A. TOPS rules require the
final cumulative high school grade point average for all courses attempted.
A previous question and answer in this series as well as the TOPS rules
§1703.B.3 and TOPS Bulletin T2000-18, both available on our web site, provide
complete information about calculating the grade point average.
Q. If a student makes a higher
ACT score than 20, do they still need a cumulative 2.50 GPA to be eligible
for TOPS?
A. Yes. The TOPS statute requires
a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 2.50. This minimum
cannot be waived.
Q. If a student makes a 3.00 in
college, can they move up to a higher award level?
A. No. Students are awarded
TOPS based on their academic performance in high school. Students must meet
the TOPS requirements at the time of graduation from high school and once
awarded, must meet certain academic standards in college to continue their
award.
Q. If a student did not have a
2.50 GPA when they graduated high school, can they get a higher GPA in college
and receive TOPS then?
A. No. Students are awarded
TOPS based on their academic performance in high school. Students must meet
the TOPS requirements at the time of graduation from high school.
Q. Is there an exception for GPA
if a student is on a 504 plan or has an IEP on file?
A. No. The statute requires
a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50. This requirement cannot
be waived.
DISABLED STUDENTS
Q. Does a student with a disability
have to take all of the core curriculum units? If not, what documentation
must they provide?
A. Core curriculum requirements
may be waived for a student who has one or more learning, visual, hearing,
or physical disabilities. In order to obtain a waiver, the high school must
certify to LOSFA that it has on file in the school records the following
documents:
1. a written diagnosis from
a person licensed or certified to diagnose the disability of the student that
specifies the need for special accommodation by the student's high school,
and
2. a written statement from the principal of the high school that a plan of
accommodation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ("504 Plan")
has been established, and the high school was unable to provide the special
accommodation, or, if the special accommodation was provided by the high school,
the failure to complete the specified core curriculum course was due solely
to the student's diagnosed disability.
Q. If the recommended accommodation
is for the student not to take the course, and the 504 Plan reflects the
school's acceptance of the accommodation, is it acceptable for the principal
to certify that the sole reason that the student did not complete the course
was due solely to the student's disability?
A. Yes. If a student does not
take a course under this circumstance, this is acceptable. If the student
ignores the recommendation and attempts the course and then drops the course
due to the disability, the result would be the same.
Q. Is the high school required
to include a course in a student's cumulative grade point average if a student
is diagnosed with a disability, the high school provides special accommodations,
and the student earns a "D" or "C" in the course?
A. Yes. All courses attempted
must be included in the cumulative grade point average. Courses that are
passed cannot be waived based on disability.
Q. We have a deaf student who
is taking signing courses. Can these courses be counted as core curriculum
foreign language courses?
A. No. Signing is not considered
a foreign language.
EARLY COLLEGE ADMISSION
PROGRAMS
Q. When does a student who enters
college in an early admissions program become eligible for TOPS?
A. Students who enter college
under an early admissions program are not eligible for TOPS until the first
semester following the date the student graduates from high school. A student
in an early admissions program will remain eligible for a TOPS award until
the semester or term, excluding summer semesters or sessions, immediately
following the first anniversary of the date that the student graduates from
high school.
Q. Are there any special TOPS
requirements for students in early admissions programs?
A. The student must enter the
program prior to high school graduation and meet the following requirements:
1. The college early admissions
program must meet the requirements of the Louisiana Department of Education
as set forth in the latest edition of Bulletin 741.
2. The student must satisfy
all core curriculum requirements not completed in high school by making passing
scores on equivalent college courses.
3. The college courses taken to satisfy core curriculum requirements and the
grades reported on those courses are reflected in the student's official high
school records.
4. The student must complete the core curriculum requirements no later than
the conclusion of the first two semesters or three quarters of college attendance
following entrance into the college early admissions program.
5. The high school must award the student a high school diploma and certify
the student's grade point average and core curriculum in the same manner as
that of other high school graduates.
Q. If a student graduates from
high school in less than four years, when will he be eligible for TOPS?
A. Students who graduate early
in mid-year are eligible for a TOPS Award in the spring semester following
graduation. Students who graduate early in the spring are eligible for a
TOPS Award in the fall semester following graduation. Students who graduate
early must comply with the FAFSA and ACT deadlines applicable to the class
that graduates in the spring of that high school academic year. Students
that graduated early in December 2001 or graduate early in May 2002 must
meet the same deadlines as students who graduate on time in May 2002.
ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS
Q. Can a student use TOPS for
any postsecondary school?
A. No. TOPS can only be used
at an "eligible institution" (Louisiana public postsecondary schools and
regionally accredited independent colleges or universities in the state
that are members of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and
Universities).
Q. If a student wants to pursue
a program of study that is not offered in Louisiana, can they use TOPS in
another state?
A. No. TOPS is not portable
to other states.
FIRST TIME FULL TIME REQUIREMENT
Q. Is there a deadline for a student
to enroll in college?
A. A student must enroll for
the first-time as a full-time student in an eligible postsecondary institution
no later than the first college semester following the first anniversary
of the date the student graduated from high school. A student who graduates
in May 2002 would have until the fall semester of 2003 to enroll as a first-time
full-time student.
Once a student enrolls as
a full time student, he must enroll full time in each semester (fall and
spring) thereafter.
Q. A high school student is in
a serious auto wreck after graduating from high school and is unable to
enroll as a full time student by the deadline due to his injuries. Is there
anyway this student can retain his TOPS Award?
A. Yes. There are certain circumstances
for which an exception may be granted for failure to initially enroll full
time within the allotted time period (the first semester following the first
anniversary of the date of high school graduation). These include such temporary
disabilities as those caused by a car wreck. A form to request an exception
with instructions describing the various reasons for an exception and the
documentation required can be found on the LOSFA website (www.osfa.state.la.us)
or obtained directly from LOSFA.
Q. Is there an exception to the
initial enrollment deadline for high school graduates who enter on active
duty after graduation and before enrolling for the first time as a full
time student?
A. Yes. The TOPS statute allows
a high school graduate who enters the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty no
later than one year after graduation to delay enrolling in college for the
first time as a full time student to the semester (not including summer
sessions) five years after the date of high school graduation.
Q. If a student goes to college
out-of-state the first year as a full-time student, can he come back to
Louisiana and use TOPS the second year?
A. No. Students must accept
the scholarship as a first-time, full-time freshman (FTFT) at an eligible
institution. Out-of-state colleges are ineligible. High school graduates
who chose to enroll for the first time in an out-of-state college as a full
time student, and then return to Louisiana, will not be considered FTFT
students and will be ineligible for TOPS. The exception for this circumstance
expired with the high school graduates of 2001.
Q. Does a student lose eligibility
for a TOPS Award by attending college during high school or during summer
sessions before enrolling as a full time college student?
A. No. A high school student
is allowed to enroll in college while still attending high school and between
graduation and first time full time enrollment.
Q. If a student attends college
during high school or during summer sessions before enrolling as a full
time college student, will his grades or hours disqualify him from a TOPS
award?
A. No. A high school student
who earns college hours under these circumstances and who otherwise qualifies
for a TOPS Award will receive the award for the first semester of full time
enrollment. However, the student's grades will be checked after the first
semester of full time enrollment to see if the student has maintained Steady
Academic Progress (at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA). If Steady Academic Progress
has not been maintained, the award will be suspended. At the end of the
academic year (after the spring semester) and assuming the student has earned
24 hours or more, grades will be checked to see if he has maintained at
least a 2.30 for the Opportunity Award and a 3.00 for the Performance and
Honors Award. A student who does not achieve the required GPA is suspended
from TOPS. If the student regains the required cumulative GPA within two
years of the date of suspension, the TOPS Award will be reinstated. Otherwise,
it is cancelled.
GED
Q. If a student obtains a General
Education Diploma (GED), can he be considered for TOPS?
A. No. There are currently
no provisions in law to permit students who earn a GED to qualify for TOPS.
GRADUATION RECOGNITION
Q. What terminology should a counselor
use to recognize a potential TOPS recipient at graduation?
A. It is inappropriate for
the high school to state that a student has been awarded TOPS. While the
high school certifies the completion of the core curriculum, the high school
cumulative grade point average and graduation, other criteria for qualification
apply which are compiled by LOSFA. Qualification is also based on official
ACT scores, timely receipt of a FAFSA and the information in the FAFSA relating
to citizenship, residency and criminal record.
If the high school elects to
notify students of their certification based upon data available to the
school, the TOPS rules require that the high school make the following disclaimer:
"Although you have been certified
as academically eligible for a Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS)
Award by this high school, you must satisfy all of the following conditions
to redeem a scholarship under this program:
1. You must be a Louisiana resident as defined by the Louisiana Student Financial
Assistance Commission; and
2. You must be accepted for enrollment by an eligible Louisiana college and
be registered as a full-time undergraduate student; and
3. You must annually apply for federal student aid by the deadline required
for consideration for state aid; and
4. You must have met all academic and nonacademic requirements and be officially
notified of your award by the Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission
(LASFAC)."
Q. A student was given a certificate
at graduation that said they had TOPS. Now, their college has no record
of that award. What's going on?
A. While some high schools
honor their graduates by announcing anticipated TOPS scholarships,
the only official notification of a TOPS scholarship is the award certification
letter from Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission (LASFAC).
HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATION
Q. Is there a schedule set up
for the mail out of high school certifications?
A. Bulletins are distributed
to each high school announcing tentative schedules for making certifications.
High schools with access to
LOSFA's web site may certify students on a continuous basis. As student
FAFSA and ACT (SAT) information becomes available to LOSFA, students are
posted to the web on-line response system weekly.
High schools that use traditional
paper certification forms must complete, certify, and return the certification
forms as they are produced. LOSFA has been producing at least 3 to 4 certification
forms during the year. Because students may submit an initial FAFSA up to
120 days beyond the July 1 deadline (with penalties), additional certification
forms will be produced to certify the students who apply during the penalty
period.
Schools are encouraged to use
the expedient and much more efficient web certification process.
Q. When a counselor attempts to
certify a student online, he is unable to get into that area of the Web
site. The error message says, "the school code is not recognized or has
changed." The counselor is using the same ACT high school code they have
always used. What is the reason for the problem?
A. The number the system is
looking for is actually a PIN number that is assigned to each high school
EACH YEAR. A new PIN is assigned each year. This is done for security reasons.
The school must submit a request each year for online certification and
return the certification verification form before the PIN number is activated.
Q. How can a counselor remove
a student's name from their certification list if that student did not graduate
from their high school?
A. The TOPS website for online
certification has added an indicator to allow counselors to identify those
students on the school's list who did not graduate from that school. When
this indicator is selected, the student will be contacted for a high school
code correction. Schools certifying on paper should indicate those students
who did not graduate from that high school on the certification form.
HOME-STUDY PROGRAMS
Q. Can a home-study student receive
TOPS, and, if so, are there any special requirements?
A. Yes. The Louisiana Department
of Education must report to LOSFA the names of students who are enrolled
in and have completed all mandatory requirements through the twelfth grade
level of a home study program approved by the State Board of Elementary
and Secondary Education.
If the student ever enrolled
in a Louisiana public high school or nonpublic high school or an approved
non-Louisiana high school which was or has been approved by the State Board
of Elementary and Secondary Education, the student must have begun his or
her studies in the approved home study program no later than the conclusion
of the tenth grade year and the previously attended high school must provide
LOSFA with certification that the student was in good standing at the time
the student last attended that school.
In addition, the student must
have an ACT (SAT) score of 20 for TOPS Tech and at least a 23 for Opportunity,
26 for Performance, and 30 for Honors.
Q. Is a home study student eligible
for TOPS in an early admissions program?
A. No. Only students enrolled
in public or BESE approved private high schools are eligible for early college
admission programs. For additional information, see the section above entitled
"Early College Admission Programs."
HONORS COURSES - PERFORMANCE
AWARD
Q. Is there any recognition for
a student who takes "honors" courses?
A. Yes. A student who takes
and passes honors courses may be eligible for a TOPS Performance Award based
on "alternate requirements."
Q. What are the alternate requirements?
A. The "alternate requirements"
are: 1. Successfully complete at least ten honors courses; 2. The honors
courses must be graded on a 5.0 scale; 3. Have a cumulative high school
grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale (the grades for honors
courses must be converted to the 4.00 scale); 4. Achieve a score of at least
24 on the ACT (SAT); and 5. Meet the citizenship, residency, core curriculum,
and other requirements for a TOPS Award.
Q. What is an "honors" course?
A. Any rigorous course so
designated by the respective school district. Courses designated as enriched,
enhanced, advanced placement, and as part of International Baccalaureate,
diploma program may be designated as honors courses. The school must maintain
a listing of courses that have been so designated and make it available
to LOSFA on request.
Q. What if the honors courses
are graded on some scale other than a 5.00 scale?
A. The student would not be
eligible for the Performance Award using this alternate criterion.
NATIONAL GUARD
Q. Can a student receive a TOPS
award if the student joins the National Guard?
A. Yes. A student who joins
the National Guard and is awarded TOPS is exempt from tuition that would
be covered by TOPS. In addition, the student will receive an additional
$300 per year for the actual cost of books and other instructional materials.
Students with Performance and Honors Awards will receive their stipends.
OUT-OF-COUNTRY HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATES AND HOME STUDY PROGRAMS
Q. Can a student who graduates
from a high school or completes a home study program outside of the United
States and its territories qualify for a TOPS Award.
A. Yes. These students may
qualify for either a TOPS-Tech or TOPS Opportunity Award. They must meet
the alternate eligibility requirements to qualify.
Q. What are the alternate requirements
for a student who graduates from an out-of-country high school or completes
a home study program out-of country?
A. The "alternate requirements"
are as follows:
1. Must graduate from an out-of-country
high school which has been approved by an accrediting organization recognized
by the U.S. Department of Education and meets the standards adopted by the
Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for nonpublic high schools in
Louisiana; or
2. Must be certified to have successfully
completed the twelfth grade level of a home study program, which has been
approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education; and
3. Must have a composite score on the ACT
(SAT) of 20 for TOPS Tech and at least a 23 for Opportunity; and
4. Must enroll in a Louisiana public postsecondary
institution as a first-time freshman not later than the semester, excluding
summer semesters or sessions, immediately following the first anniversary
of the date that the student graduated from high school; or
5. If the student joins the United States
Armed Forces within one year after graduating from high school, must enroll
in a Louisiana public postsecondary institution as a first-time freshman
not later than the semester, excluding summer semesters or sessions, immediately
following the fifth anniversary of the date that the student graduated from
high school; and
6. Must meet U.S. citizenship requirements;
and
7. Must meet Louisiana residency requirements;
and
8. Must not have any criminal convictions,
except for misdemeanor traffic violations
9. If the student has been in the U.S. Armed
Forces and has been separated from such service, has received an honorable
or general discharge.
Q. What does the student have to do to prove
Louisiana residency?
A. See the discussion in the Section entitled
"Residency Requirement." LOSFA has a special out-of-country affidavit that
must be completed, sworn and signed before a notary, and submitted to LOSFA
before Louisiana residency can be confirmed. The student should contact LOSFA
for this affidavit.
Q. I graduated from a high school outside the
United States and it territories. My parents are missionaries and are not
paid enough to require that they file an income tax return. They do not have
Louisiana driver's licenses or own a car registered in Louisiana and are not
registered to vote in Louisiana. Can I qualify for a TOPS Award?
A. Possibly.
The TOPS statute provides an alternate residency
test that may be used instead of the standard test:
When the student graduates from an out-of-country
high school, the parent must complete an affidavit and submit documentary
support declaring:
1. I actually resided in Louisiana at least
24 months before I started living outside the United States and its territories
and have not resided in any other state since leaving Louisiana.
2. I was assigned duties outside the United
States and its territories by a Louisiana employer or Louisiana sponsor
and continued to be employed by the employer or perform duties for the sponsor
through the date of the student's graduation from high school.
3. I have remained a resident of Louisiana
through the date of the student's graduation from high school.
When the student completes the home study
program outside the United States and its territories, the parent must complete
an affidavit and submit documentary support declaring:
1. I actually resided in Louisiana at least
24 months before I started living outside the United States and its territories
and have not resided in any other state since leaving Louisiana.
2. I was assigned duties outside the United
States and its territories by a Louisiana employer or Louisiana sponsor
and continued to be employed by the employer or perform duties for the sponsor
through the date of the student's completion the home study program (by
rule: May 31).
3. I have remained a resident of Louisiana
through the date of the student's completion the home study program (by
rule: May 31).
OUT-OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATES
Q. Can a student who graduates
from a high school outside of Louisiana qualify for a TOPS Award?
A. Yes. These students must
meet the alternate eligibility requirements to qualify.
Q. What is the purpose of the
alternate eligibility requirements?
A. These requirements permit
students who qualify as Louisiana residents and who graduated from out-of-state
high schools to qualify for a TOPS Award. Since course names and grading
scales for these students may not be consistent with Louisiana's standards,
a higher standardized test score was selected as the criteria for qualification.
Q. What are the alternate requirements
for a student who graduates from an out-of-state high school?
A. These "alternate requirements"
for graduates of out-of-state high schools are as follows:
1. Must graduate from an out-of-state high
school which has been approved by the appropriate state educational agency
in the state in which the school is located which is the equivalent of Louisiana=s
Board of Elementary and Secondary Education; or
2. Must graduate from an out-of-state high
school which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools'
Commission on Secondary and Middle Schools and meets the standards adopted
by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for approval
of nonpublic schools in Louisiana; or
3. Must graduate from a high school which
has been approved by the United States Department of Defense; and
4. Must have a composite score on the ACT
(SAT) of 20 for TOPS Tech and at least a 23 for Opportunity, 26 for Performance,
and 30 for Honors; and
5. Must enroll in a Louisiana public postsecondary
institution as a first-time freshman not later than the semester, excluding
summer semesters or sessions, immediately following the first anniversary
of the date that the student graduated from high school; or
6. If the student joins the United States
Armed Forces within one year after graduating from high school, must enroll
in a Louisiana public postsecondary institution as a first-time freshman
not later than the semester, excluding summer semesters or sessions, immediately
following the fifth anniversary of the date that the student graduated from
high school; and
7. Must meet U.S. citizenship requirements;
and
8. Must meet Louisiana residency requirements;
and
9. Must not have any criminal convictions,
except for misdemeanor traffic violations; and
10. If the student has been in the U.S.
Armed Forces and has been separated from such service, has received a honorable
or general discharge.
PERMANENT DISABILITY
Q. What if a student qualifies
for a TOPS Award, but cannot attend college on a full time basis because
of a permanent disability?
A. The student may be eligible
for an exception to the full time enrollment requirement. The student applies
to LOSFA for an exception based on permanent disability. The application
must include a written document from a qualified professional that states:
1. the diagnosis of disability
and prognosis,
2. the disability is permanent, and
3. an opinion why the disability restricts the student from attending classes
full time.
If approved, the student will be paid TOPS
and stipends, if applicable, up to the equivalent of eight full time semesters
of postsecondary education for part time attendance.
REMEDIAL COLLEGE COURSES
Q. Are remedial courses part of
the 24 credit hours required annually in college?
A. Remedial courses may be
counted toward the 24 hour requirement if the college attended includes
the hours on the transcript.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
Q. What is the residency requirement?
A. A dependent student must
have a parent or court appointed custodian ("legal guardian") who was a
legal resident of Louisiana for at least 24 months prior to the month of
the student's high school graduation date. Independent students must have
been a legal resident of Louisiana for at least 24 months prior to the month
of their high school graduation date.
Q. What is a legal resident?
A. A "legal resident" is a
person who resides (actually lives) in Louisiana and, if registered to vote,
has registered to vote in Louisiana as evidenced by a voter's registration
card; and, if licensed to drive a motor vehicle, has a Louisiana driver's
license; and, if owning a motor vehicle located in Louisiana, has registered
that vehicle in Louisiana; and, if earning a reportable income, has filed
a Louisiana tax return.
Q. What is a "legal guardian"?
A. A "legal guardian" is an
adult appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction to have custody and
care of a minor, and who demonstrates the requirement to provide the primary
support for such minor. Documents such as powers of attorney and Provisional
Custody by Mandate are not acceptable since they are not issued by a court.
The legal guardianship must be in effect before the student graduates from
high school to be considered.
Q. How does a student know whether
they are a dependent or independent student?
A. All students are classified
as dependent unless LOSFA determines the student is "independent." The determination
may be based on information provided by the student on the application or
in documents provided to LOSFA. LOSFA will automatically classify a student
as independent if the student is determined to be an "independent student"
by a financial aid officer at a postsecondary institution.
Q. What are the requirements to
be an "independent student?
A. In order to be an independent
student, the student:
1. must have reached 24 years
of age prior to January of the year preceding the academic year for which
the student is applying for aid; or
2. be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, including a student who was activated
to serve in Operation Desert Storm; or
3. be an orphan or a ward of the court or was a ward of the court until age
18; or
4. have legal dependents other than a spouse; or
5. be a graduate or professional student; or
6. be married; or
7. be determined an independent student by a financial aid officer exercising
professional judgment in accordance with applicable provisions of the Higher
Education Act of 1965, as amended.
Q. What are the requirements to
be classified as an "orphan"?
A. An orphan is a person who
does not live with either parent because:
1. both parents are dead; or
2. both parents have abandoned him; or
3. a court proceeding has severed the parental rights of both the parents;
or
4. one parent is dead and the other parent abandoned him; or
5. one parent is dead and a court proceeding has severed the parental rights
of the other parent; or
6. one parent abandoned him and a court proceeding has severed the parental
rights of the other parent.
Q. How do you calculate the 24
month period for residency.
A. The TOPS statute requires
residency for a period of 24 months preceding the student's graduation.
Months are calendar months and are counted backward starting with the month
preceding the month of high school graduation.
For example, a student graduating
in May 2002 would start counting with April 2002 and count backward 24 months.
This student would have to demonstrate legal residency from May 2000 through
April 2002.
Q. A student has been informed
by letter or observed on the LOSFA web site that he has been determined
ineligible for TOPS due to residency. He has lived in Louisiana all his
life. Why has this happened and what must be done to correct the mistake?
A. Dependent students establish
residency through at least one parent or a "legal guardian" who has been
a legal resident of Louisiana for the 24 consecutive months preceding the
student's date of high school graduation. If a student does not have a parent
or a "legal guardian" who meets the residency requirement, the student may
be eligible for a TOPS Award as an independent student based on his or her
own residency in Louisiana.
LOSFA receives residency information
from the FAFSA. If incorrect residency data is entered on the FAFSA, the
student and/or parent must either submit a corrected FAFSA or complete an
affidavit of residency and provide appropriate supporting documents. LOSFA
recommends filing a corrected FAFSA. A "legal guardian" is not considered
to be a parent for the purpose of completing the FAFSA, so a "legal guardian"
must complete an affidavit of residency (available on the web at www.osfa.state.la.us).
Q. If a 2002 graduate has lived
in Louisiana for most or all of their lives, why does the Web site show
their date of residency as 01/01/1997?
A. The 2002-2003 FAFSA asks
if the parent has been a legal resident since January 1, 1997 (five years).
If the answer is "yes" to the residency question, the computer automatically
enters 01/01/97 as the date of residency. The date is simply a default date.
There is no need to correct this because TOPS only requires 24 consecutive
months of residency preceding the student's date of high school graduation.
If the computer picks up a
"no" to the residency question, then it picks up the answer for the actual
date of residency.
Q. If a grandparent is rearing
a grandchild whose parent's have completely abandoned her, yet the grandparent
has never become the child's "legal guardian", how will that affect
her residency? What can be done to remedy this problem?
A. A dependent student must
have one parent or a "legal guardian" who has been a resident of Louisiana
for the 24 months preceding the student's graduation from high school. If
the grandparent is not a "legal guardian," and there is no parent who meets
the Louisiana residency requirements, the student is ineligible for a TOPS
Award, unless the student can establish that he or she is an "independent
student." See the question in this section concerning "independent students."
The student should contact the financial aid officer at the postsecondary
institution he or she intends to enroll for assistance with unusual family
circumstances.
Q. Is there any way that a student
who has graduated from a high school in Louisiana can qualify as a resident,
if he or she does not have a parent or "legal guardian" who has
been a legal resident of Louisiana for the required 24 months?
A. An independent student
can use his or her own residency to qualify for TOPS. A person who qualifies
as an independent student person must be able to demonstrate "legal residency."
(See also the answer to the second question in this section.)
Q. Can a student qualify for TOPS
if one or both their parents are in the military and stationed outside of
Louisiana? What documentation is needed for that?
A. Yes. If the member of the
Armed Forces is on active duty and the official military personnel or pay
records (DD Form 2058) show that the member claims Louisiana as his legal
residence, the student will be eligible if the military parent has filed
a Louisiana tax return for the most recent two years. A completed residency
affidavit and a copy of the DD Form 2058 and a copy of both tax returns
must be submitted.
Q. Can a student qualify for
TOPS if their parents were transferred by the military into Louisiana? What
documentation is needed for that?
A. Yes. If a parent was classified
as a Louisiana resident when transferred to Louisiana, the student can meet
the residency requirements (See the previous question and answer.) If the
military parent was not a Louisiana resident, the student can meet the residency
requirements if the military parent who is transferred to Louisiana under
permanent change of station orders changes his or her DD Form 2058 to establish
Louisiana as his legal residence not later than sixty days after reporting
to such station, and thereafter complies with all Louisiana income tax laws
and regulations while stationed in Louisiana.
The student must submit to
LOSFA a completed residency affidavit and a copy of a DD Form 2058 validated
by the member's military personnel officer and showing Louisiana as the
member's state of legal residence at the time the service member's dependent
applies for TOPS. The DD Form 2058 must reflect that it was filed within
sixty days after the member reported to duty at a duty station in Louisiana.
Q. If the non-Louisiana resident
military parent did not change his DD Form 2058 within 60 days of reporting
to the Louisiana duty station, is there any way for the student to become
eligible for a TOPS Award?
A. Yes. There are two options:
1. After the 60 day period, the military
member may still become a Louisiana resident by changing the DD Form 2058
to declare Louisiana as his or her legal residence and paying Louisiana
income taxes, however, the military member must reside in Louisiana for
24 months preceding the month the student graduates from high school.
2. The non-military parent (the spouse of
the military member) may establish Louisiana as his or her legal residence
and reside in Louisiana for 24 months preceding the month the student graduates
from high school. See the answer to the second question in this section
for establishing legal residency in Louisiana.
Q. If a student's parents are
residents of Louisiana, but he left that information blank or inserted the
wrong state on the federal application, what can he do to correct that information?
A. The student may either use
their Student Aid Report (SAR) to correct the residency information or have
his parents complete a TOPS residency affidavit and provide the supporting
documentation.
Q. A student states that her parents
are residents of Louisiana, but do not file tax returns, are not registered
to vote, and do not drive. Can she be considered for TOPS?
A. Yes. If the student submits
a FAFSA certifying that her parents are and have been residents of Louisiana
for at least 24 months preceding the student's high school graduation, an
affidavit will not be required.
Otherwise, submit an affidavit
of residency with documents that support one or both parent(s) residency
in Louisiana for the required 24 months. The documents must show that a
parent actually resided in Louisiana for the 24 month period. The documents
can include, but are not limited to, utility bills, rent payments, rental
agreements, receipts or credit card invoices showing purchases in Louisiana,
pay stubs, and sworn statements from others attesting to the residency.
This is a illustrative list. Many other documents may suffice. Each student
in this situation is reviewed individually based on the information submitted.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
Q. If a student discovers that
he or she used an incorrect social security number on the ACT or SAT test,
what can be done to correct this?
A. The student should mail
to LOSFA a copy of his or her social security card, along with either a
copy of his ACT or SAT test report, or the incorrect social security number
used on the ACT/SAT registration. After we have corrected the file, the
certification form can be generated for the high school to provide the student's
academic information.
Q. If a student discovers that
he or she used an incorrect social security number on the FAFSA, what can
be done to correct this?
A. LOSFA recommends filing
a corrected FAFSA. This is the preferred method of correction because it
will ensure that the student will be considered for federal aid. In the
alternative, the student may mail a copy of his or her social security card
to LOSFA, along with either a copy of his or her ACT or SAT test report,
or the incorrect social security number used on the FAFSA. After we have
corrected the file, the certification form can be generated for the high
school to provide the student's academic information.
TOPS-TECH AWARD
Q. How is the TOPS Tech Award
different from the TOPS Award?
A. Most of the requirements
are the same as or similar to the TOPS Award. The differences are noted
in the answers to the questions. In addition, there are some specific issues
this section addresses.
Q. Where can a student use a TOPS
Tech Award?
A. The TOPS Tech Award may
be used at any eligible postsecondary institution for enrollment in a program
for a vocational or technical education certificate or diploma that offers
such courses. This includes Louisiana Technical College campuses and colleges
and universities that are members of the Louisiana Association of Independent
Colleges and Universities.
Q. Can a student with a TOPS Tech
Award use the award to enroll in a nonacademic program at a nonpublic college
or university?
A. Yes, if the college or university
is a member of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
(LAICU).
Q. Can a student use a TOPS Opportunity,
Performance, or Honors award to attend a technical school?
A. Yes.
Q. How much do the TOPS Tech and
TOPS Opportunity, Performance, and Honors Awards pay toward enrollment in
a technical program at a public college or university?
A. A student with a TOPS Award
will receive an amount equal to full tuition for attendance at a campus
of the Louisiana Technical College or a Louisiana public college that offers
nonacademic courses. Students with TOPS Performance and Honors also receive
their stipend.
Q. Can students with TOPS Opportunity,
Performance, and Honors Awards use the award to enroll in a nonacademic
program at a nonpublic college or university?
A. Yes. These students could
enroll in a regionally accredited independent college or university in Louisiana
that is a member of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and
Universities, provided such schools offer a non-academic program.
Q. How much will a TOPS-Tech
Award or TOPS Opportunity, Performance, and Honors Award pay toward enrollment
in a technical program at an eligible nonpublic college or university?
A. The TOPS Award paid for
these students is the equivalent of the total dollar value of awards made
to students enrolled in nonacademic programs and attending public postsecondary
institutions in the prior Program Year (Non-Academic Program) divided by
the number of full time students receiving these awards. Students with TOPS
Performance or Honors Awards will receive their stipend prorated for the
number of semesters or terms in the year.
Q. Will a TOPS-Tech Award pay
for two technical diplomas?
A. No. Once a technical diploma,
certificate, or degree is earned, TOPS-Tech will not pay for additional
technical training.
Q. Will a TOPS Opportunity, Performance,
and Honors Award pay for two technical diplomas (four years)?
A. No. Once a technical diploma,
certificate, or degree is earned, the TOPS Opportunity, Performance, and
Honors Award will not pay for additional technical training.
Q. Will a TOPS Opportunity, Performance,
and Honors Award pay for a technical diploma (two years) and then two years
of a four-year academic program?
A.
Yes. A student with a TOPS Opportunity,
Performance or Honors Award who enrolls
in an academic program in the semester
or term, excluding summer sessions, that
starts immediately after the end of the
technical term, may be eligible for continued
TOPS payments if the student has met continuing
eligibility requirements and has not exhausted
his or her TOPS eligibility.
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