Louisiana HS Seniors and Juniors Can Take the ACT for Free!
Louisiana Juniors and Seniors haven't had your typical high school experience. As our pandemic stretches into its 12th month (and shows no sign of ending anytime soon), the realization that one quarter to one half of these student's entire time in school will be under some kind of COVID-19 restrictions or distance learning. When you add in the incredible winter storm we just endured - it's easy to see how this has been a stressful experience for everyone involved.
Now, add preparing for what is possibly the most important test of your life on top of all of this stress and you'll begin to understand what these kids are going through. Luckily, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) is relieving some of that worry. No, they're not going to grant an automatic 36 on every ACT test taken by Juniors and Seniors. They will help you take it for free though.
According to BRProud, Louisiana high school students can receive a waiver that would cover their registration and testing fees! Juniors and Seniors who wish to take advantage of this program can pick up applications at their counselors office, but they must meet a few qualifications. According to ACT.org, students must meet one or more of these conditions:
- Enrolled in a federal free or reduced-price lunch program at school, based on US Department of Agriculture (USDA) income levels.
- Enrolled in a program for the economically disadvantaged (for example, a federally funded program such as GEAR UP or Upward Bound). Note: If the student participates in a program, but is not economically disadvantaged, they are not eligible for a fee waiver.
- Resides in a foster home, is a ward of the state, or is homeless.
- Family receives low-income public assistance or lives in federally subsidized public housing.
- Family’s total annual income is at or below USDA levels for free or reduced-price lunches on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.