If so, you might be eligible for an Academic Competetiveness Grant (ACG). So what exactly is ACG? And how do you qualify? ACG is a federal grant awarded to first-year and second-year students who meet several college criteria, as well as have passed high school rigorous coursework. What the heck does "rigorous" mean? We'll get to that in a minute. First, to even be considered, you must meet the following:
- Have graduated high school after January 1, 2005 for 2nd year students (usually sophomore)
- Have graduated high school after January 1, 2006 for 1st year students (usually freshman)
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be eligible for federal Pell Grant
- Be enrolled full time in a degree program at two- or four-year degree granting institution
- 2nd year students must have at least a 3.0 grade point average out of a possible 4.0 (the 3.0 GPA is at the time the student becomes a 2nd year student. Raising a GPA to 3.0 after becoming a 2nd year student doesn't qualify)
The kicker here is being eligible for the federal Pell Grant. If you don't receive Pell, you won't receive the ACG because this grant is geared to needy students.
Now, if you meet the above criteria, your college will examine your high school transcript to determine if your high school courses meet the term "rigorous", which is passing high school courses in each of the following:
- four years of English
- three years of math, including Algebra I and higher level such as Algebra II or geometry
- three years of science, with two of those years including biology, chemistry or physics
- three years of social science
- one year of foreign language other than English
If you meet everything I've outlined, you should qualify for the ACG. The grant pays up to $750 for first-year students and up to $1300 for second-year students. Keep in mind that your school determines first-year and second-year status, usually by your all hours earned.
There is a question on the FAFSA that asks if you qualify for this grant. However, schools are now required to check eligibility for all students regardless if they answered yes to this question. Don't rely on the school to come to you. Because this program is still in its infancy, schools may not have the manpower or resources to identify their students even though they're required to. If you think you qualify for this grant, contact your school for an evaluation.