Alaska Performance Scholarship Funding Increase and Changes

The Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) has undergone significant updates aimed at providing more flexibility and increased financial support for students pursuing higher education in Alaska. The recent legislative changes, passed by the Alaska House and signed into law by Governor Mike Dunleavy on June 28th, are designed to make the scholarship more accessible and beneficial. Let’s delve into these changes, how they impact eligibility, and why maintaining a focus on standardized test preparation can still be beneficial.

Key Changes to the APS

Increased Scholarship Amounts

The scholarship amounts for each level have been significantly increased to provide more substantial financial support:

• Level 1: From $2,378 to $3,500 per year.
• Level 2: From $3,566 to $5,250 per year.
• Level 3: From $4,755 to $7,000 per year.

These increases aim to better cover the costs of tuition and other educational expenses, making higher education more affordable for Alaskan students.

Flexible Qualification Criteria

Previously, students needed to achieve certain scores on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT assessments to qualify. With the recent changes, students can now use a combination of GPA and standardized test scores to meet these requirements. Specifically:

• Level 1: Requires a GPA of at least 3.5 or an SAT score of 1210 or an ACT score of 25.
• Level 2: Requires a GPA of at least 3.0 or an SAT score of 1130 or an ACT score of 23.
• Level 3: Requires a GPA of at least 2.5 or an SAT score of 1060 or an ACT score of 21.

This adjustment allows students to leverage their strengths, whether they excel in coursework or standardized testing, to qualify for the APS.

Step-Up Provision

The new legislation includes a "step-up" provision, allowing students to increase their scholarship amount if their GPA improves during college. This encourages continued academic excellence and provides an incentive for students to strive for better grades throughout their higher education journey.

Early Notification

Schools are now required to inform students about the APS by mid-junior year. This earlier notification ensures that students and their families are aware of the scholarship requirements and opportunities, giving them ample time to plan and meet the criteria.

The Role of Standardized Tests

Even with the flexible qualification criteria, achieving high scores on standardized tests like the SAT can still provide significant advantages:

1. Enhanced Eligibility: Higher test scores can offset a lower GPA, making it easier to qualify for higher APS award levels.
2. College Admissions: Contrary to popular belief, nearly all colleges and universities still use SAT scores as a key component of their admissions process. A strong SAT score can improve your chances of being accepted into more competitive programs.
3. Additional Scholarships: Beyond the APS, numerous other scholarships consider SAT scores. Performing well on these tests can open up additional funding opportunities.
4. Academic Preparedness: SAT preparation helps develop critical skills in math, reading, and writing, which are essential for college success.

Frontier Tutoring’s SAT/ACT Prep Services

At Frontier Tutoring, we offer comprehensive SAT/ACT prep services to help students achieve their highest potential scores. Our services include structured SAT/ACT prep classes and one-on-one individual prep services. These programs are designed to build the necessary skills and confidence to excel on the SATs or ACTs in order to enhance your scholarship opportunities and academic readiness.

Conclusion

The recent updates to the Alaska Performance Scholarship provide more opportunities and greater financial support for students aiming to pursue higher education in Alaska. By understanding these changes and strategically preparing for standardized tests, students can maximize their eligibility for APS and other scholarships.

Investing in SAT prep is not just about meeting scholarship criteria; it’s about preparing for a successful academic journey. Frontier Tutoring is here to support you every step of the way with expert guidance and tailored preparation strategies.

For more detailed information on the Alaska Performance Scholarship, visit the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education. If you’re ready to start your SAT prep journey, explore our SAT Prep Classes and Individual SAT Tutoring services to find the right fit for your needs.

Share This Post

If you found this information helpful, please share it with friends, family, and fellow students. Together, we can help more Alaskan students achieve their educational goals and make the most of the opportunities provided by the APS.

By staying informed and prepared, you can take full advantage of the scholarships available and ensure a bright future ahead.