BigFuture (College Board)

Mission:
BigFuture, an initiative of the College Board, is dedicated to empowering all students to take the right first step after high school by providing free, comprehensive resources for college and career planning.

Services and Programs

• College Planning:
• Offers a robust college search tool with over 3,000 college profiles, including detailed information about campus life and admissions.
• Provides a Student Search Service™ that connects students with colleges, increasing their chances of receiving admission offers.

• Guides students through the application process, helps them learn about majors, and offers resources to stand out in high school.

• Financial Aid and Scholarships:

• Features a scholarship search platform that matches students with over $1.5 billion in scholarships annually, tailored to their eligibility.
• Runs the BigFuture Scholarships program, where juniors and seniors can earn entries for monthly scholarship drawings totaling nearly $3 million each year.

• Supplies financial aid guides and calculators to help families understand college costs, student loans, and the FAFSA® process.

• Career Exploration:

• Provides a Career Search tool with over 1,000 career profiles, including job requirements, projected salaries, and growth potential.

• Offers a Career Quiz, a validated interest survey that matches students' interests to potential careers, generating a personalized list of occupations.

• Recognition and Community:

• Administers the College Board National Recognition Program, which awards academic honors to high-performing 10th and 11th grade students, including School Recognition, First-Generation Recognition, and Rural and Small Town Recognition Awards.
• Recognition helps students stand out on college and scholarship applications and can increase recruitment by top colleges.

Eligibility and Access

• Services are available to all students, including those in Louisa County, VA, and surrounding regions.
• The National Recognition Program is open to 10th and 11th grade students who meet criteria such as top exam scores (top 10% on PSAT/NMSQT or AP Exams) and a cumulative GPA of B+ or higher.
• First-generation and rural/small town students may qualify for additional recognition.

Additional Features

• Resources are available in English and Spanish.
• Includes community programs such as BigFuture Live and the BigFuture Ambassador Program, as well as resources for educators and parents.

BigFuture is a free, online resource accessible to students and families nationwide, including those in Louisa County and neighboring areas, supporting college and career readiness for all backgrounds.