Pam Lacombe
Director Guidance
Delhi Charter School
TOPS Scholarship
LOUISIANA OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
TOPS (800) 259-5626
ext.1012 or (255) 922-1012
To be considered for the TOPS scholarship, you must complete all courses in the TOPS core curriculum with a minimum 2.5 GPA on the core courses. In addition, students must have a minimum ACT composite score of 20. Awards include: TOPS OPPORTUNITY, PERFORMANCE, and HONORS AWARD.
In order for an ACT or SAT score to be considered, the student must enter the code 1595 on the ACT registration form or code 9019 on the SAT registration form. LIST THIS CODE FIRST WHEN YOU SELECT YOUR SCORE REPORT OPTIONS, ALONG WITH THE HAYNES CODE OF 191-793.
If you meet the requirements listed above, TOPS should be one scholarship a student can count on. Apply to TOPS through the FAFSA applications beginning January 1st of the senior year. Check on your status after June 1st by going to the LOSFA website and clicking on the STUDENT PORTAL. If you have not set up an account, do so by clicking on the blue bar at the top of the page. Follow the instructions.
Facts About TOPS
What does TOPS stand for?
Taylor Opportunity Program for Students. It is only offered in Louisiana.
Does it cover ALL of my tuition and books?
There is a tiered level depending on your GPA in your core classes and your score on your ACT. The higher the scores and the GPA, the more money you get to pay for other things, too.
Can a student use TOPS for any postsecondary school?
No. Tops can only be used at an “eligible institution” (Louisiana public post secondary schools, both two- and four- year, and regionally accredited independent colleges or universities in the state that are members of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities). However, a new provision allows for a student attending a Louisiana private university to receive a TOPS award equivalent to the average tuition of a public four-year institution.
Do I have to be full time to keep TOPS?
Yes. Dropping below 12 hours a semester or less than 24 hours in an academic year (not counting summer school) will render you ineligible to retain your TOPS Award.
What kinds of grades do I have to get to maintain TOPS?
To renew your Opportunity Award, maintain a 2.3 at the end of your first academic year and a 2.5 for subsequent years. Performance and Honors Awards recipients must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the end of each academic year.
What happens if I drop below my assigned GPA…have I lost TOPS for good?
If your GPA drops below the minimum level, you have two years to bring it back up and regain your TOPS money
What if I do well on my ACT but my core GPA in high school is below a 2.5?
You will be rendered ineligible to get TOPS
What if I get other scholarships as well? Can I still get TOPS?
A student can be awarded scholarships, other financial aid and TOPS up to the cost of attendance for the college or university attended. This can include tuition and fees, on-campus room and board (or a housing and food allowance for off-campus residents) and allowances for books, supplies, transportation child care, costs related to a disability and miscellaneous expenses
How do I apply for TOPS?
Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the academic year following the year you graduate from high school. The Application is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and must be filed between Jan. 1 and July 1 of the year you graduate to avoid a penalty.
Index to LOFSA Frequently Requested Forms
All these forms are available to download. These forms are in pdf format and you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader software to read and print these forms out on your printer. If you don't have this software loaded on your computer you can get it for free from Adobe. Follow their instructions carefully to download, install and configure your browser.
Student Loan Forms
Louisiana’s TOPS Awards Brochure:
http://www.osfa.state.la.us/MainSitePDFs/TOPS_OPH_brochure_8-11.pdf
Louisiana TOPS Requirements Handout for Graduates of 2012 and 2013:
http://www.osfa.state.la.us/MainSitePDFs/Core_Curriculum_1113.pdf
Louisiana TOPS Requirements Handout for Graduates of 2014 and Beyond:
http://www.osfa.state.la.us/MainSitePDFs/Core_Curriculum_14.pdf
Surfing the Web – Websites links on LOSFA