Student & Parent Resources

Important Documents

Understanding Stipends

Upward Bound students earn a stipend for their participation in the program. All stipends are issued twice per school year at the end of each semester and are issued in the form of a check made out to the participant. Students must be considered currently enrolled at the time stipends are issued in order to receive their stipend check.

Earning Stipends

SAT/ACT Information

The Senior year at Upward Bound is a very important year for students preparing for college. College applications, college visits, FAFSA workshops, Bridge, and Senior Recognition are among the opportunities that prepare students for college. SAT and ACT waivers are given if seniors need to take these tests. If juniors make below a combined score of 900 on their verbal and math SATs, it is suggested they take the SAT in their senior year of high school. Fee waivers are available through the Upward Bound office. Upward Bound recommends taking the SAT early in your senior year, if needed, you can retake the test in the spring.

SAT Test Dates:

August 24, 2024
October 5, 2024
November 2, 2024
December 7, 2024

Fee waivers are also available for students wishing to take the ACT.

ACT Test Dates:

October 26, 2024
December 14, 2024
February 8, 2025

General Tips

Request college applications as early as possible
Attend College Night Programs
Take the SAT/ACT early in senior year
Narrow down choices of colleges (three to five schools)
Pay attention to deadlines and fees
Complete FAFSA as early as possible (January)
Don't slack off in your senior year. (College admission officers look at grades from your senior year in detail)

Financial Aid

Financial aid assists students in meeting college costs. Don't assume you are not eligible for financial aid. The College Scholarship Service in Princeton determines the amount of money students receive. Financial aid is available through:

Grants: Funds that do not have to be to be repaid. Grants are usually based on need. Students must complete the FAFSA for consideration.

Scholarships: Students are rewarded for academic excellence, leadership, and community service. Do not have to be repaid.

Work Study: The financial aid office places students in jobs on campus. Does not have to be repaid.

Loans: Borrowed money available through the government and local agencies. This type of financial aid must be repaid.