For Florida students graduating in 2027, the standard Bright Futures SAT score requirements are 1330 for Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) and 1190 for Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS). Those scores are one part of eligibility. GPA, coursework, approved hours, the FFAA and general requirements also apply.
Carson answers the question we hear most about this scholarship: what SAT score does a student need for Medallion versus Academic? In under two minutes he covers both tracks (1190 and 1330 for the class of 2027, 1200 and 1350 for sophomores and juniors) and two rules that catch families off guard: PSAT scores do not count, and Bright Futures superscores.
Why Your Sophomore's Bright Futures Cutoff Is 1350, Not 1330. Carson Flowers · 1:42 · October 14, 2026 · Jump to: 0:00 The question, 0:16 Carson's answer, 1:14 What to do next
This article helps the class of 2027 plan its next testing step. Graduating in 2028? Your SAT thresholds are 1350 for FAS and 1200 for FMS. Use our requirements guide by graduation year for the complete comparison. Reviewed September 11, 2026 against the August 2026 official handbook.
The class of 2027 checklist
- FAS: 1330 SAT, 3.50 Bright Futures GPA and 100 approved volunteer, paid-work or combined hours.
- FMS: 1190 SAT, 3.00 Bright Futures GPA and either 75 approved volunteer hours, 100 paid-work hours or 100 combined hours.
These are the standard SAT-pathway thresholds. The GPA is calculated using qualifying coursework and Bright Futures weights, without rounding up. A student who already has 75 qualifying volunteer hours meets the FMS volunteer route even if they also have paid-work hours.
What does your current SAT score mean?
- 1100: 90 points below the 2027 FMS threshold and 230 below FAS.
- 1190: meets the 2027 FMS score threshold; 140 points below FAS.
- 1240: 90 points below the 2027 FAS threshold.
- 1300: 30 points below the 2027 FAS threshold.
- 1330 or higher: meets the 2027 FAS score threshold; check every other requirement before assuming an award.
These gaps are arithmetic, not predictions of how much a student will improve. Use an official score or a full diagnostic to identify the skills and sections that need attention. A practice score helps planning but cannot qualify a student for funding.
Can Bright Futures use a superscore?
Yes. Bright Futures can combine the highest SAT Reading and Writing and Math section scores from timely test sittings. For example, 650 Reading and Writing from one test plus 680 Math from another gives a 1330 superscore. Send official scores according to the handbook’s instructions; a parent-created score calculation is not an official award evaluation.
The standard pathway also accepts ACT and CLT. For 2027 graduates, FAS requires ACT 29 or CLT 95; FMS requires ACT 24 or CLT 82. Compare your teen’s existing results before committing to a test-prep schedule.
Which deadlines should a 2027 graduate use?
Submit the FFAA between October 1, 2026 and August 31, 2027, even if some requirements are still in progress. For ordinary year-end graduates, accepted tests must be taken by August 31, 2027. Midyear graduates have a January 31 test deadline. Follow your school’s process for completing and documenting hours by graduation.
College admission and institutional scholarship deadlines can be much earlier. Work backward from the earliest deadline that matters to your teen, not just the last test Bright Futures will accept.
What changes financially between FMS and FAS?
At Florida public universities, FAS covers 100% of eligible tuition and applicable fees; FMS covers 75%. If eligible charges were $6,000 for a year, that would mean $6,000 versus $4,500 in this illustration. Housing, meals and other costs are separate. Actual amounts depend on the institution and enrollment.
FMS has a 100% tuition-and-applicable-fee provision for students in an associate degree program at a Florida College System institution. Eligible private institutions use fixed comparable award amounts. See our official-handbook companion for the funding and renewal sections.
Check the rest before booking another test
Ask the counselor for the Bright Futures course and GPA evaluation. The standard core is 16 credits, and up to two additional eligible credits may improve the calculation. Our GPA calculator can provide a planning estimate. Then use the eligibility calculator to check the score, GPA and hours together.
Alternative diploma or recognition pathways and nonstandard schooling situations have separate rules. The standard score checklist should not be used to rule out those options.
Build a testing plan around your teen’s gap
Bring the graduation year, latest score report and available testing dates to a free Strategy Session. We’ll help identify the target and map a prep schedule around the time available. A clear plan starts with the right graduation-year requirements.
Official sources: August 2026 Bright Futures Student Handbook, Chapter 1: Initial Eligibility and Chapter 2: Receiving Your Award. Our main requirements guide covers both verified graduating classes.
More answers from Carson
Why a 1120 Senior Is Only 70 Points From Bright Futures
2:10
How to Motivate a Senior Stuck at 1150 for Bright Futures
2:24
Quick answers
Can a PSAT score count for Bright Futures?
No. A PSAT score cannot be used to earn Bright Futures. The scholarship requires an official SAT, ACT or CLT score, so a strong PSAT is a good sign but not a qualifying score. Read what the PSAT is good for in Florida.
Is 27 a good ACT score for Bright Futures?
A 27 ACT clears the Medallion line but falls short of Academic. Medallion (75%) needs a 24 for the class of 2027, or a 25 for the class of 2028. Academic (100%) needs a 29 on both tracks.
Does Bright Futures cover 100% of tuition?
The Florida Academic Scholarship covers 100% of tuition and applicable fees, and the Medallion Scholarship covers 75%. The award is paid per credit hour at Florida public institutions, including summer. For the dollar figures, see what Bright Futures is worth.
What is the last SAT date that counts for Bright Futures?
The qualifying score must come from a test taken no later than August 31 of the student's graduation year. For mid-year graduates the deadline is January 31. A May graduate in the class of 2027 can keep testing through August 31, 2027. The full list of Florida SAT dates shows which sittings are left.
What's new on this page
October 15, 2026: Added Carson's video on the Medallion and Academic SAT cutoffs, plus four quick answers on PSAT scores, ACT cutoffs, tuition coverage and the last test date that counts.