Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions about Educational Talent Search. See the most common topics and more
A. Yes, because we are a federally funded grant program are services are free to our students. For our ETS sponsored events, you may be asked to provide a deposit (a check or money order for a specified amount) to secure your child's spot, but will then be given back your deposit if your child attends or participates in the designated event.
Q. Does being a part of the ETS program automatically qualify my child to receive an ACT fee waiver?
Show Answer Hide AnswerA. ETS does offer ACT fee waivers. However, students must meet the income guidelines set by ACT to qualify.
Q. If asked, does my child need to include on their college application that they are part of Educational Talent Search?
Show Answer Hide AnswerA. Yes, we strongly encourage our students to indicate they are part of the ETS program especially when asked on a college application. ETS is one of the college preparatory TRIO programs. Students being involved with a TRIO program such as ETS at the secondary level and indicating this on their college application may lead to additional opportunities for scholarships and other TRIO related services being available at the college level.
Q. How do your services differ than what my child's school counselor can provide?
Show Answer Hide AnswerA. The ETS staff works closely in collaboration with the school counselors at our target schools to provide services to our students focused on college and career readiness. We support the school counselors' efforts in this area and we do not replace them or their services they can provide to your child.
The ETS staff is able to offer additional one-on-one meetings and small group meetings to our students which focus on supporting their academic success, career exploration, college readiness, and financial literacy. The ETS staff also does not provide social-emotional services.
Q. Am I able to pay for my child's college application fee and/or ACT fee waiver and then be reimbursed by ETS?
Show Answer Hide AnswerA. No, ETS first needs to have an application for the designated fee wavier, and, if approved will then pay for the associated fees. Our grant requirements do not allow the program to directly pay or reimburse students and their families.
Q. If my child attends a school that is not part of your target schools, can they apply to be a part of the ETS program?
Show answer Hide AnswerA. No, a student needs to be within one of our target schools or a re-entry student. A re-entry student is someone who has not completed secondary school and would like assistance in completing their diploma.