So you are thinking about being a Gator?
With around 31,000 students applying to University of Florida, it is on many student's college list. This blog is to help you through that process as UF's college application has unique attributes that other colleges in the state do not have.
For an overview of the entire college process here in Florida, I highly suggest you go take my online class, Florida Universities: How To Apply, as it will walk you through the entire process.
This blog utilized information from an email from Christina Scott, college admission representative for University of Florida, to school counselors throughout her area of SW Florida.
1. Visit- UF likes to see engagement from the students applying. Visiting campus and meeting with university admission representatives can help with the process. Their admission representatives travel all over the state visiting schools and college fairs. Utilizing them during this time is invaluable to the process!
2. Admissions Website- www.admissions.ufl.edu.
3. Application – UF moved to utilizing the Coalition Application last year, and are continuing to do so this year. For all your questions, use this step-by-step guide. http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/ugrad/sections.html.
Tip #1- UF is considered a "selective" university, meaning they look at the holistic picture of every student applying; 50% grades and test scores and 50% student "You" factor. They are looking for top students with passion for academics and want to be involved. Read Becoming a "T" Shaped Student to find out what they are looking for.
Tip #2- In applying to UF it is extremely important to have a well written resume before you begin the process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to craft a perfect college application resume. Use your resume to create that "T" shape to maximize chances of getting in.
4. Essay Topics – UF has been increasing the number of essays from 1 (Anyone remember the question- What is the Good Life?) to 5 this year. No topic has more weight or persuades admission one way or another, it is truly about what showcases a student's writing ability and overall thought process. http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/ugrad/personalessay.html
Tip- Being a "selective" school, the essay is a crucial part of the application. Be sure to edit for any mistakes by having an adult (such as a teacher or professor) read through it.
5. Coalition Application- The Coalition Application is an application used by over 100 colleges and universities across the nation. One area of strength is that it is setup to assist with affordability, by allowing students to answer a series of questions in their Profile called Financial Aid, that can waive the application fee or not.
Tip: Be sure to write down all passwords and user id codes so you can get in after you apply!
6. Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR)– The SSAR is used by several colleges throughout Florida (FSU, FAU, UF, Florida Polytechnic) to help colleges recalculate student's GPA's (Why Your Recalculated GPA is Good To Know). Students will enter in their high school course work from their official transcript. It can be a bit complicated, so it best to read the FAQs section prior to filling out the SSAR (especially if you have had dual enrollment courses). http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/ugrad/ssar.html;
7. Submitting and Linking your SSAR - Since multiply universities use the SSAR, students will need to link their SSAR to their UF application. You must SUBMIT and LINK. Students can make changes to their SSAR until Monday, December 4, 2017. After that the deadline, there can be no changes. However, if a student does submit their SSAR and makes changes prior to 12/04/2017, they will need to SUBMIT again.
8. Deadlines:
Now- The UF Application is already OPEN
October 1st- FAFSA opens
November 1st- Priority Deadline
December 1st- SSAR Deadline
December 15th- SAT/ACT Submission Deadline
December 15th- FAFSA Application Deadline
February 9th- Decision Day!!
9. Other Information to Know: From Big Future by College Board
30,000 applicants- 13,861 admitted
Average ACT Scores of Accepted Students: 24-29 (46%) , 30-36 (51%)
Average SAT Scores of Accepted Students: 1260-1440
$13,430 is average financial aid package
Financial Aid Distribution- 69% scholarships/ grants, 31% loans/ work study