Rising Seniors C/O 2018

2-year college vs. 4-year university

The State University System of Florida

College Application Process

College Application Timeline

What is the difference?

2-Year College

Associate’s Degree Some careers only require an Associate’s

degree Examples: Pharmacy Technician, Dental

Hygienist, Paralegal, Dental Assistant, Radiology Technician

You can also earn an Associate’s Degree and transfer to a 4-year school Example: Completing first two years

(general education requirements) at Valencia and transferring to UCF to complete your last 2 years (major courses)

Most everyone accepted (typically need a high school diploma or equivalent)

4-Year University

Bachelor’s Degree (and beyond) Prepares students for a more

specialized professional career Prerequisite for many jobs and

graduate school

Each school has specific admissions requirements, including GPA, SAT/ACT scores, admissions essay, letters of recommendation

There are 12 public universities scattered across the state of Florida:

1. Florida A&M University: Tallahassee, FL2. Florida Atlantic University: Boca Raton, FL3. Florida Gulf Coast University: Ft. Meyers, FL4. Florida International University: Miami, FL5. Florida Polytechnic University: Lakeland, FL6. Florida State University: Tallahassee, FL7. New College of Florida: Sarasota, FL8. University of Central Florida: Orlando, FL9. University of Florida: Gainesville, FL10. University of North Florida: Jacksonville, FL11. University of South Florida: Tampa, FL12. University of West Florida: Pensacola, FL

Each school has its own admissions requirements (GPA, ACT/SAT test scores, etc.) Be sure to look at each school’s admissions web page to learn about the minimum

admissions requirements

Each school has its own unique programs and focus, but many offer the same popular majors

It’s important to make sure that you look at the programs offered at the school(s) you are interested in If a school doesn’t offer your program of study, it may not be the best fit for you It’s never wise to choose a school based on where your friends want to go, especially if the

school doesn’t have your major!

Take a rigorous curriculum, but be yourself with regard to extracurricular activities. Why are you doing them and how does that make you a fit at each university?

Ask: Why do I want to apply to this school and what personal qualities do I have that will add to the school?

Dual Enrollment, AP, AICE, IB are all viewed as a means to demonstrate rigor and can likely earn you college credit at the public state colleges and universities in Florida. If going out of state, AP, AICE and IB are more likely to earn you credits than DE.

Take the SAT and ACT more than once. Work hard to improve your score through preparation like Khan Academy and prep books

Apply early! Don’t procrastinate!

There will be many college visits planned throughout the year

Admissions officers will be here at Colonial to talk about the school they work for and to answer questions about the admissions process

One visit already planned is Florida State University, which will be on Monday, September 18th from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM. More information on signing up will be announced soon!

Each school has their own application process. Common ways to apply include:

Directly on the school’s website Common Application Coalition Paper Application (becoming less common)

The Common Application is a one-stop shop for students to apply to multiple universities using the same application

This saves time by making it unnecessary to enter the same information over and over again.

The number of schools using the Common Application is growing (500+)

Check your prospective university’s website to see if they are on Common App (not all schools are accepting applications through the Common App).

You can find the Common Application at http://www.commonapp.org/

Public Schools

New College of Florida

University of Central Florida

Private Schools

Barry University Eckerd College Flagler College Florida Southern College Florida Institute of Technology Rollins Saint Leo University Stetson University of Miami University of Tampa

Schools in Florida that use the Common App include:

The Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success includes select public and private universities

Schools that are part of the Coalition provide substantial support for lower-resourced and underrepresented students

Schools in Florida that are part of the Coalition include: Florida State University University of Florida University of Tampa (private university) Stetson University (private university)

There are several types of college admissions options that vary per college/university.

Schools may offer more than one option

It’s important that you do you research into which schools offer which options, and the deadlines for each admission type.

Admissions types include: Regular Admissions- most common option. All students are required to submit their

applications by a specific date, usually between Nov. and Jan. Rolling Admissions- common at large state universities. Students can apply at anytime

during the admission period. Admission is granted on a first come, first serve basis, so it’s important to apply as early as possible!

Open Admissions- common for community colleges, online schools and distance learning programs. Open admissions means that nearly all high school graduates are admitted as long as they have a diploma or GED.

Deferred Admissions- for students who have been accepted to a school but want to defer their enrollment for a year.

Early Admissions- there are several types of early admissions options.

Early Decision

• You agree to attend this school if accepted

• Cannot apply to any other college or university

• If accepted, you must withdraw applications to other schools

Early Action

• Similar to early decision in that you are applying only to your top school

• You are not bound to attend if accepted

• You can apply early action to more than one university

Early Evaluation

• You can apply early to find out your chances for acceptance

• Usually need to submit application by November

• Determination is usually sent by the school by December or January

The different types of early admission include:

Common questions from students and their families: When should I apply to college? How do I apply? How many colleges should I apply to? How can I increase my chances of getting in?

The task of applying to college can seem overwhelming, so CollegeBoard (2017) created a timeline to assist students.

Narrow down the list of colleges you want to apply for admission to between 5 and 10.

Create a list or calendar that includes the following: Tests you’ll take, including fees, dates, and registration deadlines College application deadlines Required financial aid application forms and their deadlines Other materials you’ll need (recommendation letters, transcript

requests, etc.)

If you can’t afford application or test fees, ask your counselor to help you request a fee waiver

Take the SAT at least one more time Most seniors will take their final SAT in October, as many schools have early application

deadlines (such as UF and FSU) You can continue taking the SAT through the end of your senior year to improve your

scores for Bright Futures eligibility

Be sure to have your SAT scores sent to the schools you are applying to

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). October 1st is the first day you can file the FAFSA.

Complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE Required by certain schools to determine financial aid eligibility

Prepare early decision and rolling admissions applications ASAP!

Colleges may require test scores and applications to be complete between Nov. 1 and Nov. 15 for early decision

Always check the college/university web site for application deadlines!

Ask a counselor or teacher for recommendation letters if you need them

Tip: Ask individuals who know you well and can personally speak to your accomplishments

College essays: write first drafts and ask teachers and others to read them.

Tip: English teachers can help you with grammar and structure on your essay! Your counselor and college/career advisor can help you figure out what information to include.

If you need transcripts to be sent, request them from the Guidance office. Transcript request forms are available at the front of the Guidance office.

Some schools don’t require transcripts until the end of your senior year, but require you to fill out a Self-reported Student Academic Record (SSAR) (for example, FSU).

Please see your prospective schools’ websites for specific requirements.

Keep copies of everything as you finish and send your applications and essays

Request transcripts to be sent to the colleges you applied to.

Tip: Always check your prospective college’s website for specific information on transcript requirements (i.e., method of sending, number of times they need to be sent, etc.)

Keep active in school. Tip: Now is not the time to take it easy! Keep your grades as high as possible. Colleges do

rescind admission offers if they see your grades drop. If you’re waitlisted, the college will want to know what you have accomplished between

the time you applied and now.

Visit your final college before accepting. You should receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April

Inform each college of your acceptance or rejection of the offer of admission and/or financial aid by May 1st.

Send your deposit to one college only

Take any AP Exams Show what you’ve learned in your AP classes. A successful score (3 or higher) could earn you college credits

If you were waitlisted by your first choice, contact admissions and ask how you can strengthen your application.

Work with your counselor or college advisor to resolve any admission or financial aid problems.

Ask the Guidance office to send a final transcript to your college.

Review your financial aid awards. Not all financial aid awards are the same. Choose the aid package that’s best for you and your family More information and tips on financial aid will be discussed in the financial aid session.