<p>Okay, so UF is my first choice for college. I live in PA but I was born in Florida and lived there until I was eight. A lot of my family is down there and my parents were planning to move back down after I graduated anyway.
But the out of state tuition is way too expensive and my parents really don't want me to take out any loans. I was thinking of waiting a year so I would qualify but is there any way to apply early? Because I don't want to wait a year so I could go to UF and then not get in. Also would I still be considered out of state since I lived in PA at the time I applied? Or could I change it after I lived there for 12 months? My dad went to UF as well if that matters at all.</p>
<p>Hi, UF was my first choice as well, and I live out of state. When I first got accepted I was having the same worries u are having. In order to establish residency you must have lived in florida for at least a year, I believe beginning at school semester. So for your senior year, you would’ve had to attend a school in florida. Now it’s not to late to apply for scholarships. Apply to as many as possible starting now, to help defray the cost of college. If u can qualify, apply for some state grants as well. As far as getting a loan goes, the more scholarships you receive, the lest amount of loans you’ll take out. And one thing that my dad told me was that loans are just a part of life. You’re gonna have to take out a loan to buy a house, car, and everything else. Don’t let money ruin your opportunity to attend your dream school. There’s free money out there, you just have to find it. Plus you’re only going to have to pay OOS tuition for one year, which will be less if u get scholarships and grants. I hope my wayyy to long post answered your questions.</p>
<p>Before you make any decisions, I would certainly contact the University and find out the exact policy regarding the establishment of residency status in the state of Florida. Each state has its own requirements, and they do try to make it difficult for people to establish residency for the sole purposes of gaming the system in obtaining in-state residency status for tuition. This is one of those times when doing a few minutes of research can save you an eternity of financial headache.</p>