I really want to get into one of these schools, so can you guys chance me and give me tips on what to do? I’m currently a high school senior.
UW GPA: 3.69
Weighted GPA: 4.13
UF GPA: 4.53 (this is only my core classes like English, Math, Science, Spanish & Social Studies); the reason why it’s higher than my weighted is because I got a C in 2 of my AP weighted electives, but it might be wrong.
I have been taking all honors classes (excluding electives) in my freshman and sophomore year, and I’ve been doing dual enrollment in my junior year. I plan to graduate with more than 60 college credits, and I will graduate with my AA (associates of arts) degree before I graduate from high school. AP classes really aren’t my thing, but if it will help then I’ll take one this year!
SAT: 1430 (superscored)
ACT: didn’t get my results yet since I took it recently.
EC:
-Member of NHS and officer for NSHS (national science honor society, and I’m running for president this year)
-I’m in a volunteering club at my school called Titan Up
-Key Club
-Active member in church youth group and volunteered multiple times
-Been on a mission trip last summer
I have over 300 community service hours, since I’ve been volunteering at a local hospital for the past year.
I really hope colleges like that I’ve progressively gotten better with my grades and my academic rigor. UF is my dream school and I know it’s a reach, so do you guys have any tips? I really want to make connections there so I’ve visited the campus multiple times, but what can I do so that my application stands out? I really want to talk to someone in the application department but I feel like that’s a bit too much.
If it helps my chances I’m also a first gen student, and I’m going to try to get into the CARE program at FSU if I don’t get into UF. UCF is my safety school since I have guaranteed access there if I get my AA.
Can someone chance me lol
UF (and FSU) will use your “academic” classes when calculating GPA. In other words, if UF is willing to give you college credit for an AP classes, it’s likely going to be included in your GPA. Maybe not Music and Studio Art, but you could ask admissions about those classes. However, if you took an AP history, or economics class, it would count in your GPA.
https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/advising/info/AP-examination-credit-info.aspx
If you’re talking all DE classes, I don’t think you need to take any AP classes (for admissions).
If you do earn your AA, then you will not only be applying to the University, but also to your major. This may or may not impact your chances, but sometimes acceptances for high school students with AA degrees are delayed by a week or so after the normal freshman acceptances go out (the 2nd Friday in February).
Did you take an “official” (registered) tour of UF? If not, that could help your chances a bit, as UF does take the level of applicant’s interest into account (it’s a minor plus).
Make sure you spell out all of your volunteer activities, UF really likes to see those types of EC’s.
Do a good job on your essay, it really does mater at UF.
UF could be a match, based on how your GPA works out, FSU is a match.
Good Luck!
Thanks! I have a question though; the 2 classes I got a C in weren’t necessarily “AP” classes. It was TV Production, but for some reason my school weighs the class the same as an AP. Is that going to be included in my UF/ FSU GPA?
And I’m also trying to major in Biology and I want to be a pre-med student. My college GPA is currently a 4.0 but I’m not sure if it’ll stay that way after this year, so do you think that’ll lower my chances of getting in?
No, they do not consider your senior year grades for GPA/admissions. They only consider your senior year grades if you do poorly, in which case they could rescind your offer of admission. No one gets an offer rescinded for a few B’s or a C.
Okay, thanks! I’m also doing UF dual enrollment this year, so do you also think that’ll help? Can you also tell me what I should’ve done before senior year that would’ve help my admission? Sorry for all of the questions but you seem very knowledgeable and I really appreciate you for your advice. @Gator88NE
I think you’re doing fine. 
Keep up on your ECs, spend plenty of time on the essay, make sure when you list out your ECs, that you list how many hours a week (a day, a month, etc.) you put in, they want to know how you spent your time.
And DO NOT MISS THE November 1’st deadline! Try to get your app submitted at least a few days before the deadline.
Don’t forget to apply to at least one safety school, such as UCF, USF, UNF, etc. It’s also nice have at least one acceptance in your pocket as you wait on UF’s (and FSU’s) results.
Good Luck!
@Gator88NE thanks!! One last question, is there any way I can apply earlier than everyone else? I feel like my application is going to be weak compared to everyone else so I want to turn it in as soon as I can.
And what I mean by that is like should I turn my application in this week or is that too early? I really don’t want my application to look rushed but the early bird does catch the worm! :-c @Gator88NE
It makes no difference when you turn in your app, as long as it’s by Nov 1.
Now, apply early does allow you to put in your housing deposit, early, and the date of your housing deposit ($25) determines the order you select your room.
I wouldn’t rush your app, but doing it a bit early will help a “bit” with housing.
@jerryman09 take your time with the essay if you think it is going to be weak. Have a few people look at it.
Be patient, sending your application this month is not a good deal since UF has a holistic admission, you have plenty of time to build a strong application, mastering the art of essays, detailing your ECs, that’s really matter for UF.
A week before November 1rst is ok.
Once you are admitted to UF you will be notified by email that your are eligible for “Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship” for First Generation you will need to send additional information to have the chance to get the full ride.
Also once admitted you may apply for Honors Program, at that point a new essay will be required and that will make the difference since most of admitted students have great academic records.
As you see, essays are a very important part of applications and programs.
I hope this helps.
Good luck.
Thanks! I’m going to have my old professor from my freshman comp class I took last year revise my essay. I need it to be perfect. Also, can you chance me?
Your UF GPA is good and you have strong SAT score and ECs, I think you are on track, make sure to detail every EC hour and volunteer work.
Work on your essay and Fafsa on time.
Good luck as a future gator.