Chances for Admission of Son at University of Florida

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Florida
1

Hi,

What are my son’s chances for admission at University of Florida?

OOS
ACT: 33
UF recalculated GPA: 3.93
Weighted GPA: 4.07; negative: only 2 AP classes: Physics and Chemistry and 2 honors classes
School does not rank
Applied for Liberal arts: considering dual major in computer and chemistry
LOR: Believe excellent, although we have not seen them
Extracurriculars:
Volunteered at senior home for 3 years
Assistant camp counselor at computer camp for past 2 summers
Started his own club (not through school, though)
Wrote specifically about courses he wanted to take at UF and clubs he wanted to join at UF in application to demonstrate interest

Thank you.

2

With UF holistic admissions, one never says never, but a 3.93 UF GPA is far below the middle 50% lane. He has an excellent ACT score, but UF weighs GPA, rigor, essay, etc. more than test scores. Do you know how he compares to other kids in his school? Did he not take more APs because they weren’t offered or because he chose not to? Rigor and GPA usually need to go hand-in-hand.

My assessment is that UF is a reach, so he should have some safeties in place. Best of luck to him. Let us know what happens.

3

I agree with @GatorDad305. A lot depends on whether the high school just does not have Honors and AP options, or weather he chose not to take those.

OOS is very hard to handicap, in any situation, however.
Another point, UF does not look at LoRs.

4

@fl1234 the term “handicap” is an interesting one. We could start a UF fantasy sports-esque admissions contest. I know @jhmoney would be in. Pick the “chance me” kids for your team and then admissions day is the draft and superbowl all in one. Too crass?

5

He was diagnosed with a arachnoid cyst on his brain in 8th grade that finally explained all of his fine motor difficulties. His fine motor skills are on the 1st percentile. The school had not given him assistive technology until 9th grade. He needed to focus on learning to use the technology to complete the assignments, rather than take AP classes. Try to imagine typing calculus equations, drawing physics drawings, balancing chemical equations or typing Japanese symbols on a computer–there is specialized software for each of those things that he had to learn. Even using them sometimes takes double time for what it takes other kids to do by hand. That was explained in his “Additional Information” section of his application. That is why it was recommended by the medical professionals that he not take as many AP classes. He had an extended hospital stay in his junior year.

6

@adownztogo wow, your Son has done an amazing job considering all of these difficulties! Good luck to him on college admissions and in his future endeavors

7

@GatorDad305 yup, too crass. :smile:

@adownztogo What a great example of overcoming adversity and perseverance. Hope he gets to go where he wants.

This is a great example of why “chancing” applicants on these boards is not realistic and why admissions is “holistic”.

8

@adownztogo I hope he gets in, to UF or wherever he wants to go. Amazing story. (Regretting my word choice earlier. Hope I didn’t offend.)

9

It’s no problem. I understand that I didn’t include that previously so there is no way anyone could have known. I think he is feeling a little discouraged right now, but he has overcome a lot, and I keep reminding him of that. No matter where he goes to college, the skills of overcoming adversity like that will serve him well in college and beyond. Just hoping he catches a break. Thanks for your good thoughts.