<p>I've been browsing College Confidential for quite some time now, but I have yet to see a Chance Me from an international student wanting to go to UF, so I'll give it a shot! </p>
<p>I'm currently an international student from Brazil (soon-to-be permanent resident. I'm going to the US on a K-2 visa, which is lucky for me as I won't need to apply for a student visa!).
I've been working on my UF application (mainly the essay portion of it) extensively for the past 7 months, so it truly is my college of choice. Now, about stats:</p>
<p>TOEFL: 120 (Native language is English, so this wasn't too hard. I know, Brazilian dude, native English speaker.. Long story.)
SAT: 2190 (MATH: 730 ; CR: 710 ; WRI: 750)
GPA: 3.4 (The whole weighted/unweighted system doesn't exist here.. As a matter of fact, AP classes don't exist here either. I sincerely hope they'll take that, and the fact that my native language wasn't Portuguese throughout highschool, into consideration when they see my.. erm.. lackluster GPA..)</p>
<p>As for extracurriculars, I've done my fair share of community work in some hospitals in my city, and I've worked at over 5 English schools here and participated in a number of voluntary events where I'd give language classes to under-privileged people. I also studied Medicine in Russia for one year (Crazy times..) and know the language well. Does surviving 2 Russian winters count as EC? Hah! I woked voluntarily at a few hospitals there (Well, if you consider being a nurse's slave a job.)</p>
<p>I know that UF has a hollistic approach to admissions which is why I'm decently hopeful that I stand a chance. Not to toot my own horn, but I'm not bad off as a foreign student. Alas.. What do you all think? Any suggestions/critiques would be much appreciated.Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I’ll use this bump in order to add some additional information.
Though class ranks don’t formally exist here, I’m sure my school can arrange it if asked for. My strange situation in a nutshell:
Born in Brazil, went to US when 1 year old, grew up there, due to legal reasons had to return to Brazil at the age of 16, did highschool in Brazil and year undergrad year in Russia, back in Brazil due to health problems (from Russia), and now applying to many Florida universities (as that’ll be my state of residence once I’m there.)</p>
<p>If I need to clarify anything else, feel free to ask below! I look back at this post every few minutes or so, so I’ll make haste when replying.</p>
<p>Generally a person is considered a Florida resident for the purpose of paying taxes, voting or other legal purposes after residing in the state for a designated length of time (12 months). The claimant (the student or dependent student’s parent/legal guardian who is claiming residency) to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.</p>
<p>Did you do a year undergrad in Russia? If so, you may have to apply as a transfer student. Check with the office of admissions:</p>
<p>Office of Admissions - 352-392-1365 ofc </p>
<p>This could be a problem, since UF no longer accepts Freshman-Sophomore transfers.</p>
<p>Putting that all aside for now, you have a solid chance at UF. They do treat “internationals” a bit different. You’re GPA is a bit low, but your EC’s, background, and test scores should help. UF will need to determine if you took the most rigorous classes available at your school. Something from your high school may be useful, check with admissions.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>PS: Don’t forget that the state of Florida offers a Latin American-Caribbean (LAC) Scholarship.</p>
<p>I can’t thank you enough Gator! Honestly, I’ve never even bothered to look at the scholarships because I felt as though as I wouldn’t be qualified, and little do I know, there’sa scholarship that fits my category perfectly. Hah, figures…
Just for the sake of clarification. My mother is getting married to an American (resident of Florida) and as soon as we arrive there (which should be in January), we’ll apply for a permanent resident status. However, I’ll initally have to apply as an international student (since the deadline is November). I’d just have to change my residency from foreign to domestic before the start of the term.</p>
<p>But again, much obliged. I’ll definitely look into that scholarship and polish up my application in the mean time.</p>