<p>Hello, so I was wondering if someone could give me a rough idea on what my chances are of getting into UF. I'm a sophomore in high school currently (class of 2017) so you may think I am "too young to worry about college". However, I am so motivated and driven to making a good future for myself I would like to start college searching now. University of Florida appeals to me in so many different ways. Okay so some stats - if you will - about me are:
-I have a high 3.7 GPA
-I'm a two sport athlete: dance and track
-I'm from Wisconsin, so I'm out of state
-I want to become a registered nurse
-I am involved in different community service opportunities
-I am an IB student
-I am in key club
Thanks for your help and also, if you think I could be doing anything right now to stand out more to UF, please let me know because it's my dream to call myself a Florida Gator.</p>
<p>*I just noticed in my title, “into” should be one word not two separate words…sorry!</p>
<p>Actually, scratch what I wrote about my GPA. I’m not 100% sure as to what my GPA is. Sorry.</p>
<p>Hi!</p>
<p>Being a sophomore is a good time to start thinking about colleges and to begin your research! </p>
<p>A couple of on-line tools and resources that you may find of use. First, colleges all put out something called the “Common Data Set”. Below is a link to UF’s. Check out the section C (FIRST-TIME, FIRST-YEAR (FRESHMAN) ADMISSION), as it gives you several useful stats, such as the average GPA, Test scores, number of students that applied, number that where accepted, etc. You can also use the CDS to compare different universities. </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.ir.ufl.edu/data_OLD_CDS/cds2013-2014.pdf”>http://www.ir.ufl.edu/data_OLD_CDS/cds2013-2014.pdf</a></p>
<p>Another tool is College Navigator. You can use it to search for different colleges that meet your criteria, and review stats such as admissions, majors, and financial data (cost, average financial aid, etc.). </p>
<p><a href=“College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics”>http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/</a></p>
<p>College Navigator’s UF info:</p>
<p><a href=“College Navigator - University of Florida”>College Navigator - University of Florida;
<p>Now, on to UF. UF uses holistic admissions, they look at more than just your GPA and test scores. About 50% of admissions is based on GPA (the most important), Class Rigor, and test scores (least important). In your case, keep your GPA high, and stay in the IB program, as UF “likes” IB students and this helps your “class rigor”. Of course, next summer you may want to study for the ACT/SAT, and get a good score you junior year. If not, you’ll have time to re-take both test before UF’s deadline for test scores (December your senior year).</p>
<p>Middle 50% of the 2013 Freshman Class</p>
<p>High School GPA of 4.1 - 4.4
SAT of 1780-2020
ACT of 26 - 31</p>
<p>UF weights it’s GPA, by giving an extra 0.5 point to honor/gifted/pre-IB classes, and an extra point for IB, AP, and DE (duel enrollment) classes. So a B in honors chemistry is worth 3.5 points and a “A” in an IB class would be worth 5.0 points. Take as many honor/pre-IB/IB/AP/DE classes as you can handle (class rigor), but don’t over do it!</p>
<p>The other 50% of admissions is focused on ECs, Leadership, and the essay (the essay does matter at UF). Keep doing what you’re doing! UF would love to see that you stuck with a sport for 3 or 4 years, stayed involved with the same club for a few years, etc. Don’t try to join a bunch of clubs your senior year. They would rather see that you’re dedicated to a few clubs/sports/volunteer work, than “padding” your resume. So, stay involved! </p>
<p>Finally, don’t worry about being out-of-state for admissions. It can work for or against you, but it’s not something you can control. Admission requirements are the same, it’s simply a question of how many slots will go to OOS students that year. You do need to worry about OOS tuition. At UF, that’s likely around $29K by the time you enroll. UF is NOT good with OOS merit award, though they do offer some. They are very good with need based financial aid for in-state students, but not so much with OOS. So have a plan for dealing with cost. You may apply, but after finding out your financial aid, determine UF is not an option (or you may find the FA is more than enough, and you’re on your way to being a GATOR!). A lot of competitive scholarships are available, so this is something you may want to research.</p>
<p>Good Luck! </p>