Here's my application to the University of Florida...

<p>My GPA is a 3.6 weighted, but my core classes have all been Honors, as well as three core AP classes and one AP elective.</p>

<p>I got a 1350 on the old SAT, but UF is only considering the new one, which I got a 2040 on. But supposedly they're not even going to look at the Writing score this year, so that leaves me at a 1340.</p>

<p>I'm a Florida resident, I've got 150+ service hours, and I'm a possible National Merit scholar candidate (215 selection index). I won't be surprised if I don't get it, but I'm hoping to at least be a finalist. As for family history, everyone in my family with the exception of my mom's side went to UF. That includes my dad, sister, brother-in-law, two uncles, an aunt, my grandfather, and my great uncle is the former Dean of Agriculture at the university. But I can't get a recommendation letter from him or anything like that; he's been dead for fifteen years now.</p>

<p>My extracurriculars is where I'm lacking a bit. I really haven't done much outside of school; I've played city league basketball, I'll probably play high school football next year, and my only real leadership role came as a group leader for our school's sophomore retreat (I'm a junior). I'm considering taking a three-week course this summer at UCF on something about computers, but mainly just to boost this area of my application.</p>

<p>By the way, I'm applying early decision. And not that this matters, but my backups are Clemson, Tulane, and UCF.</p>

<p>so, since your family is UF almuni, it gives you a good advantage
2040 is very good for UF,but 3.6 is kind of low for weighted GPA. but I still think you can get in if you do a decent job on the essays and emphasize the family history with UF, you know, "everyone in my family with the exception of my mom's side went to UF. That includes my dad, sister, brother-in-law, two uncles, an aunt, my grandfather, and my great uncle is the former Dean of Agriculture at the university."</p>

<p>Of course you will get in.</p>

<p>if you get NMSF, you're in without a doubt. even if you don't, i say you have a very good chance.</p>

<p>Well, I'm just a little wary about my GPA that's a bit lower than average for them, and the fact that I don't have too many extracurriculars. I may play football next year, but it's no guarantee.</p>

<p>Do you think I should take the three-week course at UCF just to have it to put on my application?</p>

<p>I dont think so. Your SATs are pretty high, you are in-state, and they dont really care about ECs.</p>

<p>a three-week course at UCF wouldn't hurt...I don't think you need it, but take it if you can.</p>

<p>Anybody else?</p>

<p>I should probably mention, though, that I'm not in any honor societies, nor have I ever been. I think I may have a chance at Spanish Honor Society at the end of this year, but I'm not counting on it. That doesn't mean it's a slim chance, I'm just not saying that I definitely will be in.</p>

<p>Just bumping the topic.</p>

<p>If you're so worried I'll tell you this: being a nmsf basically guarantees admission. You're on the borderline for FL's cutoff, but, if you do make it, keep in mind that an admissions officer told me that 99% of all florida NMSFs that apply get accepted.</p>

<p>Well in my sophomore year, I scored lower on my PSAT, and it said something like "you do not qualify for National Merit Scholar," but it obviously didn't say that this year. Does that mean that I'm already a finalist, or not?</p>

<p>you can't qualify for the NMS in your sophomore year, anyways...as for your other question, I have no idea.</p>

<p>I think you are in. But your GPA is a little low. Also, make sure you're taking a few more APs in your senior year.....5+ (total) is typical for the average admit.</p>

<p>I'll have four total...I took A.P. Biology this year, and next year I'm taking A.P. Spanish, A.P. Government, and A.P. Calculus AB.</p>

<p>Any other insights?</p>

<p>If you'll only have 4 APs by the end of senior year....you now have two strikes. Your GPA is low, and you have fewer than average number of APs. Still, I think you're most likely in. Suggestion, though,....can you add an AP science class for next year...like physics or chem?</p>

<p>Well, AP Physics isn't offered, just Honors, and I've heard that AP Chemistry is near impossible. And it would eliminate any possible electives. Plus, that's only the <i>average</i> number of APs -- meaning that there are plenty of kids with less than five APs.</p>

<p>True...4 APs is acceptable, for sure. But half of enrolling students will have had more. </p>

<p>Also...I'm guessing from your GPA that you are not in the top 10% of your class. So, I am just saying an extra AP class wouldn't hurt....even if you don't end up taking the exam. UF considers GPA and difficulty of schedule above all else, your potential NMF status notwidthstanding.</p>

<p>Bumping the topic.</p>