How can I improve my chances at University of Florida?

<p>I'm an out-of-state applicant (Rhode Island),white male, and I REALLY want to get into (and go to) UF. Only problem is, I've got no connections and my grades/SAT are WAY below the average kid that gets into UF. My SAT is a 1070, and an uw GPA of 3.1. Although I know I probably won't get in, I want to do as much as humanly possible to get admitted. I've got a fried here from RI that got in with an 1100 and a 2.7 which is what made me want to apply to UF...it gave me a feeling that I MIGHT have a shot to get in. The only thing I've got going for me are (IMO) 2 killer essays, ton of extracurriculars, 4 years of work experience, a ton of volunteering, and six reccomendations. Although my GPA is fairly low at 3.1, my junior year GPA was a 91. I only have 3 HS AP classes, but I'll have a total of 32 full year courses by time i'm done with HS. (I have a FULL senior year schedule). Also, I've been taking alot of business and computer classes if that somehow helps. Just wanted to know if any of you know if there's anything I can do to increase my chances. Is it SOMEHOW possible that I get in?? Should I send in my senior year 1st quarter grades? They're all A's and B's, with an A+ in pre-calc.</p>

<p>Thanks a ton</p>

<p>You better send in those senior year grades! That will improve your GPA, and make yourself a stronger applicant. You have good ECs, there is no way they are going to read all 6 recommendations - rather they will look at one or two and scrap the rest.</p>

<p>Of course it's possible that you can get in. It's possible at every school. But your GPA and your test scores are in the bottom 10% of the entire class. </p>

<p>Retake the SAT, try the ACT if you can, you need to get those test scores up as well. It'd be much easier to say that you have a decent chance if you had a 3.4 and a 1220, which is achievable for you. You're obviously passionate about this school, and you should try whatever you can to get in, starting with schoolwork, test scores, and essays.</p>

<p>It won't be easy for an out-of-stater to get in because Florida has the most IB schools and EVERY IB student applies to UF cause they get a full ride. You are competing againt top 10% students. Get those SAT scores up! And if you can get your GPA up too. Since you seem covered in the EC department, let me ask you how your friend got in.</p>

<p>yeaaah, what jessy09 is basically true. Everyone with a 1270 on the math/verbal section of the sats, 3.5 GPA in core classes, and 75 community service hours gets a full ride to any Florida college. It's getting competitive- they're even saying that it's not a safety for IB kids anymore.</p>

<p>It's not all about the SAT and stuff though. I knew a girl who got in with a 1050. You might have a slightly higher chance because you're from a different state and therefore "more diverse." But you might not. I think they only accept 5-10% of the freshman class for out of state.</p>

<p>Why didn't you apply for ED? It ups your chances incredibly.
Also- apply for the summer session. It boosts your chances as well.</p>

<p>do early decision</p>

<p>I missed the deadline for early decision which really sucks b.c I know it would help somewhat. And yea, I sent in 6 recs completely knowing they probably wouldn't read 4 of them, I'm just trying to do as much as humanly possible to let them know I'm serious about getting into UF if you know what I mean. I don't want them thinking I'm one of those dudes that says "oh, florida...saweeet...let me apply there man. freakin sweet football team dude." (of course I care a ton about going to school with respectable sports, but I don't want them knowing that.)</p>

<p>And my friend that got in with a 2.8 and 1100 was nothing special. The public school he went to has a pretty decent name around here, but how the hell would UFl know that?? He had his recs/volunteer/work experience just like me. IIRC, he didn't have any connections either. Whatever though, the worst that'll happen is I'll get rejected...it won't ruin my life. I just felt dumb for not applying to any reaches, so I gave it a shot. Hopefully I'll somehow get in, but people in here question themselves getting into UF with freakin 1350's and 3.7 GPAs.</p>

<p>Although this is off-topic, I'll probably get into FSU...right? I sent them 2 recs, 2 great esssays, and I told them about my plethora of EC's/volunteer/work experience. Anyone know if UF or FSU would get ****ed off if I sent in 1st quarter grades since they don't require or ask for them? If I don't get into FSU or UF, I'll end up at Arizona, Arizona St, UConn, or LSU.</p>

<p>I'd say you have a good chance at FSU.</p>

<p>you also missed Regular Decision I</p>

<p>Realistically.. i think your chances are very slim </p>

<p>My first choice is UF .. Likewise.. FSU is my second choice</p>

<p>Yup, I missed regular decision I as well. I just have to cross my fingers and hope. Only thing is, even if I DO get in...I'm not so sure I'll wind up there. The cost for OOS reaches about 27K. For a middle income family, I can't see myself going there if UArizona or Arizona st. are 7K cheaper, or UConn which is 11K cheaper since I can claim residency in CT</p>

<p>why do you want UF or FSU? what sparks your interest?</p>

<p>Yeah, I'm curious as well: Why the interest in UF and FSU? UF is a good public school, but FSU... not so much. At least at my school (in Florida), the kids who end up at FSU are the ones who couldn't get into UF or UCF and refuse to go to the local community college.</p>

<p>FSU does have an excellent program for people interested in becoming teachers, though (not something I'm interested in.) My two best/favorite teachers are both FSU alums.</p>