I just wanted to know what my chance was getting into UF:
GPA: 4.0 4.9
3rd in my class of 510 (top 10% obviously)
SAT: 1280 (This is the weakest part of my app)
President of Key Club
Founder and President of Operation Smile (A club that helps children with cleft lips receive surgeries)
Secretary of NHS
Class Rep. on SGA
In Principal’s Cabinet
Member of HOSA
Member of SHS
Relay for Life team Captain
over 150 volunteer hours
SAT exactly at the 25th percentile is your only weak point but I think you do have a good chance because of solid ECs and you’re 3rd in your class which will outweigh your SAT score.
It wouldn’t hurt to bump up the SAT, but I like your chances otherwise. I’d recommend writing your essay about your volunteer work. I think the Operation Smile activity is a real winner for you, and you should emphasize that. You could open your essay with something about one of the things most people take for granted in life is the ability to smile. Then segue into your club and whatever else you want to put in your essay.
The way you should end it is something along the lines of “Nothing would give me a bigger smile than an acceptance to the University of Florida!” or “Nothing would put a bigger smile on my face than…etc.”
That ends it with a bang. They read so many of those essays that sound the same – I think yours will stand out.
Good luck!