<p>Ok so I always see on several Fl websites that academics aren't everything, and that EC activities, clubs, etc always helps. Well I'm the opposite. I work hard academically, so far I'm pretty proud of my GPA and grades. But I made the grave mistake during my HS career that I didn't join much clubs. Only this year will I be a part of NHS. I'm feeling rather low because I see many freshmen being accepted, having been president of this club and that club, but I don't really have all that to offer, just my grades and scores. Here are my stats btw:</p>
<p>Unweighted GPA: 3.4
Weighted GPA: 4.4
SAT reading:630
SAT writing: 620
SAT math: 480</p>
<p>I've yet to take the SAT & ACT again this fall; these are my first scores. I'm planning to improve on math, obviously</p>
<p>Comm service hours: 200+</p>
<p>I've taken AP Language and comp, passed with a 3
This year I'm taking AP lit, AP environmental science and AP stats
all my other classes have been honors, throughout high school</p>
<p>no sports or clubs, just NHS</p>
<p>So yea, do I have even a slight chance? This isn't the only school I'm considering, it's just always been a dream school of mine.</p>
<p>Forgot to mention, I am currently taking two dual enrollment classes. So far my grades have been A’s, and I’m probably gonna finish with those grades as well.</p>
<p>Talk to an admissions counselor at school. Or your guidance counselor. They are best equipped to tell you what the school emphasizes.</p>
<p>This is just general advice… I’m hesitant to say ECs don’t count at all, but I think grades and scores count more. However, ECs can set you apart all other things being equal. For my girls, ECs and essays seem to make biggest difference in very selective schools and for competitive scholarships. If there’s an option essay/personal statement I would encourage you to do that.</p>
<p>In general, grades and test scores are more important than extracurriculars. I would think of as much as you can to put on the application. I was in a similar situation, so I listed as much as possible. Leaving things blank or with only a couple of words is bad.</p>
<p>What’s your UF GPA? Let us know. It’s +1 for DE/IB/AP and +0.5 for honors. And yes you need to improve your test scores some.</p>
<p>Recently admitted class statistics:
Mid 50% GPA: 4.1-4.5
Average GPA: 4.3
Mid 50% SAT: 1840-2100
Average SAT: 1967
Mid 50% ACT: 28-32
Average ACT: 30</p>
<p>UF is very selective, but they have a strong holistic admissions policy, meaning you can be great at academics but still not accepted. Every high school has the story of the valedictorian not accepted at UF but accepted everywhere else.</p>
<p>Work on your essay, and as I recall, the application has provisions where you can answer why you may be light on extracurricular activities (e.g., work, taking care of younger siblings, religious beliefs, etc.).</p>
<p>Your weighted GPA is good, and the rest of your academic stats are decent. Based on those alone, I’d say you’d barely make the cut. However, since it’s a holistic process, your ECs could help. It’s quality over quantity with ECs, if you take up a small amount, but show great dedication, it works in your favor. Also, I think UF asks about work experience, awards, and leadership positions as well on the application. If you have any of those, it’ll help. The key to getting into any school (and keep this mind for the future if you want to go to grad school) is distinguishing yourself.</p>
<p>Well I’m planning on working hard through NHS and tutoring kids. I dedicated this entire summer as a counselor for kids (I’m not going to lie and sugarcoat it saying they were deaf or impaired, because they aren’t) so I’m not sure if that would show anything. I’m planning to join a few clubs and I’m already a mentor at my school.</p>
<p>Also, would any awards won throughout late elementary and middle school count for anything? I did win a prestigious award in 5th grade for surpassing my required reading intake by like 400%. But I was 10 years old…would they even look at that?</p>
<p>If I remember right UF only wants things from your high school career. After all you’ve changed a lot since 5th grade … :)</p>
<p>Definitely include your senior year activities in your application. I was in a similar situation as you and that’s what I did. Talk to your high school counselor about what else you could include.</p>
<p>Hey, look don’t get discouraged about your grades and SATs. They are really good. I got accepted with much less. I don’t think that grades outweigh extracurriculars. I think it’s all about balance and showing who you are as a person and what you can contribute to the university.</p>
<p>I think you are completely fine. Seriously, don’t worry about it. I was the same, freaking out last year. As it turns out MANY people with way lower stats have gotten in…sometimes it’s just luck. Try to improve your unweighted GPA a bit and get at least one leadership position, scores are actually fine but it never hurts to improve in that area for added benefits. Best of luck! :)</p>