Hi everyone! I’m applying to UF in the fall for summer of 2017. By the end of my senior year I would have 45 college credits as I’m early admitting/dual-enrolling since junior year. Is that a good thing that they will look at? I have over 100 volunteer hours, but I don’t have that many clubs as I work 25-30 hours a week. Thank you!
SAT scores and grades are very important. Yes, of course taking a rigorous course load is very favorable. A good essay is important. Your work schedule is something to add to your app and essay. Kudos to you!
And good luck! UF is wonderful.
Semi-sermon: (feel free to skip)
While it is admirable to have so many credit hours just realize that not all credits will be transferable depending on your intended major. Many of the hours will be applicable to general requirements which can save a ton of money.
If you are undecided on your major then having too many credit hours may push you into decisions for a major that you may not be ready to make.
It’s not necessarily a great thing to enter as a Sophomore or Junior having no career direction at a young age. It doesn’t leave a lot of “exploration” and even if you want grad school (medical field, law for example) you can find yourself competing with a class much older than you (and at that age just 3-5 years is huge–take my word)–and while you are “as smart”, they have an edge simply in maturity.
I know the maturity factor means zero to you at this moment. And maybe it shouldn’t. Nobody should hold you back.
I think about it because I was admitted to my major very quickly. I had a year of credits. Which was great! But looking back I competed against students who had already completed other majors, were married, been in the service. were looked at with different eyes by some professors. They did have more focus on their goals.
It was tough.
And then I was barely old enough to sit for the professional exam. Hadn’t even thought that one out!
My son is now in a graduate degree program as one of the youngest in his class. And while he is doing extremely well it is intimidating to be competing with students who have multiple degrees and connect with them on a personal level… Just sayin’.