I am aware that it is not required to take the essay portion, but my GC told me that I should’ve taken it because an SAT score with an essay is preferred over a non-essay score. I found this out too late, as I had already submitted my application. Is this true, and will it really hurt my chances of getting in?
Side Information - I have a 3.64 unweighted and a 4.7 weighted GPA (4.3 after recalculation), a 1320 on the SAT, and I have taken 17 AP/IB classes since freshman year. Although these stats seem to meet the average freshman profile, I still feel like I’m in an easy position to be rejected, especially after talking to my GC.
Sorry if this isn’t the correct place, I wasn’t sure where else to post this question.
I guess I’ll go ahead and make it a chance question anyways:
My GPA, SAT scores, and class rigor are already stated above. As for extra curricular activities, I have over 100 volunteer hours at homeless shelters, libraries, and Teen Court. I guess my weak point would be that I only joined 2 clubs (Student Government and Young Democrats) and the fact that I never participated in any sports.
And yes, I am from Florida.
Taking no-essay SAT when they require essay SAT hurts somewhat; however, taking essay SAT when they require no–essay SAT doesn’t hurt at all, so don’t worry.
Your SAT is slightly below average SAT score (1340/1600), but your GPA is higher than average students (~4.2), so I do not think they will reject you on sight, if you are thinking they will reject you.
The fact that you have taken 17 AP/IB courses will stand out a lot (shine in a positive way), as applicants in average take about 10 APs. In UFlorida, Rigor of secondary school record is considered “Very Important” (Range is Very important/important/considered/not considered) as is in almost all the other schools, so it will definitely support you.
However, your main weakness will be ECs, as you apparently have not held any leadership positions in your high school life. Unfortunately, UFlorida take ECs as “Very Important” (, so it may definitely hurt chances during evalation. In addition, they take volunteer works as “Very important” as well, and you have performed only 100 hours of community service, so it may certainly hurt you (one of the very few schools that take community service “very important”).
How was your essay written? You will have to count a bit on your essay as you are in half-half situation, based on the information you gave.
UF does not require students to the take the essay for the new SAT nor ACT.
OP I feel your profile is generally strong, you’d be a good fit for UF. As to getting in, well, these days that’s a crapshoot! I agree with another poster that a strong essay will help you. I don’t think not taking the essay portion of the SAT/ACT will be a big deal.
Although you don’t have a huge amount of extracurriculars, they tend to be focused on a similar interest. That’s actually a plus. I attended an admissions session in which they said they see a lot of students with activities that are “all over the map” without any real depth. You know, list 10 things and hope it looks good, rather than focus on a few meaningful things. That doesn’t impress them.
So if you feel you have a strong essay, I like your chances.
If your essay is just average then, like I said, crapshoot!
Good luck, I hope you make it.
I’m not sure how much it matters, because my son had strong ACT scores last year (especially English) but a pretty bad ACT essay score. It was really weird (I think ACT essay was quirky last year). He still got into UF, thankfully. He did have DE credits and demonstrated course rigor.
I’m glad UF stopped requiring the standardized test essay portion, but I wish they had done that last year LOL.
Best of luck!
I’m currently a junior and plan to go to UF. Was just wondering what were your son’s stats?
University of Florida doesn’t require the essay for SAT or ACT anymore so it doesn’t matter! They won’t look at it and said so. Many colleges are going that way with the new SAT and ACT. I think your GC is old school or maybe you misheard her and she was talking about the admissions essay? UF does strongly emphasize their admissions essay in their admissions process. Best of luck to you. Its a wonderful place! Go Gators!