• 10 BEST STEPS for Getting Started

  1. Consider your SAT/ACT score compared to the 50% mark of your chosen school's "freshman profile" and schedule a retake, if needed, in early fall.  
  2. Narrow your college search to 3 - 5 in-state schools or a few more if you're headed out of Florida.

  3. Keep your grades up! Any extra time you have can be used to make this the finest academic year you have ever had.

  4. Review your eligibility for the Bright Futures Scholarship and take the necessary steps to ensure the award.

  5. Volunteer and/or work at something outside school for which you have a passion. Don't have one? Find one!

  6. Begin creating your resume of accomplishments, awards, and stand-out information.

  7. Ensure that your senior schedule is as "Academic" as you can manage while continuing to excel.

  8. Continue your involvement in clubs, sports, activities, youth groups, etc.

  9. Know which colleges require an essay or personal statement, visit college websites to review the topics, and start your rough drafts.

  10. Remember, that your GPA, course rigor, SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular involvement, & leadership potential ALL CONTRIBUTE to a school's acceptance offer.

   

  The provided PPT & documents elaborate on each of the above and provide additional VALUABLE "NEED TO KNOW" information about getting started with your application process.

  Click here to view the Florida State University System (SUS) for more information on average admission scores and other NEEDED information.

• 10 MUST DO STEPS for Application

  1. Refine your College List of preferable schools

  2. If recommendation letters are required, identify which teachers you are going to ask and ask them.

  3. Visit your TOP SCHOOLS' admissions pages to know which application the college accepts, i.e. Institution, Common Application, Coalition, etc.

  4. Create an account & record your User I.D. and Password for the application platform you will use.

  5. Complete the online application and check and double-check for completeness and accuracy! Reread, Reread, Reread!!!!!

  6. Press "Submit."

  7. Request your official tests scores, i.e. SAT, ACT, AICE, etc. from each respective testing organization.

  8. Request an official transcript IF IT IS NEEDED! See Transcript tab for clarification.

  9. Complete your S.S.A.R. and link your S.S.A.R. to your application IF the S.S.A.R. is requested.

  10. Check your email daily for notices from the schools to which you've applied.

   

  See the Provided Documents for Important Elaboration to Each Point Above; Remember, There's Always More to It!!!

  Click here to view a presentation regarding the basic steps throughout your college application process!

  Click here to view our Basic College Application Process document to gain a further understanding!

If you're "ACCEPTED," CELEBRATE!!! HOORAY!

1. Read and respond promptly via email and school portal.

2. Send in your tuition deposit.

3. Accept your financial aid offer.

4. Choose housing.

5. Select a meal plan if you'll be living on campus.

6. Request your FINAL TRANSCRIPT during your senior year-end process and checkout.

7. Check computer requirements, i.e. internet connectivity, browsers, operating programs, etc.

8. Plan your packing list.

9. Contact your new roommate.

10. Get a physical before you begin classes.

11. Attend any required orientations.

12. Request and send any AP scores.

13. Find out if you need to take any placement exams.

14. Thank your supporters.

15. HAVE an AWESOME FUTURE!!!

If you're denied, deferred, or offered a conditional acceptance, please see the below for more information.

What Should You Do?

Accepted - 
Yeah! Continue checking emails and follow through with any required tuition deposits (if you applied for Summer B you will have to submit a total of 4 deposits: 2 deposits for summer-housing & tuition & 2 deposits for Fall-housing & tuition). Register for any mandatory orientation, complete ALL required Health Forms, sign up for housing & meal plans, contact financial aid to verify that you fully understand the costs/fees along with how financial aid is processed. Be proactive to avoid any unexpected costs.

Denied - 
Most schools offer an appeal process. However, the chances of overturning an admissions decision are very slim and this process often requires meeting very specific criteria. Contact the college admissions office directly for more information. Sometimes it's just easier to accept it and move on to Plan B. This is up to you, of course.

Deferred - 
Continue to show your interest in the school if it is still your number one choice (If it is not, go to plan B). Email the admissions counselor and provide any updated information such as new test scores. grades, resume updates, letters of recommendation AND express that this is still YOUR #1 CHOICE! Most schools defer because they are either waiting to recieve higher test scores or to see your fall semester grades. If you are nothing, yet still interested in school, continue to show your interest... if you do nothing, expect nothing. Remember that you should also continue to consider more realistic options.

Conditional Acceptance -
Some schools will accept students based on certain conditions, such as offering a spring or summer semester start date. Other schools may offer a less traditional program, such as a 2-year online option + 2 years on campus. Some schools offer even more creative options and will agree to accept you if you spend your 1st semester in college abroad! These options require a lot of thought... think it through... is this the right choice for you?