Home  >  Document  >  guidance  >  Document

College Admissions Information for 2012 Graduates For a schedule of colleges visiting BTHS, click here Senior Packets are available in guidance, please get one today! They outline the college application process for you. Some college planning websites: www.collegedata.com nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator Click here for a timeline of what you should be doing in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades to prepare for college! How to apply for college: For most schools, a "complete" application includes: Application Application Fee Test Scores (ACT and/or SAT) Transcript (Come to guidance and fill out a "Transcript Request Form" {Cost is $1.00}) In general, you need at least these four items to have a school look at your application.  If you are missing just one piece, your file can be considered incomplete and they will probably not consider you for admission.  Check the "Undergraduate Admissions" portion of the school(s) to which you are applying and check and double check that you've sent them everything they need. **TRANSCRIPTS, TRANSCRIPTS, TRANSCRIPTS** There are TWO kinds: 1) Electronic and 2) Paper. Electronic transcripts are sent to Florida public schools ONLY. They are free and we send them. Paper transcripts are $1 and take 3-5 days to process so please order them well in advance of your deadline! You must pick them up when they are ready and address them, add postage, and send them out yourself. You counselor can assist you with this process! Transcripts include your grades for HS credit as well as your current schedule and are a major part of the college application. Take a look at this matrix to see what the 2011 Freshman class looks like at the state universities throughout Florida.  Do not let this discourage you if your numbers are lower than the means, but use it as a reference.   We encourage you to apply to many schools.  Colleges review applications holistically, meaning that it is not just a certain GPA or test score that will get you in, it is the whole application! Colleges and Deadlines 2011-2012 (this information might change so ALWAYS CHECK THE UNIVERSITY WEBSITE DIRECTLY) October 17 FSU deadline for notification by 12/14/11 November 1 UF deadline;  notification by 2/10/12; applications reviewed on a space available basis after this date November 1 Many colleges/universities have an early decision or early action deadline on this day November 15 Many colleges/universities have an early decision or early action deadline on this day November 18 UNF priority deadline for notifications by December 16; rolling admissions after this day November 18 UNF Scholarship deadline; application online  http://www.unf.edu/finaid/scholarships/ December 1 Many colleges/universities have an early decision or early action deadline on this day December 1 BRIGHT FUTURES APPLICATION OPENS – Link to application at BTHS website “College Scholarships” on the left side January 1 FAFSA is available for Financial Aid www.fafsa.gov Make a parent PIN AND a student PIN at http://pin.ed.gov FIRST so you can electronically sign the FAFSA Must be done to get Bright Futures!!! January 1 Common regular decision application deadline January 18 FSU deadline for notification by March 14 March 1 Common Financial Aid deadline. Submit FAFSA by this day. April 1 Common notification deadline. Most schools should notify you by this day. May 1 Common decision deadline- tuition deposit due to save your seat at school! College Essay Tips: Show, Don't Tell who you are (Use detail, provide meaning) Be Specific Capture the Interest of the Reader Make It Personal Be Yourself! Some Essay Prompts from Florida schools: UF- In 500 words or less, write a concise narrative in which you describe a meaningful event, experience or accomplishment in your life and how it will affect your college experience or your contribution to the UF campus community.  You may want to reflect on your family, your school or community activities, or your involvement in areas outside of school. UCF-Respond to two of the topics below in no more than 250 words each. If there has been some obstacle or bump in the road in your academic or personal life, please explain the circumstances. How has your family history, culture, or environment influenced who you are? Why did you choose to apply to UCF? What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community? FSU-Should not be more than 500 words.  For almost one hundred years, the Latin words, “Vires, Artes, Mores” have been the guiding philosophy behind Florida State University.  Vires signifies strength of all kinds-moral, physical, and intellectual; Artes alludes to the beauty of intellectual pursuits as exemplified in skill, craft, or art; and Mores refers to character, custom, or tradition.  Describe how one or more of the values embodied in these concepts are reflected in your life. You will most likely also need a resume that should include the following: Community Service Club Involvement Leadership experiences Athletic, music, artistic involvement Work experience Awards received Click here for an example resume Your GPA and test scores are not necessary on your resume because they will be reflected on your transcript, although if you are proud of your GPA and test scores you can of course put them on your resume! Click here for a link to virtual college tours!