College Application Requirements
(from www.collegeboard.com)
There's
More Than Just a Form
Applications
vary from college to college, but most require some or all of the following
parts:
Application
Form
In
the old days (well, a few years ago), you had one application option—a
handwritten or typed form. Today most if not all colleges require that you
apply online or use the Common Application, entering your information just once.
Application
Fee
The
average college application fee is around $30. (Some colleges charge up to $60,
while others don't have an application fee at all.) The fee is usually
nonrefundable, even if you're not offered admission. Many colleges offer fee
waivers for applicants from low-income families. If you need a fee waiver, see
Ms. Abesada, CAP Advisor in room 2126.
High
School Transcript
This
form should come with your admission materials; you should go to the Student Services office to fill out a Transcript Request form. We have the
capability to send an electronic transcript to most state universities and
community colleges. Unfortunately for most others, we are only able to mail out
a printed paper transcript which usually takes 5-7 business days to process. There is a fee of $1.00 for a hard copy.
Admission
Test Scores
At
many colleges, you have to submit SAT®, SAT Subject Test™, or ACT
test scores. Test scores are a standard way of measuring a student's ability to
do college-level work. At the time of registering for either of these tests, you
are given four free test reports. After that you are required to pay $9.50 for
an SAT and $8.50 for an ACT score report which are ordered on-line.
Letters
of Recommendation
Your entire application should create a
consistent portrait of who you are. Many private colleges ask you to
submit one or more letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or
other adult who knows you well. When asking someone to write such a letter, be
sure to do so well before the college's deadline.
Not all colleges or universities require a letter
of recommendation. You should confirm this by researching the respective
admissions section of the colleges you are applying to. FYI, the only Florida
state universities to require letters of recommendation are Florida A&M University,
and New College of Florida. University of Central Florida no longer requires a
counselor form – it’s optional.
In cases where a student is borderline or has a special
circumstance; yes a letter of recommendation may help.
Some teachers may ask for a Brag Sheet which you may pick up a copy in Ms. Abesada's office.
Essay
If
you're applying to private colleges, your essay often plays a very important
role. Whether you're writing an autobiographical statement or an essay on a
specific theme, take the opportunity to express your individuality in a way
that sets you apart from other applicants.As far as Florida state universities go. Only FAMU, FSU, UF and NCF require an essay. UCF’s essay is optional, but recommended. Honestly a carefully thought out and neatly done essay can make a difference.
Please remember to proofread your essay.
Interview
An
interview may be required or recommended by some colleges. Even if it's not
required, it's a good idea to set up an interview before you submit your
application because it gives you a chance to make a personal connection with
someone who will have a voice in deciding whether or not you'll be offered
admission. If you're too far away for an on-campus interview, try to arrange to
meet with an alumnus in your community. Interviewing with an admissions
representative can help your case.
Florida
State Residency Requirements
If
you are planning to attend either a public university, or community college you
may be eligible to receive reduced tuition fees if you and your parents have
lived in Florida for at least one year. If you are under 24 years of age, you
will be considered a “dependant” student. This means that if you wish to be
considered a Florida resident for tuition purposes, you MUST
provide at least two items of the following information of either your mother
or father: 1. Your parent’s drivers license number 2. Your parents
vehicle registration number 3. Your parents voter registration
number. If you are a US resident, then you will need to send a copy of
your parents residency card (both sides)
Too
many students do this wrong by providing their information – do not do this.
You will delay your acceptance and be charged as an out of state student.
Audition/Portfolio
If
you're applying for a program such as music, art, or design, you may have to
document prior work by auditioning on campus or submitting an audiotape,
slides, or some other sample of your work to demonstrate your ability.
The Sum
of the Parts
Your
entire application should create a consistent portrait of who you are and what
you'll bring to the college. The more the pieces of the puzzle support one
impression, the more confident the admission committee will be in admitting
you. If the essay or interview contradicts information you gave on other forms,
you may cause them to have doubts about accepting you.If all the parts of your application are filled out honestly and carefully, with an attention to your conviction that each school is a good match for you, you will come across in the best light possible.
A Word About Follow-up
Never
assume that everything works the way that it’s expected to. Some admissions
offices have a habit of misfiling, or loosing your documents. Many colleges now
have an on-line tracking system that will tell you where your application is in
the process as well as what documents have been received. You should
periodically check your student account to make sure that all your documents
have been received. Generally I suggest that you wait for two weeks before
getting on the phone to call the college to confirm receipt of any documents
received. Also, keep a copy of all your documents!
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