Public Florida schools each have their own application, which can be found on their websites.

• Most schools have an early deadline and a regular deadline. APPLY EARLY! Do not risk waiting!
• You may also have to fill out the SSAR [https://www.selfreportedtranscript.com/ssar/Login.aspx] instead of submitting a copy of your transcript. This is tedious, so make sure to set aside sufficient time to complete it accurately and double check all the information you enter. (UF requires this).
• Private schools use the Common Application (Common App). See Common App v. Coalition page for more information. This is a system where you make an account and fill out basic details once, which all the schools will see. Additionally, each school will have its own section where they ask for specific information and only that school can access.
• All applications consist of the same basic information: personal information, GPA, standardized test scores, transcripts, essays, recommendations, and sometimes an interview.
• KEEP TRACK OF DEADLINES!!

Paying for Applications

• You should never have to pay for an application.
• If you receive SAT or ACT exam waivers you will be eligible to receive four application waivers from each of them. This is 8 applications you will not have to pay for!
• On the Common App you will be asked questions about your eligibility of a fee waiver. Indicate yes. Either you or your college counselor will asked to verify this.
• If you apply for fly-in programs and are not accepted you may be sent a fee waiver.
• If you ever need a fee waiver and do not have one contact the admissions office. State that you have financial need and application fees are a burden to your family and that you or your counselor can provide proof of financial need. Do not be embarrassed to ask for this! Schools have the money, sometimes it’s just a matter of asking for it.

Grades/Transcripts

• This is the first thing admissions officers will look at. You will be asked to enter your GPA in the application and then provide a copy of your transcript or SSAR as proof.
• To acquire a transcript, visit the Registrar in room 82 and fill out the Transcript Request Form. Be sure to do this at least a week ahead of time, do not wait until the last minute because the Registrar will be very busy this time of year!
  • Unless the school explicitly demands only a mailed paper copy, ask for an “Open” transcript which comes outside an envelope. This way you can scan this copy and submit it digitally to all schools.

Standardized Test Scores

• You will also have to enter standardized test scores and send them directly from the test provider to the school. These include test scores for:
  • SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests
  • Each school has different requirements, which can be found on the school’s website.
• This is done for free before you take the exam but the downside is that you will not know your score.
• If you wait until seeing your score to decide to send it, you will have to pay as follows:
  • SAT: $12 per test per school
  • ACT: $12 per test per school
  • You may be eligible for fee waivers. Check your accounts and contact the test provider if you are unsure.
  • TIP: If you are unable to get a fee waiver from the test provider, write to the school you are applying to and ask if your College Advisor can send the official test score reports to them via email. This is another way to avoid fees.
• TIP: Keep track of test scores by saving the official score report PDFs on your computer and entering scores in a spreadsheet so they’re all in one place.

Recommendation Letters

• Recommendation letters are also part of the application process. Each school has different requirements which can be found on the school website.
  • Example: If you are applying for the engineering school you may be required to have a letter from a STEM teacher.
• Think carefully about who you choose as a recommender. Consider how long they’ve known you, in what capacity you have worked with them (as a student and a club officer, for instance), and the recommender’s own position. Do not choose a teacher just because they are popular. This is a personal choice so choose whoever you trust most.
• Ask early! Teachers will have many seniors asking them for letters.
• Do not be afraid to discuss with your recommenders what you would like the letter to convey. Also, be prepared to send them your resume so they have something to refer to.
  • Speak with them about what you think would be most effective in the letter. (For instance: “I think it’d be useful to discuss my work-ethic in your classes over the last two years.”)
  • An effective letter is one that is descriptive and specific about you as a student and your character. When you read it, it should seem unique. A great letter is one that can only apply to you- if you were to change your name for someone else’s the letter would not make sense.
• Write the recommenders thank you notes.
• On the Common App: You will enter the recommender’s name and contact information and they will receive an email from the Common App. Ask them to be on the lookout for an email from the Common App. They will then create an account and send the recommendation.
  • Waiving your rights: The Common App asks if you would like to waive your right to see the letter. Most students choose to as this shows you trust your recommenders will write positive letters. However, this is a personal choice. Should you choose to waive your rights you can always ask your recommender to look over your letter before they submit it. (This is the FERPA Signature Section when you click on the Recommenders tab).

Evelyn's secret to ask for recommendation letters: