ghs.sbac.edu | Gainesville High

Students

Education Timeline

Gainesville High School Education Timeline:

College Application Timeline

For Juniors

A. June 2009 – Take SAT/ACT (SAT II’s if necessary)

B. Summer 2009 –

Begin Working on essay prompts(sample prompt from UF, UCF, and FSU applications below)

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.

C. Fall 2009 –

Retake SAT/ACT if necessary
Request applications from the colleges
Note all application, scholarship and financial aid deadlines on a calendar.
Request letters of recommendation (if necessary) – Give the recommending teacher/counselor a resume and at least 2 weeks notice prior to the deadline.
Request transcripts to be sent by completing a transcript request form located in Guidance.
Many colleges/universities require that SAT/ACT scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Send test scores if necessary.
Complete applications to the selected schools. Most schools would prefer for you to complete their online application.
Apply as early as possible. By applying early, you will increase your chance of qualifying for a scholarship.

D. Dates to remember

Rolling Admissions – UCF, USF, UWF, FAMU, FAU, FIU; get applications in ASAP in the fall!
November 1st –Deadline at UF.
November 1st – Many colleges/universities have an early decision or early action deadline on this day.
November 15th – Many colleges/universities have an early decision or early action deadline on this day.
October 15th --- FSU deadline for notification by December 3.
October 31st – UNF deadline for notifications by December 1.
December 1st – Priority deadline at UCF, FSU, USF, UNF for scholarship consideration
December 1st – Many colleges/universities have an early decision or early action deadline on this day.
January 1st – Common regular decision application deadline.
January 1st – Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to be completed for financial aid
January 21st – Final deadline for FSU, for notification by March 18.
January 30th – Final deadline for UNF, for notification by February 27.
March 15th – Priority deadline for completing the FAFSA
May 1st – Final deadline for UCF.
May 15th – Priority deadline for SFCC.