Choosing a university is no small feat. It's important to make sure that the schools you apply to have the programs and resources that meet your personal and academic needs. As you progress through high school it is also important to understand what universities like this one expect from you.
We believe UF offers some of the best academic programs and student services around; our undergraduates are some of the most accomplished and motivated students anywhere. If you want to become a Florida Gator, start planning now.
Use this planning guide to help you prepare for college.
- Arrange your class schedule so you will complete the following college preparatory classes during high school:
English (with substantial writing) 4 Math (Algebra I, Algebra II and Formal Geometry) 3 Natural Science (2 units must include a laboratory) 3 Social Science 3 Foreign Language (two sequential years in same language) 2 Total Units 15* *The university recommends that you complete at least four additional units of electives in these core disciplines. The more academic units you complete, the more competitive your application. - Explore careers and jobs you find interesting. Talk with professionals in those fields and find out what kind of education as well as what colleges offer those majors.
- Talk to your parents about your plans for college.
- If you are a Florida resident, ask your guidance counselor for information on the Bright Futures scholarship. If you qualify, Bright Futures can pay your tuition, and more.
- The eleventh grade is often the most challenging academically. Take honors, AP, IB or AICE classes if they are offered.
- If you did not take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test at conclusion of the 10th grade, take the PSAT early in the junior year. The PSAT is a great way to begin preparing for the SAT, and if your scores are high enough you may be eligible for National Merit and National Achievement scholarships.
- Attend a college fair to gather information and talk with representatives from several schools. Ask you guidance counselor for a schedule of college fairs in your area.
- Begin your college research. Where would you like to go? What would you like to study? Consider admission requirements, tuition, facilities, degree programs and the student body profile. Visit each college's web site.
- Register for the SAT and ACT in the late spring of the junior year; consider taking both tests before your senior year begins. The SAT and ACT are very different types of assessments; study the the web sites to help you determine which test might be better for you and to help you make important decisions about your college search.
- Continue your extracurricular activities and assume additional responsibilities and leadership roles. Explore opportunities in your community; part-time employment and volunteer activities can influence your college admission.
Summer After 11th Grade
- Visit several college campuses to learn as much as you can about each college. UF conducts daily information sessions at 10:00am and 2:00pm, Monday-Friday.
- Take a full load of academic classes, including honors, AP, IB and AICE classes. Even if you have completed your graduation requirements, any admission to college is tentative until your final transcripts have been received.
- Arrange to take the SAT and/or ACT again early in the year if you have not already done so or if you wish to improve your score before you start applying.
- Make plans to attend a college fair or a UF admissions presentation. UF admissions officers visit each fall, so ask your guidance counselor about the date.
- Submit your application early in your 12th grade year. Be sure to include all required materials and pay close attention to deadlines.
- If you are taking AP or IB classes, be sure to take the exams for those classes at year-end.
Admission is Tentative
All offers of admission are tentative if you have high school or collegiate course work in progress. Final admission is dependent on receipt and review of your final transcripts.
Admission offers are subject to cancellation if your final course work does not meet admission requirements.