<p>zebes: This is what I would do. I would visit UF and prior to visiting I would have S or D make a scheduled appointment with one of the admissions staff. I would make the visit after admissions has quieted down for this “season” but before they get crazy again for fall. Make an appt with someone who has been there for a few years, like an assist. or assoc. Dean. Have your student bring with them a copy of their transcript, scores to date, resume etc. Then have your S or D ask some general questions, and ask if admissions would review their materials and simply make any recommendations with regards to how they think your student stands, whether they should consider retaking standardized tests, etc. Any rec’s for senior schedule, esp if there is a dilemma (ie a conflict with 4th year language vs a certain science or math). Then, as the application process progresses, have your student once or twice email with a question about the application or the process. Have your student have someone in the Admissions office that gets to know them just a little. </p>
<p>Then, during the admissions process, send everything, even if it is not required. While letters of recommendation are not required or even encouraged, if you send 2 and they are very strong, THEY ARE IN THE FILE and THEY ARE LOOKED AT. Send strong SAT II’s. As part of the application process, list and even sent AP scores if they are strong. They are not required until matriculation, but they are there to be seen if they are sent. Don’t go overboard, but don’t assume if they are not required that they are not looked at. If a guidance counselor rec is not specifically mentioned, send one anyway.</p>
<p>My D did not apply to UF, FSU was where she had her heart set on. She had one hurdle to jump in one area. She worked hard on that area, but also made sure they saw her strengths. Teacher recs and counselor rec were not required or even mentioned. But she had 2 teacher recs and one teacher/club sponsor rec sent. Folks said “you don’t need to do that.” But we did. They were reviewed. We never saw them until after, when D was working on scholarship apps, but I nearly fell off my chair over one. It could not have been stronger or more genuine. It had to have helped. Her acceptance to FSU during the first round might have been a surprise to some. I think that FSU got a better idea of who she was with the extras we sent.</p>
<p>I know for a fact that UF does accept and read rec’s, even if they are not even mentioned as part of their process. </p>
<p>Finally, if your student gets a deferral or a rejection, they can call the admissions rep they met with and corresponded with to ask what the process is next re: appeal or reevaluation. They have someone in the department that can make recommendations. </p>
<p>Having an admissions rep to correspond with and ask questions of will not help your student gain admission, but it will help the process. And it will help having someone who knows a little about your student when they have a question.</p>
<p>We got the recommendation about meeting and staying in touch with an admissions rep from someone here on CC last year. And we made the trip, met with someone, emailed once or twice along the way. And D would have been ready to email for advice about what to do next had the need arisen, but it did not.</p>
<p>And always, no matter what the application page says, call or email to see that eveything you sent is there, every test score has been associated with your student, every transcript is official, etc etc. DO NOT rely on the page to tell you. That is also why having someone to correspond with is invaluable. It was HORRIBLE for many to check their status Friday after hours, only to find they never got a decision due to missing materials. STAY ON TOP of the application process, and do not feel intimidated by it. Call to verify that the file is complete</p>