<p>EXTRA: Getting into College</p>
<p>By: Beau Zimmer</p>
<p>Gainesville, Florida There once was a time when just about anyone could get into a Florida college, but not anymore. At the University of Florida in Gainesville a 4.4 GPA and 1390 SAT score are considered common. 25,000 students are expected to apply to UF this year and of those, more than half, or about 15,000 applicants will be turned away.</p>
<p>Zina Evans, University of Florida Admissions Director:
The applicant pool is so strong, we have lots of students who have really great grades, they’ve taken the core courses, they done well in them, and they’ve challenged themselves in those courses. And we have so many of those students in our pool, the holistic part of our application really becomes that more important." </p>
<p>Instead of concentrating on GPAs and test scores, Evans say students today must market themselves, explaining who they are in the essay portion of their college application.</p>
<p>Zina Evans, University of Florida Admissions Director:
We want that to be your voice. We can find out from your transcript what your grades, what your test scores are. We want to see how well you express yourself and your ideas. Instead of the laundry list of all these activities you’ve been involved in what are those things you are particularly passionate about."
Corinne Willits, UF Admissions Officer:
I can have someone with a 4.4 bomb their essay. This can make or break an applicant, is that essay." </p>
<p>Admissions officers say making your application stand out from the rest can make all the difference. It’s what helped Scott Stewart get into UF four years ago, highlighting his interest in speech and debate.</p>
<p>Scott Stewart, University of Florida Senior:
Really finding that one thing that you did better than almost anyone else, and that you were proud of is really a great way to sell yourself to the university." </p>
<p>Experts say it’s never too early to start thinking about college. In middle school students should start selecting challenging classes. By high school they’ll receive extra consideration for taking honors or Advanced Placement courses.</p>
<p>Zina Evans, University of Florida Admissions Director:
By your junior year you need to have a reasonable list that your narrowing down, to get a sense of ok am I on track, what are the deadlines, what are the expectations?" </p>
<p>When it comes to filling out applications, follow the instructions. Provide requested information and plan ahead for deadlines. Admissions officers say never let money stand in the way of applying for college. Financial assistance is almost always available for those in need.</p>
<p>Zina Evans, University of Florida Admissions Director:
The ability to pay should not be a part of this process. You should apply to whatever schools that you are interested in." </p>
<p>And for even those who don’t have the best grades, admissions officers say it can’t hurt to apply.</p>
<p>Corinne Willits, UF Admissions Officer:
It’s extremely competitive. But no one should self select out. We want all applicants to apply. Let us take a look. Let us try to get them in." </p>
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