<p>In Florida, the GC sends the transcripts electronically to Florida PUBLIC schools. At our school, for everywhere else, we had to request a snail mail transcript ($2), pick up the sealed transcript, and mail it in ourselves. The GC did not help with ANYTHING else - no common apps, no recommendations, no suggestions, no scholarships. Our GCs are not 65 years old, but overworked. They specialize in Florida publics because that’s where the vast majority of their students go. They have limited time and help the most students by knowing the Florida process. We have kids going to MIT, Naval Academy, UA, but I assume those students did the ground work themselves.</p>
<p>I have one child going OOS and one to a private Florida school. We had to figure it out (and pick up the transcripts, apply for the scholarships, ask for recommendations without going through the guidance office). If OP is going to seek an OOS school, it’s going to be a lot more work for her. I can understand her mother not wanting to spend the time or money when there are PERFECTLY good schools in Florida (that was MY attitude!). I told my kids I would pay the amount I would pay for a Florida public school and they used that as their limit. The had a lot of choices within that budget, both in and out of state, large and small, public and private.</p>
<p>OP, ask your questions here and we’ll answer them. When you talk to your mother, have the facts and figures. Show her how it won’t cost any more money for UA than FSU or FAU. Open your eyes to what the Florida schools can offer you.</p>