Notes: It is very important to keep all your information together. Make separate files for each school! Make copies of everything you send!

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING IVY'S AND HIGHLY SELECTIVE COLLEGES

  • Take several AP classes your junior year.
  • Take SAT II subject tests early, as soon as you have completed that subject - retake if necessary to raise scores.
  • Take the practice or real SAT/ACT in 10th grade, take PSAT in October of your junior year.
  • Class rank is very important.
  • Contact an admissions officer at the college you are interested in early; ask them to review your credentials, program of study, and make suggestions.
  • You must have outstanding grades, curriculum, and test scores, and demonstrate that you are well-rounded (leadership, community service, music/art/athletics). It is important to have a particular strength that stands out: have had writing published, be a state-ranked athlete, have created a community service program, be an outstanding musician, etc.
  • Ask a counselor if he/she would consider contacting an admissions officer at your first choice school on your behalf.
  • Apply to some "safety" schools, including a state school. Remember that Ivy League schools offer virtually no merit-based aid but will usually meet financial need.

RESOURCES FOR COLLEGE PLANNING AND FINANCIAL AID

SAT
ACT
SAT & ACT PREP
Florida Shines -College Search, Resume Builder, Scholarship Search, Career Interest Inventory
FAFSA -Federal Student Aid
Florida Student Financial Aid -Office of Student Financial Assistance: State Grants & Scholarships