Once seniors press that final ‘submit’ button towards their future, they’re left with this unsettling feeling. This comes with not knowing if they’ll be able to get into their dream schools like the University of Florida (UF) or Florida State University (FSU). While some may be rewarded with the combination of orange and blue or maroon confetti on their screen, others are faced with rejection. However, with many pathways and different colleges awaiting your arrival, it’s okay if you didn’t get accepted to UF or FSU originally. Here’s why.
At Charter, we hold testimony to multiple acceptances to colleges all over the state of Florida. But, with UF and FSU being the most prestigious institutions in the Sunshine State, it comes as no surprise that there will be challenges. This involves SAT scores, essays, extracurricular activities, and so much more.
According to UF admissions, the average SAT scores from incoming freshmen range from 1350-1490. For most, this is a score that is received after multiple testing sessions and endless hours of studying. Not only this but UF searches for more than academics. Admissions offices consider if the applicant is a well-rounded student involved in the community as well as family background.
While this all seems intimidating and extremely worrisome competing with thousands around the country, it is possible. In the upcoming graduating class of 2025, Benjamin Kim is officially a future Gator. After four years of building a resume, he was rewarded with the opportunity to continue his next four in the Swamp.
With this accomplishment, it took Kim discipline as he progressed through countless hours put into his studying sessions. He says “If you’re studying to go to UF, study as if you’re applying to Yale. That way, rather than being average or below average, you’ll be above average and you’ll have a higher chance of making it.”
Although Charter is ecstatic to send off Jaguars to start their new journey as Gators in Gainesville, others don’t receive the same ending. 2024 graduate Daniel Morrison applied to UF in hopes of studying creative writing but was faced with a rejection. For some, this would be seen as a loss and maybe even the end of the road. But, for Morrison, it was just the start of his journey.
Flash forward to almost the end of his freshman year at the University of Central Florida (UCF), he is pursuing his dream of becoming a writer. As the sun’s rays hit his face as he walks onto campus in Orlando, he is reminded of the new path he is on.
“We’re being put on this path for a reason, and it’s really your responsibility to embrace that path and just make the best of what you have. I do feel like getting rejected from one thing just means you’re meant to be somewhere else.”
As for FSU, the process is nearly the same. With a 25% acceptance rate in comparison to UF’s 23%, it still remains a highly competitive school. However, with FSU, a rejection doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the possibility of becoming a Nole.
FSU offers many pathways involving their sister community college, Tallahassee State College (TSC). UF has this in common with this university as they also have their sister college, Santa Fe College. But, FSU offers the chance to be a Nole and a student at TSC at the same time.
Molly Touhy, a senior with strong aspirations of becoming a Nole, was headset on what the future looked like. She was envisioning maroon and gold confetti on her screen for early decision and the endless hours spent chanting at the football stadium. However, she thought this was over for her after being deferred.
Touhy instead took this strong blow and turned it into fuel to keep trying. She was going to become a Nole and that she did. She accomplished this through a very similar program to CARE that they offer. In this program, she is going to have her FSU ID and be able to dorm on campus but first has to complete one semester at TSC while taking FSU classes as well. After this is done, she will officially become a permanent Nole in the spring semester.
Now looking back at the stress she encountered, “At first I was a bit upset, but now I am super content on the pathway I chose. People shouldn’t shy away from pathways as it’s going to be such a unique and great experience.”
For Camilo Oviedo, his journey was smooth as he was accepted during the early decision and settled into the future of the next four years at Tallahassee. As he recalls all he did to make sure he was rewarded with this honor, he emphasizes the importance of SAT scores and maximizing your resources.
“Don’t procrastinate. Make sure you study for your SAT and get the score you want.” Oviedo adds, “Make sure you have your essay done a month or two before they’re due, just so you can have as many eyes look at it before you finally turn it in.”
As juniors now begin to think about the future regarding admissions, it is important to keep these testimonies in mind. Some seniors, they were granted with the privilege of becoming a Nole or Gator. But, for others, pathways or another college was in the books for them. Regardless of how you get to where you need to be, be proud of the accomplishments you have gotten through your hard work. At the end of the day, it is okay if you didn’t get into UF or FSU.
