Not-So-Fun-Fact: the University of Florida admissions process is residency-blind.
That’s right. While UF asks students for residency, it has absolutely NO influence on admissions decisions. The result? Roughly 1 out of 4 students at UF are out of state students.
Why am I telling you this? Because in my experience, parents often don’t know what they don’t know - and to help support our amazing kids, I want to give context to the process. (My mission is to take the “crazy” out of the college admissions process!!)
This week roughly 60,000 students will receive a decision from UF about whether they received an invitation to occupy one of the 6,700 coveted freshman seats. (Nerves are high y’all, hug those kids!!) Highly-qualified in-state students are competing against accomplished students from all over the world that also apply to schools like UCLA, UVA, University or Michigan, UNC Chapel Hill, Georgia Tech and other highly-selective institutions. But Florida (with our affordable out of state tuition) is top of the list for thousands of students & families.
Admissions isn’t “random” or “a crapshoot”. It’s a highly-nuanced process whereby a group of intelligent, discerning professionals attempt to craft a class that is made up of diverse students with varied interests. They’re looking for a group that will help the university meet their institutional priorities. And diversity CAN include regional/state/country residency.
So as we prepare to support the students that will receive decisions on Friday, let’s celebrate the accomplishment of being eligible to apply (no matter WHAT the decision is). Because research tells us THAT is what will fuel their personal and professional success - their hard work and perseverance - NOT the university they attend.
Parents, plan a special evening BEFORE those decisions come out - take them to their favorite dinner, make that special dessert, go for a long walk and ask them how they’re feeling. Connect. Make SURE they know how proud you are no matter what.
I have the honor of working with these kids - I hear their hopes and fears (and yes, sometimes I wipe the tears). They are ALL incredible in their own special ways. Parents - one of their deepest desires is to make you proud. Remind them. Because just like taking out the trash, they forget.
UF decisions will be released Friday, February 24th at 5PM ET.
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