Admissions Resources
Are you interested in learning more about the University of North Florida? We have put together some helpful admissions resources for you!
By using our online admissions resources, you will be able to access UNF Admissions' most current information and UNF's most recent accolades.
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Application Mistakes to Avoid
The application process is full of pitfalls, and even small mistakes can have big consequences when being considered for admittance. Here are some mistakes to avoid when filling out applications.
Not Knowing Admission Requirements
You should know the admission requirements of each school you are applying to. Know what the GPA and SAT/ACT score thresholds are and apply to schools where you meet that threshold or offer a program to enter if you do not.
Incorrect Information
It may seem like an obvious mistake to avoid, but slip ups can happen. Always make sure that all the information you put on your application is accurate. Along the same lines, make sure you put your legal name on your documents, not your nickname. Ensuring your information is correct and accurate will help circumvent any possible delays with matching your records to your application.
One way to avoid sending out incorrect information is to proofread your work. Before you send anything out, give it one last read to check for any errors. Universities expect professionalism, and even something small like a spelling error can make an impact on their decision to admit you.
You should especially proofread your work if you are applying to multiple schools. We understand that you will use the same or similar material between all your college application submissions, just make sure that your submissions are addressed properly.
Not Following Instructions or Adhering to Deadlines
Make sure everything you do regarding your application is adhering to the instructions of the school. Also make sure you have a clear understanding of your deadlines. Schools often want the paperwork received prior to a deadline, so check to see how many business days it will take for the school’s admissions office to receive and process your paperwork.
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Following off the last tip, don’t wait until close to the deadline to complete your application. It’s best to safeguard against any possible issues that could arise by submitting early, giving you plenty of time to submit any possible missing documents and making sure the admissions office has enough time to process your application and receive materials before the deadline.
Not Following Up on Submitted Documents
While schools usually will inform of any missing documents, it’s still best to check and see if there are any missing documents from your application. -
What to Consider When Applying to Schools
There are so many different higher education institutions to choose from, that even knowing what to look for can be tough. Here are some factors to consider when thinking about what school to call home.
Location
Knowing where you want to be, especially if you plan on living on campus, is vital to your overall experience. Even the best college experiences can be sullied if you do not like the area you’re in. Look into where you want to be. Think about the weather, geographic location, what’s around the campus and more.
Academic Options
Research the academic opportunities and resources each school offers for the program you are interested in. If you do not know quite yet, most universities offer an undeclared or exploratory option where you can usually take up-to 36 credit hours of General Education without declaring a major. If you need help figuring out what major you want to choose, check out our Discovering Your Major guide.
Student Body
Look at how big a campus is based on its student body size. Are you looking for a place with a large populace, or something on the smaller side? Outside of the population size itself, also look at how well the school handles its population size. What’s the student-to-faculty ratio? Are there enough resources for the school to adequately support its student body size?
Financial Options
School can be quite expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Look into the cost of tuition, meal plans, room and board, school materials and any other costs that could affect you. Also look at the financial aid opportunities offered and see what requirements and awards are offered.
Life, Amenities, ETC.
A university is more than just a place to learn, and living on campus makes that especially true. Don’t just think of a university as a school, but as a lifestyle. Research amenities, school resources, clubs, campus layout, sports, dining options, housing options, school events and overall campus culture to see if it is a right fit for you.
Once you have factored these decisions and more, here are some next steps to consider for deciding which university is right for you.
Talk to a Guidance Counselor
Check with your school and see what college services they have on offer. If your school offers a counselor, book a visit with him or her and discuss your college options. If that service isn’t on-hand, check to see if your school or school’s website has any college resources that can help make an informed decision.
Campus Tour
There’s no better way to get a feel for a campus than to tour it. A campus tour will familiarize you with a campus’s layout, culture, amenities, educational offerings and more. After the tour, try to check out the campus on your own to get a feel for the campus in an unstructured manner.
Check Admissions
Check the Admissions page of each university you are interested in and see what information they have displayed such as academic requirements, program offerings, scholarships, campus tour scheduling and more. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, try to find their contact information and call or email their offices.