Each year in April, STA partners with other local high schools to host the Sunshine Invitational College Fair. This special fair is not open to the public, but only to students at STA and the other host high schools. Make it a priority to attend! Hundreds of college representatives will be there to answer questions.

If you cannot attend the Sunshine Invitational College Fair, the South Florida National College Fair is another opportunity. This fair is in October and February and it is open to the public. Although this is a much larger fair, you can still meet with college representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities.

Thinking about what to do this summer? Would you like to learn what it is like living on a college campus and taking a college course? This is a great way to learn about college life, and possibly receive college credits. If you do take a course for credit, make sure you make an A, because that credit will carry over when you start college. However, unless the summer program is competitive, or offers a scholarship for admission, attending a college summer program will not give you any advantage in the undergraduate admissions process.

A comprehensive list of Summer Program offerings can be found in Scoir under “drive”.

STA hosts many colleges and universities on campus throughout the school year. These visits are open to seniors only. College visits may be in-person or virtual. Visits from the large Florida public state universities will have limited space and are only open to seniors.

Students can view the college visit calendar and register for college visits through their Scoir account. After students register for a visit, they must obtain a pass from the School Counseling & College Advising office at least two school days prior to the college visit. No passes remain accessible the day of the visit.

**All visits subject to change

Questions to Ask College Representatives

Student Athletes need to be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center to compete at an NCAA Division I or II school.

"Individual schools award athletics scholarships. Divisions I and II schools provide $2.7 billion in athletics scholarships annually to more than 150,000 student-athletes. Division III schools, with more than 180,000 student-athletes, do not offer athletically related financial aid, but most student-athletes receive some form of academic grant or need-based scholarship." -NCAA Eligibility Center

NCAA Eligibility Center Information

NCAA Eligibility Center Portal

NCAA Members by Division

For more information regarding athletic recruitment, please contact the athletic office at (954) 327-2181.

Colleges range from extremely selective (the hardest to be admitted to) to open enrollment (everyone who applies is admitted). As you begin the college search it is helpful to look at your GPA and any test scores you have, and compare them to the students who are admitted to colleges. There are college searches on Scoir and other websites to help with this (see website page). Most colleges give a mid-range of test scores, this is the middle 50% of students who have been accepted. If your test scores are in this range, any our chances of admission are good. On Scoir you can look at each college's Analysis page, which shows students who have applied to each college from STA last year, their test scores and GPAs, and their admission decision.

Think about where you would like to go to college – any geographic areas you love, or aren’t interested
in? This can begin with a family discussion – how far away are parents comfortable with? Many students attend colleges in their home state, for reasons of cost, proximity to home, or just preference for one of our great state universities.

There are colleges with as few as 300 students, and colleges with over 50,000 students, and there are pros and cons to both. Do you like smaller classes with discussions? This will happen more at a smaller college, and there will be more large lecture classes at a very large institution. There can be a variety of opportunities, both in and out of the classroom, at both. To get an idea which you prefer visit different size campuses – this can begin with ones which are local.

College costs can greatly vary, from attending a public university locally and living at home to attending the most expensive private university in the country. It is important to have a family discussion to be realistic about paying for college. There is a lot of financial aid available consisting of need-based aid and merit-based scholarships - however, it is good to have some less expensive options when applying to college in case you do not receive all the financial aid you need to cover the costs.

If you have an idea what you’d like to study in college, you will want to research colleges with this major. If not, you will want to look at colleges which offer a wide range of majors. Many colleges have a lot of choices, especially the larger colleges. However, some majors, such as Engineering, Nursing, Sports Medicine, and even Business, are not offered at every college, so research your colleges carefully.

The PreACT test allows 9th and 10th graders to determine if they are on target for college readiness as they prepare to take the ACT test and engage in college planning. The Pre ACT provides ACT predicted scores for each subject areas - English, Reading, Math, Science and Writing, and a Composite score. The test is given during a school day in April at no cost to the student.

The PSAT/NMSQT-Preliminary SAT/SAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

All Freshmen, Sophomore and Junior Students will sit for the PSAT/NMSQT Test at STA. The  PSAT test will be in October. Student can link their PSAT results to Khan Academy for free test prep.

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT®. It also gives you a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools.

What does the PSAT/NMSQT measure? The PSAT/NMSQT® measures reading, writing and language, and math skills developed over many years, both in and out of school. You will not be asked to recall facts from literature, history, or science, or to complete math formulas, because this test measures your reasoning and critical thinking skills.

The assessments clearly and transparently focus on key concepts and require the analytic, interpretive skills practiced in the best K–12 coursework today. The assessment redesign centers on these key changes:

›› Words in context. Students engage in close reading to interpret the meanings of relevant vocabulary words.

›› Command of evidence. Students are asked to interpret, synthesize, and use evidence found in a wide range of sources; support their chosen answers; and integrate information from passages and informational graphics.

›› Math that matters most. Students encounter questions that focus on Problem solving and Data Analysis, mastery of linear equations (Heart of Algebra), and familiarity with more complex equations.

The SAT & ACT both began in the 1920’s. The SAT was mainly administered on the east coast and west coast. The ACT was mainly in the middle of the country. As years have gone by the tests have grown to both being administered all over the US, and both exams accepted by 99% of the colleges in the U.S. The tests have become more similar in recent years. The SAT Test is comprised of a Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and a Math section with a top score of 800 for each section. The ACT is comprised of four subject areas - English, Mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning, with a top score of 36 in each area. These four scores are averaged to create a Composite Score. The essays are optional now on both test, so check college websites to determine if it is a requirement. We recommend that students take each test at least once to determine which test they do better on. Student test scores must be sent from the test company to each college. It is recommended to begin taking tests in the spring of junior year, and continue to test throughout the spring, and possibly the fall of senior year. Most colleges will take the highest scores from multiple test dates of the SAT (superscoring) and some college superscore the ACT. You can find more information, as well as test registration, on these websites below for each test. Be sure to register early!

Many colleges are no longer requiring SAT or ACT tests for admission. To check on the list of test optional colleges, go to www.fairtest.org.

Application Options/Deadlines

Colleges and universities have varying admission practices and deadlines. Find some of the more frequently mentioned practices below.

• ROLLING ADMISSION: As colleges receive applications, they read them and send out decisions. Some of our state universities use Rolling Admissions. It is great, as you may receive your decision very early.
• EARLY ACTION or PRIORITY: Many colleges offer this option, with deadlines in October or November. This is a great option because you receive your decision in December or January and are not committed to attend.
• SINGLE CHOICE or RESTRICTIVE EARLY ACTION: - A few colleges have this choice. If so, you can only apply to one college Restrictive Early Action or Single Choice. This option is non-binding and you will receive an admission decision in December or January.
• EARLY DECISION: This is a binding option. If you apply and are accepted, you are committed to attending this college. If you are 100% sure you will be happy attending a college, and do not need to compare financial aid offers, this is good option. Otherwise, DO NOT consider Early Decision.
• EARLY DECISION II: Some colleges offer a second Early Decision deadline, for students who have not yet made up their minds by the first Early Decision deadline. It is the same as Early Decision - if you apply and are accepted, you are committed to attending this college. If you are 100% sure you will be happy attending a college, and do not need to compare financial aid offers, this is good option. Otherwise, DO NOT consider Early Decision.
• REGULAR DECISION: Most colleges have a Regular Decision deadline. A lot of Regular Decision deadlines are January 1st or 15th, and you receive a decision in mid to late March.

College transcript/scholarship requests (GSF Forms) should be submitted at least TWO WEEKS prior to an application deadline. Check your schools for the appropriate deadline. Some examples are:

All applications with deadlines between December 15 through January 15 must be turned into the School Counseling office by December 1, 2021 Transcript requests are not accepted on the last day before Christmas break as we will not have adequate time to process late requests. Transcript requests and Guidance Services Forms must be turned into the School Counseling office by the student.

The SSAR is a self-reported student academic record that lists all courses and associated grades that have been attempted, or will be attempted, for high school and/or college credit. FAMU, USF, UWF, UF, FSU, FAU, FGCU, NCF, UNF and FLPOLY currently require that students complete the SSAR instead of sending your high school transcript. However, since accuracy is critical, you must have a copy of your high school transcript available to use as a reference when you create your SSAR. Be sure to indicate any courses taken through an online school.

The SSAR is created at the Self-reported Student Academic Record website. Each college has individual methods for linking the SSAR to your application, so read guidelines on each college website.

To access the SSAR, visit: Self-reported Student Academic Record | Scarlet Computing Solutions (scarletcs.com)

Many colleges ask for one or two academic teacher recommendations. Think hard about which teachers to ask. It doesn’t have to necessarily be a class in which you got an “A”, but could be a class in which you greatly improved. Some colleges also allow you to submit “Other Recommenders” which may be a coach, boss, etc. Read each college admissions website to determine how many letters of recommendation each college requires/allows. The Common Application also has very clear guidelines for each college. Many public universities, including the majority of our Florida public state universities do not look at letters of recommendation. This is clarified on each college admissions website.

Students should select up to two teachers to write recommendations or complete application materials on their behalf (if needed). Like transcript requests, teacher recommendations also require a MINIMUM of TWO WEEKS notice prior to the deadline. The student must ask the recommender if he/she is requesting an online recommendation and/or form. A copy must also be given to the School Counseling & College Advising office for the student’s file. You must ask your teachers in person and provide them with a copy of your resume prior to requesting them through your Scoir account. Teachers will be submitting all of their recommendation letters electronically through Scoir.

Some colleges conduct student interviews, either on campus or by local alumni. Read the college admissions website carefully regarding interviews – some are only offered if you apply by a certain date. You cannot prepare for every question that might be asked in an interview, but you can anticipate a few and have an idea of how you might answer. However, be careful; an overly rehearsed answer will come across as disingenuous and insincere. Be sure to be aware of current events in case you are asked. Some of the questions to prepare for include the following:

• What do you think is our most pressing social issue in the Unites States right now?
• Why do you want to go to this college? What do you know about this college? How did you come to include us among your choices?
• What have you read recently?
• Tell me about your school, your high school experience.
• What activities are you involved in at school, out of school?
• Describe your family, your background.
• What was the last cultural event you attended, or what have you done or seen lately?
• Who and/or what has influenced you the most? Any heroes?
• What are your academic goals, your career goals?
• Are there any significant events or challenges you have had to overcome? What significant accomplishments or rewards have you received? What accomplishment are you most proud?
• Describe your favorite subject/teacher? What makes a good teacher?

Be sure to have a couple of your own questions about the college prepared in case they ask you if you have any. Here are a few samples:

• I noticed that (a program you’re interested in) has these (benefits, criteria, rewards, etc.) for students. Can you tell me more about it?
• What does the college do to assist students with career planning, internships, and future job placement?
• Why should I choose your college?
• What advice would you give me as an incoming freshman?

At the end of your interview look the interviewer in the eyes, smile and thank them. Send them a thank you note or email after the interview. Mention something specific you discussed in the interview and reiterate your interest while thanking them for meeting with you.

What are Some of the Different Types of Applications?

Common Application: A type of application used by multiple colleges and universities.

Website Application: You will apply directly through the college or university website.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where do I start? Log into your Scoir account to follow the colleges you are interested in. From here, you can click on each college’s website to determine what you will need for their specific application.

What will I need? The College Application Handbook will help walk you through the entire process. 

What is Scoir? Scoir is your comprehensive college application planning tool. It is how you will request letters of recommendation and organize your applications. It can also be used to search for colleges based on specific criteria such as location and majors.

What is the SSAR? SSAR stands for Student Self-Reported Academic Record. A few colleges may ask you to complete the SSAR instead of sending your official high school transcript. You will need a copy of your transcript to enter all of the courses you have taken since freshman year, your grades and current senior schedule.

Most scholarships are merit-based, based upon something the student does well, such as academics, sports or talent. Most are not need-based, your income does not come into the picture.

College Scholarships These can be the most money, sometimes covering the whole cost of college. Check with each college to see what is available, and be sure to apply in time.

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program These are lottery-funded scholarships which are rewarded to Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement. Every eligible student receives the scholarship to which they meet the qualifications.

Private Scholarships There are many, many scholarships from associations, organizations, etc. for which students can apply. Many students apply, so although each student may have a chance, they may not win. These are usually $500 - $2,000 per year. We receive a lot of scholarship information, and it is posted on Naviance and in our monthly Scholarship Bulletin. In addition to scholarships listed, there are some helpful scholarship search sites at the end. Also, if you have applied to a college using the Common Application, they have helpful information under “Financial Aid Resources.”

College financial aid offices will look at your family income, assets, the size of your family, the number of children in college, and the age of the parents in determining your family contribution. Calculate your estimated family contribution.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) If you are interested in need-based aid, every college requires that you complete this form. You can begin completing it on October 1 of the student’s senior year (it is based on parents’ income from the "prior prior" year). This form is free, as the name implies, and can be accessed at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to simplify the process. Be careful, there are some scams out there that ask for money to help complete the form.

CSS PROFILE Some select colleges require that you complete this form if you are interested in need-based aid. There is a fee assessed for processing PROFILE, so check with each college to be sure they require that you complete PROFILE before paying the fee. You can find this information on the Financial Aid section of each college website. You can begin submitting your PROFILE application in the fall of your senior year. Be sure that your CSS Profile accurately matches your FAFSA information. Colleges have different deadlines for when you must submit this information – watch these closely and don’t be late! Money is given out first come-first serve.

Resources

Scholarship Search Websites