Summer break just ended, yet it’s not too early for high school seniors to seriously focus on their top choices for colleges and universities. Applying early gives candidates the opportunity for an early decision and puts them first in line for scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
As Associate Director of Admissions at Florida Poly, it is my job to manage enrollment for undergraduate and graduate admissions. I am proud to help lead Florida Poly’s Admissions Office for many reasons. At Florida Poly, our students have the opportunity to be at the ground floor of what will be the next great university in Florida and in the nation. FloridaPoly is the only public University in Florida wholly dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) – fieldswhere job growth is projected to accelerate for years to come.
Florida Poly’s vision is to become a world-class higher-education STEM institution recognized in the state, nation and globally. We have small class sizes, professors with industry experience and a focused learning environment to ensure that students will graduate with the knowledge, hands-on experience and specialized skills to assume sought-after jobs in engineering and advanced technology.
Those are some of the major advantages to attending our brand-new University, which just welcomed its inaugural class of students in August 2014. The University also offers generous, merit-based scholarships, as available, to ease the burden of college tuition. It may come as no surprise that we received thousands of applications prior to the start of our inaugural 2014-15 year – before the campus was fully constructed or our doors had opened. We expect the process to be just as selective for the 2015-16 year. The academic profile of the average freshman accepted in 2014 was: 3.9 GPA; 26 ACT composite; and 1775 SAT (total). Of course, we also consider the rigor and quality of coursework, class rank, and senior year math and science level.
Student candidates and their families always are welcome to schedule a campus tour and see our innovative University in action. We’re a tight-knit group, with the 2014-15 class numbering 550 students. Campus life and traditions are being created and set by the students who are filling the University’s classrooms in these early years. For example, the 2014-15 students will have a voice in picking the University’s mascot this school year. Now how many people can say that about their University alma mater?
At this time of year, prospective students often ask me: “When should I apply?” The answer is easy: the sooner, the better. We will review applications as they are submitted. The University’s early application deadline is Nov. 1.
School counselors also may want to ask their high-achieving seniors who are considering Florida Poly: “What are you waiting for?”