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Junior son wants to go to FSU.

Mom and dad say no way except if accepted into the Honors College.

We're from out of state.

Tough to get into the program?

Anyone know? Thanks in advance.

By Flyguy (Flyguy) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 11:57 am: Edit

stats?

By Unmatchedsocks (Unmatchedsocks) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 05:01 pm: Edit

Okay, well, it is NOT an honors college. It is an honors PROGRAM. UCF is the only one with an honors college. As far getting in, all you need to do is meet the min. requirements and you're in. There aren't any essays, you just have to meet the class rank, GPA, and SAT requirements. UF is the best in Florida, and they require a 31 on the ACT. I think FSU requires a 29. You can look it up on their website.

By Unmatchedsocks (Unmatchedsocks) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 05:08 pm: Edit

Okay, you need a 3.9 Florida-weighted GPA and a 29 on the ACT or a 1300 on the SAT.

You can figure out your Florida weighted GPA as follows:

- Florida does not have any +'s or -'s for any grades. A 89.9 counts as much as 99.9.
- Give yourself: 1 point for a D; 2 points for a C; 3 points for a B; 4 points for an A.
- For every class that is Pre-AP, Pre-IB, or Honors, give yourself an extra half a point on to that grade. Example: An A in World History Honors is worth 4.5 points.
- For every class that is AP or IB, add one full point to that grade. Example: An A in IB Theory of Knowledge is worth 5 points.
- Do not count any gym/health classes or band classes.

Obviously, all other unweighted electives like photography hurt you because they are factored into your GPA. Also, if your school does not offer AP or IB classes, you are at a disadvantage.

By Beenthereil (Beenthereil) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 11:27 am: Edit

He's #12 in a class of 751 at a Southwest suburban Chicagoland high school.

4.5 weighted on a 4.0 system.

As I said earlier, he's a 30 ACT as sophomore and scored a 1300 SAT as a sophomore.

Took the ACT yesterday and is taking the SAT again in early June.

Had lots of ec's as freshman and soph but is now coasting and doing community service. (I know all about "pushing" him but he really doesn't want to do much more than he is doing. Socialization is his strength. He should be a good salesman.) Interested in blondes and becoming a professional model.

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 11:44 am: Edit

Beentherell,
He sounds like a perfect candidate for FSU's honors program. He'd probably graduate with great grades and have a wonderful time in college. If he wanted to go to grad school or professional school, he'd be on track to do that. He also would be on track to get a nice job (due to wonderful contacts) in Fla. or other parts of the SE.

Just because a kid is very smart doesn't mean that they should aspire to going to a top 25 college. The second tier colleges provide plenty of opportunities for smart teens who know about the importance of college for their careers but who aren't that interested in formal academics. They can go to such a college and have a wonderful time socially while maintaining high grades.

Did your son take the PSAT last fall? With a high score (over 214 or so), he'd be on track to get a National Merit Scholarship, which I am fairly sure would mean a full ride at FSU.

Check their website as he also may be able to qualify for major merit aid based on his SAT score, which presumably will go up when he takes it in the fall.

One thing to keep in mind with Fla. public universities: They all are rolling admission. The earlier one applies, the greater one's chances of getting accepted because as slots fill up, acceptance standards rise, too. Savvy students get their applications in before September ends.

By Beenthereil (Beenthereil) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 07:17 pm: Edit

Thanks, Northstar.

He only scored a 209 on the PSAT. Said he didn't need to study and I think it cost him a little bit.

Likely to be a Commended out of Illinois.

Thanks, again for the important information about the "rolling" admissions.

Going to give him a copy of this thread as soon as it prints.

--

His brother, an '04, is headed to Princeton.

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 07:21 pm: Edit

209. Only?

By Beenthereil (Beenthereil) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 07:24 pm: Edit

Ts...In the context of the answer to North's statement/question about 214 and the National Merit.

Didn't mean it as it sounded, I suppose.

Of course, we're (mom and I) proud of him, but if you knew the circumstances of his taking that test, you would be shocked.

By Shhh (Shhh) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 07:59 pm: Edit

thats ridiculous, i have a 5.0 and dont qualify. damn sats. im going to cry

By Beenthereil (Beenthereil) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 11:43 am: Edit

shhh...What don't you qualify for?

5.0 in what?

By Shhh (Shhh) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 08:40 pm: Edit

The honors college. SAT score is too low.