Countdown to College!

We know there's lots to think about and get done as you prepare for your transition to UNF! We hope the following timeline acts as a guideline to help you stay on track with various tasks throughout your high school senior year. Keep in mind that not all items may be relevant to you, so use your discretion!

Senior Year: Fall Semester

August 

• Schedule a tour of UNF's campus to learn more about the University and what we offer!
• Start your UNF application early for optimal opportunities for scholarships, financial aid, housing, etc.
• Put together a list of important dates and deadlines. 
• Review the math and English skills you've learned to stay sharp for exams and classes.   

September 

• Register to take the SAT, ACT or Classic Learning Test (CLT)* and enroll in UNF's test preparation course. Test scores are used for admission decisions and often also for scholarship eligibility. 
• Look for scholarship opportunities, including those offered by UNF. Discuss scholarship options with your high school guidance counselor and search online to see what scholarship opportunities you can find. Rely on reputable sources for scholarship opportunities. 

October 

• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid (and certain scholarships). If you intend to use financial aid for your classes, you will need complete the FAFSA. Though it's still early to do that, you can use the FAFSA worksheet in the meantime to help you gather the necessary documents and information.
• Sign up for a UNF admissions event to get additional useful information about UNF. 

November 

• For priority consideration, submit your UNF application and all required admission materials (e.g. transcript, test scores, etc.) by November 1. If you apply and submit everything by this date, you will receive an admission decision on November 15.
• Continue browsing for additional scholarships.

December

• Watch for the FAFSA opening date and check their website for any updates. The 2024-25 FAFSA should open this month (or early in the new year) for the upcoming year. You can complete the FAFSA when it opens. Keep in mind when filling it out that it uses income and tax information from two years prior(check the FAFSA website for updates).
• You can also complete an application for Florida state financial aid. Although this application is geared towards the Bright Futures Scholarship, you can also submit it for other state scholarships and grants. 

Senior Year: Spring Semester

February

• Check your Student Aid Report, or SAR, which summarizes the data you reported on your FAFSA. Make sure it’s accurate and apply corrections, if necessary.
• Keep an eye on your email and applicant portal for any updates or important information. 

March

• Follow up about any scholarship applications you submitted, if you have not yet received any updates. Make sure you're checking both your email and regular mail.

April

• For scholarships you may be offered, be aware that you may be required to accept the scholarship by a certain deadline. Make note of this so you don't miss out!

May

• Inform UNF's Financial Aid office of any scholarships you receive/accept so they can be factored into your overall financial package.
• If you applied for financial aid and have been offered loans, make sure you understand how loans work before accepting or denying any. If you have questions, a UNF financial aid advisor can assist.
• Getting a summer job can help you save some money ahead of starting at UNF. 

June

• If you will be using the Bright Futures Scholarship, indicate that you will be attending UNF so that your award is distributed correctly and in a timely manner.
• Submit your final high school transcript and any other final documents that may still be needed. Review the Admissions webpage again for details and to make sure you don't miss anything. 

July

• Continue to check your email (UNF and personal) for any additional updates or important information. 

August

• We'll see you soon! SWOOP!