Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What is Early Decision?
2. What is Early Action?
3. What is Regular Decision?
4. What is Rolling Admission?
5. How do I check my application status?
6. What is the procedure for applying to college?
7. Is it important to pay attention to deadlines?
8. What is a scholarship scam? What signs do I look for?
9. What do colleges look at in selecting you?
10. What is a Community College?
11. Do you have to take a test at a Community College?
12. What is accreditation?
13. What is a Bachelor Degree?
14. What is Bright Futures?

What is Early Decision?

Early decision is a binding commitment and if accepted, you must attend that 
school.  This is not recommended unless you absolutely know for sure that 
this wiil be your first choice school.  UF and University of Miami have 
early decision plans.

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What is Early Action?

This allows the student to apply early, be notified of the decision, but is 
NOT binding on the student.  Obviously, this is a good plan since it keeps 
your options open while still allowing you to receive early notification. UM 
has an Early Action plan.

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What is Regular Decision?

Apply by the regular deadline stated and you will be notified in April of 
the decision.  If you are deferred from Early Decision or Early Action, you 
will be placed in Regular Decision.

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What is Rolling Admission?

Most Florida schools admit students on a "rolling" basis.  Once a school has 
a completed applications and documentation, they make a decision in a few 
weeks. This is one reason to apply as early as possible.

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How do I check my application status?

Always go on line to check your status with the college.  If any part of 
your package is missing, you should be notified.

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What is the procedure for applying to college?

Send completed application to the college.  This can be done on line.
Register and take the SAT or ACT. Send scores to colleges.  Watch deadlines.
Send transcript to college. (You can do that in the main office)
Send in application fee.
Some colleges have other requirements: essays, letters of recommendaton, 
resume, etc. It is important for you to check with the college to see what 
they require.

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Is it important to pay attention to deadlines?

Students should make sure that all materials arrive at the college in 
advance of the deadline! Don't be a procrastinator because you might be left 
out!!If you're applying regular decision, the earlier you apply, the better 
you have of acceptance--if you wait until the deadline, the freshman class 
may be filled and you won't get in

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What is a scholarship scam? What signs do I look for?

Unfortunately, in their efforts to pay bills, many students and their 
families are falling prey to scholarship scams. These are not in the best 
interests of our students. Students are cautioned to 
look for tell tale signs.
   1. "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
   2. "You can't get this information anywhere else."
   3. "I need your credit card or bank account to hold this scholarship".
   4. "We'll do all the work".
   5. "The scholarship will cost you some money".
   6. "You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a schol-
       ship" or You're a finalist" in a contest you never entered.
   7. You may receive a letter advertising a "free" seminar for college 
      research and financial aid. Often ties they are cleverly disguised 
      sales pitches for consulting services.

      SEE YOUR CAP ADVISOR BEFORE YOU SIGN ANY PAPERS!!!

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What do colleges look at in selecting you?

Admissions officers consider these factors in roughly the following order of 
importance.
   1. Grade Point average/difficulty of curriculum
   2. SAT, or ACT
   3. Class rank
   4. Application essays
   5. Extracurricular activities
   6. Recommendations
   7. Interviews
   8. Intangibles

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What is a Community College?

A community college is a two year college on which you earn an associate 
degree. There 
are two types of associate degrees--an associate of arts, (AA) which is an 
academic type of degree.  It allows you to transfer, as a junior, to a four 
year college.  The other type of associate degree is an associate of science 
degree, (AS) which gives you training in the technical or occupational 
programs. It prepares you for employment when completed.

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Do you have to take a test at a Community College?

A community college requires that you take the CPT (College Placement Test) 
before you enter.  It measures your English ability  and Math. You must 
score an acceptable level in order to begin college level classes.  You may 
also take the SAT or ACT in place of the CPT. If your scores are not high 
enough, you will be required to take remedial classes, which you must pass.

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What is accreditation?

Accreditation is recognition of a school, college or university by any of 
the regional or national accrediting bodies indicating that the institution 
as a whole has been judged to have met certain requirements.  Any 
institution a student considers attending should be accredited or the degree 
or certificate earned might not be recognized.

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What is a Bachelor Degree?

(BA--Bachelor or Arts or BS--Bacheor of Science) the degree normally granted 
by a college or university to students who complete a prescribed program 
which usually takes four or five years.

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What is Bright Futures?

Bright Futures is a scholarship program for students who go to 
school in the state of Forida. To be eligible, you must take the SAT or ACT, 
and have the necessary GPA in the required high school classes. The CAP 
office has brochures for you and instructions in how to apply. Students may 
go to www.FACTS.org for a comparison of their transcripts with Bright 
Futures academic requuirements. You must apply during your last year in high 
school or you will forfeit all future eligibility for a Bright Futures 
Scholarship. Scholarships apply to all eligible Florida institutions.

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