Step 1: Application State University System (SUS) applications are available in the CAP Office, online or the EZ application will be mailed to you upon receipt of your electronic transcript. Applications to private and out of state schools may be obtained from the institution, online or, in some cases, from the CAP Office. Each year additional colleges are using the Common Application that allows you to complete one application and send copies to participating institutions.

Step 2: Transcript A copy of your high school record, grades 9 – 11, is sent electronically by the Registrar to SUS schools or as a hard copy to private and out of state schools. A transcript request form is available in the CAP Office. Transcripts are sent at no cost to the senior.

Step 3: Test Scores With a few exceptions, either a SAT or ACT score is the third item which colleges consider when reviewing your application. On the test registration form you may request your score be sent to four colleges for the price of the test and for four additional ones for an extra fee. Test scores for previous tests are included in the score report. Juniors are encouraged to take one or both of these tests in the spring in order to comply with early fall registration dates. SAT II scores, when required, are best taken soon after completing the specific class.

Step 4: Recommendations Many colleges require letters of recommendation from counselors and/or teachers. An eight page CAP at MAST form (available in the CAP Office) should be completed early in the school year and made available to anyone from whom you wish a recommendation. You must give the school official at least two weeks to respond to your request.

Step 5: Essays/Personnel Statements This is your opportunity to reveal your uniqueness, the qualities you possess that make you a desirable addition to your college campus. UF, FSU, FAU Honors, New College of Florida require personal statements and UCF strongly recommends them. Many private colleges/universities require essays and give you specific topics. The application will indicate what is required.

Step 6: Resumé This is a summary of your activities, honors/awards, volunteer service, special talents during your high school career (grades 9-12). Written in outline form, you may use categories or a timeline to organize your data. Be specific when items may be somewhat obscure. Even if not required, a resumé enhances your application package.

Step 7: Interviews Interviews may be conducted on campus or by an alumnus in Miami. Prepare by reading available material on the college beforehand, ask thoughtful questions and give thoughtful answers, he honest, dress neatly, be relaxed. Most of all, show knowledge of and enthusiasm for what the particular college can offer you.

Step 8: Letter of Acceptance Colleges with rolling admissions policies will notify you of acceptance/rejection within weeks of receiving all required materials. Other colleges will publish a schedule for admission/rejection notification. In either case, the earlier you submit all your credentials, the better your chance of receiving a positive reply. All colleges have final deadlines for accepting applications. College acceptances are always provisional based on receiving a final transcript proving graduation from MAST Academy.

Step 9: Notification of Intention to Enroll When your decision is made, notify all colleges to which you have been accepted of your intentions. May 1 is generally the last date to do this.

Step 10: Orientation Program If offered, this program is a must for students and parents. Usually lasting a couple of days, orientation to the myriad of programs and activities that make up the college experience gives the freshman and her/his parents a sense of security and community that is priceless.

Step 11: Housing Many colleges can no longer guarantee freshman housing. As soon as you receive housing information, you are advised to complete the required forms and submit a deposit, even if you are not certain you will attend, as you may always apply for a refund.

Early Decision: A student is totally committed to attending this institution if accepted. She/he should not apply to other colleges/universities or withdraw those applications upon receiving a letter of acceptance. There is much current literature available on the changing philosophy in this area.