What you’ve got to do, and what I did, is to really reach for every opportunity. If UCF or UNF have Early Action or Early Decision, apply to them because the acceptance rates are usually a bit higher, and applications are treated a bit more leniently. Send e-mails and call the office of admissions and ask them questions, have them know your interest and dedication (and your name). Also, first term Senior grades DO matter, contrary to popular belief, so if you can pull off a better average for at least that one term (and have an “upward” trend) in your grades, that’ll help to.

It’s never too late, and I sincerely wish you the best of luck. It’s a hard time, to be sure, applying to college… but once you get the process over with, it’s a good sense of accomplishment.

For UCF, you should try applying early, in September is when the applications open (if I remember correctly). Also, by applying to start in the summer your chances of getting in are higher. Try to write an amazing essay and make your “special talents” stand out. Just remember that UCF does deny about fifty percent of all applicants now, so getting in is not easy.

UNF, to my knowledge, is MUCH easier to get into. I do not know anyone who was rejected from UNF.

If you do get rejected from both colleges, Valencia or another community college can get you in after you complete your General Education in two years.

You see, my dad graduated from college when he was already in his late thirties, and my brother was already born.