2020-2021 School Counselor Guide

2020-2021

Counselor Guide Dear Counselors, Thank you for leading your students on the path to success in their educational pursuits. It takes exceptional care and guidance to assist students in choosing a higher education institution that best suits their goals and aspirations.

We believe the University of West Florida has a lot to offer. At UWF, we are much more than an institution. We are a spirited community of learners, and our potential knows no bounds.

Students choose UWF for a multitude of reasons. They seek honors programs, undergraduate research and study abroad opportunities, experiential learning programs, quality internships, and a close-knit academic experience led by ranked faculty, who are among the most talented in the nation. Our students explore with curiosity and creativity,

$4M+

Awarded in Merit-Based Scholarships 2020-2021

A “Best Southeastern College” 2003-2020

The Princeton Review

Ranked No. 2 of “20 Best Value Colleges for Students with Autism”

overcome adversity, and move beyond their own expectations.

With more than 70 undergraduate programs, 150 registered student organizations, 15 athletic teams, and a wide variety of recreational activities, UWF’s campus is filled with ways to create an unforgettable college experience.

Visit our breathtaking campus and experience firsthand how Argonauts are confident students, change-makers, and leaders in the community. Our tailored collegiate experience shares the values that you have instilled in your students.

Sincerely yours, Dr. Martha D. Saunders President University of West Florida

Free Tuition

Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Recipient

uwf.edu/Argo30

INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine

Best Value Schools

Available to Qualifying Florida Residents

Freshman Scholarships uwf.edu/admissionsawards

Automatic-Consideration Scholarships UWF admissions application must be completed and all required documents, including official test scores and transcripts, received by Dec. 1, 2020, in order to receive priority consideration for all Admissions Academic Merit Scholarships and the President’s Scholarship Competition.1 A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is also required.

Dec. 1

SCHOLARSHIP PRIORITY CONSIDERATION DEADLINE uwf.edu/admissionsawards

ADMISSIONS ACADEMIC MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS The chart at right gives an idea of the requirements for the Admissions Academic Merit Scholarships based on GPA and test scores. Awarded students will be notified upon admission.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST SCHOLARSHIP 1 Value: $50,000+ National Merit Finalists will be awarded full tuition, a meal plan, on-campus housing, an $800 per-semester book stipend, and a one-time paid research or study abroad experience valued at up to $1,500.

PACE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP Value: $50,000+ Select Florida resident students invited to the President’s Scholarship Competition will compete for the Pace Presidential Scholarship. Invitations are distributed shortly after admission for qualifying students who meet the scholarship priority consideration deadline. The Pace Presidential Scholarship, in conjunction with Florida Bright Futures, covers tuition, a meal plan, on-campus housing, an $800 per-semester book stipend, and a onetime paid research or study abroad experience valued at up to $1,500.3

Application-Required Scholarships Students must apply separately

ACADEMIC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION 2 HS GPAa

SATb

ACTc

FLORIDA

ALABAMA

OUT OF STATE

4.0+

1330+

29+

$20,000

$20,000

$32,000

1260-1320 OR 27-28

$16,000

$16,000

$24,000

1160-1250

$6,000

$6,000

$6,000

3.80-3.99 3.50-3.79

AND

24-26

Cumulative Weighted. New SAT Combined Score; minimum subscores required.

ACT Composite Score; minimum subscores required.

a

b

c

for other scholarships. In order to be considered for the Argo Spirit Scholarship, students must complete the FAFSA and scholarship application and be admitted no later than April 1, 2021.

ARGO SPIRIT SCHOLARSHIP Value: $50,000+ This full-ride, competitive scholarship1 is for Pell-eligible4, first-time-in-college Florida resident students who have shown strength of character, or “Argo Spirit,” by overcoming obstacles, fighting for something important, or making an impact while in high school.

This can be in the form of leadership, family contribution, or community engagement. The application includes a video essay. Winners will be awarded full tuition, a meal plan, on-campus housing, and an $800 per-semester book stipend.

PENSACOLA PLEDGE SCHOLARSHIP Value: Up to $24,000 Sponsored by Quint and Rishy Studer, this scholarship is for first-time-incollege students graduating from high school in Escambia County or Santa Rosa County in Florida. The application includes an essay about “What being a citizen of Northwest Florida means to me.” uwf.edu/pensacolapledge ADMISSIONS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS Through generous support from alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and others, UWF is able to offer various Admissions Foundation Scholarship opportunities. These are offered only for students beginning in summer or fall and have an application submission deadline of June 1, 2021. uwf.edu/admissionsawards

1 The Office of Undergraduate Admissions can award students with only one academic or full-ride scholarship; scholarships may not be combined. Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree will not receive priority scholarship consideration. Some scholarships are renewable pending continued and verified eligibility, and others are one-time awards. 2Amounts are divided over a four-year period. 3Students who do not receive the Pace Presidential Scholarship will maintain their original Admissions Academic Merit Scholarship. 4Requires completion of FAFSA by April 1.

Important dates

Virtual Events This fall, UWF will host several virtual events, including senior info sessions. uwf.edu/admissionsevents APPOINTMENTS Students and counselors can schedule virtual meetings with UWF admissions counselors. uwf.edu/contactus

AUG. 1

Applications Open

Encourage students to start the application process to ensure ample time to send UWF all required documents, including transcripts and test scores. uwf.edu/apply OCT. 1

FAFSA Opens

FALL 2020

ADMISSIONS EVENTS

TOURS Experience UWF from anywhere, anytime with the virtual tour. Check out residence halls, labs, facilities, and grounds. Or schedule a personalized virtual tour with a Student Admissions Representative for you and your guests. uwf.edu/campustours

Students can start submitting the FAFSA. School code: 003955 DEC. 1

FRESHMAN CLASS SNAPSHOT FALL 2020 CLASS

3.9

average cumulative weighted GPA

ACT

SAT

25

1190

composite

combined

Scholarship Priority Consideration Deadline

Application must be complete and all test scores and transcripts received by this deadline in order to receive priority scholarship consideration.

DECEMBER

Orientation Registration and Housing Contract Open

Students can apply for fall campus housing and register for New Student Orientation after confirming their offer of admission.

JAN. 1

Complete FAFSA

ARGO 30 GUARANTEE The Argo 30 Guarantee is UWF’s commitment to ensuring students have access to higher education regardless of their financial situation. The Argo 30 Guarantee is available to new undergraduate students who are Florida residents, full-time Pell Grant eligible, and working toward their first undergraduate degree. The guarantee covers up to 30 credit hours of tuition and mandatory fees that are not covered by grants or scholarships. In other words, students who qualify pay no out-of-pocket costs for tuition and mandatory fees.

Incoming freshmen must be admitted and complete all financial aid requirements by April 1, 2021, to be eligible.

More than 24% of incoming freshmen qualify. Eligible students will automatically qualify for the guarantee. uwf.edu/argo30

2021-2022 ESTIMATED DIRECT COSTS

For priority need-based consideration, students entering Fall 2021 must submit a FAFSA to UWF with all outstanding requirements completed by the deadline.

JANUARY

Admissions Decisions

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will begin releasing decisions to students.

Rolling admissions will run through June 1, 2021.

APRIL 1

Submission Deadlines

•S tudents must be admitted and FAFSA completed to be considered for the Argo Spirit Scholarship and Argo 30 Guarantee.

• Scholarship application packages due for Pensacola Pledge and Argo Spirit.

MAY 1

RESIDENCE

FLORIDA

ALABAMA

OUT OF STATE

$/Credit Hour

$212

$317

$642

Tuitiona

$6,360

$9,510

$19,260

Housingb

$5,800

$5,800

$5,800

Students should confirm and register for orientation by this date to reserve their spot in the Class of 2025.

Mealsc

$3,940

$3,940

$3,940

JUNE 1

Total Estimated Cost

$16,100

$19,250

$29,000

Estimates based on 2020-2021 direct costs. aBased on 30 credit hours of tuition and fees for 1 year (2 or 3 semesters) bShared Junior Suite (fall and spring in Pace/ Argo/Martin Hall) c12 meals per week, plus $300 Dining Dollars (fall and spring).

Intent to Enroll Deadline

Final Application Deadline

Students must have submitted and completed an application by this date to receive a decision for Summer/Fall 2021.

SPRING 2021

Free-Tuition Eligibility

JOIN THE ZEEMEE COMMUNITY Students who join the University of West Florida community on the free ZeeMee app can learn what’s going on around campus and connect with students and future classmates. uwf.edu/zeemee

$101M

28

Awarded in Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Avg. Class Size

2019-2020

70+

CONNECT WITH US

degree programs

@UWF

uwf.edu/programs

@WestFL

12,800+ students

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is committed to providing an exceptional visit experience for every guest. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations is requested to advise UWF by contacting ADA Program Office at 850.474.2694 or 711 (TTY) at least two business days before the event.

For information or to submit a request, visit uwf.edu/accommodations or email ada@uwf.edu.

Questions?

LET US KNOW. 800.263.1074 admissions@uwf.edu Fax: 850.474.3360 11000 University Parkway Pensacola, FL 32514