Local seniors become Baby Gators

Now they know, and the hard question of money comes next.

But the glow of acceptance hasn't worn off yet for Hillsborough County high school seniors who spent Friday evening glued to computer screens as they awaited official word on whether they would become Baby Gators.

Gaither High senior Courtney Barber planned to check on her Gator status at 6 p.m., but friends started calling shortly after 5.

"I got in!" they told her, so Courtney typed in her password on the University of Florida's admissions Web site.

It took about 10 minutes, an eternity for a 17-year-old waiting for to find out whether she got accepted to her dream school.

"I screamed," Courtney said.

Friday was D-Day for Hillsborough County high school seniors who applied to the University of Florida. Most spent part of the evening glued to computer screens as they awaited official word on whether they would become Baby Gators.

About 28,000 first-time freshman applied, spokesman Steve Orlando said. Only 10,000 will make the cut and only 6,400 to 6,500 will become the incoming freshman class.

The university has one of the lowest acceptance rates in the state at 39 percent, followed by 42 percent at the University of South Florida and University of Central Florida.

By comparison, USF has received about 25,000 freshman applications for four campuses that stretch from St. Petersburg to Lakeland, spokeswoman Lara Wade said. The school will make offers to about 12,500 students with the goal of enrolling 4,700 between summer and fall.

Getting in is just the beginning, though.

Students at UF need to submit a $200 nonrefundable tuition deposit along with their intent by May 1.

Then they need to apply for housing that includes a $25 nonrefundable payment. About two weeks later, students should receive information on how to complete an online housing contract and pay rent in advance.

Next, students and their families may attend an orientation to learn about the campus. Students also must complete a health history form and show proof of immunizations. Administrators recommend all students fill out a federal financial aid form.

And remember, school officials warn, all admissions are tentative. Students must send the university their final transcripts first.

None of that puts a damper on Courtney's bliss.

"I got in!" she reported.