Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the cost of tuition cover all expenses?
A: Tuition is applied directly to the costs of housing, meals, field trips, and extra-curricular programming costs. Some students choose to bring extra spending money, but it is not required.
Q: Where will the students be staying for the two weeks?
A: Aside from the night in Tallahassee, CLA students will be housed in student dorms at UCF. A male and female staff member will be staying in the dorms for supervision. For the one night in Tallahassee, CLA students and staff will be staying at a Tallahassee area hotel. Find out more about where CLA students live at http://ucf.housing.edu
Q: Can I apply early, and will this help my chance of being accepted?
A: Yes, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, although this will not ensure acceptance to the CLA.
Q: I have applied. When will I hear back?
A: The application deadline is April 15, 2009. Students will be notified of their acceptance on May 1, 2009.
Q: I need financial aid. How do I apply?
A: Upon acceptance, CLA students will receive a packet with more information. Financial aid forms are included.
Q: What does financial aid cover?
A: Financial aid will cover all costs of tuition, including housing, meals, field trips, and extra-curricular programming costs.
Q: Is financial aid merit- or need-based?
A: The Lou Frey Institute awards financial aid on the basis of individual need, taking into account personal and family resources.
Q: What grade levels can apply to the CLA?
A: The CLA is open to high school students who are currently in 10'th, 11'th, or 12'th grade. Graduating seniors are also encouraged to apply.
Q: I am a senior in high school. What kind of credit would I receive?
A: Graduating seniors will receive regular college, not dual enrollment credit, upon completion of the CLA.
Q: What kind of credit is dual enrollment?
A: The dual enrollment credit students receive upon completion of the CLA accounts for a semester elective at the high school level and a 3 college credits.
Q: What do my grades need to be?
A: Civic Leadership Academy students are required to have at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA.
Q: Do I have to have a SAT or ACT score?
A: No. The SAT or ACT is not required for CLA acceptance, however students who do not have a verified test score will be required to complete the CPT while they are at UCF. The College Placement Test is required for dual enrollment and does not affect college acceptance or one’s transcript.
Q: I’ve been accepted, now what?
A: When you are accepted you will receive a detailed package in the mail with important dates, deadlines, details, and instructions. This package will walk students through the process leading up to the start of the CLA, including what to bring, what to wear, and what to expect.
Q: How many students do you accept?
A: A typical CLA class will have between 20-25 students.
Q: Can I learn who else will be attending the CLA?
A: CLA students will be asked to join a Facebook group before the start of the program. This serves as a vital way for staff to contact students and for CLA students to meet their peers.