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From applications to financial aid, navigating the college decision process can be a journey. We get it—that’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way. As a sample of that support, we asked a few of our admission counselors and students to answer the questions they most often receive at college fairs, on campus visits, and during video chats. At Rollins, we’re always ready to answer your questions—no matter how big or how small they may seem.

HOW DO I MAKE MY APPLICATION STAND OUT? Admission counselors like it when we can tell that a student has put effort and care into their application. That can be as simple as proofreading your essay and utilizing each section of the application to help us get to know you better. Demonstrating your interest is also big because we want students who really want to be at Rollins. You can show interest by visiting campus or meeting us at a local event at your school. Since we know that’s not an option for everyone, showing interest could be as simple as reaching out to your admission counselor and introducing yourself. Authenticity is also important. Don’t tell us what you think we want to hear—we want you to be true to who you are. — Fran Vanegas ’14, Associate Director of Admission

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HOW DO I APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS? All you have to do is submit your application because at Rollins every applicant is automatically considered for academic and merit-based scholarships. Students who apply Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) receive priority consideration for scholarships, so applying by the November 15 deadline can really pay off. Scholarships range from $15,000 to $33,000 per year and can be renewed annually. Rollins is also very good about stacking outside scholarships, and all students should complete the FAFSA to be considered for state and federal need-based aid as well as Rollins grants. — Anne Miller ’20, Admission Counselor

WHAT ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT ROLLINS? I HAVE AN IEP (504 PLAN, ADHD, ETC.). WILL I HAVE SUPPORT AT ROLLINS? Around a fifth of Rollins students are registered with our Office of Accessibility Services. Their team works with students privately and individually to transition their high-school 504 or IEP plan to college. Typical accommodations include testing adjustments, note-taking assistance, alternative textbooks, and course substitutions, and they’re tailored to each student’s course schedule and personal goals. — Frank Thomas, Senior Assistant Director of Admission

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WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT A PRIVATE INSTITUTION VS. PUBLIC? Private colleges are generally smaller and provide easier access to resources, fostering a close-knit community where students can form strong connections. These strong connections with faculty, for example, are not only helpful within the classroom, but are also important for references, mentorship, and job opportunities. However, private colleges receive less federal funding, which often results in higher tuition costs. Public universities tend to have more students, leading to bigger class sizes and more competition for support and resources. The choice really depends on a student’s preference for a more intimate academic setting or a larger university experience. — Mayra Villamizar, Assistant Director of Admission

DO I HAVE TO DECLARE MY MAJOR WHEN I APPLY? No. You can indicate major preferences when you apply, but you don’t need to declare your major until you’re ready—usually after your first year. In fact, the first-year experience at Rollins is designed to help you explore. I indicated an interest in international business when I applied to Rollins, and I was able to take a class that focused on the basics of international business my first semester. That experience really solidified that this was the right major for me. — Paige Petty ’26, Admission Diplomat, International Business Major

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DO I HAVE TO HAVE EVERYTHING IN PLACE (TEST SCORES, TRANSCRIPT, ETC.) BEFORE I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION? No, you don’t need to wait until you have every last thing ready. In fact, you should submit your application as soon as possible to take advantage of the priority consideration for admission and scholarships that comes with applying by the ED and EA deadlines on November 15. Think about your application as a work in progress because things like test scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation can—and inevitably will—be submitted after your initial application. — Sydney Moy ’25, Admission Diplomat, Biology Major

IF I APPLY WITHOUT TEST SCORES, WILL IT AFFECT MY SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES? No, students who apply test-optional are eligible for all levels of merit scholarship, including the Alfond Scholars Program, which covers tuition, room, and an unlimited meal plan. Generally, I tell students that test scores can only help you, especially if your test scores are near our median range (1240–1330) or anywhere in the high 1100s. That said, a little more than half of Rollins applicants apply without test scores. Minus that piece, we rely a bit more on the other pieces of your application (essay, letters of recommendation, service, etc.). Regardless, every Rollins applicant is automatically considered for scholarships, and students who apply ED or EA receive priority consideration for both admission and scholarships. — Hannah Gonzalez ’20, Assistant Director of Admission

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DO STUDENTS DO RESEARCH AND INTERNSHIPS WHILE AT ROLLINS? Yes, Rollins puts a real emphasis on applied learning. All students have the opportunity to participate in the Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Program, where students partner with professors on original research projects. I know the research I’ve done at Rollins has given me a leg up as I head to grad school. For internships, our Center for Career & Life Planning does a great job of connecting students to opportunities and making sure they have everything they need to land those positions. I’ve done two internships, and both helped me understand what I want to do professionally and gave me experience that I know will pay off down the road. — Evan Link ’25, Admission Diplomat, Public Policy and Political Economy and International Business Double Major

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