We are proud to share the exciting news that Cyryl Gildore, a senior at River City Science Academy Middle-High, has been accepted to the University of Florida, one of the nation’s most respected and prestigious universities.

Cyryl’s high school journey has been truly impressive. Throughout his time at RCSA, he has demonstrated exceptional academic dedication by completing 15 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 10 dual enrollment classes. With a current weighted GPA of 4.7069, Cyryl has consistently challenged himself with rigorous coursework and worked hard to achieve this outstanding milestone.

Cyryl’s success extends beyond the classroom as well. His commitment, maturity, and strong sense of purpose have made him a valued member of our school community and an inspiring role model for his peers.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Cyryl for a short interview to learn more about his experiences, future goals, and reflections on this exciting accomplishment:

What was your first reaction when you found out you got accepted to University of Florida?

My first reaction was both relief and gratitude. The stress and pessimism while waiting was finally over. After the relief, I was purely excited to know that my work paid off. Being able to attend the University of Florida is a privilege many don’t get to have, and I was extremely grateful to have this opportunity.

What do you plan to study at UF, and what excites you most about it?

I plan on majoring in Cybersecurity or Computer Science. I have been self-teaching Python since 9th grade and plan on taking my CompTIA Security+ certification in the summer. What excites me the most is how quickly the field changes, especially with the growth of AI. UF promotes this major by having one of the strongest communities and education in Florida.

What activities or experiences do you think helped your application stand out?

I think that my dedication to our Math Olympiad program played one of the biggest roles. Because I stuck with it throughout all four years of high school, it showed continuity in a challenging subject. I am a firm believer that proving long-term commitment shows the kind of discipline and focus that universities like UF are looking for.

What role did River City Science Academy play in shaping your academic journey?

RCSA offers many AP classes that I took to challenge myself academically. The sheer quantity of AP classes available gave me the space to prove ambition and ability to handle college-level workload. Also, our school offers free vouchers for the SAT and other standardized tests, which lets me focus on my performance rather than the costs.

How would you describe the learning environment at River City Science Academy?

The learning environment is very education-focused. Both the staff and the curriculum promote academic excellence, which breeds a community focused on similar goals. Overall, RCSA provides the time and space needed to thrive in your schoolwork. 

Were there any teachers or mentors who had a big impact on you?

Mr. Barandik had a large impact on me, specifically his teaching approach. He followed a cycle by introducing a concept and immediately providing an example problem, rather than rigid note taking and lectures. This simple but effective model is something I plan to apply in future learning endeavors.

What advice would you give to students dreaming of top universities?

I believe that UF is very achievable if you prioritize your high school GPA as soon as possible. While course rigor is important, maintaining a high grade starting from freshman year shows the consistency and long-term commitment that is required to be considered by top universities. 

How do you hope to make a difference in the world through your education?

I hope to use my education in cybersecurity to protect and secure sensitive data in a world that is increasingly vulnerable every day. A formal education, combined with the reinforced learning style, will provide me with the foundation needed to keep up pace with an evolving digital world.

About the University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF), founded in 1853 in Gainesville, is one of the most prestigious public research universities in the United States and the top-ranked in Florida. UF is consistently placed among the top public universities nationwide, serving over 61,000 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs. With 16 colleges, more than 120 undergraduate majors, and over 250 graduate degree options, UF is known for academic excellence, world-class research, and strong student outcomes.