uf essay requirements

University of Florida

Admission information for all applicants.

The general requirements below apply to undergraduate admission and readmission to any college or division of the university.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Admission to the university is selective. Only minimum requirements for admission are provided; satisfaction of these minimums does not guarantee admission.

Minimum Requirements

• Online application for admission received by the Office of Admissions by the deadline.
• A non-refundable application fee. Students who are eligible can have their application fee waived.
• A satisfactory academic record. Applicants must provide a complete chronological record of educational institutions attended. Official transcripts from all educational institutions must be submitted according to instructions on the application. Failure to declare attendance at another institution could invalidate an offer of admission and any credits or degrees earned.
• Satisfactory scores on achievement or aptitude tests.
• A satisfactory conduct record.
• Applicants must identify a preferred term of enrollment on their application. Applicants who wish to change their term of entry should contact the Office of Admissions immediately.
• Admission to on-campus degree programs must be validated by taking one or more on-campus courses in the specific semester for which the student is accepted. 

Residency for Tuition Purposes

Requests for in-state residency for tuition purposes are not granted to applicants who appear to have entered the state solely for educational purposes. More Info

Proof of Immunization

Before registering for classes, each person accepted for admission must submit proof of immunization. No student will be permitted to register until the Student Health Care Center has received and approved the mandatory health form. More Info

Computer Requirement

Access to and ongoing use of a computer is required of all students. The university expects new students and continuing students to acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to the degree program. The cost of meeting this requirement will be included in financial aid considerations. More Info

All official university correspondence is sent via email to the student's GatorLink email address.

Notice of Admission

When an application for admission is approved, the university will send a notice of admission for a specific term. If the student is unable to enroll for the term indicated or wishes to be considered for entrance to a different term, the Office of Admissions should be notified immediately.

All offers of admission are tentative and will remain so until the Office of Admissions receives and reviews final transcripts and credentials. Students who are admitted conditionally may enroll, subject to verification of satisfaction of all conditions of admission. Admission offers will be revoked if final coursework/credentials do not meet admission requirements. Should that occur, the student's classification will change to a non-degree status and future enrollment will be denied.

Under no circumstances should an applicant make plans to depart for Gainesville until the university has provided official admission notification. An applicant who comes to campus without confirmation of admission does so entirely at their own risk. Presence on campus will not influence the admission decision.

Applicants who furnish false or fraudulent statements or information in connection with an application for admission or residency declaration could receive disciplinary action, denial of admission and invalidation of credits or degrees earned.

Under Board of Education policy, the university can admit a limited number of students as exceptions to the requirements listed above.

Current high school students seeking college freshman placement and students who have earned fewer than 12 semester credits following graduation from high school.

Students receiving their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree (AA) from a Florida College System (FCS) or State University (SUS) institution at the same time should complete the freshman application. If we are unable to offer you admission at the freshman level, you will be provided with the opportunity to have your application reconsidered as an upper-division transfer. Students admitted via transfer admission may have their offer of admission rescinded if they do not complete the required prerequisites and AA degree prior to enrollment. 

How to Apply

Applicants must apply using the Common Application and must complete all sections of the application, including the Student Profile and the UF supplemental section. Apply Online

When to Apply

Starting in the Fall of 2024, the University of Florida will provide two options for prospective students to apply: Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD). EA is a non-binding way to apply to UF and receive an admission decision sooner than those applying in the RD round.

Incoming Freshman Deadlines

• Application Deadline: November 1
• Credentials Deadline: November 15
• Decision Notification: late January
• Application Deadline: January 15
• Credentials Deadline: January 31
• Decision Notification: mid-March

Freshman Selection

UF employs a comprehensive review process that evaluates academic and nonacademic criteria. When we review an application, we are considering a candidate's chance of success at UF based on what the student has accomplished within distinct opportunities and challenges. The admissions review process tries to balance the subjective and objective components of the application. The university recognizes that there is great variation among applicants' personal circumstances, home communities and high schools, including schools' course offerings and grading practices. Admission officers can exercise flexibility and professional judgment in their reviews and decisions, but they also must apply consistent standards.

Admission is selective, and the number of qualified students exceeds the space available in the freshman class.

Minimum Requirements for Freshman Admission Consideration

Middle 50% of the 2022 freshman class.

• High school GPA of 4.4-4.6
• SAT scores of 1350-1490
• ACT scores of 30-34

Minimum freshman admission requirements include:

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or state-approved secondary school or the equivalent (G.E.D., etc.).
• Submission of ACT, CLT, or SAT scores

• A cumulative C (2.0) average in the academic core, as computed by the university, at all institutions attended, high school and college.
• A record of good conduct. Major or continuing difficulty with school or other officials may render an applicant ineligible regardless of academic qualifications.

Non-Accredited and Homeschools

Homeschooled students or students at non-accredited schools are considered for admission using the same holistic review process as the entire applicant pool. In addition to grades and ACT/SAT/CLT scores, students attending a homeschool or a non-accredited school are encouraged to take core classes and submit grades from an accredited secondary or post-secondary institution.

Credit by Examination

There are several credit-by-examination programs that earn credit toward a UF degree. The university participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) program , the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) , the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) . Students may receive university credit for or exemption from such courses without credit, depending on the results.

Dual-Enrollment Credit

Courses from Florida public colleges and State University System schools generally adhere to the Statewide Course Numbering System. If the prefix (first three letters) and the last three digits of the course number are the same, then the course is considered equivalent.

Equivalent courses fulfill the same requirements (e.g., General Education) that the UF course fulfills. 

Courses taken at private and out-of-state institutions which do not have a direct UF equivalent need to be evaluated by the student’s college to determine if they will fulfill specific requirements.

Tuition Deposit after Admission

• Freshmen are required to submit a $200 non-refundable tuition deposit no later than May 1 to secure their place in the class. This deadline may be extended depending on extenuating circumstances.
• The tuition deposit will not be reimbursed if the student does not enroll in the term offered for admission.
• The tuition deposit will be credited to the student’s account and applied toward the first-semester tuition. If there is a credit balance on the account at the end of drop/add, the balance will be refunded.
• This deposit is waived for those students who qualified for an SAT or ACT fee-application waiver. Students who qualify for Pell Grants may receive a tuition deposit reduction if they appeal.

The Office of Admissions classifies an applicant as an undergraduate if they have not earned a university degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree.

International applicants must apply online. Apply Online

Applications cannot be considered until the Office of Admissions receives ALL required credentials. International applicants should supply the following:

• All international applicants should apply online.
• Submit the non-refundable $30 application fee (US currency drawn on a US bank or credit card).
• Freshmen must submit official SAT, ACT, or CLT scores.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Freshman applicants with coursework completed outside the US must submit at least three full years of their most current secondary school transcripts, in addition to the final/senior year schedule or predicted grades, in both native language of instruction, and if applicable, a certified English translation. Unofficial transcripts are accepted throughout the initial review process. Applicants should not attempt to enter grades from a non-US transcript into the Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR) system. A NACES approved course-by-course credential evaluation with a GPA calculation is encouraged, but not required for freshman admission.  Transfer level applicants with college or university coursework completed outside the US are required to submit all non-US transcripts to a NACES -approved credential evaluation agency for a course-by-course evaluation with GPA calculation. 

A transfer student is defined as an applicant who has earned at least 12 semester credits of credit following graduation from high school and who has not received a bachelor’s degree.

Transfer applicants must apply online. Apply Online

Transfer applications generally are received six to nine months before the term begins. Apply by your intended college’s deadline. More Info

Transfer Eligibility

• Must have completed an Associate of Arts degree from a Florida public institution or at least 60 transferable semester credit hours from a regionally accredited institution
• Must show competency in a foreign language. Students can do this by providing a high school transcript showing completion of the second high school level or higher of a foreign language or American Sign Language equivalent to the second high school level or higher, or by completing the second collegiate level of a foreign language or American Sign Language.
• Must have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA and a minimum 2.0 GPA at the last institution attended, as calculated by UF.
• Must complete or will complete specific prerequisites for the intended major before attending UF. 
• Must be in good standing and eligible to return to any institution previously attended.

Students with less than 60 semester credit hours or who have already completed a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to transfer to an on-campus program.

Our Decision Process

After the Office of Admissions verifies that your application file is complete, the file is forwarded to the college and academic department for admission consideration and decision. Admissions decisions must be released within a reasonable period of time (as established by the university board of trustees).  

Information about your  application status  is provided online as a convenience. While every effort is made to be timely and accurate, information conveyed by electronic means is unofficial. An official written notification of admission will be mailed to your permanent address within a reasonable period of time (as defined by the university board of trustees). Please do not act on any information until you have received official notification.  ​ More Info

Applicants who have received an Associate in Arts (AA) degree from a Florida public institution immediately prior to transferring receive priority consideration for admission provided the application and all supporting documents are received in the Office of Admissions by the deadline. 

If Denied Admission

The admissions process at the University of Florida is highly competitive and, unfortunately, all qualified and eligible applicants cannot be accommodated due to limited space in the university’s academic colleges. Students who feel they have documented extenuating circumstances that impacted their ability to meet admission requirements may appeal their admissions decision.

To initiate a university-level appeal, students should email  [email protected]  with letter of appeal and any supporting documentation attached, as well as a letter of support from the  college/major  to which the student applied.

Please know that, due to the thoroughness of the university’s application review process, it is unusual to reverse an admission decision. An appeal will only be considered if it provides new and compelling information. More Info

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University of Florida Supplemental Essays 2024-25 — Prompt & Advice

August 12, 2024

At the turn of the millennium, the University of Florida welcomed 63% of Gator applicants to Gainesville and functioned as a fairly accessible and highly affordable option for residents of the Sunshine State. However, by 2024, while still extremely affordable, the task of becoming a Gator has become far more difficult. They now receive over 67,000 applications and accept roughly 25% of those who apply. Incoming freshmen now possess an average unweighted GPA of 3.93 and SAT scores of 1320-1470. Another commonality amongst accepted students is that they write an excellent University of Florida supplemental essay.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into UF? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into the University of Florida: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

When applying to an institution like the University of Florida that rejects more than 7 of every 10 applicants, you’ll need to put maximum effort into every area of the application, including the Common App and supplemental essay. Below is the University of Florida’s required supplemental prompt for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing a winning essay.

University of Florida Supplemental Essay – Required

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. (250 words)

The University of Florida is not necessarily asking you to write about the activity where you earned the most prestigious awards or held the highest position of leadership. The university is going to see all of your activities in that section of the Common App. As such, you want to ask yourself which of your entries is crying out for more explanation and detail. Which one is closest to your heart and most representative of your unique passions? Pick the option that will allow you to deliver additional detail that may be memorable to the admissions reader. Start this process by asking yourself, “What is the most interesting and consequential moment that I have experienced in one of my extracurricular activities?” If you can identify one clear-cut moment, that is likely the activity worth sharing with the UF admissions staff.

University of Florida Supplemental Essays (Continued)

At the core of this essay prompt, the UF admissions officers are really trying to figure out what you will bring to the Gainesville campus community . Again, what you achieved in a particular extracurricular activity will already be viewable in your Common App Activities Section and the Common App Honors Section , so you don’t want to make that the focus of this essay. Instead, you may want to touch on some of the following areas related to your role as a community member:

• How you function as a member of a team.
• Your leadership ability.
• Your passion, commitment, and drive.
• A commitment to social justice and equity.
• How you respond to challenges and obstacles.
• Illustrate how you have demonstrated maturity and dependability.

How important are the University of Florida supplemental essays?

The University of Florida lists six factors as being “very important” to the admissions committee. They are: GPA, standardized test scores, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, and the rigor of your secondary school record and most relevant to this blog—the application essay. It’s important to keep in mind that UF places both the essays and extracurricular involvement in the top tier of importance. Therefore, this essay is something of a two-for-one. Further, the essay is rated as being of greater importance than class rank, standardized test scores, or your state residency status.

Want personalized assistance?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your main Common App essay and University of Florida supplemental essay, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

Looking for additional writing resources? Consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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3 Writing Tips for the University of Florida Essay Prompts

College Essays

Are you applying to the University of Florida? You'll need to answer some essay prompts as part of your application.   Read this guide to learn what the University of Florida essay prompts are, what admissions officers are looking for in your response, what you should include and avoid in your answers, and what strong UF college essay examples look like.

What Are the University of Florida Essays?

The University of Florida accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application, and applicants must answer one of the Common Application prompts. 

As part of your application, you'll also need to answer an additional UF-specific essay prompt, and you'll have the option of answering three additional essay prompts. Your answer to each prompt can be up to 250 words. Here's the prompt:

• Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity

We'll go over how to best answer this supplement question in the next section.

The UF Essay Prompt, Analyzed

In this section, we explain what the prompt is asking for, why UF is interested in this information, what information you should include (and what information to avoid), and what a strong example answer could look like.

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity.

What the prompt is asking for: A description of the one extracurricular you feel is most important to you.

Why UF is interested: Students who are dedicated to something show they are passionate, interested in learning, and have a strong work ethic. These are all characteristics colleges want their students to have, so having something you're committed to is a major boost to your application. Seeing what you choose also gives UF a better sense of who you are and what you value.

Potential topics to discuss: What the extracurricular, is how long you've involved with it, how much time per week/month/etc. you dedicate to it, what activities your involvement includes, why you consider it meaningful. 

Topics to avoid: Listing multiple activities or simply describing the extracurricular without explaining why it's important to you.

Example: "The extracurricular most important to me is my involvement in my high school's Model UN team . I've been involved for four years, since I was a freshman. We meet once a week during the school year to prepare for the four conferences we participate in each year. As a Model UN member, I research different political events and international relations topics, then debate the issues with other team members to build my skills in those areas. Model UN is so important to me because, not only did it solidify my choice to major in International Relations, it strengthened me personally. As a result of my participation, I've improved my debate skills, become a more confident public speaker, and have much more experience finding a compromise even between very different groups."

Tips for the UF Essay Prompt

Follow these three tips when completing the University of Florida supplement essays to make sure your answers are as strong as possible.

#1: Keep Your Answers Concise

You only have 250 words per prompt. That isn't that much! This means your responses need to be brief and to the point if you're trying to fit a lot of information in. You likely have a lot of reasons why a particular extracurricular is the most important to you.

#2: Show Your Strengths

Even though the prompt is short, it’s still an opportunity for you to impress the admissions committee. You can dive into how you've been involved in your extracurricular, as well as any leadership roles you may have had. Try to include themes you've mentioned in other parts of your application , such as your longer essay. For example, if you mentioned that your dream is to be a doctor, try to highlight experiences that reflect that, such as volunteering at a hospital.

#3: Be Honest and Passionate

Sometimes students think they need to tell a story that the admissions committee wants to hear...so they make things up. Do not lie in your college essay—admissions counselors are  great  at sniffing out fibs! 

Instead, lean into the passions and experiences that make you unique . For instance, maybe you made a quilt and entered it in the fair. That's awesome! Just make sure you're explaining why it's meaningful for you! Maybe your grandmother taught you how to quilt and you worked on it together, which taught you the importance passing knowledge down from one generation to the next. 

Summary: UF College Essay Examples

There is one main University of Florida essay, and it'll be the Coalition or Common Application (depending on which application you use) prompt of your choice. But there are also additional UF essay prompts to answer. These shorter prompts are a way for the UF admissions committee to learn more about you and have the most accurate look at your application.

Here is where you can discuss extracurricular activities, anything that prevented you from participating in extracurriculars, certain programs you took part in, and anything else you think is important for the people reviewing your application to know. As you answer these UF essay prompts, remember to keep your responses short, don't feel pressured to answer every prompt, and highlight your strengths.

What's Next?

Considering the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship? Our guide to Bright Futures Scholarship programs answers all the questions you're wondering about.

Want to bring up your GPA? Read about four ways to bring up your high school grades fast .

Interested in community service ideas? Check out our guide to 129 great community service projects .

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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University of Florida Application

Uf application guide- introduction.

Applying to college can be daunting. Luckily, there are ways to simplify the college application process and tools to help with specific applications, like the UF application.

CollegeAdvisor.com offers college-specific resources for students and parents. Explore our site to learn how to get into your dream school , use the CommonApp, and stand out when you’re applying to college.  

This page covers the University of Florida application process. We’ll show you how to apply to UF and go over the UF application requirements, including the UF application essay portion . We’ll also discuss the UF application deadline. 

We’ll also share UF admissions data, including the University of Florida acceptance rate and University of Florida ranking. We’ll also review the University of Florida application fee and share University of Florida enrollment information. 

Finally, we’ll cover some general tools you can use in your college application journey, like the Common App.

Applying to college doesn’t have to be difficult. So, keep reading to learn how to get into University of Florida! 

How to apply to UF?

Ready to start the UF application process? Then, keep reading to learn how to complete your UF application. You should also check out our guide on how to get into University of Florida . 

Research and strategize

Your UF application will require strategy . As with every college application, you’ll want to do some basic research on the University of Florida enrollment. Average enrollment statistics can also help you set goals for yourself when applying to college. Here are some basic UF admissions stats for incoming freshmen at UF in Fall of 2021:

• University of Florida acceptance rate: 31% (as of Fall 2020)
• Average incoming GPA : 4.4 – 4.6 
• Average ACT score: 30 – 34
• Average SAT score : 1330 – 1470

These ranges reflect the median of students admitted to UF in 2021. However, these are NOT minimum criteria necessary to apply to UF. Also, note that falling within these ranges does not guarantee admission. 

This University of Florida enrollment data should help guide you in the UF application process. Furthermore, the University of Florida ranking is #28 in the nation, meaning it’s a competitive school.

Luckily, the UF admissions team considers all aspects of a student’s application, background, and qualifications when making decisions. Check out this site for more UF admissions statistics.

Stay on schedule

Besides having a strong strategy, it’s most important that you stay organized and on schedule! Below are some important UF application dates to keep in mind. 

Mark these UF application dates in your calendar and plan to complete the tasks with time to spare!

• August: The Coalition and Common App open for UF admissions. Choose which platform you’d prefer to make your UF application. The school has no preference and accepts each equally.
• October 1 : The Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ) opens. Complete the FAFSA as early as possible to receive the best financial aid offer.
• November 1 : Priority deadline for the University of Florida application for freshmen.
• December 1 : Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR) deadline.
• December 15 : Test score submission deadline.
• February 25 : UF releases admissions decisions for students who applied by the November 1 priority UF application deadline.
• March 1 : Final deadline to submit your University of Florida application. UF considers applications submitted after the November 1 priority deadline on a space-available basis.

You can check your UF application status here once you’ve applied, in order to keep track of any pending items.

Six steps to complete the University of Florida application

Now let’s get started on your University of Florida application! First, visit the UF admissions homepage . This site is a great starting point. While you’re there, be sure to download the University of Florida application College Planning Guide . It has great information on how to get into University of Florida, starting in the 9th grade!

Next, bookmark this page to help stay organized while you complete the University of Florida application. There are six steps in the University of Florida application process; let’s go through each one! 

Step 1: Collect your documents and information

• School transcripts
• A list of your high school extracurriculars
• Parent(s)/guardian(s) educational background, occupation, and employer information

Step 2: Complete the University of Florida application

(*Note: You can use either the CommonApp or the Coalition App to apply to UF.)  

Add UF as a chosen university and receive the UF application requirements. Then, fill in your profile information. The University of Florida application requires the following:

• Background information about you
• Current-year coursework
• Honors and distinctions
• Activities and experiences
• Complete the UF Supplement. This includes short-answer questions.
• Complete the UF application essay questions . Use this space to include details that UF admissions staff couldn’t learn elsewhere in your UF application.

Step 3: Fill in the SSAR

After submitting your UF application, a link will appear on your UF application status page to create your Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR). List your high school courses and grades exactly as they appear on your transcript. You must complete the SSAR by November 15 to submit your UF application. 

*If you have attended a high school outside the United States, don’t submit the SSAR. Refer to the UF international admissions information page.

Step 4: Submit test scores by December 1

You may either self-report your SAT and/or ACT scores through your UF application status page or send official scores from the testing agency. You should submit scores for all SAT or ACT tests you have taken. 

Step 5: Choose a term

You may request to begin your studies in either the Summer B or Fall term. The term you request won’t affect your UF application. 

Step 6: Submit the University of Florida application fee

Pay the $30 nonrefundable fee by credit card unless you qualify for a fee waiver. 

Congratulations! You just completed your University of Florida application.

Next, you will receive an email 24-48 hours after submitting your UF application with instructions to create your MyAdmissions application status credentials. Once completed, you can log in to the MyAdmissions app status portal. Then, you can keep track of your UF application status.

UF application requirements

The University of Florida ranking is #28 in National Universities in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges by US News. Further, the University of Florida acceptance rate is 31%, making it a competitive school to get into.

These are the minimum requirements for applying to UF:

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or state-approved secondary school or the equivalent (G.E.D., etc.)
• Sixteen academic units. Find the distribution required here  
• A cumulative C average GPA in the academic core
• Students taking dual-enrollment courses must have a minimum 2.0 GPA at every institution they attend
• A record of good conduct
• All applicants must submit test scores from the SAT and/or the ACT
• Submit the $30 nonrefundable University of Florida application fee or request a waiver

What is the UF application deadline?

The priority deadline for the University of Florida application is November 1. The school considers applications submitted after this date on a space-available basis. The absolute final deadline to submit your UF application is March 1.

The University of Florida application fee is $30 and nonrefundable. This must be paid in order for your UF application to be considered complete. If you qualify for a fee waiver, indicate this in the profile section of your application.

Remember to check your UF application status for any updates!

Why apply to UF?

The University of Florida ranking is #28, making it a great school to attend. In addition, the University of Florida acceptance rate suggests there’s a good chance of admittance if you meet the requirements. Further, the high quality of academics you receive, the fantastic location, and the relatively low cost of college make University of Florida enrollment desirable. 

University of Florida Application- Final Thoughts

Applying to college is a long journey, but it doesn’t have to be difficult! The University of Florida enrollment is competitive, so use CollegeAdvisor’s resources to make the UF application process painless. You can also visit the UF application FAQ page to find answers to some common questions about how to apply to UF.

This article was written by Ciara Ayala. If you want to get help with your college applications from  CollegeAdvisor.com  Admissions Experts ,  register with CollegeAdvisor.com today.

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University of Florida Requirements for Admission

What are University of Florida's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into University of Florida and build a strong application.

School location: Gainesville, FL

This school is also known as: UF

Admissions Rate: 30.1%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at University of Florida is 30.1% . For every 100 applicants, 30 are admitted.

This means the school is very selective . If you meet University of Florida's requirements for GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and other components of the application, you have a great shot at getting in. But if you fall short on GPA or your SAT/ACT scores, you'll have a very low chance of being admitted, even if you meet the other admissions requirements.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

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University of Florida GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.9

The average GPA at University of Florida is 3.9 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.9, University of Florida requires you to be at the top of your class . You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.9, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

University of Florida SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1360

The average SAT score composite at University of Florida is a 1360 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes University of Florida Moderately Competitive for SAT test scores.

University of Florida SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1320, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1450. In other words, a 1320 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1450 will move you up to above average .

Learn more about tutoring in the Miami area to improve your test score and strengthen your application to UF.

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

University of Florida has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, University of Florida will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and University of Florida forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1450, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

University of Florida ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, University of Florida likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 30

The average ACT score at University of Florida is 30. This score makes University of Florida Strongly Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 29, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 33.

Even though University of Florida likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 29 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 30 and above that a 29 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 33 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to University of Florida, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 33.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

University of Florida considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is very selective, strong academic scores are critical to improving your chances of admission . If you're able to score a 1450 SAT or a 33 ACT or above, you'll have a very strong chance at getting in.

For a school as selective as University of Florida, rounding out the rest of your application will also help. We'll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1450 SAT or a 33 ACT, you unfortunately have a low chance of getting in. There are just too many other applicants with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of University of Florida here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $30
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes Self-reported academic record; transcripts required for admitted students only required for freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Required
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office December 15

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 3
• Electives 2

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes March 1 February 25

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 201 Gainesville, FL 32611
• Phone: (352) 392-3261
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

Instead of submitting your transcript, you will complete a self-reported academic record. You can find info on that process here.

Priority admissions deadline is November 1st, with a final deadline of March 1st or as long as space is available. Furthermore, housing applications are available soon after the first deadline and are treated on a first-come, first-served basis. (Most schools don't start housing arrangements until after the enrollment deadline.) So if UF as a top choice and you want on-campus housing, make sure to apply early.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in University of Florida, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to University of Florida.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Florida. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for University of Florida, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for University of Florida, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Florida is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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University of Florida’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Honors program short response.

American novelist Henry Miller once said, “My hunger and curiosity drive me forward in all directions at once.” Students in the University of Florida Honors Program are known for pursuing multiple interests and passions.

Tell us about a subject or topic that you find intellectually stimulating and are curious to learn more about while in college. Which direction(s) do you imagine your hunger for that subject or topic will take you while at UF? How do you envision the honors program’s academic and extracurricular resources will support you along the way?

Extracurricular Short Response

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

A Great University of Florida Essay Example

What’s covered:.

• Essay Example  
• Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay  

The University of Florida is a large public university in Gainesville that is known for both its academics and party scene. You have to really stand out in order to gain admission to this selective university, which is why your essays have to shine. In this post, we’ll share a real essay a student submitted to the University of Florida, and outline its strengths and areas of improvement. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our University of Florida essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Essay Example 

Prompt: Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, any academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. (250 words)

Attending high school in the U.S brought me many new experiences, but also disappointments. At my school, students mostly learned how to memorize theory. Lessons were conducted simply as teachers lectured the students until the bell rang. The old-fashioned teaching style with the lack of critical thinking led students to crumble into the shells. Therefore, I decided to make changes by creating a Speech and Debate Club in my school so that students could learn to comfortably express their viewpoints and further gain confidence in public speaking. 

As the club’s leader, I created an environment that encouraged the members to freely voice their viewpoints and solutions for problems happening in our community and society. To help them improve their critical thinking and public speaking skills, I signed up all members for the State Speech and Debate Championship. I also took an active role in scheduling practice for the members after school and helping them find logical evidence and outline their speeches. I also trained the members to find flaws in the opponent’s arguments. With these efforts, we won the Silver Medal in Public Forum Debate and Sportsmanship Awards in the State Speech and Debate Championship.

Even though the Speech and Debate Club is only a year old, I believe it is meaningful for many students in helping them comfortably articulate their ideas to make positive changes in our school and community. 

What the Essay Did Well

This essay does a good job of picking an extracurricular activity that was meaningful to this student and explaining why it was important to them. “ Extracurricular ” essays are a great opportunity to provide context on why you participated in a certain activity in high school and showcase the impact it had on you. This student fully answers the prompt by both explaining what the activity was and why it was important to them.

The opening paragraph also reveals a lot about how this student thinks and how they value education. They aren’t shy about their criticism of the traditional learning model, where students memorize and regurgitate information. The University of Florida wants to admit students who think critically and want to challenge the status quo, so this paragraph is a great way for admissions officers to see that this is the type of student they want. This isn’t to say that you need to disparage your school and teachers, but a good essay should reveal some insight into the way you think and value learning.

What Could Be Improved

The biggest thing this essay needs to work on is showing, not telling . The author tells us that they created an environment where people could share ideas. The author tells us that they helped members of the club strengthen their speeches. The author tells us the training they provided helped their team win a medal at the championship. But they don’t show us anything. 

The way the essay is currently written, it reads more as a resume description. Admissions officers will learn the same information from this essay as they will from reading the activities section of the application. The point of this essay is to humanize these accomplishments and highlight key traits of your personality or growth. 

Rather than telling us what occurred, this student should show us the conversations they had with struggling team members to display their leadership skills. Rather than telling us they created a safe environment, they should show us unlikely friendships being made through their club and the joy they felt. Rather than telling us they won, the student should describe what it felt like to hear their school’s name: “ The world stood still. All I could hear over the thunderous thump of my heart were gulps of excess air. Wait, what did they say?! We won!”

Show, don’t tell is old advice, but it really can make all the difference in an essay. If this student rewrote the story so the reader was actively placed in the moment, it would be far more successful.  

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay 

Do you want feedback on your University of Florida essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

UF Essay Prompts and Helpful Tips

University of Florida or UF is a public institution of higher learning that was established in 1853. The highly esteemed university is home to 16 academic colleges and over 150 research facilities. UF is committed to producing graduates ready for the global economy, which is why thousands of students apply to it each year. Luckily for hopeful applicants, UF’s acceptance rates are not in the single digits. This fact notwithstanding, prospective students should work hard on crafting a winning application essay. Anyone who has tried writing such a piece knows that the process is complicated, frustrating, and daunting.

This article has been written by Florida Essay staff to get you off on the right foot in crafting a powerful application essay for the 2018-2019 admissions season. Read it to get some writing help and drastically increase your chances of getting into UF.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by essay writing requirements, let our specialists help you. They have assisted thousands of students with getting into UF. You can be next!

Acceptance Rate for University of Florida

University hopefuls entering the 2018 admission season know that the hardest thing about UF is getting in. Indeed, many students who apply online to the educational institution are rejected and their essay crafting efforts have been for naught. The acceptance rate of the institution is 42%, which means that the majority of prospective students who charge ahead to breach the walls of the university will not succeed. Fortunately, as has been mentioned above, the acceptance rate is not a single digit; therefore, applicants stand a solid chance of getting into the university of their dream. All they have to do is work hard on their personal statement essay. Keep reading to get the edge over other applicants.

University of Florida Application Requirements

The ever-increasing number of applicants along with the frantic climate of the current job market have driven UF acceptance rate to meager 42%. It means that in order to get accepted, you have to think and act fast. For starters, you must choose your start dates for online application:

• Fall application process and file completion deadlines are June 10, 2019 and July 8, 2019, respectively.
• Spring application process and file completion deadlines are October 1, 2018 and October 29, 2018, respectively.
• Summer application process and file completion deadlines are March 4, 2019 and April 1, 2019, respectively.

Note that application deadlines for university hopefuls living in areas impacted by Hurricane Michael have been extended to November 15th. Applicants resided outside these territories should meet the priority application deadline – November 1st.

If you are a freshman (a person with less than 12 college credits) who wants to benefit from the rich academic experience offered by UF, consider the following minimum admission requirements:

• An applicant should pay a non-refundable fee of $30 and a $7 processing fee.
• An applicant has graduated from a state or regionally-approved secondary school;
• An applicant has earned fourteen academic units: 4 years English, 4 years Mathematics, 3 years Natural Sciences, and 3 years Social Sciences;
• An applicant with two or more years of foreign language instruction or an equivalent level of proficiency will earn additional credits.
• C average as calculated by UF.
• 2.0 GPA for dual-enrollment students.
• Test scores should be submitted by applicants who graduated from a high school less than 5 years ago. Other applicants do not have to submit the scores.
• Before March 1, 2016 SAT (200-800): Reading 460 and Mathematics 460.
• After March 1, 2016 SAT (10-40): Reading 24, Writing 25, and Mathematics 24.
• ACT (1-36): Reading 19, Writing 17, and Mathematics 19.

Note that mixed scores from different tests will not be accepted.

• An applicant must provide a record of good conduct. A record of problematic student behavior can render an applicant ineligible.

UF Admissions Essay is a Key to College

Among all application requirements put forward by the Offices of Admissions an essay is probably the most important one. UF applicants are advised to stay within the 500-word limit when crafting their essays. In their essays and UF’s supplemental sections containing several short-answer style prompts, students are encouraged to be frank and direct. Check examples below to write an essay in which each word counts.

Unlike other prestigious institutions of higher learning, UF is not known for throwing off-the-wall essay topics like “tell us your favorite childhood book” (Kalamazoo College) or “what does #YOLO mean to you” (Tufts University). The University of Florida application essay example topics provided by the Offices of Admissions are pretty basic. Therefore, all you have to do is make sure your essay stands out among other submissions.

• A first-person narrative is expected from UF applicants. Remember, your application essay is a story about you.
• A great essay shows what makes an applicant unique. Avoid boring and overused topics such as winnings or losses, friendships, pet deaths, etc.
• A powerful essay evokes vivid imagery and helps the readers to rise above the straight text. It tingles their senses.
• Application essays worth reading are not repetitive. Avoid restating information provided in the supplemental documents and/or your test scores.
• Essays that are not transferred into the rejection pile are appropriately professional. Do not use contractions and follow proper grammar.

Application to University of Florida

Many college hopefuls ask how to apply to UF. Fortunately, the online application procedure developed by the Offices of Admissions has made it easier than ever to submit your documents. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to finish and can be used for a nominal fee of $37. Online application menu can be accessed here .

UF Essay Topics and Word Limit

Your application essay to UF should not exceed the required 500-word count. As for the supplemental section, each prompt should be answered in 200 words or fewer. With such a short word limit, you have to be brief and precise.

• Tell a story showing your character.
• Describe an experience of making a meaningful contribution to others.
• Present a story about your cherished belief being challenged.
• What are the hardest and easiest experiences of being a teenager?
• Topic of your choice.

If you don’t know how to approach the essay writing process, let our talented writers help you.

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University of Florida 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Activity

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. (250 words)

What would your life be mundane without? Elaborate on an activity, responsibility, or passion that is meaningful to you. Unlike an activities resume entry, this should be expanded to reflect your priorities, worldview, and sense of purpose. Do you babysit your cousins when your aunt gets called into work? How does it feel to support your family members in this way and what does the phrase, “it takes a village,” mean to you? Do you foster rescue cats until they find their forever homes? What does this hobby mean to you? Maybe you inherited your animal love from your dad who used to work as a farmhand. Use your experiences to tell admissions something about you they wouldn’t already know from your list of extracurriculars. What gives your life meaning? Why do you wake up in the morning? What are you working toward?

Honors College Only:

As albert einstein once said, “the important thing is not to stop questioning. curiosity has its own reason for existing.” reflecting on this, what academic subjects, learning opportunities, or extracurricular activities are you most excited to engage in during your college experience how do you imagine or hope the uf honors program will help feed your curiosity and help you achieve your aspirations (400 words).

This is a classic Why Essay even if it’s not incredibly obvious, although rather than asking only about your interest in the university in general, UF also wants to know why you are applying for the Honors Program. This essay calls for—say it with us now—research! Block off a solid hour or two to noodle around UF’s website , looking at the courses, clubs, research opportunities, study abroad experiences, musical ensembles, intramural sports teams, or anything else about the school that attracts you. The prompt focuses on curiosity, so mention every aspect that appeals to you in a college experience, even if they don’t connect elegantly into one major or focus. Take some time to learn about the Honors Program in particular, noting which courses, student activities, teaching assistantships, or retreats will help quench your thirst for discovery and prime you to reach your personal, academic, and professional goals. How does UF in general and the Honors Program in particular fit your hopes, dreams, and expectations for your college experience and beyond?

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