Become a Knight!!!
University of Central Florida (UCF) is the 2nd largest university in the nation, with over 60,000 students in attendance. This allows UCF to offer a wide range of programs and majors to their diversified student body.
With some recent changes to their admission applications, now is a great time to learn how to apply to the University of Central Florida!
1. Visit- UCF offers a robust college visit schedule. They begin with a video about UCF, including their admission requirements, scholarships, and college programs. A tour around campus shows you multiple buildings, and you can stay for a housing visit. Click here to schedule your campus tour.
They also have several Open Houses that high school students can partake in. These are great events to go to as they provide more on-campus activities: Dates are October 28, 2017; November 18th 2017; January 20, 2018. To register go here
2. Admissions Website-
http://admissions.ucf.edu/apply/prospective/
3. Application- Last year, UCF moved over to using the Common Application, one of the 14 universities who use it in Florida and 1 of the 700 who use it nationwide! The great thing about using the Common App is that the student can apply to multiple universities using only 1 application! This saves time and frustration to reduce the workload on already taxed students.Common App and UCF Application Link
Tip #1- UCF uses "competitive admissions" meaning they are looking at students for academic success by using a student's recalculated GPA and ACT/ SAT scores. Grades in Advanced Placement, AICE, dual enrollment, honors, and International Baccalaureate courses will be given additional weight in the recalculated GPA computation.
Tip #2- UCF uses a "super score" system- meaning they take the highest test score for each test from multiple test sessions.
4. Essay Topics- While there is a short response essay, primary admissions focuses on the test scores and GPA. The short answer essay is utilized when more about the student is needed to make the admission decision. See below what UCF states about their essay:
Although optional, the essay assists the Admissions Committee in knowing you as an individual, independent of test scores and other objective data. UCF suggests you respond to two of the topics below. Your responses should be no longer than a total of 500 words or 7,000 characters.
- If there has been some obstacle or bump in the road in your academic or personal life, please explain the circumstances.
- How has your family history, culture, or environment influenced who you are?
- Why did you choose to apply to UCF?
- What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community?
5. Additional documents- Unlike UF, FSU, and others who utilize the SSAR, UCF needs the student's official transcript from their high schools be sent to them directly. Not only do you send what you have taken, but also what you are taking for the year. So be sure to keep strong academically. As well, students will submit either their ACT or SAT test scores (whichever is highest). Other documents will include residency documentation.
Students will be required to submit official AP, IB, or AICE scores and dual enrollment transcripts prior to their application being finalized for enrollment.
6. Deadlines- UCF has rolling admissions- meaning they make decisions throughout the admission seasons, not at one time. So while they provide plenty of time to apply, hitting the priority deadlines is key as this is when they offer more financial aid, scholarships, and housing opportunities.
Financial Aid: Opens October 1st (the earlier the better chance of award letters!)
Priority Deadlines- November 1st
Summer Admissions: March 1st
Fall Admissions: May 1st
7. Student Information:
ACT Average for Admitted Students: 28
SAT Average for Admitted Students: 1320
Average High School GPA (Recalculated!): 4.03
Minority Population: 45%
Top 5 Majors: Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Science, Biology, Business