Freshman

If you completed dual enrollment coursework while in high school, official copies of your college transcripts(s) are not required at the time of application or for an admission decision. Upon graduation from high school, official final transcripts from all post-secondary institutions showing grades for dual enrollment coursework will be due to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Note: If you are earning an Associate in Arts degree at the same time as your high school diploma, we may request an official copy of your college transcript(s) to be sent in addition to your completed SPARK Form.

Yes! If your standardized test scores are outside of our midranges for admission, you may wish to consider retesting. If you plan to apply Early Action, be advised that your options for retesting may be limited prior to the Nov. 1 application completion date. 

Note: It can take up to three weeks for test results to be delivered to and processed by UCF. Take note of the applicable application completion deadline for your preferred term and request your official scores early enough to allow for transit and processing time.

International high school credentials are evaluated by UCF and do not need to be sent to an external evaluation agency for evaluation. However, international post-secondary (college or university) credentials do need to be sent to either World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates for a course-by-course evaluation.

Letters of recommendation are not required and will not be considered in the general admission process.

The application for admission provides space for a listing of extra and co-curricular activities; this portion of the application should be completed in lieu of submitting supplemental materials.

The essay is an optional (but strongly recommended) component of the application for admission.  If you elect to submit an essay, please select a topic within the application form and submit it within your completed application.

Supplemental materials – including essays – sent after application submission will not be included in your admission file.

UCF does not conduct interviews as part of the undergraduate application or admission process.

UCF no longer guarantees admission for Florida high school graduates based upon senior year class rank.

In an effort to reduce inequities and inconsistencies in how Top 10 Knights were identified, the initiative was discontinued in June 2023, effective for all subsequent first-year application cycles.

In recent years, some Florida high schools and/or districts changed the way class rank is calculated and reported, making it difficult to accurately evaluate and determine students for Top 10 Knights qualification.

UCF remains committed to a holistic application review process that includes consideration of course selection, curriculum, rigor, grade point average, test score(s), and other subjective factors. When accurately reported, class rank will be a consideration, however, unranked students will not be disadvantaged in the admission review process.

Although optional, an essay can assist the Admissions Committee in knowing you as an individual, independent of test scores and other objective data. If you would like to submit an essay, please select from one of the topics below. Your response should be limited to a total of 250 words.

1. Why did you choose to apply to UCF?
2. What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community?

Yes, The English Language Institute at UCF offers an intensive, student-focused, English learning curriculum based on face-to-face instruction.

Study abroad can broaden one’s view of themselves and the world around them. Students often return with a refined sense of what they want to achieve in life and increased maturity, confidence and motivation.

Please visit UCF Study Abroad for more information about programs and program options.

UCF superscores both the SAT and the ACT.  The SAT superscore is compiled using the highest Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math from all test components received.  The ACT superscore is compiled using the highest English, Math, Reading and Science scores from all test components received.

UCF does not prefer one test over the other.  Since students perform differently on each test, they are encouraged to take both exams if possible.

The Admissions Committee looks at many factors when reviewing a student’s application.  The admission decision is made primarily based upon the academic credentials (high school GPA, rigor of course work, and SAT/ACT/CLT scores).

To increase their competitiveness in the applicant pool, students are encouraged to submit 1^st semester senior grades and/or updated SAT/ACT/CLT scores.

Your $30 application fee can be waived on the basis of financial hardship. The processes for requesting a waiver vary based upon which application you submit.

For Common App users:

You can find the Common App Fee Waiver in the Profile section of the Common App tab. To apply for this waiver:

1. Answer YES to the fee waiver statement
2. Enter your signature to certify your request

NOTE: Your school counselor will be asked to confirm that you are eligible for this waiver. You will still be able to submit your application without a waiver while your counselor confirms. Once the fee waiver is approved by your counselor, it will be sent to UCF and your application will be processed.

For UCF Institutional Application users:

To request an application fee waiver, you must upload one of the following forms of documentation within your application at the time of submission.

• An SAT, ACT, SCOIR or NACAC fee waiver form from your high school guidance or college counseling office;
• Documentation from your high school showing your eligibility for a free or reduced lunch;
• A copy of your family’s most recent tax return

NOTE: If a Social Security Number (SSN) appears on the waiver request, please black out all but the last four digits for security purposes.

If you are a U.S. student, you may request to have your Cambridge AICE transcript submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions through the Cambridge International Grade Transcript Service. Use the following information when completing the form.

Name and job title of person receiving results transcript: Debra Reynolds, Director of Operations and Technology

University name: University of Central Florida

Mailing address of person receiving results transcript: UCF Undergraduate Admissions, P.O. Box 160111, Orlando, FL 32816-0111

University email address: myapplicationdocs@ucf.edu

A student who is denied admission to UCF for academic reasons only, has a right to appeal that decision. If a student chooses to appeal, they must review the appeal criteria and submit an appeal form. Questions can be submitted to admissionappeals@ucf.edu.

If you wish to remain under consideration for admission, you must accept a spot on the waitlist if offered. Your application will be denied if you choose to decline a waitlist offer.

You can confirm a waitlist offer on your Future Knight Portal.

Your residency classification is based upon information from your application — documentation of your Florida residency may be required. If you have already attended UCF as an undergraduate student and wish to reclassify your residency for tuition purposes, please visit the registrar’s office website for information on residency reclassification.

We suggest contacting your school(s) individually to determine how they send transcripts. Undergraduate Admissions can accept official transcripts through U.S. mail or electronically when sent directly from your institution through a secure delivery service.

Electronic transcripts can only be accepted as official if they are delivered through one of the following approved transcript service providers:

• SPEEDE (Addressed Institution ID: 10002 Institution ID: 730000000395400)
• Parchment Exchange (including Naviance and Docufide)
• National Student Clearinghouse
• Credential Solutions
• Scribbles Software
• AARTS and SMART transcripts (military service only, not required for admission)
• SCOIR

NOTE: If the transcript delivery service asks you to provide an email address to send transcripts to, please use myapplicationdocs@ucf.edu.

When sending a transcript through one of the above service providers, their system may indicate that it has been delivered; however, please allow two to three weeks for UCF Undergraduate Admissions to process these documents. Instead of sending duplicates, please verify receipt of the transcript through your application status on your Future Knight Portal.

Hard copy transcripts may be sent to:

UCF Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 160111
Orlando, FL 32816-0111

Your UCF recalculated GPA for admission purposes is determined by what your high school puts on your official transcript and by which method of grading your institution has chosen to adopt.

Completed courses being graded as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory will not affect your UCF recalculated GPA.  Courses receiving an “S (Satisfactory)” earn credit for being completed.  Courses receiving a “U (Unsatisfactory)” will not earn credit.

Courses that are marked “P (Pass)” will also result in credit earned and will not impact your UCF recalculated GPA.  However, courses that are marked “F (Fail)” will be viewed as a failing grade and an “F” will be included in your UCF recalculated GPA.  It is important to know which option your school is offering and fully understand the potential consequences of your choices if you are given options for U, S, P or F marks.

If you are transferring college level coursework to UCF, you should know that certain degree programs require a “B” grade or higher in some courses.  You should contact the academic advising office in the college of your major for additional information on how these marks may impact transfer credit.

Your GPA is recalculated based on the academic core courses (including English, math, science, social studies and foreign language). UCF uses a 4.0 grading scale, and also awards additional quality points for any weighted courses within the academic core. Courses marked as pre-AP, pre-IB, pre-AICE and honors are given an additional 0.5 quality point. Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced International Certification of Education (AICE) and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses are given 1 additional quality point.

Electronic transcripts usually arrive at the university within five to ten business days after being sent from the institution of origin.

All documents, including documents submitted electronically, require processing time once received by UCF. Document processing time varies by time of year:

• Non-Peak:  5-7 business days minimum from date of receipt
• Peak times (around application deadlines and the start of every semester):  7-10 business days minimum from date of receipt

To avoid delays, submit all required documents as early as possible and well before application completion deadlines.

All documents, including documents submitted electronically, require transit and processing time. Document processing time varies by time of year:

• Non-Peak:  5-7 business days minimum from date of receipt
• Peak times (around application deadlines and the start of every semester):  7-10 business days minimum from date of receipt

To avoid delays, submit all required documents as early as possible and well before application completion deadlines.

Please refer to our Country Reference Guide for a list of secondary school credentials required by country. If your country is not listed, please contact us at uainternational@ucf.edu.

The Admissions Committee will reevaluate your application for admission after new test scores are received on rolling basis. Decisions are released through May 1.

Supplemental materials – including essays – sent after application submission will not be included in your admission file.

Admission to UCF is more competitive today than at any other time in our history. We typically receive approximately 45,000 freshman applications for an incoming class of about 5,000. Freshmen students who receive a defer have had an initial file review but the admission committee needs more information before making a final decision. Students will be asked to submit additional academic credentials that include either first semester senior year grades, updated SAT, ACT or CLT scores, or in some case, both.

The Self-Reported Academic Record for Knights (SPARK) Form will open in January for students to input mid-year senior year grades.

Undocumented students, with or without DACA, are welcome to apply for admission and enroll at the University of Central Florida and are not obligated to disclose their status. Admission is based upon the strength of a student’s academic credentials, regardless of their immigration status. Undocumented and DACA applicants will discover a welcoming atmosphere and a supportive community at UCF.

For detailed information regarding the application process, please refer to our website and the steps to apply by applicant type:

First-year Applicants

Transfer Applicants

No. Electronic transcripts usually arrive at the university within five to ten business days after being sent from the institution of origin.

All documents, including documents submitted electronically, require transit and processing time. Document processing time varies by time of year:

• Non-Peak:  5-7 business days minimum from date of receipt
• Peak times (around application deadlines and the start of every semester):  7-10 business days minimum from date of receipt

To avoid delays, submit all required documents as early as possible and well before application completion deadlines.

UCF will consider applications from students who are educated through a home-school program.

If your home-school follows a traditional U.S.-based high school curriculum, you should complete and submit a SPARK form. Otherwise, please email ucfsparkhelp@ucf.edu for assistance.

Once you finish your home-school program, you will be required to submit a final official transcript that includes a list of all coursework, showing final grades and units earned for each course completed. A brief description of the methods used for evaluation should accompany the home-school transcript. If home-schooled applicants previously attended another school or completed courses through the Florida Virtual School or through dual enrollment at a local college or university, official transcripts are required. Those courses should also be reflected on the home-school transcript.

Applicants who present a GED will also be considered for admission. Official GED results, a partial high school transcript, and ACT, SAT and/or CLT results must be submitted.

UCF offers four summer terms: A, B, C and D. New first-year students may only start in the Summer B term, which is a six-week term typically beginning in late June and concluding in early August.

Yes, freshmen students that apply for the fall semester, will be considered for all possible terms and pathways.

For a list of admission pathways, visit UCF admission pathways

No. A defer usually happens early in the application cycle and means that your application has been put on hold and will be considered again throughout the rolling process, hopefully with updated academic information. A waitlist offer happens later in the application cycle and means you could still being considered for admission to UCF should space open up in our freshman class.

In an effort to reduce inequities and inconsistencies in how Top 10 Knights were identified, the initiative was discontinued in June 2023, effective for all subsequent first-year application cycles.

In recent years, some Florida high schools and/or districts changed the way class rank is calculated and reported, making it difficult to accurately evaluate and determine students for Top 10 Knights qualification.

UCF remains committed to a holistic application review process that includes consideration of course selection, curriculum, rigor, grade point average, test score(s), and other subjective factors. When accurately reported, class rank will be a consideration, however, unranked students will not be disadvantaged in the admission review process.

All students, regardless of placement within their graduating class, are encouraged to submit an application to UCF within the first two months their senior year. The timing of your application remains one of the most consequential factors in being offered admission to UCF.

Freshman Application Deadlines

NOTE: The Scholarship Priority Deadline for FTIC students applying for summer and fall is November 1.

International Student Application Deadlines

View Academic Calendar

It is difficult to predict how many students may be offered admission from the waitlist. The number of spaces, if any, that open in our freshman class determines the number of students admitted. You are encouraged to submit updated transcripts and/or ACT/CLT/SAT scores for the Admissions Committee to review.

An applicant whose native language is other than English shall show proficiency in written and spoken English by one of the following means:

• proving they are from a country where English is the only official language;
• establishing that a prior bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree was earned from a United States institution of higher education accredited by an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education;
• establishing that a prior bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree was earned from a country where English is the only official language, or a university at which English is the only official language of instruction; 
• establishing that four years of English were or will be completed by the time of enrollment at a high school in the United States or U.S. territory or at a high school accredited by an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education;
• a minimum qualifying score of 520 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section -or- 480 on the Critical Reading section of the SAT;
• a minimum qualifying score of 20 on the English section of the ACT;
• a minimum qualifying score of 42 on the Verbal Reasoning + Grammar/Writing section of the CLT;
• a minimum qualifying score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam;
• a minimum qualifying score of 220 (computer-based test) -or- 80 (internet-based test) -or- 550 (paper-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam;
• a minimum qualifying score of 120 on the Duolingo English Test;
• completion of ENC 1101 and ENC 1102 (or equivalent English composition and rhetoric coursework) with a grade of “B” or better at a college or university accredited by an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education;
• completion of UCF Global’s English Programs (IEP & OEP) level 8 or higher with a grade of a “B” or better;
• completion of GAA 10210 (EAS 2) with a grade of “C” or better, completion of EAP 2851 with a grade of “C” or better or placement into ENC 1101;
• an onsite assessment by UCF Global’s faculty qualified to administer English proficiency assessment and determining that the student is English proficient at the university level. For more information, please email globalrecords@ucf.edu.

NOTE: Applicants must submit official test scores to UCF. Any tests not included above are not endorsed by UCF. Successful completion of one of the specified English proficiency tests does not guarantee admission to UCF.

The state of Florida requires that you demonstrate proficiency in a world language or American Sign Language equivalent to at least the second high school level (e.g., Spanish II) or the second elementary course at the college level (e.g., SPN 1211 – Beginning Spanish II).

Please visit our Freshman Applicants or Transfer page for details on the satisfaction of foreign language for admission.

This requirement will be satisfied upon receipt of the A.A. degree from a Florida public community/state college or university if you initially entered Fall 2014–15 of after.

To review requirements and required documents, please visit the homepage and select the category of student that best describes you.

It is possible that you will be notified of your decision after the traditional May 1 enrollment deposit deadline. This is not unusual for students on the waitlist. If you are admitted, you will be given a new deposit deadline.

The Application Completion Deadline (also referred to as the Material Submission Deadline) is the date by which the application for admission, application fee or fee waiver, and all necessary academic credentials and supporting documents must be submitted to UCF to be considered for admission. Academic credentials can include, but are not limited to high school transcripts, college or university transcripts, SAT, ACT or CLT scores, TOEFL, IELTS or CLEP scores, international transcript evaluations, and AICE, AP or IB score reports. Students failing to submit the required credentials or documentation by the Application Completion Deadline may be required to reapply for a future term.

After your application and application fee are submitted and processed, a list of required documents will be available on your Future Knight Portal. If checklist items are not marked as received, your application is not complete and may not be reviewed by the admissions committee.

Freshman Application Deadlines

NOTE: The Scholarship Priority Deadline for FTIC students applying for summer and fall is November 1.

Transfer Application Deadlines

International Student Application Deadlines

First-Time In College (FTIC) students are defined by the number of college credits completed after high school graduation. Any student who graduates from high school and enrolls at UCF having completed less than 12 college credits since earning their high school diploma is an FTIC.

College credits completed as part of a high school curriculum (including dual enrollment and accelerated credit such as AICE, AP, CLEP or IB) are not counted toward the credit limit. Even students who have completed significant college credit, such as an AA degree, are considered FTICs as long as the credit or degree was earned while still enrolled in high school.

An official transcript is a sealed record sent directly to UCF from an institution you attended. You can send an official transcript yourself if the envelope has not been opened.

Students admitted to UCF as campus-based students have complete access to UCF campus-based services and pay full tuition and fees. Campus based students may enroll in both online and campus-based courses.

A UCF Online student is a strictly online student who does not attend courses on campus. UCF Online students pay reduced fees and do not have access to all campus based activities such as housing, health services, Recreation and Wellness Center, athletics, etc. UCF Online students may only enroll in online and video streaming courses.

For certified or overnight mail, packages or if you plan to use a shipping service (e.g. DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.), please send correspondences to the following address:

UCF Undergraduate Admissions
12585 Gemini Boulevard South
Orlando, FL 32816

A major credit or debit card is accepted as payment for both the $30 admission application fee (freshmen and transfer students) and the $200 enrollment deposit (freshmen students) .

The waitlist at UCF is not ranked. All students accepting a waitlist offer will be considered for admission to the university on a space-available basis.

Students should register for and take the SAT, ACT and/or CLT exams early – preferably once in their junior year and again at the beginning of the senior year of high school.

NOTE: SAT and ACT scores must have been taken within the last five years. CLT scores must have been taken after July 1, 2023.

SAT, ACT and CLT administration dates are published by the respective testing agencies and can be viewed here:

SAT Test Administration Dates

ACT Test Administration Dates

CLT Exam Dates

Note: It can take up to three weeks for test results to be delivered to and processed by UCF. Take note of the applicable application completion deadline for your preferred term and request your official scores early enough to allow for transit and processing time.

We recommend applying for admission between August and October of your senior year to be considered for a UCF merit scholarship. The Priority Scholarship Application Deadline is November 1. The Scholarship Committee will review admitted freshmen for scholarships in November and periodically thereafter while funds are available, however, scholarship resources are limited, and additional awards may be extremely competitive after the deadline.

If you are awarded a merit scholarship, you will receive an official letter in the mail with details on your scholarship. You may also check your status on myUCF.

FRESHMEN:  A copy of your official final transcript showing the date of high school graduation is due no later than June 30 for students enrolling in the summer term and no later than July 15 for students enrolling in fall. If your transcript does not match information provided on your SPARK Form, your offer of admission may be rescinded. You must also submit official final transcripts from every post-secondary institution (i.e. dual enrollment) attended.

TRANSFERS:  A copy of your official final transcripts from each institution attended is required. If you satisfied the foreign language requirement in high school, a copy of your official final high school transcript must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

ALL:  Failure to provide final transcripts to UCF may also delay the disbursement of financial aid. Failure to meet all admission criteria will result in a change in your eligibility for financial aid. Your admission is contingent upon your successful completion of all coursework at a level consistent with that at the time of admission. Your enrollment is not complete until all official final transcripts and test scores are on file in our office. The status of these transcripts is available on your Future Knight Portal. Failure to provide final transcripts will jeopardize your ability to adjust your schedule, register for future terms, receive grades or have transcripts sent to other institutions.

NOTE: All documents, including documents submitted electronically, require processing time. Document processing time varies by time of year:

• Non-peak: 5-7 business days minimum
• Peak times (around application deadlines and first few weeks of each semester): 7-10 business days minimum

To avoid delays, submit all required documents as early as possible and well before deadlines.

Students can refer to the UCF catalog for Test Credit Equivalencies.

UCF Test Credit Equivalencies

For freshmen, the mid-range (middle 50 percent) of our Fall entering class was:

• GPA: 4.1 – 4.5 (recalculated academic core)
• SAT: 1270 – 1390 (Evidence-based Reading and Writing + Math)
• ACT: 26 – 30 (composite)
• CLT: 90-100

Freshman Application Deadlines

NOTES:

1. The Scholarship Priority Deadline for FTIC students applying for summer and fall is Nov. 1.
2. If you’re applying to UCF using Common App and plan to request a waiver of the $30 application fee, the waiver approval process may take several days. Be advised that you should submit the Common App and request the waiver well in advance of the Oct. 15 Early Action deadline.

** Following the Nov. 15 Early Action decision notification date, the Admissions Committee will resume its review of FTIC summer and fall applications in early January and continue releasing decisions on a rolling basis through May 1.

Transfer Application Deadlines:

All International Application Deadlines

Freshmen should apply early (between September and November of their senior year in high school) for maximum consideration in the admission and scholarship review process.

Transfer students should apply 6-9 months prior to the term for which you plan to enroll.

Yes. All freshmen must submit an official SAT [code: 5233], ACT [code: 0735] or CLT score — they must be reported directly to the university electronically or via U.S. mail. For international students, the TOEFL or the IELTS exam may also be required.

Note: It can take up to three weeks for test results to be delivered to and processed by UCF. Official scores should be requested early enough to allow for transit and processing time.

Currently, only first-time-in-college (freshmen) students may apply to UCF using the Common App. Students wishing to transfer to UCF should complete the UCF institutional application for admission. Additionally,first-time-in-college students may, if they choose, submit their application via the UCF institutional application for admission.

For technical questions regarding your Common Application to UCF, you may contact the Common App Solutions Center, 24/7 year-round.

The Solutions Center also holds online chats throughout application season and allows you to contact them via a web form. A search function also exists using keywords to direct you to the appropriate web-based resources.

Please visit your Future Knight Portal and log in using your email address and password. The status page will display a checklist of required documents. You can confirm receipt of documents and view your admissions decision (if available).

Specific high school course units are required for admission as a first-year student (an academic unit is a non-remedial, yearlong course). We require a total of 18 high school units.

• 4 units of English (at least three with substantial writing requirements)
• 4 units of mathematics (Algebra I and above)
• 3 units of natural science (at least two with laboratory)
• 3 units of social studies
• 2 sequential units of the same world language
• 2 elective units, preferably from English, mathematics, natural science, social studies or world language areas

NOTE: Satisfying the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into UCF. Florida BOG Regulation 6.001 (7) authorizes universities to refuse admission to applicants due to past misconduct.

For all changes to your admission status, including final decisions, you will receive an email sent to your current email address on file notifying you of the change. Your status will also be posted to your Future Knight Portal.

To attend a UCF Connect campus, you have to meet admission requirements, including admission into UCF with an A.A. or A.S. degree or having 60+ credit hours.

Beginning in Spring 2017, UCF will not require the writing section of the ACT or the essay section of the SAT.

No, first-year students are not required to live on campus. Most first-year students do live on campus because of the ease of transition from home to campus life, access to university resources and the ability to make lifelong friends.

Due to restrictive state regulations, UCF is not permitted to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. The list of states currently restricted is available at the Registrar’s website. While residing in one of these states you may not be permitted to enroll in UCF Online courses.

Grades in Advanced Placement, AICE, dual enrollment, honors and International Baccalaureate courses will be given additional weight in your GPA computation if the courses are considered academic core (English, math, science, social science, or foreign language). Students will be required to submit official AP, IB or AICE scores and final official dual enrollment transcripts within six days of the start of their first semester at UCF.

There is no separate application for UCF scholarships. All freshman applicants offered admission are considered for these awards so long as funds are available.

There are over 650 student clubs and organizations you can get involved in.

Known as the “heart of campus,” the Student Union sits at the center of UCF’s main Campus. The Student Union provides space for students and members of the UCF community to study, socialize, eat, host events, attend meetings and engage in campus life.

Housing applications are available for freshmen after they are offered admission, however, the timing depends on several factors.

For students admitted on the Nov. 15 Early Action decision notification date:

• You may submit a housing application on your Housing Portal Open Date. This date will be determined by the date and time that you pay your $30 admission application fee or submit an approved application fee waiver to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. ​
• The Housing Portal Open Date is the first day that Early Action admitted students can enter the Housing Portal and submit an application for on-campus housing. ​
  • This is not the ONLY date you can submit an application – just the first date. 

​For students who are NOT admitted Early Action:

• You will be able to apply for housing after you have been offered admission to UCF.
• Admissions decisions made after the Nov. 15 Early Action notification date will be released on a rolling basis beginning in early January.
• A Housing Portal Open Date will not be assigned to you if you did not apply Early Action.

There is limited availability for on-campus housing, so we advise students who are able to apply Early Action for faster access to the Housing Portal.

There are a variety of options for scholarships.

• Your high school guidance or college counseling office
• UCF’s Office of Student Financial Assistance website
• Online sites like Fastweb and CollegeBoard