There are many paths to become a UCF Knight. Understanding your options and outcomes will aid you throughout the admission process, prepare you for long-term academic success and help you unleash your potential. As a selective institution, admission to UCF is based in part upon high school coursework, grades, curriculum, standardized test scores and college readiness in core academic subject areas.
Direct Admission Offers
Fall Admission
Direct admission to the fall term is the most competitive pathway for first-year students. Applicants wishing to enroll for this term, which begins in late August of each year, should present strong academic credentials, including a GPA and SAT, ACT or CLT score within the midrange for the current freshman class. UCF offers Early Action and a modified rolling admission process for first-year students applying to the summer and fall term. Learn more about the fall class.
Summer Admission
For many first-year students, the idea of starting college early is an appealing one. UCF’s six-week summer term provides an opportunity to ease into college life and acclimate to a new routine before taking on a full schedule of fall courses and activities. Students can elect to apply for summer, while others may be offered the opportunity as a condition of their admission. All new students enrolling in summer will begin in the “Summer B” session, which runs from late June through early August. Learn more about applying to UCF.
Spring Admission
Many students choose to apply directly to our spring (January) term, while others may be offered the opportunity as a condition of their admission. Students wishing to take courses at a community or state college during the summer or fall semester prior to enrolling in spring must submit an official transcript from all colleges attended. They may not complete more than 11 credit hours after their high school graduation date prior to enrolling at UCF. Learn more about applying to UCF.
Conditional Pathways & Programs
Soar Success Program
The Soar Success Program is a six-week invitation only on-campus summer program for selected first-year students. The program is designed to help incoming first-year students make a successful transition to college life and build effective study skills by participating in academic support activities. Students selected to join Soar will enroll at UCF during the “Summer B” term, which runs from late June through early August. On-campus, in-person participation is required. Learn more about the Soar Success Program.
STEP (Supporting Teacher Education Pre-Professionals)
STEP is a program for incoming first-year students who plan to major in education and become teachers. Students invited to join STEP will enroll at UCF during the Summer B term, which runs from late June through early August. Learn more about the STEP Program.
AA Degree with High School Diploma
High School students earning both the standard high school diploma and an associate in arts (A.A.) degree through dual enrollment from a Florida College System or State University System institution who do not meet FTIC admission requirements may be admitted to UCF under Florida Board of Governors Regulation 6.005. Students admitted under this regulation will be considered first-time-in-college (FTIC) students for admission purposes although they are not required to submit SAT/ACT/CLT scores for admission consideration. They must submit a $200 enrollment deposit to enroll, attend a freshman orientation session, and will be eligible to apply for first year on-campus housing, however they will not be considered for merit scholarships from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions if they do not submit an SAT/ACT/CLT score for review.
Students being considered for admission under FL BOG 6.005 will be required to submit an official Florida College System or State University System transcript for evaluation prior to an admission offer being made. They must also provide a final official college transcript displaying the A.A. before enrolling at UCF. An administrative “hold” may be placed on the student’s record until evidence of the A.A. is received by UCF Undergraduate Admissions; the “hold” will prevent course registration and disbursement of financial aid.
Any FTIC student admitted under this regulation must immediately notify the Office of Undergraduate Admissions if they do not intend to receive their degree for any reason. An FTIC student admitted under this regulation who does not receive the A.A. may have their admission revoked. Learn more about admission under FL BOG 6.005.
Math Launch
Math Launch is a unique program designed to help incoming first-year students prepare for Calculus I at UCF and set them up for success in their chosen STEM major. Students selected for the program will take a reduced course load in their first term and move at their own pace through a boot camp style math course with the support of a dedicated peer coach, highly qualified instructors and learning assistants. Learn more about Math Launch.
Defer
It is important to recognize that a deferral is not a deny. In many cases, the Admissions Committee is unable to reach an immediate consensus on an applicant’s file. In other cases, a necessary piece of information may be missing or was omitted from the application. Deferred students may be asked to provide updated credentials for consideration, including but not limited to new SAT, ACT or CLT scores and/or first semester senior grades. Requests in the form of a deferment will be posted to the Future Knight Portal checklist.
A similar deferral process is used for students who report civil, criminal or educational misconduct on their application. However, in this case, the Admissions Committee may request additional information from the student or refer the application to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for further review and clearance.
Deny
Students denied admission to UCF are encouraged to consider the DirectConnect to UCF transfer partnership or UCF Global Pathway. Denied students should not immediately reapply for admission to another term; the Admissions Committee has already considered all terms and pathway options prior to denying admission. All students who are denied admission have the right to appeal the decision, however, appeals will only be considered if new academic or personal information is presented. Learn more about the appeal process.
WAITLIST
It’s important to understand that being offered a spot on the waitlist is not the same as being denied admission. Because UCF can accommodate a limited number of new students, a waitlist is created to gauge the interest of students who may have applied later in the year or whose academic credentials demonstrate potential but may not be as strong as other applicants. As admitted students decline their offers of admission, more space potentially opens, and students on the waitlist may then be reconsidered. Waitlisted students can submit new standardized test scores or update their SPARK Form with semester grades to improve their chances of being admitted. The waitlist at UCF is not ranked, and there are no numerical placements; selections from the waitlist are based upon our ability to admit more students and the academic strength of an individual applicant. Being admitted from the waitlist is not guaranteed; we recommend that all students have a fallback plan.
Alternatives to Admission
DirectConnect to UCF®
DirectConnect to UCF guarantees admission* to UCF with an A.A. or articulated A.S. degree from any of our partner state colleges. Step-by-step support and resources are available through the DirectConnect program, including advising, coaching and enrollment assistance. First-year students who are dual-enrolled at a DirectConnect partner institution and complete their A.A. or articulated A.S. prior to or at the same time as high school graduation may qualify for admission to UCF but may not be offered admission to their preferred admission term. First-year students who are not eligible for admission through other pathways and who have not earned an A.A. or articulated A.S. degree may participate in DirectConnect and transfer to UCF upon completion of their two-year degree. Learn more about DirectConnect to UCF.
*Consistent with university policy
UCF Global Pathway Programs
UCF Global Pathway Programs (offered On-Campus and Online) are designed to support international students with a first-year experience opportunity to take undergraduate courses with the option to include immersive English-language learning, as well as transfer students who are seeking assistance with academic and cultural transition. Learn more about UCF Global Pathways.
UCF Online
UCF Online has been crafted to meet the needs of learners seeking flexibility and convenience. This option is ideal for students balancing multiple commitments or those who learn better in a self-paced, online environment. UCF Online students can shape their learning journey, studying at their own pace, in their preferred environment, and at times that best suit them. Learn about the differences between UCF Online and campus-based learning.
Charge On!
Charge On is a challenge to do extraordinary things.