We answer questions about the UCF application process, application deadlines, the best time to apply, checking an application’s status, appeals, decisions and more.
Do I need to have my international academic credentials evaluated?
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.
Does UCF Admissions require recommendations, essays or interviews?
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 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.
Does UCF have specific essay or personal statement topics?
Although optional, an essay assists the Admissions Committee in knowing you as an individual, independent of test scores and other objective data. We ask that 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?
Does UCF offer any English language learning programs?
Yes, The English Language Institute at UCF offers an intensive, student-focused, English learning curriculum based on face-to-face instruction.
How can I find out what credit will transfer to UCF?
UCF provides a convenient tool to access a database of established course equivalencies from other institutions. While actual awarding of transfer credit occurs after official transcripts are received from the sending institution, the portal can provide guidance as you plan your transition to UCF. To access the transfer equivalency portal, click HERE.
How can I gain readmission if I previously attended UCF?
Submit your readmission application through the Registrar’s Office. You can contact the office at registrar.ucf.edu or 407-823-3100.
How can I increase my competitiveness in the applicant pool?
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 scores).
To increase their competitiveness in the applicant pool, students are encouraged to submit 1st semester senior grades and/or updated SAT/ACT scores.
How can I request a waiver of the application fee?
You can request to have the $30 application fee waived on the basis of financial hardship by submitting
a written request AND one of the following items:
- An SAT, ACT. SCOIR or NACAC fee waiver form from your high school guidance office
- Documentation from your high school showing your eligibility for a free or reduced lunch
- Your family’s most recent tax return
These documents may be submitted to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 160111
Orlando, FL 32816-0111
For faster processing, requests to waive the $30 application fee may be submitted via email to myapplicationdocs@ucf.edu. Please include the student’s name and DOB with any emailed request. If a Social Security Number (SSN) appears on the waiver request, please black out all but the last four digits for security purposes.
How can I send my Cambridge AICE scores to UCF?
You may request to have your Cambridge AICE submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by completing the Cambridge Examinations Results Transcript Application Form. 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
How do I appeal an admission decision?
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 submit a letter of appeal, clearly stating the reasons why they believe they should be admitted to the university, to:
Admissions and Standards Committee
c/o The Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 160111
Orlando, FL 32816-0111
How do I apply to UCF as a transient student?
You are a transient student if you are seeking a degree at another institution and would like to take courses at UCF on a temporary basis. Transient admission is for one semester only, after which courses completed at UCF are transferred back to your home institution.
Florida public community/state college and university students: You will need to complete the Transient Student Application through Florida Shines. Your application will be processed by the Registrar’s Office at UCF.
If you are attending any college or university other than a Florida public institution, you will need to complete an application for admission. Your application will be processed by Undergraduate Admissions at UCF. In addition to completing the online application, you will need to submit an official transcript from your last institution attended.
How do I let UCF know I am accepting a spot on the waitlist?
Accepting a waitlist offer is optional, but you should understand that your application will be denied if you choose to decline. To confirm your waitlist offer, follow these instructions:
- Visit myUCF
- Log in using your NID
- Select the Student Self Service option in the myUCF Menu
- Select the Student Center option
- Scroll down to the section titled Undergraduate Admissions and find your Undergraduate Application Status
How do I obtain/verify Florida residency for tuition purposes?
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.
How do I send a transcript to UCF?
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 myUCF.
Hard copy transcripts may be sent to:
UCF Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 160111
Orlando, FL 32816-0111
How long does it take for an electronic transcript to arrive at UCF?
Electronic transcripts usually arrive at the university within three to five business days after being sent. Please allow time for processing before the transcript shows “received” on myUCF.
How long does it take for Undergraduate Admissions to process any document I submit?
All documents, including documents submitted electronically, require processing time. Document processing time varies by time of the year:
- Non-Peak: 5-7 business days minimum
- Peak times (around application deadlines and the start of any semester): 7-10 business days minimum
To avoid delays, submit all required documents as early as possible and well before deadlines.
I am currently in the U.S. military or am a U.S. military veteran or eligible dependent. Does UCF offer services for me?
Yes, the Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC) is your one-stop solution to all your needs as a student veteran or eligible dependent.
Visit the VARC WebsiteI am graduating from an international high school. What academic credentials do I have to submit?
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.
I am on the waitlist. What does that mean?
Admission to UCF is more competitive today than at any other time in our history. We typically receive approximately 30,000 freshman applications for an incoming class of 6,400. As a result, a number of students are offered space on our waitlist.
It is important to understand that a waitlist offer is not the same as being denied; you are still being considered for admission to UCF. Should space open up in our freshman class, the Admissions Committee will reevaluate your application, and you may be removed from the waitlist and offered admission.
I have DACA status or am undocumented. Can I apply to UCF?
Yes. Admission to UCF is based upon the strength of a student’s academic credentials, regardless of their immigration status. For more information on resources available to undocumented and DACA students, please visit sdes.ucf.edu/community.
I sent my transcript electronically yesterday. Shouldn’t I see you received it on my UCF today?
No. 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 the start of every semester): 7-10 business days minimum
To avoid delays, submit all required documents as early as possible and well before deadlines.
I was home-schooled or received a GED. What should I submit?
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 and/or SAT results must be submitted.
What are my NID and my UCFID?
Your NID is your secure sign-on for many systems at UCF, including myUCF and online courses. To obtain your NID, go to myUCF, click Sign On, click What is my NID, then follow the instructions to obtain your NID and create a password.
Your UCF ID is the number you will use to identify yourself when you call or visit offices across campus, including Undergraduate Admissions. To obtain your UCF ID, go to myUCF, log in using your NID and password, click Student Self Service > Personal Information >UCF ID Info. This page will display your UCF ID, your NID and your UCF ID Card number, once you have been issued one.
What are the foreign language requirements?
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.
What courses transfer to UCF?
UCF accepts college credits from other accredited institutions of higher education (meeting university transfer eligibility requirements). UCF also accepts some college credits from institutions who participate in the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System.
If you are applying to UCF, you will need to provide us with official college transcript(s) for review.
Once a you have been offered admission, you will gain access to your transfer summary report. This transfer summary report shows a you exactly what courses have transferred to UCF and feeds into your degree audit. The degree audit shows which transferred courses meet your degree requirements and lists the outstanding courses that remain to complete your degree.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
To review requirements and required documents, please visit the homepage and select the category of student that best describes you.
What is an official transcript?
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.
What is the cost of attendance for an international student?
For a list of estimated expenses for international students with F-1 or J-1 visas, please refer to the Certification of Finances form issued by UCF Global. All other students can visit our Cost & Aid page or the current fee schedule for estimated cost of attendance.
What is the physical address of UCF Undergraduate Admissions?
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
What methods of payment do you accept for my admission application fee and my enrollment deposit?
For quickest processing, a major credit card or e-check are our preferred methods of payment for both the $30 admission application fee and the $200 enrollment deposit. We also accept checks and money orders.
What number am I on the waitlist?
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.
When can I take the SAT and/or ACT exam?
Students should register for and take the SAT and/or ACT exams early – preferably once in their junior year and again at the beginning of the senior year of high school. SAT and ACT administration dates are published by the respective testing agencies and can be viewed here:
When will I receive an admission decision?
UCF will notify you of our decision as soon as possible, but no later than May 31 of each year. Offers of admission are confirmed by receipt of a letter from the Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Final decisions — other than offers of admission — are not communicated by mail but will be confirmed through a status update on myUCF.
When is the application deadline?
Freshman Application Deadlines
Fall: May 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: March 1
Transfer Application Deadlines:
Fall: July 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: March 1
All International Application Deadlines
Fall: March 1
Spring: September 1
Summer: January 1
When is the best time to apply?
You can apply up to one year prior to the term for which you plan to enroll. Freshmen should apply between September and December of their senior year in high school.
Apply TodayWho can apply to UCF using The Common Application?
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.
Apply via the Institutional Application for AdmissionsI'm having technical difficulties submitting The Common App. Who should I contact?
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.
Go to the Common App Solutions CenterHow do I check my application status using myUCF?
Please visit myUCF and log in using your NID and NID password. If you do not have your NID, you can retrieve it by clicking on the link in the log in area titled “What is my NID?”.
Once you answer the prompts, an email with your NID will be sent to the e-mail address you listed on your application. The email will also include a default password and instructions explaining how to log in to myUCF for the first time. Once you have logged in for the first time, you can change your password. For your protection, you will be prompted to change your password from time to time.
You must change your password within the allotted time or your account will expire.
After logging in to myUCF:
- Click on the “Student Self Service” link on the left side menu.
- Scroll down to the sixth option and click on “Undergraduate Admissions.”
- The third subtopic is titled “Application Status.” This link will not only show your application status, but it will also list required and received documents.
Should you need to reset your myUCF password, please visit the Self Service Website where you can reset your password via your cell phone number or email address.
Contact myUCF HelpHow will I be notified about an admission decision?
For all changes to your admission status, including deferrals and 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 myUCF.
Only offers of admission and admission options will be confirmed by receipt of a letter from the Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions.
I am a student who has been impacted by Hurricane Maria. What are my options?
During fall 2018, the UCF Board of Trustees extended the initial waiver for out-of-state tuition and fees through summer 2023 for residents of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who were enrolled by spring 2019 in any Florida public institution and maintain continuous enrollment*.
*Continuous enrollment means that you do not sit out for 2 major consecutive semesters (ex. fall/spring or spring/fall.)
View the Waiver Request for Hurricane Maria Relief EffortsShould I apply for scholarships and financial aid?
Yes. You should file for financial aid and continue to apply for scholarships. Should you be admitted from the waitlist, any awards and financial aid for which you have qualified will be applied to your student account.
What about the May 1 admission and enrollment deposit deadline?
It is possible that you will be notified of your decision after the May 1 deadline. This is not unusual for students on the waitlist. If you are admitted, you will be given a new deposit deadline.
What are the chances that I will be moved off of the waitlist?
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 SAT/ACT scores for the Admissions Committee to review.
Related FAQs
Does UCF require standardized tests?
Yes. All freshmen must submit an official SAT [code: 5233] or ACT [code: 0735] 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.
What criteria do I need to meet to be eligible to transfer to UCF from another school?
Admission criteria vary based upon the total number of transferable semester hours of college coursework you will have completed by the time you enroll at UCF. Choose a category below for specific admission requirements.
Who can attend a UCF regional campus?
To attend a UCF regional campus, you have to meet admission requirements, including admission into UCF with an A.A. or A.S. degree or having 60+ credit hours.
Learn More About UCF Regional Campuses