Skip to main content

We answer questions about deadlines, high school requirements, home schooling, transcripts, regional campuses and more.

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 scores).

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

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.

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.

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 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.

Freshman Application Completion Deadlines
Fall: May 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: March 1

All International Application Completion Deadlines
Fall: March 1
Spring: September 1
Summer: January 1

View Academic Calendar

The Application Completion 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 or ACT 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 Completion Deadlines
Fall: May 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: March 1

Transfer Application Completion Deadlines:

Fall: July 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: March 1

All International Application Completion Deadlines
Fall: March 1
Spring: September 1
Summer: January 1

Orientation is your chance to get acquainted with UCF’s services, meet an advisor, and register for classes. For more information, contact the Orientation Office at orientation.ucf.edu or 407-823-5105.

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:

SAT Test Administration Dates

ACT Test Administration Dates

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

  • GPA: 4.00 – 4.50 (recalculated academic core)
  • SAT: 1270 – 1390 (Evidence-based Reading and Writing + Math)
  • ACT: 26 – 30 (composite)

UCF does not have an accelerated medical program; however, first-time-in-college (FTIC) students are eligible to apply for the Burnett Medical Scholars Program. This intensive academic program facilitates the articulation between graduates of UCF’s Burnett Honors College and the UCF College of Medicine. Students must meet all eligibility and performance requirements for both the Burnett Honors College and the Medical Scholars Program.

Learn More About The Burnett Honors College

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.

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.

Information regarding specific credit that will be earned as well as maximum limits is located in the Undergraduate Catalog under “Accelerated Educational Opportunities.

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

First-time-in-college students who currently attend a Florida high school are eligible for consideration.

No, you should submit your application normally. Keep in mind that the deadline to be considered for the Top 10 Knights program is January 15. The Admissions Committee will then determine if you meet the requirements of this program.

If you are home-schooled in the state of Florida, yes. You must complete and submit a SPARK Form and meet the above-mentioned criteria by the January 15 deadline to be considered.

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

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.


FAQs Related to Freshmen

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.

If you are in the top 10 percent of your high school class within the state of Florida, UCF rewards your academic success with guaranteed admission to the fall, spring or summer semester.*

We call this our Top 10 Knights program, and to qualify you must:

  • Currently attend a Florida high school
  • Rank in the top 10 percent of your high school class or have a recalculated GPA of 3.9 or above (if your high school does not provide rankings)
  • Complete and submit a SPARK Form indicating your class rank and class size
  • Complete at least four units of approved academic core math by the end of your senior year
  • Earn a minimum SAT score of 1100 (evidence-based Reading/Writing and Math) or an ACT composite score of 22.

*Consistent with university policy.

Learn More about Top 10 Knights

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

Learn More About Scholarships

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:

NOTE: If the transcript delivery service asks you to provide an email address to send transcripts to, please use [email protected].

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

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

See a Full List of Clubs & Organizations

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.

Visit the Student Union Website

You can apply up to one year prior to the term for which you plan to enroll. Freshmen should apply early (between September and December of their senior year in high school) for maximum consideration in the admission and scholarship review process.

Apply Today

Apply as soon as you have been admitted to UCF. Don’t wait; as space is limited. Housing applications are available starting in November for the following summer and fall semesters.

Find Housing Applications

There are a variety of options for scholarships.

View All FAQs