Freshman

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.

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 1^st 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.

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 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

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.

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

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.

First-Year Students: Decisions for first-year applicants to the 2024 summer and fall terms are expected to be released starting in mid-September and will continue on a rolling basis through May 1.

Transfer Students: Transfer students will be notified of a decision as soon as possible once their application file is complete. This includes the application, application fee, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, test scores (AICE, AP/IB/CLEP/TOEFL/IELTS if applicable), and high school transcripts (if applicable).

All updates to application status will be available on the Future Knight Portal.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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