We answer questions about deadlines, high school requirements, home schooling, transcripts, regional campuses and more.
How is my high school GPA calculated for admission?
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.
What is Orientation?
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.
Which SAT or ACT score do you review, and what if I took more than one test?
Consideration will be given to the highest official reported score. UCF will superscore the SAT, however, we will only superscore results from the same version of the exam. We will not combine subscores from the current SAT or the redesigned SAT.
ACT scores are based on the highest reported composite score; UCF does not superscore the ACT exam.
What are the application deadlines for first-year students?
Freshman Application Deadlines
Fall: May 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: March 1
All International Application Deadlines
Fall: March 1
Spring: September 1
Summer: January 1
How competitive is it to get admitted into UCF?
For freshmen, the mid-range (middle 50 percent) of our Fall 2018 entering class was:
- GPA: 3.86 – 4.39 (recalculated academic core)
- SAT: 1270 – 1380 (Evidence-based Reading and Writing + Math)
- ACT: 26 – 30 (composite)
Do I have to apply for Top 10 Knights?
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 I don’t rank in the top 10 percent of my high school senior class, but I still have strong academic credentials, can I still be admitted to UCF?
Yes!
Apply NowI am home-schooled. Can I qualify for Top 10 Knights?
If you are home-schooled in the state of Florida, yes. You must provide a home-schooled transcript, in addition to the above-mentioned criteria by the January 15 deadline to be considered.
Does UCF require the ACT Writing or the SAT Essay?
Beginning in Spring 2017, UCF will not require the writing section of the ACT or the essay section of the SAT.
Does UCF have an “accelerated” or “guaranteed admission” medical program?
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 CollegeDoes UCF require standardized tests?
Yes. All freshmen must submit an official SAT or ACT 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.
Which high school courses are 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.
Will I receive college credit for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and/or Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) scores?
Information regarding specific credit that will be earned as well as maximum limits is located in the Undergraduate Catalog under “Accelerated Educational Opportunities.”
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 CampusesI am a student who has been impacted by Hurricane Maria. What are my options?
To assist current and prospective students, we have established a website that contains information about admissions, registration, transfer and transition services, and student support programs and services for those who have been impacted by Hurricane Maria.
Learn About Puerto Rico Educational Relief EffortsWho is eligible for Top 10 Knights?
First-time-in-college students who currently attend a Florida high school are eligible for consideration.
FAQs Related to Freshmen
Are freshmen required to live on campus?
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.
Can everyone take online courses?
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.
Do you consider weighted GPAs?
Grades in Advanced Placement, AICE, dual enrollment, honors and International Baccalaureate courses will be given additional weight in your GPA computation. 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.
What is the Top 10 Knights guaranteed admission initiative?
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 at least four units of approved academic core math by the end of your senior year
- Earn a minimum SAT score of 1090 (evidence-based Reading/Writing and Math) or an ACT composite score of 21.
How do high school seniors apply for UCF scholarships?
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 ScholarshipsHow 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
- Credentials eScrip-Safe (formerly known as Scrip-Safe International)
- 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 many clubs and organizations are there at UCF?
There are over 650 student clubs and organizations you can get involved in.
See a Full List of Clubs & OrganizationsWhat is the Student Union?
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 WebsiteWhen 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 TodayWhen should I apply for housing?
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 ApplicationsWhere else can I go to research freshman scholarships?
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