Admission as a Freshman

Composite pictures of the SAT results of recent freshman classes at the university indicate that the middle 50 percent of admitted fall freshmen score between 1190-1360 on the SAT. In addition, more than 50 percent of each entering class has earned a B+ or better average in high school academic subjects. While there is no minimum grade average or test score to assure admission or success in college, prospective applicants are urged to discuss these data with their school counselors before applying.

When to Apply: The best time to apply is early in the senior year of secondary school. Freshman priority is provided to qualified applicants whose applications and supporting records are received in the Office of Admissions prior to January 11, 2002.  Early Decision applicants (those willing to commit to UF if admitted) must apply no later than October 1, 2001.  Admission to the University of Florida is a selective process. For Fall 2001 we were able to admit slightly more than half of our 20,000 applicants for freshman admission.  Although we encourage all interested students to apply, it is important to have knowledge of the competition for admission spaces.  Applicants are encouraged to take seriously the application process and make the strongest application possible.

The selection process to the University of Florida allows for approximately 50% of our freshman class to be admitted on the basis of the applicants’ academic credentials.  The remainder of the class will be admitted through a holistic review of all the information contained in the application, both academic and personal.  It is important for the applicant to know that many factors are considered in the admissions process.  It is very difficult to predict the admissibility of any applicant without considering all the information contained in the application file, and the size and strength of the applicant pool.

Admission for Florida Residents

These requirements for admission consideration give priority to those applicants whose total record indicates the greatest likelihood of academic success.

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or state-approved secondary school or the equivalent (G.E.D., etc.).

• The following distribution of 15 academic units is required:

English (with substantial writing requirements)	4
Mathematics (Algebra 1, Formal  Geometry, Algebra II)	3
Natural Science (2 units of which include  substantial laboratory requirements)	3
Social Science	3
Foreign Language (must be sequential)	2

• An overall C average in high school academic courses as computed by the University of Florida. An overall C average, as computed by the university, is also required at each collegiate institution attended. College deficiencies earned through high school dual-enrollment programs will be reviewed individually.

• A record of good conduct. Major or continuing difficulty with school or other officials may render an applicant ineligible regardless of academic qualifications.

  Please note: Applicants who present scores on the G.E.D. also must present records from secondary schools attended and standardized test scores. The applicant’s overall academic background will be considered.

• A total score of at least 950 on the SAT with a minimum verbal score of 440 and a minimum quantitative score of 440. On the ACT, a composite score of 19 is required with a minimum of 17 on the English subsection, a minimum of 19 on the math subsection and a minimum of 18 on the reading subsection.

• State University System Minimum Freshman Eligibility Index for Admission Consideration

Academic GPA	ACT Composite	SAT Total
2.9	20	970
2.8	21	980
2.7	21	990
2.6	21	1000
2.5	21	1010
2.4	22	1030
2.3	23	1060
2.2	24	1090
2.1	24	1110
2.0	25	1140

Meeting this index alone does not guarantee admission to the university.

Any Florida student who meets the minimum admission requirements and who is interested in attending the university is urged to submit an application. Applicants should be aware, however, that admission is highly competitive when the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number that the university is permitted to enroll. An applicant’s total high school record including grades, test scores, educational objective and pattern of courses completed, school recommendation and personal background and record will be considered.

Any student who does not graduate from a regionally accredited secondary school must provide, in addition to a transcript and SAT or ACT results, the results of the following SAT II examinations: writing, mathematics (level II-C), foreign language, science and social science.

Admission for Non-Florida Residents

Because UF must limit the number of entering freshmen, only a small number of highly qualified students from states other than Florida may be admitted.

Early Admission

Applications for early admission (i.e., admission following completion of the junior year of high school) will be considered individually by the admissions committee. Applications should be submitted in accordance with university deadlines.

In addition to the application, the following items are needed:

• A written statement by the student setting forth reasons for requesting early admission.

• An official transcript of the applicant’s secondary school record covering grades 9, 10, 11. An overall academic average of 3.9 is expected.

• Results of either the SAT or ACT. An SAT total score of 1350 or a composite score of 30 on the Enhanced ACT is required.

• A letter from the student’s high school principal or guidance counselor stating specific reasons why the applicant would profit more from early admission than by completion of the senior year of high school.

Eligible early admission students from Florida high schools may be funded through dual credit enrollment. Dual enrollment refers to a student taking on-campus courses simultaneously at both the University of Florida and another institution. If the parent institution is a Florida high school, the student may qualify for tuition-exempt dual enrollment credit and may receive textbooks/ materials on a lend-return basis. There must be an articulation agreement between the university and the home county school board, developmental research school or other secondary school.

Qualified high school students will be enrolled as nondegree students and credits earned prior to high school graduation may be accepted subsequently for advanced standing and degree credit when the student is admitted to the university. For more information, refer to Academic Regulations (especially the sections on Dual Enrollment and Nondegree Registration).

The university provides numerous opportunities other than early admission to accelerate graduation. For additional information, please refer to the Academic Advising section.