University of Florida Office of Admissions

Thank you for supporting future Gators.

We cannot say it loudly enough— we sincerely appreciate all you do as the support system for our future students! From the time you spend investing in students' academic success to walking them through the college application process, you play a critical role in your students' journey.

Resources Just for You

UF Admissions Counselor Web Page

For a quick reference guide as you work with students, check out our Admission web page just for High School Counselors. There you will find up-to-date requirements, deadlines and application process information.

admissions.ufl.edu/counselors

Exam Credit Guidelines

UF accepts credits from the following exams: AICE, AP, CLEP, DLPT, DSST, IB, UEXCEL and CAPE. Credit is awarded only once for the same course, regardless of whether it is earned through credit by examination. A maximum of 45 credits may be granted.

catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/academic-advising/exam-credit/

Application Deadlines & Options 2026-27

Early Decision

Application Deadline: October 15
Materials Deadline: October 22
Decision Notification: December 11
Decision Outcomes: Admit, Deny or Defer
Confirmation & Deposit Deadline: January 8

Early Action

Application Deadline: November 1
Materials Deadline: November 8
Decision Notification: January 22
Decision Outcomes: Admit, Deny or Defer
Confirmation & Deposit Deadline: May 1

Regular Decision

Application Deadline: January 15
Materials Deadline: January 22
Decision Notification: March 19
Decision Outcomes: Admit, Waitlist, Pathways or Deny
Confirmation & Deposit Deadline: May 1

Application Options:

The University of Florida provides three application options for students to choose: Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA) or Regular Decision (RD). Each of these paths provide different decision notifications, as listed above.

Introducing UF Early Decision

UF will add Early Decision as an admissions option for freshman applicants beginning with the 2026-27 application cycle. By offering an Early Decision option, we are responding to the growing interest from future Gators who want the opportunity to receive an admissions decision from their first-choice institution as early as December of their senior year. This binding admissions option will be available to all freshmen applicants and represents a significant and welcomed enhancement to UF’s admissions portfolio.

The Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)

The STARS (formerly called the SSAR) lists the classes and associated grades that have been attempted, or will be attempted, for high school and/or college credit. It serves as the student’s academic record used by the Office of Admissions during the initial review process. Since accuracy is critical, students are advised to have a copy of their high school transcript available to use as a reference when creating the STARS.

admissions.ufl.edu/apply/freshman/stars

Information on Deferrals and Waitlist:admissions.ufl.edu/deferred-or-waitlisted

Our Decision Process: admissions.ufl.edu/apply/freshman/our-decision-process

Options if Denied & the Appeal Process:admissions.ufl.edu/denied

Additional Opportunities

Honors Program

Students interested in applying for the Honors Program should indicate this on the application and complete the additional essay question in the Common App.

honors.ufl.edu

Innovation Academy (IA)

The Innovation Academy is a program centered around entrepreneurship, ethics and leadership that embeds an innovation minor into 25+ majors. This program begins in the spring semester and follows a spring/summer only schedule, giving students the opportunity to pursue internships, research, study abroad or other interests during their fall semester. To apply for IA, students need to indicate interest, write an additional essay, and select a major within IA—all in their Common App.

innovationacademy.ufl.edu

Pathway to Campus Enrollment (PaCE)

PaCE is our hybrid program where students start their UF degree with UF Online. Students cannot apply to PaCE; all eligible applicants are considered with the UF admissions process. PaCE will be offered as an admissions pathway during the regular admissions process. After completing a total of 60 credit hours and all major requirements, students are eligible to transition to campus to complete their degree.

admissions.ufl.edu/pace

Transfer Application:admissions.ufl.edu/apply/transfer

Partnership Programs:admissions.ufl.edu/apply/freshman/partnership-programs

Class of 2030 Admitted Student Profile*

2026 Freshman Profile

Middle 50%
GPA: 4.5-4.7
ACT: 32-35
SAT: 1420-1520

3,988 high schools from all 58 Florida counties, and all 50 U.S. states, and representing 74 countries.

*Accurate as of May 2026

Application Process

UF uses the Common App.

Encourage your students to start their application early.

commonapp.org/explore/university-florida

Speak with your student as they begin the application process to ensure they have all the requirements needed for applying. Please note that UF requires test scores to be considered for admission.

admissions.ufl.edu/apply/freshman/requirements

Common App Guide

UF has a handy guide to the Common App. Share this with your students for a step-by-step process on how to fill out the application.

Download the guide here:
https://issuu.com/ufadmissions/docs/uf_common_app_guide_2026-27

Questions? We have answers.

Where do my students go to submit required materials after completing the Common App?

Students will receive an email 24-48 hours after submitting their Common App with instructions on creating their Gator Portal. Students should login to their Gator Portal to submit their materials, check their application status, and stay engaged during the process.

Does UF offer scholarships?

Yes! UF offers both need- and merit-based scholarships. Last year, more than 8,000 incoming freshmen were offered $49 million in merit-based scholarships. No separate application is needed beyond the application for admission and there is no automatic awarding of UF scholarships based on test scores or GPA. UF also offers other need-based opportunities such as scholarships, grants, waivers and student employment.

What if my students have questions about fee waivers or affordability?

Our office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships through the OneStop can help answer any questions students may have about Pell eligibility, fee and tuition waivers, and other affordability concerns.

onestop.ufl.edu

Is it easier to get into the summer term?

No, and there is no difference in admissions criteria for either term. When students apply, they are asked to designate the term in which they would like to start—summer or fall. While we try to accommodate these requests, there is limited space available in each term, so some students will be offered admission to the term outside of their choice or to one of our pathway programs.

What are the minimum test scores and GPA needed to be admitted to UF?

The academic profile on the previous page reflects the middle 50% of students admitted to UF in 2026. These are not minimum criteria, nor does falling within these ranges guarantee that a student will be admitted. UF considers all aspects of a student's application, background and qualifications when making admissions decisions.

Does UF prefer AP, IB, AICE, or Dual Enrollment?

We have no preference between these courses; however, it is important to note that once a student begins dual-enrollment courses, this constitutes the beginning of the student's college GPA. A student's GPA must be at least a 2.0 to attend any state university in Florida.

How does major selection work?

Freshmen applicants are admitted as members of the freshman class and not to a specific major or program. Admitted students may declare or change their major, within their admitted pathway, during their freshman orientation.

How do students get on-campus housing?

Right after completing their application for UF admission, students can apply for on-campus housing with a $25 non-refundable fee. This serves as a place holder for applicants who wish to live on campus and students will move forward after admissions decisions have been made. The University of Florida does not require students to live on campus, and it is to a student’s benefit to apply early as housing is not guaranteed.

housing.ufl.edu/apply/first-year-student-application

How does a student obtain Florida Residency?

Initial residency classification is determined by the Office of Admissions when they apply to the university. Failure to provide all relevant information and required documentation in the residency section of the application could result in a non-Florida or out-of-state resident classification for tuition purposes.

admissions.ufl.edu/cost-and-aid/residency

Who qualifies for the Grandparent Waiver?

Eligible out-of-state students with grandparents that have been legal, permanent Florida residents for the required amount of time may qualify for a tuition and fee waiver for out-of-state costs up to 110% of total degree hours.

admissions.ufl.edu/feewaiver

How do HSAA students apply?

Students who will receive their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree at the same time should apply as a freshman. When applying, students should select a specific major and UF college. If we are unable to offer them admission at the freshman level, they will be asked if they would like to have their application reconsidered as an upper-division transfer. At the upper-division level review, they must meet the college's and major's requirements for minimum GPA and course prerequisites.

How do I set up a campus tour?

We would love to host you on campus through any of our tour options. Schedule a school group visit or an individual visit to campus on the Admissions website. You can also visit us virtually by downloading our self-guided tour through the GatorWay app.

admissions.ufl.edu/visit-and-events

Share the Admissions Guide with your students for more resources.
https://issuu.com/ufadmissions/docs/uf_admissions_guide_2026-27_english_2f9fe241eda079