Admission Information

Freshman Academic Requirements

One student studying in a hammock.

Admission to USF is more competitive than ever, but the process of applying is not difficult. We consider each applicant individually, taking into account grades, rigor of curriculum and standardized test scores.

YOU SHOULD APPLY AS A FRESHMAN IF YOU ARE A:

  • High school senior
  • High school student or graduate who earned dual enrollment credit or an AA degree but have not completed more than 11 semester hours of college coursework after high school graduation
  • High school graduate who has never enrolled in college

If you have completed 12 or more credits of college coursework after high school graduation, you will be considered for transfer admission.


Here’s the profile of our most recently admitted class:

Fall Student Profile - 2023

Average GPA Average SAT Score Average ACT Score
4.10-4.59   1250-1390 27-31

Summer Student Profile - 2023

Average GPA Average SAT Score Average ACT Score
3.90-4.29 1100-1210 22-25

Note: Since the CLT test is new to the University of South Florida for test consideration this year, we do not have an incoming student profile average to share.

Minimum Test Subsection Scores

USF also requires you meet the following minimum subsection test scores to qualify for freshman admission:

  • SAT: 
    • 490 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (RW)
    • 480 Math (M)
  • ACT: 
    • 19 Reading (R)
    • 17 English (E)
    • 19 Math (M)
  • CLT:
    • 38 Verbal Reasoning + Grammar/Writing (V+W)
    • 16 Quantitative Reasoning (Q)

 Think you have what it takes? Discover what’s required for admission consideration.

GPA Requirements

Competition for space in the freshman class is rigorous. For determining admissibility to USF, we will recalculate your high school GPA based on grades earned in high school only in core academic subject areas, as well as specified AP and IB fine and performing arts courses. USF will add the quality points outlined below for approved AP, IB, AICE, honors and dual enrollment courses provided you earn a "C" or better.

GPA Quality Points by Course Type
Course Type Quality Point
Advanced Placement (AP) 1.0
International Baccalaureate (IB) 1.0
Dual Enrollment 1.0
AICE 1.0
Honors 0.5

Taking weighted courses can have a positive impact on your recalculated GPA as long as you are reasonably successful in these advanced-level courses.

Test Requirements

USF requires freshman applicants to submit official results of at least one college entrance exam (SAT, ACT or CLT). USF does not currently require or consider the optional essay section of the SAT or ACT for the admission or scholarship review processes. Likewise, SAT subject tests are not considered for admission or placement.

USF's code for SAT is 5828 and for ACT is 0761. Please select University of South Florida from the dropdown on CLT website.

In Fall 2022, mid-range SAT and ACT scores for admitted freshmen were: 

  • SAT: 1250-1390  
  • ACT: 27-31  

In Summer 2022, mid-range SAT and ACT scores for admitted freshmen were:

  • SAT: 1100-1210  
  • ACT: 22-25  

Note: Since the CLT test is new to the University of South Florida for test consideration this year, we do not have an incoming student profile average to share. 


Superscoring

USF considers your highest submitted section scores across all SAT, ACT or CLTtest dates. Final admission decisions will be made using only your highest cumulative scores. Each time you submit test scores to USF, we will update your record with any new high scores. We strongly encourage you to submit your scores each time you take the SAT, ACT or CLT. Sending your scores each time you take a test can benefit you by allowing us to consider you for all available enrollment-related opportunities.


Testing Recommendations

Because the SAT, ACT and CLT measure college readiness through different means and formats, we strongly encourage you to take each exam once during the spring of your junior year in high school. You are likely to prefer (and even to perform better) on one test over the other, which would allow you to focus on that test during the fall of your senior year. Except in rare cases, you should not take any test more than three times, as significant improvements on performance are unlikely at that point. 

Dual Enrollment

Taking dual enrollment courses is a great way to get a head start on meeting college graduation requirements. To be considered for (and maintain) an offer of admission, we require a minimum GPA of 2.50 (unweighted) in dual enrollment courses.

All high school students, including those earning an AA degree through Dual Enrollment, must submit a Freshman (First-Year) application to USF by the Freshman deadline. Only students who have earned 12 or more credits post-high school graduation are considered Transfer students.

If you have taken Dual Enrollment, USF will require an official transcript from each college or university prior to starting at USF. We give additional consideration to applicants with a postsecondary GPA of 3.00 or higher, as they have proven themselves capable of being successful in college-level work.


APPLYING WITH A.A. + HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA THROUGH DUAL ENROLLMENT

If you are obtaining a high school diploma and an associate of arts (A.A.) degree through dual enrollment from Florida College System or State University System institution, you have two options for admission consideration as a first-time-in-college (FTIC) student.
When you apply to USF and show an A.A. listed on your Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR), you will be automatically considered for both types of admission listed below. 
  • Freshman Evaluation: Submit your test scores and Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR), including your intended A.A. degree, for evaluation as a freshman. Your application will be evaluated based on your GPA and test scores, and you can qualify for admissions scholarships. If you intend to apply using your test scores and SSAR, please visit our How to Apply page for instructions. -OR-
  • A.A. + High School Diploma Evaluation: Submit your official partial college transcript from the institution you are attending for dual enrollment for evaluation. Your application will be evaluated based on intended completion of the A.A. degree, and you cannot qualify for admissions scholarships. This option is approved through the Florida Board of Governors Regulation 6.005.
Here are the steps towards enrollment if you would like to apply from the FL BOG 6.005 regulation:
  1. Submit an undergraduate application to USF
  2. Pay the $30 application fee
  3. Submit the official Florida College System or State University System transcript from the institution you attended for dual enrollment

Application Process:

  1. Please submit an application via our VZ application or the Common App as a first-time-in-college student (FTIC). 
  2. When you submit the SSAR after you apply with an A.A. listed on your record, you will be automatically considered for both FTIC admission and Florida Board of Governor’s Regulation 6.005 admission when you apply to USF. You do NOT need to submit a separate application for Florida Board of Governor’s Regulation 6.005 consideration.
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  3. Option 1: If you would like to be considered for traditional FTIC admission to qualify for admissions merit-based scholarships, you will also need to submit SAT, ACT or CLT scores.
  4. Option 2: If you would like to be considered for Florida Board of Governor’s Regulation 6.005 admission, you will also need to submit an official transcript from the post-secondary/dual enrollment institution with Fall 2023 grades prior to admissions evaluation.

If you would like to be automatically considered for both admission options, you will need to submit both test scores and your post-secondary official transcript.

Once admitted, you must:
  1. Pay the $200 admissions deposit
  2. Reserve and attend a freshman Orientation date
  3. Submit final official college transcript displaying completion and award of A.A. degree prior to enrolling in classes
  4. Finish all other next steps on the myBullsPath portal

If you are admitted under this regulation and do not intend to receive your A.A. degree, you must immediately notify the Office of Admissions. If you do not receive your A.A. before enrollment at USF, your admission may be rescinded. 

Course Requirements

You must complete a minimum of 18 approved units of high school work in the five core subject areas in addition to two approved academic electives. If you graduated from high school in 2011 or thereafter, you must have completed four units of math—including one course above and beyond Algebra I.

Although you may take one fewer academic elective unit, applicants who are the most competitive for admission to USF typically complete a minimum of 20 academic units, which averages five per year in grades nine through twelve.

Course Units by Subject Area
Subject Area Academic Units
English 4
Mathematics 4
Natural Science 3
Social Science 3
Foreign Language 2
Electives 2
Total Units 18

Foreign Language Entrance Requirements (FLENT)

Students must have completed two academic units of the same foreign language in high school or two semesters of the same foreign language or American Sign Language (ASL) in college to be considered for admission. If you already have fulfilled this requirement, submit official transcripts showing the foreign language or ASL courses completed. Refer to the following bullets for methods to meet the requirement and possible exemptions. 


Foreign Language Waiver

USF requires that students have completed two units (two years) of instruction in a foreign language to be considered for admission. However, you may document proficiency in a second language to meet this requirement.

In Florida, the course number that is designated to indicate a foreign language waiver is 0791920 and has a course title of "Bright Futures Foreign Language Proficiency Waiver." For a listing of ways to document proficiency in a second language for a foreign language waiver, see the Florida Counseling for Future Education Handbook. In the event you meet waiver requirements, you are encouraged to work with your guidance counselor to document the waiver on your transcript or via letter to the Office of Admissions.

Selective Major

The following majors have specific High School GPA and/or SAT/ACT requirements:

  • Computer Science
  • Cyber Security 
  • Information Technology
  • Engineering (All disciplines)
  • Nursing

Additional Requirements

In addition to GPA, test scores and course requirements, we consider several other factors when evaluating your application for admission.


STRENGTH OF CURRICULUM

Your high school coursework serves to prepare you for the rigors of college courses, particularly at a research institution like USF. We strongly encourage you to challenge yourself by taking coursework at the highest levels in which you can be successful, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), AICE and dual enrollment courses.

In addition, we expect that you will complete additional academic coursework beyond minimum state requirements, particularly in the areas of math, science and foreign language.


GRADE TREND

One of the most overlooked areas of importance in the admissions process is your grade trend, particularly in your junior and senior years. Grade trend refers to how your grades have progressed throughout high school – whether they have gone up, stayed the same or gone down.

Generally, the higher your grades the better, and we prefer to see more As and Bs than Cs (although a few Cs may be acceptable, particularly in the most challenging courses). Ds and Fs are cause for concern.


NO ESSAY REQUIREMENT

No essay or personal statement is requested to be evaluated for admission to USF.  Any submission of an essay or personal statement will not be opened or reviewed.

Home School Requirements

Many of USF's best students have completed home education programs. As a home-schooled student, you must meet the same admission criteria as your peers graduating from traditional high schools, including:

  • A Self-Reported Student Academic Record.
  • An official SAT, ACT or CLT score.
  • A portfolio or additional documentation may be requested if deemed necessary to complete an appropriate evaluation for admission.
  • Additional factors are also considered for home schooled students, such as strength of curriculum, grade trend, or dual enrollment GPA. Dual enrollment courses must be approved by the State University System to meet unit requirements.

GED Requirements

  • Applicants submitting a GED diploma must have a minimum passing score on each section of the test.
  • Admission to the university is selective. Therefore, having a passing score does not guarantee admission.
  • An official SAT, ACT or CLT score.
  • A high school transcript with secondary coursework completed before earning the GED may be requested.
  • Other admission factors may also be considered, if applicable.

 NOTE: Simply meeting minimum GED requirements does not guarantee admission. Many GED recipients are encouraged to earn the Associate in Arts degree at a public Florida community college prior to transferring to USF.

Students With Disabilities

Applicants with disabilities apply for admission under the same guidelines as all applicants. Applicants who are denied admission and would like to request reconsideration based on a documented disability that a student believes may have had an impact on grades, course choice, or standardized admission test scores may appeal the admission decision by submitting an appeal letter to the Office of Admissions with the necessary official documentation to demonstrate that the failure to meet standard admission requirements is directly related to a disability. In that appeal process, applicants may request a substitution of university guidelines. USF can only accept documentation regarding a disability on appeal of an initial denial decision or during the review for accommodation after admission. Prior to that time, USF will return any disability documentation to the applicant.

USF provides a full range of excellent services to qualified students with disabilities. Admitted students may contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services to initiate the process of applying for academic accommodations.