Admission Information
Self-Reported Student Academic Record (SSAR)
Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR)
USF reviews incoming freshmen via their self-reported academic record (SSAR). You must submit your SSAR to be considered for admission.
Please check your Thanks for Applying email for your personalized SSAR portal link. You can also visit your Admissions Portal for the personalized link.
SSAR FAQs
What is the SSAR?
The Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR) is a way for you to self-report your courses and grades that you have received, or expect to receive, to support your application. The SSAR replaces the high school and college transcripts portion of your initial application. Accuracy is essential, so make sure you have a copy of your high school transcript available for reference when creating your SSAR.
Who is required to complete SSAR?
All freshman applicants are required to complete the SSAR except the following:
- GED applicants
- International and non-U.S. curriculum
- Students who attended a school outside the U.S.
- Students who attended a high school that does not issue A-F grades or grades that can be easily converted to an A-F grade system.
I am an International Student or have studied overseas. Do I need to complete the SSAR?
Applicants who should complete the SSAR:
- Attended a high school regionally accredited in the United States for at least three years.
- Attended a DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) school.
Applicants who should not complete the SSAR:
- Attended a secondary school located outside the United States for more than one semester.
- Studied a curriculum that did not follow the standard U.S. system.
Do home-educated students complete the SSAR?
Yes, if you have completed an educational curriculum created based on the traditional U.S. system.
Are middle school courses included on the SSAR?
If courses for high school credit were completed in middle school, then they should be included on the SSAR.
What if I attended multiple schools?
List all high schools you have attended and the years you attended them. Enter your courses and grades under the high school where each course was taken.
Where can I complete SSAR?
Submit your SSAR on the SSAR portal. The link can be found in your Thanks for Applying email or in the Admissions Portal.
When do I complete SSAR?
You can start your SSAR in August prior to your senior year, which is when the SSAR website becomes available. You will not be able to link your SSAR to your application until your application has been submitted. While you can begin your admissions application prior to completing your SSAR, your application will for admission will be incomplete until your SSAR and test scores have been received.
Is there a step-by-step tutorial I can use to complete my SSAR?
This SSAR tutorial playlist on YouTube reviews the entire process of completing your SSAR, including how to enter specific types of coursework, like dual enrollment, middle school and more. If you have specific SSAR questions, please reach out to the SSAR Help Desk.
How do I enter my grades on the SSAR?
Please report all grades as they are listed on your transcript/report card(s). Select the appropriate Grade Scale (e.g., letter grades, numeric grades, letter and numbers, decimal grades, or other) on the ‘Enter High Schools’ screen in order to record your grades.
The Course Level field on the SSAR is how you will indicate the type of course you completed or are expected to complete (e.g., dual enrollment, honors, AP, etc.).
- Note: if you have taken dual enrollment (DE) courses through a community college or university, the courses should be entered under High School with “dual enrollment” as the course level.
Select the Course Length that best represents how long you took the course and how the school issues final grades (one final grade, semester grades, trimester grades, etc.). Check out SSAR's article on how to list your grades based on Course Length:
- Note: if you have access to both semester grades and year end grades for a course, please enter the semester grades.
Please note that all attempted coursework must be listed on the SSAR, including coursework that receives pass/fail grades and repeated coursework.
If your grades do not fall into one of these categories, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@usf.edu.
How do I report my senior year grades?
List your senior-year classes as “In Progress” since you will have no grades associated with them. If your schedule changes, you must immediately update your SSAR. To make changes, log into the SSAR website with the email and password you used to create your original SSAR.
What if I'm graduating early (e.g. graduating in three years)?
Please fill out coursework in the 9th grade, 10th grade and 12th grade sections. Your 12th grade sections should be in-progress.
What if I’m taking classes over the summer?
Enter the class and grade like you would any other class that you have taken during the regular school year, except record the class in the preceding school year. For example, if you took a class in the summer between 10th and 11th grade, you would enter the class as a 10th grade student.
What if I can’t find my high school listed on the SSAR website?
The SSAR website uses a database of high school names from The College Board, which may vary from the everyday name of your school. If you are having a hard time finding your high school’s name, try using variants of the official school name. For example, if you attend T. South High School, search “South High School.” Also, make sure you select the correct state. If you still can’t find your high school, you should contact the Office of Admissions.
What if I have to make changes to my SSAR after submission?
If you need to make changes to your SSAR, such as corrections or if your class schedule changes, you can update your SSAR and resubmit the form once you have finished making the changes. Changes and corrections should be completed prior to the January 15 priority deadline or March 15 final SSAR deadline, depending on your application submission date. If you need to make changes after that, contact Admissions.
Do I still need to submit final transcripts?
Yes. If you are admitted to USF and decide to enroll, you are required to submit an official final transcript from your high school prior to enrollment verification by the Office of Admissions. Your transcripts will be used to verify the accuracy of your SSAR. You must submit your final official high school transcript by August 1. Failure to submit your final high school transcript will impact your registration for the spring term. If you have received any merit-based scholarship award, financial aid disbursement or Bright Futures award, it will not be disbursed until ALL final required documents are received and processed.
Please contact your high school guidance counselor for transcript submission.
Can my SSAR be used by multiple colleges/universities?
Yes, you can use your SSAR at any college or university that accepts SSAR.