Honors Admissions

Honors Admissions

Students must first apply to the University of South Florida before submitting an application to the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Acceptance into the Judy Genshaft Honors College is contingent on acceptance to USF.

In accordance with our mission and values, the Judy Genshaft Honors College admissions process recognizes excellence as achieved in a range of fields and forums – from academic accomplishments to community leadership, from creative performances to global engagement.

SHOULD I APPLY?

Any prospective USF First-Time-In-College (FTIC) student is encouraged to apply to the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Please note that the decision to apply (or not apply) to the Judy Genshaft Honors College has no impact on your general USF admissions decision. Check out our benefits and Honors Journey to see if the Judy Genshaft Honors College is the right fit for you.

The Judy Genshaft Honors College actively recruits students who have demonstrated academic excellence through high test scores and high school GPA. Students admitted to USF who have a 31 ACT or 1400 SAT and at least a 4.0 recalculated USF GPA will be automatically accepted into the Judy Genshaft Honors College.

USF Recalculated GPA Criteria:

  • Adds one-half point for honors courses
  • Adds one point for AP, IB, AICE, or Dual Enrollment courses
  • Removes any non-academic courses (i.e. P.E., Band, etc.)

The recalculated USF GPA is often lower than your high school’s calculation. For that reason, we strongly encourage all students to apply, regardless of your high school GPA. Judy Genshaft Honors College acceptance emails and letters are sent a few weeks after USF acceptance materials.

DEADLINES

  • Priority Deadline: November 1, 2019
    • Decision Date: January 15, 2020

  • Late Deadline: March 9, 2020
    • Decision Date: April 1, 2020

APPLICATION LINK AND CRITERIA

Please click here to learn more about our application criteria, including our application link.

APPLICATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

What should I do if I am a transfer student or am already in classes at USF and I would like to join the Judy Genshaft Honors College?

For information about our admissions process for continuing and transfer students, please click here.

What does the Judy Genshaft Honors College look for in an applicant?

The Judy Genshaft Honors College offers more than just academic distinction. We offer an extraordinary undergraduate experience that includes unique interdisciplinary classes, meaningful opportunities for community engagement and service, and rewarding extracurricular experiences. We want students who bring a sense of curiosity, enthusiasm, and creativity to this academic adventure, who are willing to put in a little extra work, and who will immerse themselves in all that we have to offer.

What is the average score profile for students admitted through application?

Students admitted to the Judy Genshaft Honors College via application for Fall 2019 had the following scores:

  • SAT scores ranged from 1160 to 1570; the average was 1317.
  • The ACT scores ranged from 24 to 35; the average was 29.
  • The average weighted high school GPA was 4.2.

What are my chances of getting in?

Application to admission ratios change each year based on the number of applications we receive. We plan to enroll around 750 first-year students on the Tampa campus and an additional 100 first-year students at the USFSP and USFSM campuses for the Fall 2020 year. 

If admitted, is there a specific honors housing community I can be part of?

Yes! All Judy Genshaft Honors College students are eligible to live in the Honors Living Learning Community (LLC) in Juniper-Poplar Hall (Tampa campus only). You can apply for USF housing here.