Requirements

We are looking for a reason to admit you to USF! USF considers a number of Academic Success Predictors that may benefit you if you have met the challenge of a rigorous high school curriculum. These predictive factors are considered in addition to your GPA, test scores and other admission factors. You can apply as early as August of your senior year, and you should keep in mind that timing is relevant to our admissions process. Included in this section is additional admission information on subjects ranging from fee waivers to required housing, as well as special scenarios including home schooling and the GED.

Definition of a Freshman

If you have not graduated from high school, the State of Florida considers you a freshman, regardless of the amount of college credit you may have earned through dual enrollment, AP or IB coursework while in high school. Thus, even though you may have sophomore or junior standing once you enroll and your credits are transferred, USF will review your application for admission as a freshman and consider you for all freshman admission scholarships.

Admissions GPA

For determining admissibility to USF, we will recalculate you 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.

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

Academic Core Subjects

You must complete a minimum of 18 approved units of high school work in the five core subject areas in addition to three approved academic electives. If you are graduating from high school in 2011 or thereafter, you must complete four units of math—including one course above and beyond Algebra II. 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 though twelve.

Test Scores 

Your test scores are taken into consideration with your GPA and rigor of curriculum. USF arrays its freshman applicants on an eligibility matrix, which balances higher GPAs with lower test scores or, to a lesser extent, higher test scores with lower GPAs. While the State of Florida has established a minimum sliding scale for admission to one of the eleven institutions in the State University System of Florida, USF’s admission requirements are significantly more competitive as reflected by the inter-quartile range (middle 50%) for the applicants offered admission to USF in Fall 2009:

• Middle 50% GPA: 3.58 - 4.08
• Middle 50% SAT: 1100 - 1280 (Critical Reading + Math only)
• Middle 50% ACT: 24 - 28

At USF, we consider your highest section scores across all SAT and ACT test dates that you submit, including the SAT Writing and ACT English/Writing. Final admissions decisions will be made using only your highest scores. Each time you submit scores to USF, we will update your record with any new high scores. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to submit your scores each time you take the SAT or ACT. Sending your scores each time you take the SAT or ACT can benefit you by allowing us to consider you for all available enrollment-related opportunities.