How to Get Into UF

How to get into UF—General Information

The University of Florida is a land-grant research university located in Gainesville, Florida. Its campus is home to almost 35,000 undergraduate students and nearly 5,000 faculty members. UF offers students the opportunity to pursue over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, perform research, and participate in UF’s Honors Program.

What we’ll cover in this “How to Get Into UF” Guide:

  • UF admissions process
  • Components of the UF application
  • UF application deadline
  • University of Florida acceptance rate
  • University of Florida GPA requirements
  • Optimal University of Florida SAT scores
  • Acing the University of Florida essay questions, and more.

If you’re interested in attending the University of Florida, you’re likely wondering exactly how to get into UF. Researching statistics like the University of Florida acceptance rate and the average University of Florida GPA can help you determine if UF is a good match for you. However, the most important part of your “how to get into UF” strategy should be taking the time to make your application as strong as it can be. Also, you’ll need to pay attention to the UF application deadline.

This “How to Get Into UF Guide” will answer your questions about the UF application requirements. Also, we’ll discuss the UF application deadline so you can feel confident throughout the application process.

Figuring out how to get into UF takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes University of Florida graduates. Want to maximize your UF admissions odds?  Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272. 

How can I get into the University of Florida?

There is no right answer when it comes to the question of how to get into UF. The most important thing you can do to set yourself up for success is to make a game plan. Strategize so you can submit your application by the UF application deadline. Gather your required materials (transcript, a list of extracurricular activities, and necessary information about your parents/guardians) early. In addition, give yourself time to respond to the University of Florida essay questions.

You will also want to research the University of Florida acceptance rate, University of Florida GPA, and University of Florida SAT scores. Knowing each of these statistics can help you create your “how to get into UF” strategy. Additionally, it will be important to spend the proper amount of time crafting strong responses to the University of Florida essay questions.

How hard is it to get into the University of Florida?

The answer to how to get into UF isn’t simple. The University of Florida acceptance rate is relatively low. Successful applicants have high University of Florida SAT scores and ACT scores and a strong University of Florida GPA. That being said, UF admissions uses a holistic review process to determine how successful an applicant might be as a UF student.

No single factor will determine your acceptance to the University of Florida. UF admissions officers will consider your academic performance, test scores, extracurricular activities, the quality of your essays, and your personal background and experiences. Most importantly, they’re looking to get a sense of how prepared you are to continue your education at UF and what you will offer to the campus community. Because getting into the University of Florida is competitive, showcasing why you would be a great addition to UF’s campus will make your application stand out.

What is the acceptance rate at the University of Florida?

According to U.S. News, the University of Florida acceptance rate is 31%. Just under 53,000 students applied to UF during the 2020-2021 application cycle, making the University of Florida acceptance rate for the Class of 2025 around 28%. The University of Florida acceptance rate makes UF admissions a “most selective” process. 

If you are doing research on how to get into UF and feel intimidated by the University of Florida acceptance rate, remember that it’s just a number. The University of Florida acceptance rate varies based on how many students apply each year. But, it does not have a direct impact on the value of your application.

Want to learn more about acceptance rates? Check out our expert guide.

What is the average GPA needed for the University of Florida?

When thinking about how to get into UF, one of the first things you might do is compare your stats to those of admitted students. UF admissions provides a report of class profiles for the latest incoming class. This includes the average University of Florida GPA and University of Florida SAT scores and ACT scores.

For the class of 2025, admissions officers used the stats from the 6,300 admitted students to calculate the middle 50% range of University of Florida GPA and University of Florida SAT scores and ACT scores.

Here are the academic stats for the UF class of 2025:

  • University of Florida GPA (recalculated): 4.4 – 4.6
  • ACT scores for University of Florida: 30 – 34
  • University of Florida SAT scores: 1330 – 1470

The average University of Florida GPA and University of Florida SAT scores and ACT scores can give you an idea of how you compare to other applicants. These statistics can give you valuable insight into the kinds of students who had a successful “how to get into UF” plan. However, remember that being above or below the average University of Florida GPA and University of Florida SAT scores and ACT scores will not make or break your application.

The range reported for University of Florida GPA, University of Florida SAT scores, and University of Florida ACT scores only represent the middle 50% of accepted students. That means a quarter of students had higher scores and a quarter of students had lower scores. Because of this, if your scores or GPA do not fall into the range of the average University of Florida GPA or SAT scores, don’t worry. That doesn’t mean you can’t still have a strong UF application. No matter what, you can always focus on expressing your strengths in your University of Florida essay responses.

What does the University of Florida application require?

The most important part of your “how to get into UF” plan is completing your full UF application. Make sure you submit all the required materials by the UF application deadline. There is no option for students to apply for Early Decision, so all applicants must submit their materials by the same UF application deadline. The UF application deadline is November 1st.

Your checklist for your UF application should include:

Your SSAR and University of Florida SAT scores or ACT scores are a key part of your UF application. However, they do not need to be submitted by the UF application deadline. Your SSAR is due by December 1st and your test scores are due by December 15th. You can always submit your materials early, but we recommend submitting everything at once. That way, you don’t have to worry about any missing materials for the UF application deadline.

UF admissions does not have a preference between SAT or ACT scores. Your scores will be superscored no matter which test you choose to take. That means if you have taken either test multiple times, you can submit all of your test scores and UF admissions officers will only consider your highest scores in each section. 

In conclusion, to complete your UF application by the UF application deadline, keep an eye on the Dates & Deadlines for Freshman Applicants. This site has important dates regarding your UF application and UF admissions status. 

What extracurriculars does the University of Florida look for?

As you think about how to get into UF, consider the role your extracurriculars play in your UF application. In addition to looking for students with strong academic backgrounds, UF admissions is also looking for students who have shown commitment and excellence in other areas of their life.

Your extracurriculars can include anything you devote your time to outside of class, including:

  • Community-based organizations
  • Athletic teams
  • School clubs
  • Jobs or internships
  • Dedication to a developed talent or interest

In short, although UF isn’t looking for any particular type of extracurricular, it is important that your extracurriculars are valuable to you. Any extracurricular activity that demonstrates your commitment, growth, or leadership is worth including in your UF application.

How to write a University of Florida supplemental essay

One of the most important parts of your “how to get into UF” plan is how you tackle the University of Florida essay questions. The UF application has numerous short essay questions designed by UF admissions to add more depth to your application.

There is one required University of Florida essay question. In addition, there are three optional University of Florida essay questions. Lastly, there are two additional University of Florida essay questions for students applying to the Honors Program.

The required University of Florida essay question is:

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity (250 words or less).

The optional University of Florida essay prompts are:

1. Do you have any employment or family obligations that limit your participation in extracurricular activities? If so, please describe (250 words or less).

2. Have you participated in or been assisted in your college preparation and search by programs outside of the classroom, such as Educational Talent Search, Take Stock in Children Upward Bound, Boys and Girls Club, etc.? Please provide the name of the program, details/benefits of your involvement, and how long your experiences continued (250 words or less).

3. Is there any additional information or extenuating circumstances the Admissions Committee should know when reviewing your application? (250 words or less).

These optional University of Florida essay prompts give you the opportunity to elaborate on extenuating circumstances. So, if you would respond yes to any or all of the questions above, you should add responses to your UF application packet.

Additional University of Florida essay questions are required if you are applying to the UF Honors Program:

1. Why is applying for the UF Honors Program important to you? Which aspects of the program’s three pillars of opportunity, community, and challenge pique your interests? How would you engage with the program to exemplify these pillars yourself? How does the program factor into your long-term goals? Please be specific (400 words or less).

2. Identify two topics you have previously studied that do not traditionally overlap. How do you envision you might bring these topics together during your time in Honors to engage a pressing societal, medical, or technological concern? The concern you wish to engage could be of local, national, or global scope, but you should be clear about the issue you want to address. For the purposes of this essay, the topics you identify need not have been formally studied in high school, but you should have studied them since beginning in high school (300 words or less).

Even though the supplemental University of Florida essay questions are relatively short, we recommend spending time on each of them. Crafting a well-worded, compelling response will show UF admissions who you are in your own words. 

In conclusion, make sure your University of Florida essay responses are clear, concise, and thorough. Also, check out our University of Florida Essay Guide for writing tips and a more in-depth breakdown of the University of Florida essay prompts.

Will the University of Florida consider my social media accounts?

Curating your social media accounts does not need to be part of your “how to get into UF” plan. This is because, UF admissions does not consider your social media accounts as part of your UF application. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thoughtful about what you post. 

Anything you post online becomes public information. If UF admissions did find anything illegal or inappropriate, it could jeopardize your chances of admission. Most importantly, it is always better to be on the safe side. So, don’t post anything you wouldn’t want a future professor or employer to see.

Is the University of Florida the school for me?

The college application process is time-consuming. So, before you start planning for how to get into UF, you first need to decide if UF is the right school for you. The University of Florida is one of the top schools on several of Forbes’ rankings lists. For example, it is #25 in Top Colleges 2021, #6 in Public Colleges, #4 in the South, and #22 in Research Universities.

While rankings can provide helpful information, do your best to think about what is most important to you in a college education. Aspects like size, academics, financial aid, and the overall cost of attending the University of Florida will be factors in your decision. Also, think about UF’s academic programs, research opportunities, and student life. 

Before beginning your UF application, take some time to explore the University of Florida’s website. Learn more about who they are as a school and if their values align with yours. Furthermore, this research will also help you write your University of Florida essay responses.

So, if you really love UF, don’t let things like the University of Florida acceptance rate deter you from applying. Although college acceptance rates and the admissions process go hand in hand, remember that the only thing standing between you and UF is a strong UF application. Take time to craft a solid “how to get into UF” strategy. That way, you’ll have a better chance of beating the low University of Florida acceptance rate.

Additional tips to get into the University of Florida

Take a chance in your extracurriculars

Your junior and senior years of high school are great times to step up and take on more responsibility in your extracurriculars. If you can, try to take on new roles or start a new initiative. Anything you can do to further involve yourself in your activities will demonstrate to UF admissions that you are a self-starter.

Stay on top of important deadlines

The earlier you start thinking about how to get into UF, the better. If you need help managing your time, our ideal timeline for college applications offers tips and suggestions to help you prepare to complete your UF application and submit it by the UF application deadline.

Play to your strengths

Every applicant’s plan for how to get into UF will be different because everyone has different backgrounds, abilities, and experiences that make them valuable candidates. If you’re worried about how to stand out to UF admissions, know that you have a lot to offer as you are. Remember to be thoughtful, honest, and try to capture the best version of yourself in your application.

This guide was written by Stefanie Tedards. If you want to know how to get into UF, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes University of Florida graduates. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.