ucf admission essay

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College Essays

The University of Central Florida, commonly known as UCF, is one of the largest colleges in the United States . Over 60,000 students are enrolled at UCF, but that doesn't mean it's super easy to get in— UCF has an acceptance rate of 36 percent , meaning they accept less than half of students who apply.

To set yourself apart from the crowd, you'll want to write a stellar UCF application essay. Don't think that the fact that these essays are optional means they're not important; they're an additional opportunity to show why you'll be a great addition to the student body!

In this guide, we'll cover all the details of the UCF essay prompts, including how to answer them, what UCF is looking for, and a step-by-step guide to make your essay as strong as it can be.

Feature Image: Kelly Daacon /Wikimedia Commons

What Should You Know About the UCF Application Essay?

Unlike many schools, only freshman students can use the Common Application to apply to UCF. Otherwise, students must use UCF's own application, which is also available to freshman students.

However, there are some differences between the two. UCF's website includes a recommendation , but not a requirement, for a supplemental essay based on two of four prompts, outlined below. However, the instructions for the essay include the phrase, "an essay assists the Admissions Committee in knowing you as an individual, independent of test scores and other objective data," so while they may not actually be required, you should write them as if they are.

The Common Application includes two questions that do not appear on the UCF application , and reports from students suggest that UCF sends a follow-up email with instructions for how to complete the supplemental essays. The essays on the Common Application are flagged as optional, but, as with the UCF application, you should answer them as if they're required to be on the safe side.

What Are the UCF Application Essay Prompts?

Though the UCF essays aren't technically required according to the college's website, it's strongly suggested that you complete them. They're an opportunity to flesh out your application with a more complete picture of yourself, which is valuable to both UCF and you.

UCF has four essay prompts to choose from and instructs students to respond to two. According to previous applicants, UCF accepts those responses in one combined essay or in two separate statements.

The responses, whether in one single essay or in two essays, should total no more than 500 words or 7,000 characters combined . Be sure that your essay or essays fall below both the word and character count.

UCF has four essay prompts for you to choose from, though you only need to answer two of the prompts. The questions can either be answered in one essay or two, depending on which you prefer.

UCF Essay Prompt 1: The Obstacle Prompt

If there has been some obstacle or bump in the road in your academic or personal life, please explain the circumstances.

With this prompt, UCF is giving you an opportunity to explain any parts of your application that may not be as impressive as you'd like them to be. Many students aren't able to commit to extracurriculars as deeply as they'd like because of financial problems or because they need to work or otherwise help out their family. Other times, students may not be able to keep their grades up as well as they'd like due to family illness or other obstacles that can make staying on top of homework difficult.

Circumstances like these are out of your control but can cause hiccups in your education, which might not look good to colleges. This prompt gives you space to explain that, giving UCF a better picture of who you are as a student.

So if you've encountered any hardship that's had an impact on your education, it's smart to take advantage of this essay question and explain it. If your grades dipped in junior year because you had to pick up an after-school job to help your parents out, let UCF know! Not only does that explain changes to your grades, but it also demonstrates responsibility. If you can explain your GPA based on outside circumstances, take advantage of the opportunity and do so.

Be honest about challenges you've faced, and accept responsibility for things that you could have done better. Your answer to this question should demonstrate anything you've learned from the experience and how you've grown rather than just shifting blame to outside circumstances. Don't stop at writing about what happened—continue on to answer what you did about it.

However, be sure that what you write about is an actual hardship. Being bored with your classes or being more invested in something else, such as an extracurricular activity, doesn't qualify—this question is asking for obstacles outside of your control.

UCF Essay Prompt 2: The Family History Prompt

How has your family history, culture or environment influenced who you are?

This is a fairly standard background essay, which asks you to think about your upbringing and how that's shaped the person you've become. Because UCF has a fairly short word limit, be sure to pick one particular element and home in on it rather than spending time painting a complete portrait of your family history.

Information like this helps a college like UCF better understand what you'll be bringing to the student body. Our upbringings often give us unique perspectives and abilities, which contribute to a thriving campus culture. In a school of over 50,000 students, it might feel like there's nothing particularly unique about you, but there is—this essay prompt helps you discuss it.

Don't get too hung up on picking something dramatic to set your family or culture apart from everybody else's. If you grew up in a family that really loves fishing and it's made you a more patient, hands-on person, write about that! On the other hand, if you grew up as part of a traveling circus and that's made you long for a place to put down roots, write about that!

The most important thing with this question is to be honest, thoughtful, and specific. Pick something that really matters to you, and think deeply on what it means.

Provided you are honest, thoughtful, and specific, there aren't a lot of topics you should avoid on this one, though always be aware that, if you choose to write about something potentially inflammatory, the admissions office may not feel the same way about things that you do. Your audience is made up of strangers, so choose something you're comfortable sharing with people who don't know you and deciding whether or not you'll get into college based in part on what you write.

UCF Essay Prompt 3: The "Why UCF?" Prompt

Why did you choose to apply to UCF?

"Why This School?" essays are common in college applications because they require you to think beyond a school's reputation and get specific about why you want to go there. Colleges want to know that your interest goes beyond ticking another box on your college list—you should have a reason to attend beyond that you think you can get in!

To answer this question, try to get specific. What is it about UCF that appeals to you? You can look through their mission statement , course catalog, and clubs to find things that appeal to you, or refer to experiences at a campus visit or college fair. Connect your interest in UCF to something concrete.

For example, UCF has part of its mission statement dedicated to creativity, which should "enrich the human experience." Why does that matter to you? When you attend UCF, how do you hope to use creativity to enrich the human experience, too? If you can, make connections to real-life classes or clubs that you want to belong to, such as the Cypress Dome Society or Elements of Hip Hop . What interests do you have? What are your goals? How will these clubs help connect you to your student body?

The most important things to avoid in this essay response are the things everybody else is already saying—that UCF has a good reputation and that it has a nice campus. Assume that both of those things go without saying. What else does UCF have to offer?

UCF Essay Prompt 4: The Characteristics Prompt

What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community?

This prompt is the flip side of the "Why This College?" prompt— instead of asking why you want to attend UCF, UCF is asking why they should want you .

Think beyond everything UCF already knows about you, like your grades and test scores. Assume that every student applying has exactly the same grades and scores as you do, and then decide what it is about you that's different. What else do you have to offer?

Choose something you haven't discussed already, and be sure that you embrace that UCF is asking for what makes you unique. UCF wants to know about you as an individual, which could be anything from how you have the patience to make the perfect tamale to how your time leading a guild in World of Warcraft taught you about leading by example and connecting with people. UCF has lots of people with good GPAs and test scores—does it have enough tamale makers and guild leaders? Aim to fill the unique gaps only you can fill!

Attending college isn't just about attending classes, getting good grades, and moving on with a degree to show it. You'll be part of a thriving campus culture, and UCF wants to know that you'll be participating and enriching it.

Beyond not focusing on things UCF already knows, always be sure that you're presenting your best self. The people reading your essays are strangers, and may not get your sense of humor if you try to be tongue-in-cheek in this section. Be honest and thoughtful in a way that others will understand, especially because this essay will likely be their first impression of you.

What Are the UCF Common Application Essay Prompts?

If you're applying to UCF using the Common Application, the requirements are a little different. The Common Application includes two additional questions that do not appear on the UCF application, which are flagged as optional. Still, there's no reason not to answer them —the word counts are short, they provide extra context for your application, and they're valuable questions for both you and UCF to reflect on.

According to students who've applied to UCF, after finishing the Common Application, UCF will follow up with you with additional requirements, including responding to the additional essay prompts covered above.

Though these essays are optional, it's still a good idea to answer them. Be sure that you don't answer the same prompt twice, as one of the Common Application prompts is almost the same as the one in the UCF application. You only have 250 words each, so be brief and clear rather than spending a lot of time painting a vivid picture.

UCF Common App Essay Prompt 1: The "Why UCF?" Prompt

Why are you interested in UCF?

As in the UCF application essay prompts, this question is asking why you want to attend UCF . Think beyond widely applicable answers like citing their reputation, campus, or weather—assume the admissions office already knows all that. Why UCF over any other good, beautiful, warm-weather school? What specifically draws you there?

UCF wants to know that you're committed to attending not just as somebody who wants a good name on their diploma, but as somebody who's dedicated to UCF's mission and programs. Showing that UCF, not just their credibility or campus, matters to you is a great way to set yourself apart from other applicants.

To do this, you need to get specific. Drill deep into what makes you want to attend UCF, and connect it to specifics. Campus visits are a great way to make these specific connections, but if you can't visit, you can also comb through the course catalog, club list, or mission statement. Show UCF that you don't just see yourself proudly holding a diploma with their seal—show them you see yourself learning, growing, and participating in campus culture along the way.

UCF Common App Essay Prompt 2: The Major Prompt

Discuss your reasons for pursuing the academic program (major) selected above.

Like the first question, this prompt wants to know more about you as an individual student. Think about what draws you to your major beyond prestige or salary. What should UCF know about you and your connection to your program beyond your GPA and extracurriculars?

Questions like this show your dedication, which can be an important factor in admissions. Schools want to know that you're committed to your studies, and an essay that shows a deeper connection to your field is more likely to impress them. Take some time to craft a response that's insightful and honest—this essay will show UCF that you're truly passionate about what you study.

You don't have a lot of space to answer this question—just 250 words—so be sure to focus on one specific thing rather than being comprehensive. Did trying and failing to grow strawberries lead you down the path to becoming a botanist? Did you decide to put your reputation for bossiness as a kid to work as a business major?

Due to the short word count, you're going to want to be brief. Don't pick a topic that's too big, and stay away from using answers that other people might use. It's great if you want to be a doctor because you want to help people, but why a doctor as opposed to a social worker? Your essay should clearly demonstrate why the field you've chosen is the perfect one for you.

Key Tips for the UCF Essay

No matter what school you're applying to, there are some strategies you can always follow to be sure that you have a good, strong essay. Follow these steps as you're writing your UCF essay and you'll have a much easier time wrangling your thoughts and shaping them into something that'll impress the admissions office!

#1: Brainstorm

It'd be nice if you could just sit down and write a perfect draft on your first try, but that's not how most of us work. Instead, start with a little brainstorming. Set a five-minute timer and give yourself free rein to come up with as many possible answers to the prompts as possible, even if the answers are silly or weird or absolutely not in a million years going to work. Don't worry about it! Get everything you can think of down on paper now so you're not trying to herd your thoughts back into shape later on.

#2: Write a Draft

The benefit of getting all your ideas down on paper is that now you can pick and choose the ones that sound the best without getting midway through an essay before deciding the topic isn't working for you.

Cross out the choices that aren't strong enough to support a whole essay, even one as short as UCF's, to get those out of the way. Spend a little more time brainstorming some different points to hit on with the remaining topics and pick the one that feels strongest.

Using your brief outline, flesh the topic out into a full essay. Don't worry about getting it perfect the first time—that's what editing is for!

Editing is tough; it means re-reading your work and dealing with all the flaws that creep in. But editing is what separates the good essays from the bad. Take a day or so away from your essay before diving back in to read it with fresher eyes, and try not to get frustrated as you go.

Read your work aloud to help you find sentences that are too long or lacking in punctuation. Cut out extra words—those "really"s and "very"s aren't doing any work for you—and rephrase to get as much of the essay into passive voice as you can. Read it aloud again, give it another pass, and keep going until you feel like your work is in as good of shape as you can possibly get it.

#4: Get Feedback

Now that you've put in some time in editing, it's time for the next scary step: showing your work to others. Choose a few people who you trust to give you honest, useful feedback —people who know what a good essay looks like, not just people who are going to tell you it's great—and ask them to take a look at it. Leave them with a copy to make notes on so that you can refer to them later.

When you read their feedback, don't take it too hard. Everything they have to say is a suggestion, and it's ultimately up to you whether you want to use it or not. Your essay should always, always, always be your work; don't rephrase things exactly as a teacher or counselor suggests if it isn't how you would say it.

Besides, readers aren't always right about the best way to fix errors. If the people reading your essay are confused about something, take that seriously! But don't feel like their suggestion to fix it is inherently the best way, especially if it contradicts your meaning. It's okay to disagree—it is your essay, after all.

#5: Revise and Submit

Take another break from your essay. Always try to edit with fresh eyes, if you can —trying to make changes when you've already spent a lot of time editing can either mean you miss mistakes or that you get so frustrated you give up. Spend some time away, working on an essay for a different school or doing something else entirely before you come back to it.

Now that you've had a break, take all that feedback you received and use it to spin your essay into gold. Smooth out places where readers were confused, and clean up any lingering grammar errors. Read it for clarity and flow, and tidy everything up.

When you've reached a point where you're satisfied, take one last break. Give yourself a little time away from it, then read it one more time. Are you happy with it? Great! It's time to submit! Send it off to UCF and anxiously wait for your acceptance letter to arrive.

What's Next?

As you're applying to UCF, it's good to be aware of their admission requirements. This guide will walk you through the average GPA and test scores at UCF to help you maximize your chances of getting in!

College essays should always be targeted to the school you're applying to, but there are some essay-writing strategies that work no matter what school you're applying to.

If you're applying to college, it's a good idea to be aware of how to apply for financial aid . Make a plan and stick to it to ensure you get the maximum money available to you!

Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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University of Central Florida | UCF

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Want to see your chances of admission at University of Central Florida | UCF?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

University of Central Florida | UCF’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Why this college essay.

Why did you choose to apply to UCF?

Extracurricular Essay

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.

Additional Info Essay

What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community?

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

Draft Admission Essay(s)

Purpose: Scholars will learn the rudimentary steps of crafting a personal statement and statement of purpose.

Why Admission Statements Matter

Applications for graduate school solicit personal statements and/or statements of purpose. They are both important elements of any application because they provide a dynamic view of applicants that cannot be obtained from test scores or resumes. Here you demonstrate how your personal and academic experiences make you the ideal candidate.

The Nuances between Statements of Purpose and Personal Statements

Provide admissions committees the specific information that they request to know about you. Understand the prompt and know the subtle differences and similarities between the statement of purpose and personal statement. Below we outline the differences between both.

Statement of Purpose/ Intent

Is a more detailed version of your C.V. Here applicants write about classes, internships, research skills, and experiences that ensure individual success in the graduate program. Applicants outline research interests they want to pursue and highlight reasons why the graduate program will facilitate this pursuit.

Sample Statement of Purpose Prompt

“Outline the key experiences that prepared you for graduate-level studies.”

Personal Statement

Here applicants construct a picture of their place in society. Outline experiences that led you to choose your field and other aspects of your life that demonstrate your potential. Show the graduate program that you are ready in terms of personal life skills and character.

Sample Personal Statement Prompt

“Discuss your career goals and the attributes that you will bring to the XYZ program.”

Important Resources 

Below are invaluable worksheets that outline statements’ components and tips on how to start writing.

• AAP’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy of Graduate School Applications
• General Guidelines for the Personal Statement
• Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School and Scholarship Applications

The Writing Process 

Consider your audience. Admissions committees are interested in applicants who clearly understand the program, demonstrate competence, and whose future goals best benefit from completing the program.

Conduct research on what the graduate program offers in terms of location, faculty, research projects, funding, and student support programs.

Analyze your academic, research, extracurricular, and life experiences for valuable skills and abilities you gained through them that ensure your success in the program of interest.

Content to Include in Your Statements

The details of what to include in your admission statements can vary depending on the writing prompt each school, or program, provides for their application. Browse the videos below for more ways to write your statements.

Developing your Statement of Purpose

The video below is from Academic Advancement Program’s Fall 2020 Grad Prep Week. Dr. Don Brunson, Vanderbilt University’s Assistant Dean of the Graduate School’s Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education Program , presents on Do’s and Don’ts of the Statement of Purpose in an online workshop format.

Need the motivation to start writing your essays?

The video below is about writing your statement for medical school applications, but the same can be true for your graduate school personal statement.

Outlining your Statement

Experts from the University of California, Berkeley share tools you can use to outline and organize content for your written statement.

Editing Your Statements

• Plan and give yourself plenty of time to craft several drafts.
• Use concise language and write in the active voice.
• Respect formatting guidelines like the page and word count limits.
• Use your resources for help, like your faculty mentor, AAP Pre-Grad Advising , and the UCF Writing Center .

Suggested Assignments

Assignment #34

Activity Four: Crafting Your Concept Map

Purpose: Scholars will outline the content and general flow of their statements by constructing concept maps. For assistance schedule a visit with AAP Peer Advisors . Time: 2 hours Instructions: 5d_activity_four Note: that instructions for this assignment are also available in audio format. It can be found here.

Activity 5: Writing a Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose

Purpose: Scholars will write a rough draft of their personal statements and statements of purpose. For assistance schedule a visit with the UCF Writing Center . Time: 1 hour Instructions: 5d_activity_five Note: that instructions for this assignment are also available in audio format. It can be found here.

Instructions for navigation

Prepare for graduate school now by marking this topic complete: click the “ Mark Complete ” button below in the bottom left hand corner to keep track of the topics you’ve completed. Then, click the “ Next Topic ” button below in the bottom right hand corner to move onto the next topic within the lesson.

If you are following the application elements curriculum, follow the Quick Learn icon to the right to the next topic in Personal Statements.

Note: For a refresher on Personal Statements, consult the topic Reflect and Create an Online Portfolio

Personal Statements

University of Central Florida 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

University of central florida (ucf) 2023-24 application essay question explanations .

Requirements: 2 essays of 500 words each

Supplemental Essay Type(s):   Why , Community, Activity  

Why did you choose to apply to UCF? (250 words)

This is one of the most straightforward and common supplemental essay prompts out there. In order to impress admissions, do your research. Explore UCF’s offerings and be able to point to specific programs, departments, and/or organizations that are spurring you on to apply. If you can connect your interests and aspirations to your past pursuits, even better!

What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community? (250 words)

By now, you’ve surely seen many versions of this question: UCF wants to know what makes you you and how you will impact their student body. What has shaped you as a person and how has that made your perspective unique? Is there anything you can teach your classmates or peers about your hometown, culture, religion, or identity that they might not already know? Maybe you learned Irish dance from your grandma and look forward to starting a club on campus. Perhaps you were struck by the homeless crisis in Pakistan when you went to visit your family there and hope to make a local impact on this global issue through Hearts for the Homeless Orlando. UCF wants to know how your personal perspectives, beliefs, and/or lived experiences will impact others on campus, so tell them a story that helps them to imagine the kind of student you’ll be. As always, make sure you do your research! Tell them in which specific clubs, organizations, or service opportunities you hope to make a difference. 

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (250 words)

Activity essays like this one are more common than M.C. Escher posters in college dorm rooms. The most strenuous part is selecting the activity you want to write about. So, we return to our favorite mantra: Tell admissions something they couldn’t glean from anywhere else in your application. If you wrote your Common App essay about your time flipping burgers at your local fast food joint, focus on a different activity or work experience that reveals a new aspect of your personality. This can be a great opportunity to highlight your leadership skills and any accolades you may have received. Were you nominated as captain of your ultimate frisbee team? Were you tapped to manage a team of volunteers at the art collective? No matter what you choose, it should probably be something you’ve been involved in for a while, so you can demonstrate your growth and the impact that you have had on others.

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Future Knight Application Portal

Undergraduate application completion deadlines:.

• If you have previously submitted a Common App to UCF, do not begin a new institutional application.  Doing so will cause a delay in the processing of your application.   Common App will begin releasing applications to UCF in late August, please wait for an email from UCF with further instructions regarding creating your portal account.
• You may only have one (1) unsubmitted application at a time. If you start an application, but do not submit it, then create another application, the unsubmitted application will be removed. 
• To begin your application for admission, click " Start New Application " below.

Returning User:

• Applications marked "In Progress" have not been submitted to UCF.
• Applications marked "Submitted" have been submitted, but MAY be awaiting payment or materials
• NOTE: You may only have one(1) active application on file at a time.  While multiple applications for different terms may appear below, only the application submitted most recently is being considered for admission.
• Application Status: To check the status of your most recent submitted application, click on the application link and press the "Open Application" button, then click "Status Page" on the left-hand navigation column.
• Changes such as major, campus location, address, phone number, personal data (such as date of birth, name, gender) can be made by sending an email to [email protected] . Do not submit a new application to make these changes. 
• For Social Security number changes, please visit:  https://www.ucf.edu/admissions/undergraduate/question/ssn/ 

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UCF Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are UCF's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into UCF and build a strong application.

School location: Orlando, FL

This school is also known as: University of Central Florida

Admissions Rate: 41%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at UCF is 41% . For every 100 applicants, 41 are admitted.

This means the school is moderately selective . The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in. But if you don't, you might be one of the unlucky minority that gets a rejection letter.

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Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

UCF GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 4

The average GPA at UCF is 4 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 4, UCF requires you to be at the top of your class . You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 4, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

UCF SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1259

The average SAT score composite at UCF is a 1259 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes UCF Competitive for SAT test scores.

UCF SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1170, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1340. In other words, a 1170 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1340 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

UCF has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, UCF will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and UCF forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1259, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

UCF ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, UCF likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 27

The average ACT score at UCF is 27. This score makes UCF Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 25, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

Even though UCF likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 25 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 27 and above that a 25 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 27 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to UCF, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 27.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

UCF considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is moderately selective, strong academic performance will almost guarantee you admission . Scoring a 1340 SAT or a 29 ACT or above will nearly guarantee you admission. Because the school admits 41% of all applicants, being far above average raises the admission rate for you to nearly 100%.

If you can achieve a high SAT/ACT score, the rest of your application essentially doesn't matter. You still need to meet the rest of the application requirements, and your GPA shouldn't be too far off from the school average of 4. But you won't need dazzling extracurriculars and breathtaking letters of recommendation to get in. You can get in based on the merits of your score alone.

But if your score is a 1170 SAT or a 25 ACT and below, you have a good chance of being one of the unlucky few to be rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of UCF here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Recommended for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $30
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Required
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office May 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 3
• Electives 2

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes May 1 September 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 4000 Orlando, FL 32816
• Phone: (407) 823-2000 x2000
• Fax: (407) 823-3419
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in UCF, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to UCF.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than UCF. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for UCF, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for UCF, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If UCF is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Applying to UCF

Ready to Apply?

UCF’s College of Graduate Studies works in collaboration with the graduate program to manage the application process.

As an applicant you will be interacting with both offices. Start by reviewing Application Deadlines and Requirements for your program of interest. Once you’re ready to apply, the  graduate application for admission  is available online for your convenience. Admission decision time frames vary by graduate department. The graduate program will make a recommendation on your application and notify the College of Graduate Studies. Only the College of Graduate Studies can make an official offer of admission.

Steps in the Application Process

Check admission requirements.

Before beginning your graduate application, familiarize yourself with your programs specific requirements as these may vary. View application deadlines and requirements for your program here . General Admission Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution recognized by UCF or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
• OR, a graduate degree, professional degree or equivalent from an accredited U.S. institution recognized by UCF or its equivalent from a foreign institution in a field related to the discipline of the program to which the student is applying.

International Applicants should review additional minimum requirements here .

The full language of the UCF Admissions Regulations for Graduate Students can be found at  regulations.ucf.edu/chapter2.asp  (UCF-2,003, UCF 2.0031, UCF 2.009).  

Complete Your Application

Complete and submit your graduate application online. All graduate students, regardless of program, must apply through the College of Graduate Studies. Once submitted, pay the $31 non-refundable application fee. Be sure to submit the application and all supporting documents by the application deadline for your program.

Applications will not be processed until the application fee is received. Be sure to review your application carefully before submission, changes are not permitted once the application has been submitted.

Please Note:

• Physical Therapy DPT applicants are required to apply through PTCAS in addition to completing a UCF Graduate School application.
• Communication Sciences and Disorders MA applicants are required to apply through CSDCAS in addition to completing a UCF Graduate School application.
• Athletic Training MAT applicants are required to applying through ATCAS in addition to completing a UCF Graduate School application.

Applicants considering multiple programs must complete an application for each one and pay the $31 non-refundable application fee.

An application fee waiver may be available for students applying to specific graduate programs. Applicants who think they may qualify for one of the categories below should email  cgspayment@ ucf .edu  for additional information on an application fee waiver.

UCF full-time employees Teach for America volunteers FAMU Feeder applicants International Fulbright Scholars McNair Scholars GEM Fellowship applicants NPSC Fellowship applicants UCF RAMP scholars McKnight Doctoral Fellowship applicants NSF REU participants*

* Eligible NSF REU Sites:

Research Experiences in the Internet of Things (IoT) Advanced Technologies for Hypersonic, Propulsive, Energetic, and Reusable Platforms (HYPER) Research Experience for Undergraduates in Computer Vision Engineering and Nanoscience of Materials and Device Applications in Biotechnology and Medicine Addressing Social and Environmental Disparities through Community Geography and Geographic Information Systems in Belize

The College of Graduate Studies does not provide hardship fee waivers. If your application is not considered because the application deadline has passed or you did not provide all required application materials, UCF will not issue you a refund for the application fee.

Transcripts

All applicants must upload a scanned copy, front and back, of their official transcript/academic record issued by the Registrar to their applicant status portal for each bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree earned or in progress. Scanned copies of the official transcripts are used for initial review by the graduate program faculty. Unofficial transcripts, grade audits and screen shots are not acceptable.

Current or prior UCF students should not order UCF transcripts. The College of Graduate Studies will retrieve and process official UCF transcripts on behalf of the applicant at no additional charge.

The UCF College of Graduate Studies accepts official transcripts electronically or via hard copy. Electronic transcripts can be ordered from the sending institution’s Registrar and delivered to the UCF College of Graduate Studies via Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, or eScrip.

Electronic transcripts are strongly preferred . Admitted students sending electronic official transcripts should have them delivered to UCF at gradscanning@ucf. edu . If electronic delivery is not an option, you may submit an official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college and/or university attended directly to the College of Graduate Studies.

Hard copy transcripts must be mailed to:

UCF College of Graduate Studies P.O. Box 160112 Millican Hall Room 230 Orlando, Fl. 32816-0112

FedEx/UPS :

UCF College of Graduate Studies 4365 Andromeda Loop N. Millican Hall Room 230 Orlando FL 32816-0112

Please note that there may be a delay in processing transcripts that are sent via mail. You should not send an electronic and a hardcopy, as this delays processing time. After an offer of admission is made, an official transcript sent directly from each previously attended institutions registrar’s office must be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. Official transcripts are required prior to enrollment in any graduate course.

Test Scores

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may be required for admission. Review your program requirements to determine if an admissions test is required. Official test scores must be received directly from the appropriate testing agency.

Test scores may take several weeks to receive and process. If you have requested your scores to be sent and they are still not shown as received on your Application Status Portal , provide the College of Graduate Studies with a copy of your unofficial score report so that we may attempt to locate your test scores.

Supporting Documents

Most programs require the submission of supporting documents to help in their decision about your admission to their program. Some of these include writing samples or personal statements, a resume or CV, and recommendation letters.  Please refer to the Application Deadlines and Requirements page for a list of these requirements. Visit your program’s website for any additional requirements for the academic statement of purpose or personal statement. Contact information is listed in our Graduate Catalog .

Costs and Funding

For a breakdown of current tuition rates please visit UCF Student Account Services . This provides tuition and fees for both in-state and out-of-state graduate students. You may also use the tuition calculator for an estimate of tuition and fees per semester.

The primary sources of funding for graduate students are assistantships, fellowships, and student loans. Assistantships offer professional experience, academic training, and financial support for students pursuing advanced degrees. Fellowships may provide payment to the University in lieu of tuition and/or small stipends to cover living expenses. The Graduate Funding page provides a breakdown on the different funding opportunities and eligibility requirements. 

Check Your Application Status

You can check the status of your application and supporting documents by going online to your Application Status Page . Use the same log in information as when you created your application. Here, you can view missing materials, and upload documents as well.

Please keep in mind that your application will be incomplete until we receive all supporting documents.

Decision Timeline

Admission decision time frames vary by graduate department. If the graduate program recommends you for admission, the College of Graduate Studies will review your application to ensure UCF’s minimum requirements  are met. The College of Graduate Studies will notify all applicants of their admission status after admission has been finalized. Applicants are not admitted until they receive notification from the College of Graduate Studies with the offer of admission, regardless of any offers made by the graduate program.

Once you have decided whether to accept or decline the offer of admission, login into your Applicant Status Portal and complete the accept/decline form.

Readmission

If you were previously admitted and enrolled in a graduate program at UCF but have been absent for three or more consecutive semesters, you may apply for readmission to the same graduate program. Complete a graduate application online  and submit the non-refundable $31 application fee. Check your program’s application deadlines and requirements to ensure you meet minimum program requirements.

Application Requirements

• Graduate Application for Admission  
• A $31 nonrefundable application fee
• Application supporting materials. Check the Application Deadlines and Requirements page for a complete list of for a list of application supporting documents.
• Probation Plan (if applicable)

Readmission is determined by the graduate program. Readmission is not guaranteed.

Prior Academic Performance

Readmission is required if you were previously dismissed from a graduate program and are interested in regaining entrance into that same program.

Students dismissed from the graduate program they are seeking readmission to are required to meet with their graduate program director to create a  Probation Plan . For more information on this policy, please visit the  Academic Progress and Performance section of the  Graduate Catalog .

Transfer Applicants

According to U.S. News & World Report , more students choose to transfer to UCF than to any other university. Why? We are bright, bold and innovative. We are right now — and what’s next.

With more than 215 degree programs and 650 diverse student clubs to choose from, you will develop new interests, make important connections and evolve your passion into a meaningful career.

Transferring to UCF

To assist in your transition, pre-enrollment advising may be offered by the college of your major . If you are transferring to UCF through DirectConnect to UCF, your DirectConnect Success Coach can assist in developing an academic plan before you arrive at UCF.

The university also provides a convenient tool to access a database of established course equivalencies from other institutions. While actual awarding of transfer credit occurs after official transcripts are received from the sending institution, the portal can provide guidance as you plan your transition to UCF. To access the transfer equivalency portal, click HERE .

Transferring to UCF starts with preparation. The Transfer to Be a Knight presentation is offered to help make your transition as smooth as possible. Please join us at 4 p.m. on select Thursdays for a virtual information session filled with advice and support on all things related to transfer students: admissions, application, requirements, credit reviews and more. Registration is required.

If you have additional questions pertaining to this program, please email [email protected]  with the subject line “Transfer to Be a Knight.”

DirectConnect to UCF® Guarantees Admission

DirectConnect to UCF guarantees your admission (consistent with university policy) to UCF with an AA or state-articulated AS degree from one of our partner colleges. The program also offers a faster admissions process and personalized advising. UCF partners with the following colleges:

• College of Central Florida
• Daytona State College
• Eastern Florida State College
• Lake-Sumter State College
• Seminole State College
• Valencia College

Admissions questions? We can help.

Learn more about your next steps. Our undergraduate admissions counselors cover everything you need to know.

Sign up for an info session

Admission Requirements

What you need to apply:, please take note.

• If you attended any international educational institutions, please review the requirements regarding evaluation of these credits.
• High school transcripts may be required to demonstrate completion of the foreign language admission requirement.
• High school transcripts are not required for transfers with an awarded A.A. degree from a Florida public community college, state college or university if initially entered Fall 2014-15 or after.
• All official documents required, including but not limited to college transcripts, high school transcripts and standardized test scores must be submitted by the Application Completion Deadline for your selected term of admission.

Florida BOG Regulation 6.001 (7) authorizes universities to refuse admission to applicants due to past misconduct. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Transfer Application Completion Deadlines

Returning students.

If you previously attended UCF as an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you must submit a readmission application through the Registrar’s Office. Please contact them at 407-823-3100 or access the readmission application .

Transfer Admission Criteria

Admission criteria varies based upon the total number of transferable semester hours of college coursework you will have completed by the time you enroll at UCF. Each category below specifies admissions requirements.

Fewer than 30 transferable semester hours

If you will have fewer than 30 transferable semester hours of college coursework (12 or more earned after high school graduation) by the time you enroll at UCF, you must:

• Minimally meet the first-year student high school unit admission requirements
• Minimally meet the high school academic GPA and a minimum score for the SAT Reasoning or redesigned SAT [code: 5233] or ACT [code: 0735] or CLT*
• Have earned a competitive overall college GPA on a 4.0 system for all academic courses attempted; GPA requirements may change by semester based on the competitiveness of the applicant pool and enrollment goals
• Be in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA**) overall and be eligible to return as a degree-seeking student to the last institution attended

*For a CLT score to be valid for admission consideration it must have been administered after July 1, 2023.

**Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

30 or more but fewer than 60 transferable semester hours

If you will have 30 or more but fewer than 60 transferable semester hours of college coursework (12 or more earned after high school graduation) by the time you enroll at UCF, you must*:

• Minimally have successfully completed (with a “C” grade or higher) at least one English composition course and one college-level mathematics course, each consisting of three semester credit hours
• Demonstrate competency in a world language or American Sign Language equivalent to at least the second high school level (e.g. Spanish 2) or the second elementary course at the college level (e.g. SPN 1211 – Beginning Spanish II)

*Students not meeting all of these requirements must meet the requirements for transfer students with fewer than 30 transferable semester hours.

60 or more transferable semester hours

If you will have 60 or more transferable semester hours of college coursework (12 or more earned after high school graduation) by the time you enroll at UCF, or if you will have earned an A.A. degree or state-articulated A.S. degree from a Florida public community/state college or university, you must:

• Have completed two college-level English composition courses with a grade of “C” or better
• Have completed two college-level Mathematics courses with a grade of “C” or better
• Demonstrate competency in a world language or American Sign Language equivalent to at least the second high school level (e.g. Spanish 2) or the second elementary course at the college level (e.g. SPN 1211 – Beginning Spanish II)**
• Be in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA*) overall and be eligible to return as a degree-seeking student to the last institution attended

*Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

**Language requirement will be satisfied upon award of the A.A. degree from a Florida public community/state college or university if initially entered fall 2014-15 or after.

After Admission

Shortly following admission, a transfer credit report will be available on myUCF . Our First Year Experience office will contact you concerning your attendance at a one-day orientation program.

During orientation, you will receive academic advising and assistance in planning your class schedule. You will also meet with other transfer students as well as faculty and staff who can assist you as you make this important transition.

Home — Essay Samples — Education — College Tuition — Why Are You Interested in UCF: Dream School

Why Are You Interested in Ucf: Dream School

• Categories: College Tuition University

About this sample

Words: 609 |

Updated: 7 November, 2023

Words: 609 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Video Version

Prompt Examples for the “UCF Application” Essays

• Why UCF: Your Personal Connection Discuss your personal connection to the University of Central Florida. What specific experiences or aspects of UCF, such as campus events or location, have drawn you to this university?
• Academic and Career Goals at UCF Share your academic and career aspirations and explain how UCF’s academic programs align with your goals. How do you envision UCF helping you achieve these goals?
• The Role of Family in Your Educational Journey Reflect on the influence of your family in shaping your educational values and aspirations. How has your family’s emphasis on education and independence impacted your decision to apply to UCF?
• The Importance of Hard Work and Dedication Discuss the values of hard work, dedication, and independence instilled by your family. How do you plan to apply these values to your academic and personal life at UCF?
• Your Dream College: UCF Explain why UCF is your dream college. What specific features, such as academics, extracurricular activities, and location, make UCF your top choice? How do you plan to make the most of your time at UCF to achieve your educational and personal goals?

Works Cited

• University of Central Florida. (n.d.). About UCF. Retrieved from https://www.ucf.edu/about-ucf/
• University of Central Florida. (n.d.). College of Nursing. Retrieved from https://www.nursing.ucf.edu/
• University of Central Florida. (n.d.). UCF Campus Life. Retrieved from https://www.ucf.edu/campus-life/
• Plescia, M., & Chong, K. (2020). The impact of student-faculty relationships on student engagement and retention. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 57(3), 365-378.
• Washington, M., & Burdett, T. (2018). The impact of extracurricular activities on student engagement and well-being. Journal of College Student Development, 59(4), 426-434.
• Perna, L. W., & Titus, M. A. (2004). The relationship between parental involvement as social capital and college enrollment: An examination of racial/ethnic group differences. The Journal of Higher Education, 75(5), 534-564.
• Schneider, B., & Stevenson, D. (1999). The ambitious generation: America’s teenagers, motivated but directionless. Yale University Press.
• Buchmann, C., DiPrete, T. A., & McDaniel, A. (2008). Gender inequalities in education. Annual Review of Sociology, 34, 319-337.
• Elder, G. H. Jr., Eccles, J. S., Ardelt, M., & Lord, S. (1995). Inner-city parents under economic pressure: Perspectives on the strategies of parenting. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 57(3), 771-784.
• Day, J. C. (1996). Population projections of the United States by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin: 1995 to 2050. U.S. Bureau of the Census.

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Successful applicants to the UCF College of Medicine M.D. Program are expected to show strong academic skills, a passion for medicine and patient care, interest in research, and compassion for others.

Each applicant must demonstrate strong academic skills, a motivation for medicine demonstrated by interest in research and patient care, and compassion for others.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA-3.00
• Minimum Science (Biology Chemistry, Physics, Math) GPA-3.0
• Minimum MCAT (best single test composite score in 2021, 2022, 2023)- 500
• Significant and meaningful medical clinical activities
• Consistent service to the community
• Physician Shadowing
• Teamwork and leadership skills
• Demonstrated interest in research
• Perseverance or excellence in an activity (sports, research, or other endeavors) at a very high level

Required Prerequisite Course Work

Prerequisite courses should be taken from an appropriately accredited college or university located in the United States. Applicants must have completed at least a bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited college or university in the United States prior to enrollment into the M.D. Program. The UCF College of Medicine does not have a policy prohibiting applicants from taking courses online or at a community college. Academic performance is one of many factors considered through the holistic review of an application. Strong applicants should undertake rigorous academic preparation wherever and whenever possible. To be considered for an interview, an applicant should have completed or be in the process of completing the following course work:

• Biology – 2 Semesters (with labs)
• General Chemistry – 2 Semesters (with labs)
• Organic Chemistry* – 2 Semesters (with labs)
• General Physics – 2 Semesters (with labs)
• College English** – 2 Semesters
• College Math – 2 Semesters

* All prerequisites must be completed prior to the August matriculation into the M.D. program. 

Courses Recommended but not required:

Biochemistry*, Genetics, Cell Biology, Statistics, Comparative Anatomy, and Calculus.  Course work in humanities, natural sciences, or communications arts is also encouraged.

While no specific college math courses are required, some college work in calculus is strongly recommended; familiarity with the principles of statistics for analysis of data is also important.

All majors are eligible to apply for admissions to the M.D. Program as long as the minimum academic requirements are met.  Non-science majors are encouraged to take as many science courses as possible.

* Biochemistry (with lab) may be substituted for the second semester of Organic Chemistry.

** Writing Intensive courses may be substituted for English on a case by case basis.

Applicants are required to submit at least three, but no more than five letters of reference.

All letters must be signed, include contact information, and be on letterhead. Please be advised that letters of reference will only be verified and accepted if they include an original signature (signed and scanned) or digital e-signature. A typed name will not be accepted as a valid signature alone.

Reference letters should be no more than two years old upon submission.

Letters from family members and/or significant others will not be accepted.

At least one of your letters is required to be from a core science faculty (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.) who has taught you in a lecture-based core science course, and who can adequately speak to both your academic readiness and personal suitability for the pursuit and practice of medicine.

Non-Traditional Applicants may submit a letter from a current or recent supervisor in lieu of the required faculty letter.

Non-Traditional Applicant – an applicant where at least one year has passed since obtaining the initial bachelor’s degree. This applicant may have completed additional academics possibly leading to another degree, or may have been away from academics for several years.

Your remaining letters may come from professors, advisors, research coordinators or preceptors, supervisors, coaches, mentors and personal or professional colleagues. Please note, if you indicate in your application that you have spent a significant amount of time with an individual, such as a physician or research mentor, it is advisable to have this individual submit a letter on your behalf. A physician letter is encouraged, but not required.

A Pre-Health Advising Committee letter/packet may fulfill our letter requirements. Please note that our preference is for the committee letter to be appended with the individual letters submitted to the Pre-Health Office/Committee to support that letter. Please check with your Pre-Health Advising Office on the format of their committee letter if you are not sure. If individual letters are not included with the committee letter, the applicant may wish to solicit individual letters in addition to the committee letter.

Letters are a very important part of the application. Applicants are advised to select references who can collectively address a range of competencies which are outlined by the AAMC. These competencies include:

• Thinking and Reasoning Skills
• Science Knowledge
• Interpersonal Skills
• Intrapersonal Competencies

https://www.aamc.org/services/admissions-lifecycle/competencies-entering-medical-students

The Early Decision Program (EDP) is a program for exceptionally motivated, capable, and passionate applicants who have demonstrated excellence in academics. The M.D. Program Admissions Committee reviews applicants to the program in mid-August of the application year. The Admissions Office contacts each Early Decision Program applicant to advise them of the committee’s decision about an interview.

Early Decision Program Guidelines

• Applicants must be Florida residents currently enrolled as seniors or graduates of an appropriately accredited university or college in the United States. Students must receive a baccalaureate degree before August of the year they intend to enter medical school.
• Applicants must have an undergraduate cumulative overall and science grade point average of 3.8 or better. Science and English requirements for entrance to the college should be completed.
• The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) must be taken no later than the spring of the year students are applying. Students must have earned a score of at least 513 or better with no score below 128 in any single category.
• An American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application and transcripts must be verified by AMCAS prior to August 1 of the year of application.
• The Secondary application (e.g. application, fee and Letters of recommendation) must be received no later than August 15 of the year of the application.
• Eligible applicants for EDP are interviewed in September of the application year.
• Applicants should only be applying to this institution with the full intention of attending if accepted. Notification of acceptance or non-acceptance is sent no later than October 1 of the application year. An acceptance means a firm commitment to attend UCF M.D. Program.
• Applicants who are not accepted under this program, in most instances, are still given consideration for admission during the regular admission cycle. Applicants are also eligible to apply to any other medical school of their choice.
• Applicants to the EDP must apply via AMCAS using the “Early Decision” application type.

UCF’s College of Medicine offers a variety of joint degree programs for students interested in an expanded training experience. In addition to medicine, the joint programs offer experiences in biomedical research as well as business, hospitality and biomedical engineering.

The M.D./Ph.D. degree trains students wishing to become “Physician-scientists.” It begins with the current first two years of the M.D. curriculum, followed by three to four years of intensive research training under the medical school’s Burnett School of Biomedical Science’s Ph.D. program, including writing and defending a dissertation. Then the student begins two years of clerkship rotations at hospital and clinics. M.D./Ph.D. candidates will take courses in research and complete Burnett School lab rotation in place of the M.D. program’s two-year Focused Inquiry and Research Experience (FIRE). UCF’s candidates earn doctorates in biomedical science through the M.D./Ph.D. track in the existing interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program.

M.D./M.S. Hospitality

The medical school also offers an M.D./Master of Science in Hospitality program built on the strength of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management to provide students with the customer-service skills to bring hospitality to today’s medical industry.

M.D./M.B.A.

The college’s M.D./M.B.A. program equips participants with the analytical tools, problem-solving and decision making skills to succeed in today’s competitive, ever-changing medical field

M.D./M.S. Biomedical Engineering

The UCF College of Medicine and College of Engineering & Computer Science offer a combined M.D./Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (M.D./M.S.B.E.) to students with engineering background and interest in the field. The combined program is five years in duration. M.D. program students complete the requirements for the Master’s degree in the third year with the FIRE project expanded to satisfy the requirements of their thesis work.

The M.D. Program does not accept Advanced Standing (Transfer) applicants at this time.

International

The UCF College of Medicine M.D. Program will only consider applicants who are U.S. Citizens, Permanent Resident Aliens or Asylees as designated by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Permanent Resident Aliens or Asylees must possess a final INS documentation (green card) before the application will be considered.

The M.D. Program educates physicians who are capable of entering residency training (graduate medical education) and meet all requirements for medical licensure. All candidates are evaluated according to the same standards and criteria.

Delineation of technical standards is required for the accreditation of U.S. medical schools by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The technical standards describe the essential abilities required of all candidates.

Reasonable accommodation in achievement of the standards is defined under federal statutes applied to individuals with disabilities. Such accommodations are intended to support the successful completion of all components of the M.D. degree.

The technical standards for the M.D. degree are applied in concert with other policies of the university, including academic policies, academic standards established by the faculty, and student conduct policies.

The technical standards include the following:

• The M.D. Program supports a broad, undifferentiated degree attesting to the acquisition of general knowledge in all fields of medicine and the basic skills requisite for the practice of medicine.
• The guidelines for admission as set forth by LCME must continue to govern the decisions of medical school faculties.
• The medical education process, which focuses on the safety and well-being of patients, differs markedly from post-secondary education in fields outside the health sciences.
• The primary responsibility for the selection of students and the content of the curriculum rests with the medical school and its faculty.
• All candidates in the M.D. Program must possess physical, cognitive, and emotional capabilities required to undertake the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the faculty.
• Candidates who meet the academic criteria and who demonstrate the ability to meet the technical standards listed in this document are eligible for consideration for admission, progression, and graduation.

Admission to M.D. Program is conditional based on the ability to meet these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates are asked to certify that they are able to meet the technical standards of the program.

Individuals with questions regarding technical standards are encouraged to contact the College of Medicine’s associate dean for students. UCF Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides strategies to candidates with disabilities. Case-by-case consideration of alternate styles of achievement are applied to candidates in advanced stages of screening for admission and those who are enrolled.

Standards in five areas must be met by all candidates: Observation, Communication, Motor Function, Cognitive, and Professional.

Observation

Candidates are reasonably expected to:

• observe demonstrations and participate in experiments in the basic sciences
• observe patients at a distance and close at hand
• demonstrate sufficient use of the senses of vision and hearing and the somatic sensation necessary to perform a physical examination
• integrate findings based on these observations and to develop an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan

Communication

• communicate in verbal and written form with health care professionals and patients, including eliciting a complete medical history and recording information regarding patients’ conditions
• perceive relevant non-verbal communications such as changes in mood, activity, and posture as part of a physical examination of a patient
• establish therapeutic relationships with patients
• demonstrate reading skills at a level sufficient to individually accomplish curricular requirements and provide clinical care for patients using written information

Accommodation through use of a trained intermediary or other communications aide may be appropriate when this intermediary functions as an information conduit.

Motor Function

Candidates’ motor and sensory functions must be sufficient to diagnose and deliver effective patient care by consistently, quickly, and accurately integrating all data gathered through whatever sense(s) employed.

• perform physical examinations and diagnostic procedures, using such techniques as palpation, auscultation, and percussion
• complete routine invasive procedures as part of training, using universal precautions without substantial risk of infection to patients
• perform basic laboratory tests and evaluate routine diagnostic tools such as EKGs and X-rays
• respond in emergency situations to provide the level of care reasonably required of physicians
• participate effectively in physically taxing duties over long hours and complete timed demonstrations of skills

Candidates must have sufficient cognitive abilities and effective learning techniques to assimilate the detailed and complex information presented in the medical curriculum.

They are reasonably expected to:

• measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, extrapolate, and reach diagnostic and therapeutic judgments
• recognize and draw conclusions about three-dimensional spatial relationships and logical sequential relationships among events
• formulate and test hypotheses that enable effective and timely problem-solving in diagnosis and treatment of patients in a variety of clinical modalities
• understand the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine
• remain fully alert and attentive at all times in clinical settings

Problem-solving, the critical skill demanded of physicians, requires all of these intellectual abilities.

Professional

Candidates are expected to demonstrate behavior and social attributes that enable the effective practice of medicine.

• demonstrate the judgment and emotional stability required for full use of their intellectual abilities
• possess the perseverance, diligence, and consistency to complete the medical college curriculum and prepare to enter the independent practice of medicine
• exercise good judgment in the diagnosis and treatment of patients
• complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients within established timelines
• function within both the law and ethical standards of the medical profession
• work effectively and professionally as part of the health care team
• relate to patients, their families, and health care personnel in a sensitive and professional manner
• participate effectively in physically taxing duties over long work hours, function effectively under stress, and display flexibility and adaptability to changing and uncertain environments
• maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance for classes and clinical responsibilities
• contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments, accept constructive feedback from others, and respond with appropriate modification

Compassion, integrity, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are assessed during the admission and educational processes.

All candidates are responsible for meeting acceptable standards for behavior and intellectual functioning. Only minimal accommodation is foreseen with regard to the professional section of the technical standards.

Criminal Background Check

A Criminal Background Check (CBC) is initiated via AMCAS when an applicant is admitted to a program (beginning in January of the year that the applicant plans to enroll). As additional institutions offer acceptance to that applicant, those schools are also provided access to the result of the original CBC. Each M.D. Program will develop their own criteria for continuing an offer of acceptance based on information received. We anticipate that each response will be viewed on a case-by-case basis within the scope of the entire application.

The M.D. Program Admissions Office evaluates completed applications from both residents and non-residents of the State of Florida. Qualified non-Florida residents may be invited for an interview. However, as a state-supported institution, UCF has a responsibility to assure that a large majority of each matriculating class will be composed of Florida residents.

For initial determination of residency for tuition purposes as a newly admitted medical student at UCF, you can submit the Residency Declaration form to the College of Medicine Admissions Office. If you are currently attending UCF as a undergraduate or graduate student and wish to reclassify your current residency for tuition purposes, the College of Medicine Registrar’s Office will review requests for changes in residency status for all subsequent terms of attendance. For more information, please visit the UCF Registrar’s Office website  http://registrar.ucf.edu/ .

Application Self-Assessment

Using the self-assessment guide below, you will be able to review your application and discern where your areas of strength and weakness are compared to applicants who are selected for admission.

Our Application Review Process

The following provides general information regarding important sections of an application that we highly value in an application.

We desire applicants to provide a solid indication that they would be able to graduate the program and obtain licensure within the 4-6 year period allotted by the licensure process. Our committee will review academics and testing scores in relation to the averages from your undergraduate institution as an indicator of competitiveness. Please visit http://www.med.ucf.edu/admissions/application-requirements for details on admissions and academic requirements.

In tandem with these academic and testing components we also want to know an applicant has an understanding of what medicine is all about and has a passion for assisting people both in medical and non-medical environments. Applications should demonstrate consistent and strong evidence that an applicant will be a good team member in the classroom and as a future physician. The information in your application will be reviewed by multiple reviewers to gain an understanding of your motivations and your life path to medical school. Applicants selected for an interview will likely have  demonstrated a long-term, consistent motivation for medicine and for assisting people by way of volunteer activities. The reviewers will specifically assess the following areas of an application, mainly performed in the U.S.:

• Academics : While we consider many factors, academics are the cornerstone of a competitive application review. Although UCF has minimum requirements of a 3.0 BCPM GPA, 3.0 Overall GPA, and a 500 MCAT, applicants invited to interview will exceed these minimum requirements by far. Our enrolled students presented an average GPA of 3.85 and an average MCAT score of 515 last year.
• Clinical volunteering: Consistency of medical clinical volunteering in hospitals, clinics, or mobile units.
• Physician Shadowing: Like clinical volunteering but more a personal relationship in learning the responsibilities of a physician in a specialty.  Understand that paid scribing and Med Asst/CRN-type jobs can substitute for shadowing, but they will not substitute for medical volunteerism.
• Community service/Humanism : Non-medical volunteering such as feeding the homeless, public health fairs, community outreach, ministry outreach, nursing/hospice homes, short-duration medical mission trips to foreign countries, etc.
• Teamwork/Leadership : University and community clubs/groups, sports, events, work, research, etc.
• Research : Not a requirement, but helpful. If done it should be in a role where you gain an understanding of the research “process” to the point of poster presentation or publication.  Other research roles such as a lab tech or data mining projects are helpful but often don’t lead to the complete process of research understanding.
• Letters of Recommendation : We require a minimum of 3, max of 5. Of the 3, one should come from a professor in a core science discipline. It is helpful to have one letter from a physician; the third and remainder may come from professors, mentors, club/group/work leadership etc. who can attest to your character.
• AMCAS Personal Statement/Essay : This short essay should tell us how you became interested in medicine and the personal influences that caused you to make the decision. The goal is for the reader to understand some of your interests, obstacles, and passions, as well as to gain a sense of your unique perspective.
• UCF Essay(s) : This essay is similar to the AMCAS statement, but more direct to the specific UCF topic.
• Life Situations/Priorities/Time Management : We also understand that each applicant comes from a different situation, with unique life-requirements and time constraints. We acknowledge that these things reduce the time available to participate in volunteerism and other activities ranging from high-level sports to caring for family, job duties, etc. We also believe that if one is truly motivated for something, they will find some time, if even a little, to consistently pursue that interest.
• A Holistic Classroom : The final goal of our application process is to matriculate a classroom of diverse team members. In our holistic admissions process, diversity is an over-arching evaluation process that means that we seek to interview applicants that come from different backgrounds, regions, interests, experiences, beliefs, talents, races, ethnicities, personalities, identities, skill sets, educational and socio-educational backgrounds, vocations, etc.  The qualities that make one student different from another contribute to life-knowledge in the classroom that strengthens understanding and enables our students, and program, to better serve all patient populations.

An accurate self-analysis is key when reviewing your own application.  To put this in context you should know that we will normally receive about 5,500 applications per application cycle, interview nearly 500, and accept about 300 to seat our final 120 matriculants. We ask you to address each section that we presented above and, based on the time that you made available, make your best estimate of competitiveness. Do you believe that your effort in each category was probably more competitive (MC), less competitive (LC), or equally competitive (EC) than most applicants that we interviewed?

• Standardized Testing
• Medical Clinical Volunteering
• Medical Shadowing/paid work
• Community Service Volunteering
• Teamwork/Leadership
• Process of Research
• Application Message
• Final Assessment: Where do you feel that your application could be enhanced and what is your plan to make that perceived area a strength.

Master's in Nursing (MSN) Degrees

Apply to a UCF Online MSN Degree

Admission requirements and how to apply to a UCF Online master’s degree in nursing (MSN), which are recognized among the nation’s best.

• Fulfill general UCF graduate admissions requirements. Visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog for details.
• Registered Nurses with a Non-Nursing Bachelor’s can apply to all MSN programs, but must take prerequisites.
• Passed an undergraduate statistics course.
• Holds an RN license in the state or country in which you practice.

Please note: Online programs do not meet immigration requirements for students holding an F1 or J1 Visa to maintain status. If you have questions, please contact UCF Global at global.ucf.edu or call 407-823-2337.

Applicants must be physically located in a  Nurse Licensure Compact state for the duration of their education.

UCF College of Nursing faculty are authorized to teach in Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) states. Due to nursing education restrictions imposed by non-NLC states, UCF is unable to offer courses, clinicals, or other educational services regardless of modality within non-NLC states. Should you be physically located within a non-NLC state for more than a vacation or brief visit, regardless of your legal state of residence or the type of license you have, you will be unable to apply or continue your nursing degree program at the UCF College of Nursing. This includes, but is not limited to, students accepting traveling nurse positions in a non-NLC state. Although Colorado is a NLC state, the UCF College of Nursing cannot enroll students who will complete clinical practice hours there due to Colorado statute requirements for worker’s compensation insurance coverage.

You may contact the College of Nursing’s Assistant Dean of Students with any questions regarding non-NLC states.

In addition to learning more about the programs and application process, you’ll gain tips on writing your essay, how often you need to come to campus (if at all) and more. Register now .

Before submitting your application, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with an advisor to discuss your goals for graduate study. To schedule your appointment, contact the College of Nursing’s Graduate Student Services Office .

• Official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) reflecting prior education, recent clinical and/or practice accomplishments, any recent scholarly work (publications, presentations, grants and/or research participation), awards and scholarships received, additional professional certifications, volunteer activities, and membership, leadership and activities with professional organizations and community service organizations. For recent graduates, this can include accomplishments as a student.
• Three (3) recommendations.
• Written essay (see below)
• Note: GRE is not required.

Your essay will need to address the following three items and meet the formatting requirements below:

• Describe your future career plans and how the program to which you are applying will help you achieve your career goals.
• Describe the changes you would make in your personal and professional life to ensure success in your graduate nursing education.
• Identify one significant contemporary issue or problem in U.S. healthcare and explore how members of the nursing profession can help address that issue or solve that problem.

Written essay formatting requirements:

• 500 words or less for entire essay, not each question
• Double spaced
• 12-point Times New Roman font
• 1-inch margins

An interview with faculty may also be required.

Admissions are decided by a committee of faculty and staff within the College of Nursing, based on an applicant’s overall GPA, GPA of the last 60 hours of undergraduate program, CV, and written essay.

Apply online at the UCF College of Graduate Studies.