2024-25 COMMON APP GUIDE
Common App Info Sheet
Application guide for first-year students | commonapp.org/explore/university-florida
Steps to Success
1. Gather Materials
Collect your transcript, list of activities, honors and achievements, parent/guardian info, etc.
2. Create an Account
Create a Common App account at apply.commonapp.org and apply as a First-Year Student even if you have college credit or will graduate high school with your AA degree.
3. Add Colleges
Use the College Search tab to find and add the colleges you wish to apply to. From there, you will be able to see your colleges on your Dashboard and in your My Colleges tab after you add them.
4. Understand Requirements
Each college has a unique application so stay organized and know each college’s requirements for deadlines, fees, essays, portfolio, etc.
5. Plan Essays
Organize and plan your writing prompts for your essays, then have counselors, teachers, parents, etc. read your drafts before you submit.
6. Submit Your Application!
Review your application, pay any application fees, and submit.
Consider these options for UF on the Common App
Innovation Academy
Four-year undergraduate spring/summer pathway that teaches innovation through a dedicated innovation minor embedded in several majors.
This program begins in the spring term and follows a spring/summer schedule with the fall term open for internships and other study enhancements.
Honors Program
Students interested in applying for the Honors Program should indicate this on the application and answer the additional essay.
Setting Up the Common App
Once you create your Common App account and sign in, you will see a screen like the one to the right, which is your Dashboard.
You can then go to the My Colleges tab and use the College Search to begin adding the colleges that you wish to apply to.
Once you add your colleges, you will find them listed under the My Colleges tab like this:
You will be able to see the college’s contact information, deadlines, and other information when you click on the school. You will also be able to go through and answer the application questions for that specific college.
For the University of Florida, you will find the questions regarding Innovation Academy and the Honors Program Consideration if you are interested in applying for either.
Next is the Common App tab. This is where you will answer questions regarding your profile, family, education, testing, and activities. This is also where you will write your Personal Essay (under the Writing Section). The Personal Essay is a requirement for applying to UF.
Once you have completed this section, you can go back to the My Colleges tab and invite your counselor as a recommender for the schools that ask for a letter of recommendation.
UF, however, does not accept any letters of recommendation.
Finally, you can review your application, pay any application fees, and submit! If you don’t see an option to pay the application fee, you may have qualified for a Fee Waiver and can skip the payment process.
Ready to start the application process?
We encourage you to begin your application early. commonapp.org/explore/ university-florida
