UF Counselor Guide 2025-26

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Thank you for supporting future Gators.

We cannot say it loud enough—we sincerely appreciate all you do as the support system for our future students! From the time you spend investing in students’ academic success to walking them through the college application process, you play a critical role in your students’ journey.

RESOURCES JUST FOR YOU

UF Admissions Counselor Web Page

For a quick reference guide as you work with students, check out our Admission web page just for High School Counselors. There you will find up-to-date requirements, deadlines and application process information. admissions.ufl.edu/counselors

Counselor Slate.org Portal Page

UF Admissions uses Slate.org, an easy way to track which of your students have applied to UF, their respective application status and their decision. To see all of your students who applied to UF: in the top navigation tab, go to Colleges > Search > University of Florida. From there, select a single student to see their full Application Checklist of received or awaiting items. After your students have been admitted, you can upload final transcripts on behalf of your student under the “Supporting Documents” dropdown.

Application Deadlines & Options 2025-26

Early Action

Application Deadline

Materials Deadline

Decision Notification

Decision Outcomes

November 1

November 8

January 23

Admit, Deny or Defer

Confirm Enrollment and Pay Deposit

Regular Decision

January 15

January 22

March 13 May 1

Admit, Waitlist Pathways or Deny

The University of Florida provides two application options, or timelines, for students to choose: Early Action (EA) or Regular Decision (RD). Each of these paths provide different decision notifications, listed above. If a student applies in EA, they will receive an admissions decision of either admit, deny or defer. All EA decisions for admits are non-binding. If a student applies in RD, they will receive an admissions decision of either admit, waitlist, other pathways (Innovation Academy, PaCE, Partnership programs) or deny. More information on defer and waitlist: admissions.ufl.edu/deferred-or-waitlisted Our decision process: admissions.ufl.edu/apply/freshman/our-decision-process

The Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)

The STARS (formerly called the SSAR) lists the classes and associated grades that have been attempted, or will be attempted, for high school and/or college credit. It serves as the student’s academic record used by the Office of Admissions during the initial review process. Since accuracy is critical, students are advised to have a copy of their high school transcript available to use as a reference when creating the STARS. You can login to the Slate.org Counselor page to see if a student has submitted their STARS. admissions.ufl.edu/apply/freshman/stars

Update to the ACT Score Calculation Process

In response to recent changes from ACT, the Science section is now considered optional for UF freshman admissions. In accordance with Florida Board of Governors Regulation 6.008, UF will update its ACT score calculation process to align with these changes. Going forward, ACT composite scores used for admissions evaluation and superscoring will include only the required sections: Reading, English and Mathematics. The Science section will no longer be factored into superscores. While UF will not consider ACT Science scores for admissions purposes, Science scores will continue to be required for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Honors Program

Students interested in applying for the Honors Program should indicate this on the application and complete the additional essay question in the Common App. honors.ufl.edu

Innovation Academy (IA)

The Innovation Academy is a program centered around entrepreneurship, ethics and leadership that embeds an innovation minor into 25+ majors. This program begins in the spring semester and follows a spring/summer only schedule, giving students the opportunity to pursue internships, research, study abroad or other interests during their fall semester. To apply for IA, students need to indicate interest, write an additional essay, and select a major within IA—all in their Common App. innovationacademy.ufl.edu

Pathway to Campus Enrollment (PaCE)

PaCE is our hybrid program where students start their UF degree with UF Online. There is no separate application for PaCE; students are considered for PaCE during the regular admissions process. After completing a total of 60 credit hours and all major requirements, students are eligible to transition to campus to complete their degree. admissions.ufl.edu/pace

Transfer Application: admissions.ufl.edu/apply/transfer

Partnership Programs: admissions.ufl.edu/apply/ freshman/partnership-programs

Class of 2029

Admitted Student Profile*

APPLICATION PROCESS

UF uses the Common App. Encourage your students to start their application early. www.commonapp.org/explore/ university-florida

Speak with your student as they begin the application process to ensure they have all the requirements needed for applying. Please note that UF requires test scores to be considered for admission. admissions.ufl.edu/apply/freshman/ requirements

COMMON APP GUIDE

Scan the QR code above for a handy guide to the Common App. Share this with your students for a step-by-step process on how to fill out the application. You can also download the guide by visiting admissions.ufl.edu/counselors.

QUESTIONS? WE HAVE ANSWERS.

Where do my students go to complete their application files after they complete the Common App?

Is it easier to get into the summer term?

Students will receive an email 24-48 hours after submitting their Common App with instructions on creating their Gator Portal. Students should login to their Gator Portal to submit their materials, check their application status, and stay engaged during the process.

No, and there is no difference in admissions criteria for either term. When students apply, they are asked to designate the term in which they would like to start—summer or fall. While we try to accommodate these requests, there is limited space available in each term, so some students will be offered admission to the term outside of their choice or to one of our pathway programs.

What are the minimum test scores and GPA needed to be admitted to UF?

Does UF prefer AP, IB, AICE, or Dual Enrollment?

Does UF offer scholarships?

How does major selection work?

The academic profile on the previous page reflects the middle 50% of students admitted to UF in 2025. These are not minimum criteria, nor does falling within these ranges guarantee that a student will be admitted. UF considers all aspects of a student’s application, background and qualifications when making admissions decisions.

We have no preference between these courses; however, it is important to note that once a student begins dual-enrollment courses, this constitutes the beginning of the student’s college GPA. A student’s GPA must be at least a 2.0 to attend any state university in Florida.

UF values your students and strives to make exceptional education affordable for all. UF offered 3,500+ admitted students merit-based scholarships in 2025. No separate application is needed beyond the application for admission and there is no automatic awarding of UF scholarships based on test scores or GPA. UF also offers other need-based opportunities such as scholarships, grants, waivers and student employment. To learn more, encourage your students to explore the web page below.

admissions.ufl.edu/value

Freshmen applicants are admitted as members of the freshman class and not to a specific major or program, so major choices do not increase nor decrease the opportunity of being admitted. Admitted students may declare or change their major, within their admitted pathway, during their freshman orientation.

How do students get on-campus housing?

How does a student obtain Florida Residency?

Right after completing their application for UF admission, students can apply for on-campus housing with a $25 non-refundable fee. This serves as a place holder for applicants who wish to live on campus and students will move forward after admissions decisions have been made. The University of Florida does not require students to live on campus, however it is to a student’s benefit to apply early as housing is not guaranteed.

housing.ufl.edu/apply/first-year-student-application

Initial residency classification is determined by the Office of Admissions when they apply to the university. Failure to provide all relevant information and required documentation in the residency section of the application could result in a non-Florida or out-of-state resident classification for tuition purposes.

admissions.ufl.edu/cost-and-aid/residency

What are pro tips for out-of-state students?

What resources do you have for international applicants?

Unlike other schools, students may immediately apply for housing with a $25 fee after completing the admissions application. Encourage your students to apply for housing early. In addition, eligible out-of-state students with grandparents in Florida may qualify for a tuition and fee waiver for out-of-state costs up to 110% of total degree hours.

admissions.ufl.edu/feewaiver

International applicants follow the same freshman application process as all other students. If they attended a secondary school located outside the U.S. for more than one semester or studied a curriculum that did not follow the standard US system, they should submit an unofficial transcript and not complete the STARS. Please encourage your international students to review the requirements before applying.

admissions.ufl.edu/international

How do HSAA students apply?

How do I set up a campus tour?

Students who will receive their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree at the same time should apply as a freshman. When applying, students should select a specific major and UF college. If we are unable to offer them admission at the freshman level, they will be asked if they would like to have their application reconsidered as an upper-division transfer. At the upper-division level review, they must meet the college’s and major’s requirements for minimum GPA and course prerequisites.

We would love to host you on campus through any of our tour options. Use this QR code to schedule a school group visit or an individual visit to campus. You can also visit us virtually by downloading our self-guided tour through the GatorWay app. admissions.ufl.edu/visit-and-events

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