With several notable alumni like Tim Tebow, Ryan Lochte, Erin Andrews, and Ashton Locklear, it’s easy to see why the University of Florida is one of the top 20 universities in America. It’s an impressive research facility located between museums and botanical gardens. Going through the UF admissions process and being accepted will put you on an impressive academic track.‍

What You Need to Know About UF Admissions

‍Now that you’ve decided to apply, we need to take a look at what UF admissions expects from its applicants. This will help you determine which areas you need to improve or work on to boost your chances of being admitted.

Acceptance Rate

After reading through all the potential applications, UF admissions accepts 42% into its sprawling Gainesville campus. It is moderately competitive, boasting impressive statistics such as 56% of its graduating students leave UF with no student debt and counting two Pulitzer-prize winners among its faculty. What this means is you have a very high chance of being accepted if you have a strong academic record.

GPA Requirement

UF admissions does have a minimum 2.0 GPA requirement. Your transcript also has to show that you have four years of English, three years of social studies, three years of natural sciences   including two labs, and two consecutive years of a foreign language. UF admissions also require that you have a history of good conduct at your high school and will reject your application if there is a history of disciplinary issues regardless of your academic record.

Standardized Test Scores

UF also has minimum scores that you are required to achieve in order to be eligible for consideration and admission. According to their website, on the old SAT, you must have earned at least a 500 in both the Verbal and Math sections. At the time of writing this article, UF has not updated their website to reflect their minimum requirements for the new SAT. For the ACT, you need to score at least a 19 on both the Reading and Math portions.

How to Improve Your Chances with UF Admissions

Now that we’ve talked about UF’s acceptance rate, GPA requirement, and standardized test scores, we can take a look at how to improve your chances of being accepted by UF admissions.

Boost Your GPA

Although UF’s minimum GPA is a 2.0 in order to apply, the average GPA of a student admitted is 4.35. This is clearly way above that minimum GPA and to be taken seriously as an applicant, your academics need to be in top shape. While UF admissions requires a minimum number of years for certain subjects, I recommend exceeding those as well. Instead, try for four years each of English, social studies, math, and sciences with three consecutive years of a foreign language.

This type of schedule shows the UF admissions committee that your education is important to you. So as fun as taking three years of underwater basket weaving might sound, you should stick with a college preparatory schedule. While this shows that you are on the right track academically, this will not get your GPA over 4.0. In order for that to happen, you will need to pack your schedule with AP and IB courses.

There are a few perks to taking AP and IB classes. AP and IB classes operate at college-level intensity and force you to learn information the way you will when you’re in college. This impresses UF admissions. And if you're able to get A’s and B’s in them, you’re proving that you’re able to handle and perform well in these classes. Depending on your school’s grading policy, you can receive a GPA boost by earning a certain grade.

It’s completely normal to find this shift in coursework challenging. College-level work is very different from the work you’ve been doing in grade and middle school. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Meet with your teachers before or after school to ask questions if you don’t feel comfortable asking during class. If you’re not comfortable seeking help from your teachers, then you need to partner with a tutor to make sure your GPA doesn’t suffer.

Bring Your A-Game to the ACT or SAT

Even though UF admissions lists a minimum ACT and SAT score for entrance, you’ll have a better chance if you look at the averages of students who have been accepted. The average cumulative ACT score is a 30, much higher than the minimum 19 required on each section. The average total score for the old SAT is 1918, roughly a 1360 on the redesigned SAT. With those numbers in mind, here’s how to prepare.

When preparing for standardized tests, I recommend taking both the Pre-ACT and the PSAT at least once. Taking these administered practice tests also allows you to see if you perform better taking the ACT or the SAT. They are very different exams even though the both measure your college readiness. It’s okay if you do better on one over the other and its okay if you prefer one over the other. Just make sure to stick with the test you’ve chosen.

Your next step is to go take as many practice ACT or SAT tests as you can. Whether you buy a book, print them from a website, or check out a couple of books from the library, you need to practice and practice often. It also helps to learn what the ACT or SAT test takers are looking for when they ask you certain questions. You should also invest in preparing for the tests with someone who took home a top score. They’ll be able to work with you one-on-one to identify which sections you need to improve on, offer helpful tips and suggestions, and coach you through your fears about taking these tests.

With a 42% acceptance rate, UF admissions are competitive, but you have a good chance of being admitted if you have a solid GPA and good standardized test scores. Remember that their minimum requirements are not your guiding numbers. To improve your chances of being accepted, make sure to take a rigorous course schedule, dedicate time to preparing for the ACT or SAT, and invest in a tutor to ensure you’re on the right track.

Are you going to apply to UF? Still undecided about which standardized test is right for you? Leave us a comment below. We would love to speak with you!