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University of Florida Supplemental Essays 2024-25 — Prompt & Advice

August 12, 2024

At the turn of the millennium, the University of Florida welcomed 63% of Gator applicants to Gainesville and functioned as a fairly accessible and highly affordable option for residents of the Sunshine State. However, by 2024, while still extremely affordable, the task of becoming a Gator has become far more difficult. They now receive over 67,000 applications and accept roughly 25% of those who apply. Incoming freshmen now possess an average unweighted GPA of 3.93 and SAT scores of 1320-1470. Another commonality amongst accepted students is that they write an excellent University of Florida supplemental essay.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into UF? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into the University of Florida: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

When applying to an institution like the University of Florida that rejects more than 7 of every 10 applicants, you’ll need to put maximum effort into every area of the application, including the Common App and supplemental essay. Below is the University of Florida’s required supplemental prompt for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing a winning essay.

University of Florida Supplemental Essay – Required

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

The University of Florida is not necessarily asking you to write about the activity where you earned the most prestigious awards or held the highest position of leadership. The university is going to see all of your activities in that section of the Common App. As such, you want to ask yourself which of your entries is crying out for more explanation and detail. Which one is closest to your heart and most representative of your unique passions? Pick the option that will allow you to deliver additional detail that may be memorable to the admissions reader. Start this process by asking yourself, “What is the most interesting and consequential moment that I have experienced in one of my extracurricular activities?” If you can identify one clear-cut moment, that is likely the activity worth sharing with the UF admissions staff.

University of Florida Supplemental Essays (Continued)

At the core of this essay prompt, the UF admissions officers are really trying to figure out what you will bring to the Gainesville campus community . Again, what you achieved in a particular extracurricular activity will already be viewable in your Common App Activities Section and the Common App Honors Section , so you don’t want to make that the focus of this essay. Instead, you may want to touch on some of the following areas related to your role as a community member:

• How you function as a member of a team.
• Your leadership ability.
• Your passion, commitment, and drive.
• A commitment to social justice and equity.
• How you respond to challenges and obstacles.
• Illustrate how you have demonstrated maturity and dependability.

How important are the University of Florida supplemental essays?

The University of Florida lists six factors as being “very important” to the admissions committee. They are: GPA, standardized test scores, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, and the rigor of your secondary school record and most relevant to this blog—the application essay. It’s important to keep in mind that UF places both the essays and extracurricular involvement in the top tier of importance. Therefore, this essay is something of a two-for-one. Further, the essay is rated as being of greater importance than class rank, standardized test scores, or your state residency status.

Want personalized assistance?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your main Common App essay and University of Florida supplemental essay, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

Looking for additional writing resources? Consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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University of Florida

Admission information for all applicants.

The general requirements below apply to undergraduate admission and readmission to any college or division of the university.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Admission to the university is selective. Only minimum requirements for admission are provided; satisfaction of these minimums does not guarantee admission.

Minimum Requirements

• Online application for admission received by the Office of Admissions by the deadline.
• A non-refundable application fee. Students who are eligible can have their application fee waived.
• A satisfactory academic record. Applicants must provide a complete chronological record of educational institutions attended. Official transcripts from all educational institutions must be submitted according to instructions on the application. Failure to declare attendance at another institution could invalidate an offer of admission and any credits or degrees earned.
• Satisfactory scores on achievement or aptitude tests.
• A satisfactory conduct record.
• Applicants must identify a preferred term of enrollment on their application. Applicants who wish to change their term of entry should contact the Office of Admissions immediately.
• Admission to on-campus degree programs must be validated by taking one or more on-campus courses in the specific semester for which the student is accepted. 

Residency for Tuition Purposes

Requests for in-state residency for tuition purposes are not granted to applicants who appear to have entered the state solely for educational purposes. More Info

Proof of Immunization

Before registering for classes, each person accepted for admission must submit proof of immunization. No student will be permitted to register until the Student Health Care Center has received and approved the mandatory health form. More Info

Computer Requirement

Access to and ongoing use of a computer is required of all students. The university expects new students and continuing students to acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to the degree program. The cost of meeting this requirement will be included in financial aid considerations. More Info

All official university correspondence is sent via email to the student's GatorLink email address.

Notice of Admission

When an application for admission is approved, the university will send a notice of admission for a specific term. If the student is unable to enroll for the term indicated or wishes to be considered for entrance to a different term, the Office of Admissions should be notified immediately.

All offers of admission are tentative and will remain so until the Office of Admissions receives and reviews final transcripts and credentials. Students who are admitted conditionally may enroll, subject to verification of satisfaction of all conditions of admission. Admission offers will be revoked if final coursework/credentials do not meet admission requirements. Should that occur, the student's classification will change to a non-degree status and future enrollment will be denied.

Under no circumstances should an applicant make plans to depart for Gainesville until the university has provided official admission notification. An applicant who comes to campus without confirmation of admission does so entirely at their own risk. Presence on campus will not influence the admission decision.

Applicants who furnish false or fraudulent statements or information in connection with an application for admission or residency declaration could receive disciplinary action, denial of admission and invalidation of credits or degrees earned.

Under Board of Education policy, the university can admit a limited number of students as exceptions to the requirements listed above.

Current high school students seeking college freshman placement and students who have earned fewer than 12 semester credits following graduation from high school.

Students receiving their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree (AA) from a Florida College System (FCS) or State University (SUS) institution at the same time should complete the freshman application. If we are unable to offer you admission at the freshman level, you will be provided with the opportunity to have your application reconsidered as an upper-division transfer. Students admitted via transfer admission may have their offer of admission rescinded if they do not complete the required prerequisites and AA degree prior to enrollment. 

How to Apply

Applicants must apply using the Common Application and must complete all sections of the application, including the Student Profile and the UF supplemental section. Apply Online

When to Apply

Starting in the Fall of 2024, the University of Florida will provide two options for prospective students to apply: Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD). EA is a non-binding way to apply to UF and receive an admission decision sooner than those applying in the RD round.

Incoming Freshman Deadlines

• Application Deadline: November 1
• Credentials Deadline: November 15
• Decision Notification: late January
• Application Deadline: January 15
• Credentials Deadline: January 31
• Decision Notification: mid-March

Freshman Selection

UF employs a comprehensive review process that evaluates academic and nonacademic criteria. When we review an application, we are considering a candidate's chance of success at UF based on what the student has accomplished within distinct opportunities and challenges. The admissions review process tries to balance the subjective and objective components of the application. The university recognizes that there is great variation among applicants' personal circumstances, home communities and high schools, including schools' course offerings and grading practices. Admission officers can exercise flexibility and professional judgment in their reviews and decisions, but they also must apply consistent standards.

Admission is selective, and the number of qualified students exceeds the space available in the freshman class.

Minimum Requirements for Freshman Admission Consideration

Middle 50% of the 2022 freshman class.

• High school GPA of 4.4-4.6
• SAT scores of 1350-1490
• ACT scores of 30-34

Minimum freshman admission requirements include:

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or state-approved secondary school or the equivalent (G.E.D., etc.).
• Submission of ACT, CLT, or SAT scores

• A cumulative C (2.0) average in the academic core, as computed by the university, at all institutions attended, high school and college.
• A record of good conduct. Major or continuing difficulty with school or other officials may render an applicant ineligible regardless of academic qualifications.

Non-Accredited and Homeschools

Homeschooled students or students at non-accredited schools are considered for admission using the same holistic review process as the entire applicant pool. In addition to grades and ACT/SAT/CLT scores, students attending a homeschool or a non-accredited school are encouraged to take core classes and submit grades from an accredited secondary or post-secondary institution.

Credit by Examination

There are several credit-by-examination programs that earn credit toward a UF degree. The university participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) program , the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) , the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) . Students may receive university credit for or exemption from such courses without credit, depending on the results.

Dual-Enrollment Credit

Courses from Florida public colleges and State University System schools generally adhere to the Statewide Course Numbering System. If the prefix (first three letters) and the last three digits of the course number are the same, then the course is considered equivalent.

Equivalent courses fulfill the same requirements (e.g., General Education) that the UF course fulfills. 

Courses taken at private and out-of-state institutions which do not have a direct UF equivalent need to be evaluated by the student’s college to determine if they will fulfill specific requirements.

Tuition Deposit after Admission

• Freshmen are required to submit a $200 non-refundable tuition deposit no later than May 1 to secure their place in the class. This deadline may be extended depending on extenuating circumstances.
• The tuition deposit will not be reimbursed if the student does not enroll in the term offered for admission.
• The tuition deposit will be credited to the student’s account and applied toward the first-semester tuition. If there is a credit balance on the account at the end of drop/add, the balance will be refunded.
• This deposit is waived for those students who qualified for an SAT or ACT fee-application waiver. Students who qualify for Pell Grants may receive a tuition deposit reduction if they appeal.

The Office of Admissions classifies an applicant as an undergraduate if they have not earned a university degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree.

International applicants must apply online. Apply Online

Applications cannot be considered until the Office of Admissions receives ALL required credentials. International applicants should supply the following:

• All international applicants should apply online.
• Submit the non-refundable $30 application fee (US currency drawn on a US bank or credit card).
• Freshmen must submit official SAT, ACT, or CLT scores.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Freshman applicants with coursework completed outside the US must submit at least three full years of their most current secondary school transcripts, in addition to the final/senior year schedule or predicted grades, in both native language of instruction, and if applicable, a certified English translation. Unofficial transcripts are accepted throughout the initial review process. Applicants should not attempt to enter grades from a non-US transcript into the Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR) system. A NACES approved course-by-course credential evaluation with a GPA calculation is encouraged, but not required for freshman admission.  Transfer level applicants with college or university coursework completed outside the US are required to submit all non-US transcripts to a NACES -approved credential evaluation agency for a course-by-course evaluation with GPA calculation. 

A transfer student is defined as an applicant who has earned at least 12 semester credits of credit following graduation from high school and who has not received a bachelor’s degree.

Transfer applicants must apply online. Apply Online

Transfer applications generally are received six to nine months before the term begins. Apply by your intended college’s deadline. More Info

Transfer Eligibility

• Must have completed an Associate of Arts degree from a Florida public institution or at least 60 transferable semester credit hours from a regionally accredited institution
• Must show competency in a foreign language. Students can do this by providing a high school transcript showing completion of the second high school level or higher of a foreign language or American Sign Language equivalent to the second high school level or higher, or by completing the second collegiate level of a foreign language or American Sign Language.
• Must have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA and a minimum 2.0 GPA at the last institution attended, as calculated by UF.
• Must complete or will complete specific prerequisites for the intended major before attending UF. 
• Must be in good standing and eligible to return to any institution previously attended.

Students with less than 60 semester credit hours or who have already completed a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to transfer to an on-campus program.

Our Decision Process

After the Office of Admissions verifies that your application file is complete, the file is forwarded to the college and academic department for admission consideration and decision. Admissions decisions must be released within a reasonable period of time (as established by the university board of trustees).  

Information about your  application status  is provided online as a convenience. While every effort is made to be timely and accurate, information conveyed by electronic means is unofficial. An official written notification of admission will be mailed to your permanent address within a reasonable period of time (as defined by the university board of trustees). Please do not act on any information until you have received official notification.  ​ More Info

Applicants who have received an Associate in Arts (AA) degree from a Florida public institution immediately prior to transferring receive priority consideration for admission provided the application and all supporting documents are received in the Office of Admissions by the deadline. 

If Denied Admission

The admissions process at the University of Florida is highly competitive and, unfortunately, all qualified and eligible applicants cannot be accommodated due to limited space in the university’s academic colleges. Students who feel they have documented extenuating circumstances that impacted their ability to meet admission requirements may appeal their admissions decision.

To initiate a university-level appeal, students should email  [email protected]  with letter of appeal and any supporting documentation attached, as well as a letter of support from the  college/major  to which the student applied.

Please know that, due to the thoroughness of the university’s application review process, it is unusual to reverse an admission decision. An appeal will only be considered if it provides new and compelling information. More Info

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How to Write the University of Florida Essays 2020-2021

We’ve updated this post! Check out the 2021-2022 UF essay guide .

The University of Florida is a top public research university in the suburban center of vibrant Gainesville, Florida. Known for its abundant research opportunities, business programs, and engineering school, the university is widely considered the strongest public school in Florida.

With over 37,000 undergraduates spread out over 2,000 acres, the university is famed for its fantastic sports teams —the Gators—which are supported by a strong undercurrent of school spirit.

With an acceptance rate of 39%, admission to the University of Florida is rather competitive. To win over admissions officers, you need to go beyond strong grades and test scores by crafting compelling essays, especially if you hope to join the Honors College. Want to know your chances at UF? Calculate them for free right now .

Want to learn what UF will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering the University of Florida needs to know.

University of Florida Short Answers

All applicants.

List and describe your community service activities. Please include your role in the activity and level of responsibility. (250 words)

List and describe each job you’ve had, including dates of employment, job titles, and hours worked each week. (250 words)

List any programs or activities that helped you prepare for higher education, such as university outreach, talent search, upward bound, boys and girls club, etc. (250 words), do you have any employment or family obligations that limit your participation in extracurricular activities if so, please describe. (250 words), is there any other information for the admission committee to consider when your application is reviewed (250 words), honors program .

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

Prompt 2: During high school, what is the most enriching long-term or ongoing activity in which you have participated outside of the classroom? Tell us about it– Why is it enriching to you? What have you learned about yourself by participating in it? How does this activity fit into plans to maximize your college experience? The activity does not have to be sponsored by your school, but you should have participated in it since you started high school. Please limit to one activity that has been significantly meaningful to you, and be specific. (300 words)

List and describe your community service activities. Please include your role in the activity and level of responsibility (250 words)

These three prompts are straightforward and very similar, so we will be breaking them down together. Notice the use of the word “list;” these aren’t meant to be “essays” in the typical sense, so don’t worry about flowery language or complex literary devices here. 

Instead, enter all of the information they ask for with as much specificity and detail as possible. Don’t worry if you end up re-mentioning experiences you’ve already noted in the Common Application’s Activity Sheet; if anything, see this short answer as an opportunity to elaborate on some of them.

See the below example of a student explaining a community service activity:

During the summer of 2018, I was a volunteer counselor for Happy Earth Horizons, a day camp for children in grades K-6 focused on environmentalism and service. I led groups of children through hikes, team-building activities, cooking activities, and field trips to the aquarium. I helped them build social skills, cooking skills, and a deeper ecological understanding through communicating clearly, practicing patience, and leading social-emotional skillset exercises.

This is similar to the Additional Information section listed in the Common App. Explain what the employment/obligation entailed and why you had to take it on, as well as the results of you taking on said extra responsibility.

Some potential obligations involve working to contribute financially to your family, taking care of an ill relative, or babysitting younger siblings.

For example:

For a period, my single mother was let go when the insurance company she worked at was struggling financially and going through a period of transition. As a result, we both had to take on additional jobs to make ends meet, so I briefly left the Robotics Team throughout the second semester and summer following junior year. Instead, I worked at a local grocery store after school and on the weekends, learning how to work efficiently under pressure while supporting my family.

If you have no obligations to write about, just write in “Not Applicable” or leave it blank.

This also resembles the Additional Information section listed in the Common App. This is essentially your shot to either explain a lapse in your performance somewhere or to introduce something new about yourself that isn’t evident elsewhere in your application. 

You may elaborate further upon an extracurricular activity you feel isn’t clearly explained throughout your application (For example, say you were a Head Designer for your town’s Environmental and Aesthetic Initiative, and admissions officers may not know what that is). You could also talk about a personal story or history that has affected you greatly. You may even discuss a previously unmentioned extracurricular activity which says a lot about you.

This is a wonderfully free space for you to dive into whichever information you feel will give adcoms the most complete version of your identity. If you don’t think this space is necessary for you, that’s fine too! Just write “Not Applicable” or leave it blank.

Honors Program Applicants

Why is applying for the uf honors program important to you which aspects of the program’s three pillars of opportunity, community, and challenge pique your interests how would you engage with the program to exemplify these pillars yourself how does the program factor into your long-term goals (400 words).

The Honors Program offers many unique opportunities to its students, including honors-specific course selections and their respective professors, smaller class sizes, sponsorship for study abroad programs, undergraduate research, unique internship programs, and specialized advising.

This wealth of opportunity is abundantly available to Honors College students, but the University of Florida is looking for the students who will actually push themselves to engage with said opportunities.

This essay is looking for elements of not only a “ Why this College? ” essay, but also a “Why this Program?” essay. Of course, you should incorporate concrete examples of what UF has to offer here, but notice how they ask you to engage with their core values in chasing after your goals.

Remember, this prompt is asking four key questions, so you have a lot to cover in only 400 words. Write concisely and try to tie related ideas together. 

We recommend starting off with a brief introduction stating what drew you to apply —i.e., why the Honors Program is important to you. Perhaps you felt unchallenged academically in your high school, so you would like a more rigorous education, or you cherished your close academic relationships with your high school teachers and you would like to pursue meaningful relationships with your new professors as well. In a sentence or two, make a careful distinction in explaining why you are aiming for honors instead of just matriculating as a “regular” Gator. 

Avoid saying or implying that you’re applying for the impressiveness or prestige of being in an honors program.

Next, dive into the program’s three pillars. The Honors Program offers an array of opportunities, each of which may be viewed as contributing to values of opportunity, community, and challenge. For example, study abroad program sponsorships foster a greater sense of global community, while rigorous course selections and research are both opportunities and challenges. 

Making these connections between values and concrete examples isn’t enough, however. You must also explain how engaging with each exemplified pillar of this program will play into your long-term goals. 

Write with enthusiasm, curiosity, and energy to convey your genuine excitement about each aspect of this program. For example, a prospective engineer may write about how challenging themselves through the mandatory Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering thesis project (which requires completion of a written thesis and research) will make them a better writer and analytical thinker, spark their innate curiosity, and make them a more resilient and focused engineer.

Here are some suggestions for exploring the UF Honors Program’s core values throughout your essay.

Opportunity : Quite literally every offering under this program, from course selection to mentorship to internships, is an opportunity, so we recommend focusing on how you will use it to achieve your goals. 

Here’s an essay excerpt from Sophia, a prospective doctor who hopes to join UF’s summer study abroad program in Merida, Mexico:

The University of Florida is rich with opportunity, a quality which extends far beyond the university borders. I’ll have three college summers, and I hope to spend one studying abroad in Merida, Mexico. While shadowing a doctor in high school, I quickly realized just how many patients were Spanish-speaking. Nearly a fifth of Floridians are, so I shouldn’t have been so surprised. 

I know now that developing bilingual fluency is essential to becoming the doctor that my patients need me to be, and there is no better way to do so than to immerse myself in Spanish language and a Hispanic culture by living with a Mexican family. I’ll build upon the mechanical grammar and semantics I rotely studied in high school through developing a rich, well-rounded, near-intangible cultural understanding to make my treatments and communications accessible to my patients. 

I have the same love for math and science as most pre-meds, but truly earning the title of “Doctor” entails a love of people, and with it, a willingness to learn for and from them. 

This essay works for a few reasons. Sophia highlights a past experience which reveals the roots of her motivation to learn Spanish and a simultaneous passion for her career path paired with a desire to do it well. Importantly, it’s clear why the particular study-abroad program at the University of Florida appeals to her so strongly; after all, not all university study-abroad programs allow you to live with a native host family.

Community : Community is a wide-spanning term, and you can build it almost anywhere within the honors program, especially considering its small class sizes, mentorship opportunities, student organizations, and study abroad programs. 

Consider this sample from John, an applicant planning to join the PRISM Honors Student Magazine:

When I entered high school, my introverted disposition and general nervousness initially inhibited me from reaching out to people. I had a small, lifelong group of friends with whom I had everything in common, but it wasn’t until I joined the school Newspaper Club that I truly understood the meaning of community. 

I saw then that community wasn’t about commonality, but bridging the gaps built by differences. I challenged my shyness through becoming a strong interviewer and worked with my introversion in collaboration with club members on layout designs. 

As a journalism major and PRISM contributor, I hope to find that same sense of community, surrounded by a like-minded and diversely-minded group of individuals. I know we’ll be a mixed bag of writers, editors, planners, and visual artists, but we’ll be unified by a common desire to create a fantastic magazine. This desire to create quality and to collaborate creatively will push and enhance my skills in written and verbal communication, making me a stronger and more empathetic journalist.

John’s essay works because he is able to tie past experiences into his future aspirations at UF and beyond. He kept his aspirations specific to the school and was able to connect it to his goals in journalism. He also connected it to his own understanding of the word “community” and how both UF and his career plans relate to it.

Challenge : Surprise, surprise! Being an honors student will challenge you and hold you up to high academic and personal standards. Here, you will have to develop strong work ethic, time management skills, and even interpersonal skills as you engage with your professors and peers. Write with specificity about how you expect to be challenged in your own way and where it will take you.

For example, a first-generation student may write about how she expects to be challenged as a first generation college student. With no parents to tell her how to apply to college or what to expect when she gets there, she doesn’t expect things to be easy, though she has faith in her ability to persevere. The Honors First Generation organization provides mentorship to first-generation freshmen, so as an upperclassman, this student plans to give back, helping younger students navigate this challenge and growing her leadership skills as a mentor.

At the end of this essay, admissions officers should be able to see you as someone who embodies the values of the University of Florida’s Honors Program. Do your research and write about the aspects of their programs which interest you the most so that your genuine enthusiasm will shine through. Write with specificity and care, tailoring your goals to the opportunities you will find as a UF Honors Student.

During high school, what is the most enriching long-term or ongoing activity in which you have participated outside of the classroom? Tell us about it – Why is it enriching to you? What have you learned about yourself by participating in it? How does this activity fit into plans to maximize your college experience? The activity does not have to be sponsored by your school, but you should have participated in it since you started high school. Please limit to one activity that has been significantly meaningful to you, and be specific. (300 words)

This question is written with specificity that renders it almost self-explanatory, and in detail that demands you write concisely to cover everything you need to. Luckily, they ask you to write about just one experience, allowing you to go in-depth about its impact on your life.

Introduce your chosen subject quickly. We encourage you to use lively, animated language in demonstrating how this activity was enriching to you. Invoke anecdotes and a narrative-like tone to engage your readers. Take some time to reflect deeply upon how you learned about yourself through this activity so you can write with depth and self-awareness. Ideally, this new self-knowledge will translate into your college plans.

Consider this example answer from a student who was a member of their school’s Mock Trial team:

We were fake-defending a fake suspect in a fake trial, so we carried ourselves with an almost laughable solemnity. Still, we sat stone-faced in front of the judge’s bench. 

Standing to deliver our opening statement, my carefully coiffed curls and opaque foundation masked the hours of work we’d poured into an airtight argument. Despite sleepless nights, I cherish those times of sifting through dense law texts, memorizing legal jargon and case details, and bouncing new ideas off of my dynamic and intellectually diverse team. 

Instead of growing tired of the heavy paperwork and long hours, I felt invigorated by the stories I found in our case studies and told to our judges. My empathy grew as I learned to accommodate diverse perspectives, as did my attention to detail while ensuring nothing would slip through the cracks.

Mock Trial showed me my deep interests and skills in close communication, critical analysis, and human connection. As a pre-law student and philosophy major at the University of Florida, I’ll pour those same newfound skills into my studies and career. 

It’s one of my biggest goals to debate my fellow Gators during an Ethics Cafe. There, I’ll build my intellectual diversity while publicly addressing important advocacy issues close to my heart such as wealth inequality and free speech.  

I look forward to questioning commonly-held beliefs surrounding material reality and free will as I craft my honors thesis. The depth of the research I embark upon will be further enhanced through the close connections I’ll foster with mentors and professors.

An endeavor of depth and breadth, Mock Trial has taught me more lessons than I can count, but above all, it has shown me that I thrive under pressure, that I throw myself into complexity and nuance, and that the courtroom is where I belong.

This essay works for a few reasons. A quirky anecdote draws the reader in before the author delves into what makes them so passionate about Mock Trial (without actually using the oft-hackneyed buzzword “passion,” of course!) We quickly understand that the author sees Mock Trial as an enriching experience, as it is intellectually rigorous, fulfilling, and requires deep empathy. We understand that Mock Trial helped her both grow her skills and learn where they lie, fulfilling the “What have you learned about yourself?” requirement. These play into her future goals, which are well articulated in the context of both college in general and the University of Florida’s Ethics Cafe program specifically.

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3 Writing Tips for the University of Florida Essay Prompts

College Essays

Are you applying to the University of Florida? You'll need to answer some essay prompts as part of your application.   Read this guide to learn what the University of Florida essay prompts are, what admissions officers are looking for in your response, what you should include and avoid in your answers, and what strong UF college essay examples look like.

What Are the University of Florida Essays?

The University of Florida accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application, and applicants must answer one of the Common Application prompts. 

As part of your application, you'll also need to answer an additional UF-specific essay prompt, and you'll have the option of answering three additional essay prompts. Your answer to each prompt can be up to 250 words. Here's the prompt:

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

We'll go over how to best answer this supplement question in the next section.

The UF Essay Prompt, Analyzed

In this section, we explain what the prompt is asking for, why UF is interested in this information, what information you should include (and what information to avoid), and what a strong example answer could look like.

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

What the prompt is asking for: A description of the one extracurricular you feel is most important to you.

Why UF is interested: Students who are dedicated to something show they are passionate, interested in learning, and have a strong work ethic. These are all characteristics colleges want their students to have, so having something you're committed to is a major boost to your application. Seeing what you choose also gives UF a better sense of who you are and what you value.

Potential topics to discuss: What the extracurricular, is how long you've involved with it, how much time per week/month/etc. you dedicate to it, what activities your involvement includes, why you consider it meaningful. 

Topics to avoid: Listing multiple activities or simply describing the extracurricular without explaining why it's important to you.

Example: "The extracurricular most important to me is my involvement in my high school's Model UN team . I've been involved for four years, since I was a freshman. We meet once a week during the school year to prepare for the four conferences we participate in each year. As a Model UN member, I research different political events and international relations topics, then debate the issues with other team members to build my skills in those areas. Model UN is so important to me because, not only did it solidify my choice to major in International Relations, it strengthened me personally. As a result of my participation, I've improved my debate skills, become a more confident public speaker, and have much more experience finding a compromise even between very different groups."

Tips for the UF Essay Prompt

Follow these three tips when completing the University of Florida supplement essays to make sure your answers are as strong as possible.

#1: Keep Your Answers Concise

You only have 250 words per prompt. That isn't that much! This means your responses need to be brief and to the point if you're trying to fit a lot of information in. You likely have a lot of reasons why a particular extracurricular is the most important to you.

#2: Show Your Strengths

Even though the prompt is short, it’s still an opportunity for you to impress the admissions committee. You can dive into how you've been involved in your extracurricular, as well as any leadership roles you may have had. Try to include themes you've mentioned in other parts of your application , such as your longer essay. For example, if you mentioned that your dream is to be a doctor, try to highlight experiences that reflect that, such as volunteering at a hospital.

#3: Be Honest and Passionate

Sometimes students think they need to tell a story that the admissions committee wants to hear...so they make things up. Do not lie in your college essay—admissions counselors are  great  at sniffing out fibs! 

Instead, lean into the passions and experiences that make you unique . For instance, maybe you made a quilt and entered it in the fair. That's awesome! Just make sure you're explaining why it's meaningful for you! Maybe your grandmother taught you how to quilt and you worked on it together, which taught you the importance passing knowledge down from one generation to the next. 

Summary: UF College Essay Examples

There is one main University of Florida essay, and it'll be the Coalition or Common Application (depending on which application you use) prompt of your choice. But there are also additional UF essay prompts to answer. These shorter prompts are a way for the UF admissions committee to learn more about you and have the most accurate look at your application.

Here is where you can discuss extracurricular activities, anything that prevented you from participating in extracurriculars, certain programs you took part in, and anything else you think is important for the people reviewing your application to know. As you answer these UF essay prompts, remember to keep your responses short, don't feel pressured to answer every prompt, and highlight your strengths.

What's Next?

Considering the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship? Our guide to Bright Futures Scholarship programs answers all the questions you're wondering about.

Want to bring up your GPA? Read about four ways to bring up your high school grades fast .

Interested in community service ideas? Check out our guide to 129 great community service projects .

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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About UF Online

Uf online attracts students at various points of their academic journey..

UF Online offers a robust academic experience for those joining the Gator Nation online.

Admissions requirements are based off the number of transferable college credits you will have earned prior to your intended first term in our program. More information about transfer credit can be found here .

Prospective students who have earned less than 12 college credits after high school graduation are freshman applicants.

Dual Enrollment: Students receiving their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) from a Florida College System (FCS) or State University (SUS) institution at the same time should complete the freshman application. If we are unable to offer you admission at the freshman level, you will be provided with the opportunity to have your application reconsidered as an upper-division transfer. Students admitted via transfer admission may have their offer of admission rescinded if they do not complete the required prerequisites and A.A. degree prior to enrollment. Note: Students who opt-in to be considered as an upper-division transfer student will not be required to submit official SAT, ACT or CLT scores.

Learn more about the minimum admission requirements for freshman below.

Minimum Admissions Requirements for Freshman

The University of Florida seeks diverse students who will be UF’s future community of leaders, learners, and thinkers. Freshman applicants are reviewed and admitted based on a comprehensive set of academic and non-academic factors.

• Graduation from a secondary school or the equivalent (G.E.D., etc.) recognized by UF. Additional information for homeschooled, military and international students can be found here: Homeschool students Military students International students
• English (with substantial writing): 4 years
• Mathematics (at or above Algebra 1 level): 4 years
• Natural Sciences (2 units must include laboratory): 3 years
• Social Sciences: 3 years
• It is preferable that students have two years of foreign language instruction or be able to document an equivalent level of proficiency. However, students may be admitted to UF Online before completing this requirement, but such students must successfully complete an 8-10 hour sequence of a foreign language prior to graduation.
• The state of Florida requires that all freshman applicants have at least a 2.5 (C) academic cumulative GPA from high school. As a Top 10 public university, UF’s standards are higher than the state minimums. Competitive freshman applicants to UF Online typically have a 3.7 or higher academic high school GPA.
• Students taking dual enrollment courses must present a minimum 2.0 GPA at every institution attended.
• Freshman applicants who graduated high school 5 or more years ago  do not  need to submit test scores as the requirement is waived.
• Freshman applicants who graduated high school less than 5 years ago will need to submit test scores to the university as part of the admissions process. The state minimum test scores are listed below; however, competitive UF Online applicants typically score above what is listed here.
• SAT or Digital SAT (March 1, 2016 and after) Reading and Writing = 490 Mathematics = 480
• ACT (1-36 range) Reading = 19 English = 17 Mathematics = 19
• CLT, Classic Learning Test Sum of the Verbal Reasoning and Grammar/Writing Sections = 38 Quantitative Reasoning Section = 16

Questions about Admissions Requirements?

No problem. Our Admissions team is here to help you, every step along the way.

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From the 9th grade forward, begin keeping a log or journal of activities, involvement, participation, and awards. It is easy to forget what happened last month, much less two years ago.

Share your passion, goals, and dreams. The power of the Gator Nation is rooted in the passion of its students and alumni. We want to know what makes you unique and how you are going to change the world. There is no magic formula for the personal statement. We want insights into you.

Students receiving their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) from a Florida College System (FCS) or State University (SUS) institution at the same time should complete the freshman application. If we are unable to offer you admission at the freshman level, you will be provided with the opportunity to have your application reconsidered as an upper-division transfer. Students admitted via transfer admission may have their offer of admission rescinded if they do not complete the required prerequisites and A.A. degree prior to enrollment.  Note: Students who opt-in to be considered as an upper-division transfer student will not be required to submit official SAT, ACT or CLT scores.

UF Online Application Deadlines

Final decisions are rendered on a rolling basis.

Your UF Online application and application fee are valid for one academic year. If you apply for one term and your timeline changes, we can easily roll your application to a future term. To learn more about the admissions process,  click here.

Note: The deadlines above are for students planning to enroll in one of the  fully-online degrees offered through UF Online . If you are looking for the application deadlines for UF’s face-to-face programs, visit the  UF Office of Admissions  website.

Application Process for Freshman

The application process is simple and straightforward. It will take about 30 minutes to complete your application. If you need to take a break for any reason, you can save it and return to complete the application later. For ease of completion, be sure to have your high school transcripts and previous college information available.

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University of Florida: Admission Requirements 2023

Beyond its beaches and warm weather, Florida is also home to an excellent public university, the University of Florida (UF). Located in North-Central Florida, UF is the most competitive university in the state of Florida with plenty of selective undergraduate major options, such as engineering, business, psychology, and pre-health. If you are ready to “chomp” your way into UF, then read on to learn more about University of Florida’s admissions requirements and how to be Gator-ready.

UF emphasizes a comprehensive and holistic application review process, which takes into consideration both academic and non-academic factors . With “no one single factor” that determines the admissions outcome, UF admissions take interest in a student’s academic performance, standardized test scores, passions, and personal background and experiences.

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It is moderately difficult to get accepted to UF. The grade point average of people who get accepted to UF are in the top quarter of their class. People who successfully get into UF also tend to have impressive extracurricular activities and rigorous secondary school classes.

On average, the University of Florida admits 32% of its applicants, making it a moderately competitive school . Acceptance rate is an indication of how competitive a school is, but it is also an indication of how popular a school is. To get into a school like UF, you will need to excel in your rigorous secondary classes, demonstrate consistent involvement and passion, and convey positive personal qualities. 

University of Florida does not have any Early Action or Early Decision options. However, applications submitted before November 1 are considered Priority Applications while anything after the date are considered on a space-availability basis. The latest data shows that UF received 48,193 applications and accepted 15,002 students (32%) during the 2020-21 admissions cycle, making it a rather popular school to apply to, especially within the state of Florida. 

Admitted applicants to UF typically have a GPA of 3.7 and above , which may also vary depending on the competitiveness of your intended major . You will need a very high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top-half of your class in order to get into UF. If your GPA is lower than suggested at the time you apply, you may have to perform above average on your standardized tests. If your grades aren’t as high as they could have been due to life experiences or hardship, you should consider writing about it in your additional information section .

University of Florida Unweighted GPA Requirements

What GPA is required for University of Florida?

Applicants’ GPA when applying to UF should be between 3.75 and 4.0 to be strong candidates. Having less than this will require compensating by having outstanding extracurricular activities and personal essays. Although candidates may try to submit a competitive SAT/ACT score to supplement a lower GPA, do keep in mind that UF weighs GPA (“most important”) more heavily in the evaluation process than standardized test scores (“important”). 

University of Florida Weighted GPA Requirements

UF considers weighted GPA as one of its admissions factors , with its middle 50 percentile ranging from 4.4 to 4.6, indicating that you will likely have to take higher level classes like AP and IB classes in order to be a competitive candidate for UF. On the university’s website, UF describes how it calculates weighted GPA . 

The SAT requirement for University of Florida is a composite score that ranges between 1310 to 1450, combining the reading and writing, and math sections together. You will need a moderately high SAT score in order to get into UF. If your SAT is lower than suggested at the time you apply, you may have to perform above average on your other standardized tests or have spectacular extracurricular activities to compensate. If your grades aren’t as high as they could have been due to life experiences or hardship, you should consider writing about it in your additional information section .

University of Florida Average SAT Composite Score: 1380

What SAT score is required for the University of Florida?

Applicants should score between 1310 to 1450 on their SAT to be strong candidates for admission to the University of Florida. Having less than this will require compensating by using a substitute ACT score or having an above-average GPA. Either an SAT or ACT score is required for application to this school.

The ACT requirement for the University of Florida is a composite score that ranges from 30 to 34 combining all English, mathematics, reading, and science sections. You will need a very high ACT score in order to get into UF. If your ACT score is not what you’d hoped by the time you apply, you may have to make it up by getting above-average scores on the SAT and having an above-average grade point average. If your ACT wasn’t as high as you’d like because of difficulties or hardship, you should consider writing about it in your additional information section.

University of Florida Average ACT: 28

What ACT score is required for University of Florida?

Applicants should score between 30 and 34 on their ACT to be strong candidates for admission to this school. Having less than this will require compensating by using a substitute SAT score or having an above-average GPA. Either an SAT or ACT score is required for application to this school.

While there seem to be moderate GPA and standardized test score ranges among UF’s admitted applicants, UF has continued to emphasize its holistic approach in reviewing students’ applications beyond their academic records. 

To stand out, UF wants to see how a student has continued to pursue their interests outside of their classrooms and contributed to their communities . Afterall, UF’s mission is to seek intellectuals who’d “lead and influence the next generation and beyond for economic, cultural and societal benefit.”

What’s a good way to demonstrate your involvement and passions? On top of your application’s activity form, student essays are also a compelling way to talk about your activities and something UF heavily evaluates in their admissions process. UF admissions officers also value a student’s personal experiences, background, and circumstances, all of which you can also elaborate on using the student essays or the additional information section.

The University of Florida’s application deadline for Priority Application is November 1 , and any application submitted after November 1 will be considered based on space availability with a March 1 application deadline.

To complete UF’s supplemental essay requirements, applicants must complete a 250-word essay to expand on their most meaningful activity outside of the classroom. 

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

Additionally, if you would like to be considered for UF’s Honors Program, there’s also a 400-word response required to expand on why you want to be considered. Here’s the prompt: 

“Why is applying for the UF Honors Program important to you? Which aspects of the program's three pillars of opportunity, community, and challenge pique your interests? How would you engage with the program to exemplify these pillars yourself? How does the program factor into your long-term goals? — — —

Tip #1 for University of Florida Supplemental Prompt #1

Demonstrate you have compelling reasons to choose UF. Using the main activity or interest you talk about in your essay, browse and reference UF’s student clubs and organizations where you could apply your experiences and further your interests. If your activity is academic, check out the respective academic department’s website, course catalog, and other opportunities.

Tip #2 for University of Florida Supplemental Prompt #2

Show that you’ve done your homework! Check out the Honors Program ’s page and learn about all of the resources, courses, and opportunities that students have access to. Make specific references to the opportunities and even people (professors, mentors) that could help you maximize your learning experience in your academic area. And to some degree, work backwards: think about how the values of “opportunity, community, and challenge” have appeared in your life, and show how/why you connect to those values because of your experiences.

Special thanks to Ameer for writing this blog post.

Ameer Drane

Ameer is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand. 

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What Does the University of Florida Look for in Applicants?

By Eric Eng

What Does University of Florida Look for in Applicants?

Applying to college can be stressful and intimidating, especially when trying to get into a highly competitive school like the University of Florida. So, what does University of Florida look for in applicants? In this article, we’ll explore the various factors that UF considers in its admissions process and provide tips and insights for how you can make your application stand out.

The Importance of Academic Achievement in UF Admissions

The University of Florida is consistently ranked as one of the best public universities in the country, and with an acceptance rate of just over 30%, getting in is no easy feat.  Academic achievement is a key factor that UF considers in its admissions process.

When reviewing applications, the admissions committee of the University of Florida looks at a variety of academic factors, including your high school GPA , the rigor of your coursework, and your standardized test scores.

UF is known for its rigorous academic programs, and the admissions committee wants to see that you have the academic foundation and ability to succeed in such an environment.

If you’re applying to UF, focusing on your academics throughout high school is important. Take challenging courses that will prepare you for college-level work, and aim to maintain a high GPA. Additionally, UF requires either the ACT or the SAT for admissions, so preparing for and performing well on these tests is crucial.

However, academic achievement is not the only factor that UF considers in its admissions process. The university also values extracurricular activities, community involvement, and leadership experience. These factors can demonstrate your ability to balance academics with other responsibilities and showcase your potential to contribute to the UF community.

Furthermore, UF offers a variety of resources to support students in their academic pursuits. From tutoring services to study abroad programs, UF provides opportunities for students to enhance their education and broaden their perspectives.

By taking advantage of these resources, students can further demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence and personal growth.

The Role of Extracurricular Activities in UF Admissions

While academic achievement is certainly important, it’s not the only thing the University of Florida looks at in its admissions process. The university also values well-rounded applicants with a passion for extracurricular activities and a commitment to their communities.

When reviewing applications, the University of Florida looks for applicants who have participated in extracurricular activities that showcase their interests and talents. This can include anything from sports and music to community service and leadership positions. The key is to find activities you’re genuinely passionate about and stick with them over time.

Extracurricular activities demonstrate a student’s interests and talents and provide valuable skills and experiences that can be applied in college and beyond.

For example, participating in a debate team can improve critical thinking and public speaking skills. Volunteering at a local hospital can also provide exposure to the healthcare field and develop empathy and compassion. The University of Florida looks at the value of these experiences and encourages applicants to highlight them in their applications.

UF’s Admissions Process: A Comprehensive Overview

UF’s admissions process can seem complex and mysterious, but it doesn’t have to be. To better understand what the process entails, let’s break it down step by step.

The first step in the UF admissions process is to submit your application . The application consists of several components, including your personal information, academic history, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. You’ll also need to submit your official test scores and transcripts.

Once your application is received, it will be reviewed by the admissions committee. This process can take several weeks, so be patient! If your application meets UF’s academic and extracurricular standards, you’ll be invited to interview with a member of the admissions committee. This interview is your opportunity to showcase your personality, interests, and motivations.

After the interview, you’ll receive a decision from UF. If you’re accepted, congratulations! If not, don’t despair – plenty of great colleges and universities are still out there.

It’s important to note that UF also offers a variety of resources to help students navigate the admissions process. These resources include campus tours, information sessions, and virtual events. Attending these events can give you a better sense of what UF has to offer and help you decide whether it’s the right fit for you.

Additionally, UF has a holistic admissions process, which means that they take into account more than just your grades and test scores. They also consider your extracurricular activities, community involvement, and personal background.

This means that even if your grades aren’t perfect, you can still be accepted if you demonstrate that you’re a well-rounded and motivated individual.

How to Stand Out in the UF Application Pool

So, how can you make your application stand out from the thousands of others that UF receives? Here are a few tips:

• Focus on your academics. Take challenging courses, maintain a high GPA, and perform well on standardized tests.
• Participate in extracurricular activities that showcase your interests and talents.
• Be genuine in your personal statement and interviews. Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
• Ask for strong letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who know you well.

Another way to stand out in the UF application pool is to demonstrate leadership skills. This can be achieved by taking on leadership roles in clubs or organizations, volunteering in your community, or even starting your own project or initiative.

Additionally, UF values diversity and inclusivity. If you have a unique background or perspective, highlight it in your application. This can include cultural experiences, overcoming challenges, or advocating for social justice causes.

Tips for Writing a Strong UF Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the most important components of your UF application, as it gives the admissions committee a window into your personality, motivations, and aspirations. Here are a few tips for writing a compelling personal statement:

• Be specific and detailed. Don’t just tell the admissions committee that you’re interested in science – show them how you’ve pursued that interest over time.
• Be authentic. Don’t try to write what the admissions committee wants to hear – write from your heart.
• Use concrete examples to illustrate your points.
• Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that your personal statement should not just be a list of your accomplishments or experiences. Instead, it should provide insight into your identity and how those experiences have shaped you. Don’t be afraid to share personal anecdotes or reflect on challenges you’ve faced – these can often be the most powerful parts of your statement.

What UF Looks for in Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation can provide valuable insights into your character, academic ability, and potential for success at UF. When selecting recommenders, choose people who know you well and can speak to your strengths and qualities.

UF prefers letters of recommendation from teachers or other academic mentors, but it’s also acceptable to submit letters from non-academic sources, such as employers or community leaders.

It’s important to note that the University of Florida looks at quality over quantity regarding letters of recommendation. Submitting many letters may not be beneficial if they do not provide meaningful insights into your abilities and character.

Additionally, UF encourages applicants to provide their recommenders ample time to write and submit their letters, as rushed or incomplete letters may not be as effective in showcasing your strengths.

Understanding UF’s Test Score Requirements for Admissions

UF requires either the ACT or the SAT for admissions and generally prefers applicants who score in the top 25% or higher on these tests. Remember that UF super scores both the ACT and the SAT, meaning they’ll take your highest subscores from different test dates and combine them into a new, higher score.

If you’re not satisfied with your test scores, don’t worry – there are plenty of resources and strategies for improving your performance. Consider taking a test prep course, working with a tutor, or taking practice tests to build your skills and confidence.

It’s important to note that UF also considers other factors besides test scores when making admissions decisions. These factors include your high school GPA, the rigor of your coursework, extracurricular activities, and any leadership or community service experience you may have.

Additionally, UF offers a test-optional admissions pathway for students who may not have had the opportunity to take the ACT or SAT or who feel that their test scores do not accurately reflect their academic potential. If you choose to apply test-optional, UF will place greater emphasis on your other application materials, such as your essays and letters of recommendation.

How the University of Florida Considers Diversity in the Admissions Process

UF is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community of students and considers various factors related to diversity in its admissions process. These factors may include your race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and more.

That being said, it’s important to note that UF does not use quotas or affirmative action in its admissions process – each application is evaluated holistically on its own merits.

In addition to the abovementioned factors, UF considers geographic diversity in its admissions process. This means the university seeks to admit students from various regions within Florida and across the United States.

Furthermore, UF values diversity not only in its student body but also in its faculty and staff. The university seeks to recruit and retain individuals from diverse backgrounds to ensure a well-rounded and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Preparing for Your UF Admissions Interview: What to Expect and How to Impress

The UF admissions interview is your opportunity to showcase your personality, motivations, and suitability for UF. Here are a few tips for preparing and impressing your interviewer:

• Research UF thoroughly beforehand, and prepare to discuss why you’re interested in attending.
• Practice answering common interview questions.
• Dress professionally and arrive on time.
• Be friendly, confident, and engaged.
• Prepare to ask questions of your own. A good interviewer is always curious!

During the interview, it’s important, to be honest and authentic. Don’t try to be someone you’re not; this will come across as insincere. Instead, highlight your strengths and experiences that make you a good fit for UF.

Remember that the interview is a two-way conversation. Use this opportunity to learn more about UF and the admissions process. Ask questions about the campus culture, academic programs, and student life. This will show your interviewer that you have a genuine interest in attending UF and have taken the time to research the school.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the University of Florida Application Process

Applicants make several common mistakes in the UF application process that can hurt their chances of acceptance. Here are a few things to avoid:

• Submitting an incomplete application.
• Procrastinating on your application or essays.
• Being dishonest or inauthentic in your personal statement or interviews.
• Ignoring UF’s academic standards and test score requirements.
• Choosing recommenders who don’t know you well.

Aside from the aforementioned mistakes, there are other things that applicants should keep in mind when applying to UF. One of the most important things is to make sure that you have thoroughly researched the university and its programs. This will help you to tailor your application to UF’s specific requirements and demonstrate your interest in the school.

Another important factor to consider is your extracurricular activities. UF values well-rounded students who have involvement in their communities and have various interests. Make sure to highlight your extracurricular activities in your application and explain how they have shaped you as a person.

Navigating the Transfer Application Process at the University of Florida

Transferring to UF can be a great option for students who want to change schools or complete their degree at a different institution. The transfer application process is similar to the freshman application process, but there are a few key differences.

When applying as a transfer student, the University of Florida will look at your requirements like college transcripts, GPA, extracurricular activities, and honors or awards you’ve received. You’ll also need to submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation.

If you’re considering transferring to UF, it’s important to plan ahead and work closely with your current college’s academic advisors to ensure that you’re taking the courses that will transfer over. You’ll also want to research UF’s deadlines and requirements thoroughly.

It’s worth noting that UF has a limited number of spots available for transfer students each year, so that that competition can be fierce. However, UF offers transfer students resources and support, including transfer orientation programs and academic advising.

The Benefits of Early Admission to the University of Florida

Applying early to UF can have several benefits, including increased chances of acceptance and early consideration for scholarships and financial aid. UF offers two early application options: Early Action and Priority Admission.

An Early Action is a non-binding option that allows you to apply early and receive an admission decision by December 15th. If accepted, you’ll still have until May 1st to decide.

Priority Admission is a more competitive option that requires you to apply by November 1st and receive a decision by January 15th. This option is binding, meaning that if accepted, you’re committed to attending UF and withdrawing your applications from other schools.

Ultimately, the decision to apply early to UF is a personal one that will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. Consider the benefits and drawbacks carefully before making your decision.

One benefit of applying early to UF is that it can reduce the stress and uncertainty of the college application process. By applying early, you’ll receive a decision sooner and have more time to plan for your future. Additionally, if accepted early, you can focus on enjoying your senior year of high school without worrying about college admissions.

Another advantage of early admission to UF is that it can give you an edge in the job market. Employers often view early admission as a sign of initiative and dedication, making you a more attractive candidate for internships and job opportunities. By getting a head start on your college education, you’ll also have more time to gain valuable experience and build your resume.

Getting into the University of Florida is no easy feat, but it’s certainly possible with the right preparation and mindset. Focus on building a strong academic foundation, pursuing your passions through extracurricular activities, and showcasing your genuine personality through your personal statement and interviews.

By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of acceptance and set yourself up for success throughout your college career and beyond.

It’s important to note that the university values diversity and inclusivity. The University of Florida looks at students from various backgrounds and experiences to create a vibrant and dynamic campus community. Don’t be afraid to highlight your unique qualities and perspectives in your application – it could be the factor that sets you apart from other applicants.

Lastly, remember that getting into college is just the beginning. It is up to you to make the most of your experience after you get accepted. Take advantage of the resources and opportunities available, whether joining a club, studying abroad, or conducting research with a professor. Your time at the UF will be what you make of it, so make it count!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the college admission process? Look no further! AdmissionSight is here to guide you toward success. With our specialized college admission consultation service, we offer personalized assistance tailored to your unique goals and aspirations.

Our experienced consultants will provide expert advice on crafting a standout application, selecting the right colleges, and navigating the complex admissions world. Don’t let stress hold you back—let AdmissionSight be your trusted partner on your journey to higher education. Contact us today to take the first step toward a brighter future.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, university of florida admission essay advice.

Hey guys! I'm working on my application for the University of Florida, and I need some advice for my admission essay. What are some styles or techniques that have worked well for others? Any help would be appreciated!

Hello! It's awesome that you're working on your admission essay for the University of Florida. Here are some styles and techniques to consider when crafting your essay:

1. Storytelling: Start with a compelling anecdote or a specific moment from your life that highlights your personality, achievements, or values. This can help create an engaging and memorable narrative for your essay.

2. Be authentic: Let your true self shine through by being honest in describing your personal experiences and how they've shaped you. Avoid over-exaggerating or fabricating details to impress the admissions committee.

3. Be reflective: Use the experience you've chosen as a vehicle to express your growth, values, and the lessons you've learned. Show the reader how it's played a significant role in shaping the person you are today.

4. Keep it focused: Make sure your essay is clearly focused on one main theme or idea. While you might have multiple experiences worth sharing, pick the one that most effectively demonstrates your qualities and relates to the prompt.

5. Show, don't tell: Use descriptive language and vivid details to paint a picture for the reader. Rather than simply stating that you're a determined person, show them through an example of a challenge you've faced and how you overcame it.

6. Be concise and organized: Make sure your essay is well-structured and within the word limit. Break your text into clear paragraphs, and be mindful of using transitions to help them flow smoothly.

7. Revise and edit: Allow yourself plenty of time to revise and edit your essay before submission. Ask someone you trust, such as a teacher, counselor, or family member, for feedback on your essay. They might catch errors you may have overlooked or provide valuable insights on the content.

Also, be sure to check out this CollegeVine article full of advice on tackling the UF essay prompts: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-florida-essays

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all formula for a great admission essay, so focus on what would make yours unique and memorable. Good luck with your application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

University of Florida 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Activity

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

What would your life be mundane without? Elaborate on an activity, responsibility, or passion that is meaningful to you. Unlike an activities resume entry, this should be expanded to reflect your priorities, worldview, and sense of purpose. Do you babysit your cousins when your aunt gets called into work? How does it feel to support your family members in this way and what does the phrase, “it takes a village,” mean to you? Do you foster rescue cats until they find their forever homes? What does this hobby mean to you? Maybe you inherited your animal love from your dad who used to work as a farmhand. Use your experiences to tell admissions something about you they wouldn’t already know from your list of extracurriculars. What gives your life meaning? Why do you wake up in the morning? What are you working toward?

Honors College Only:

As albert einstein once said, “the important thing is not to stop questioning. curiosity has its own reason for existing.” reflecting on this, what academic subjects, learning opportunities, or extracurricular activities are you most excited to engage in during your college experience how do you imagine or hope the uf honors program will help feed your curiosity and help you achieve your aspirations (400 words).

This is a classic Why Essay even if it’s not incredibly obvious, although rather than asking only about your interest in the university in general, UF also wants to know why you are applying for the Honors Program. This essay calls for—say it with us now—research! Block off a solid hour or two to noodle around UF’s website , looking at the courses, clubs, research opportunities, study abroad experiences, musical ensembles, intramural sports teams, or anything else about the school that attracts you. The prompt focuses on curiosity, so mention every aspect that appeals to you in a college experience, even if they don’t connect elegantly into one major or focus. Take some time to learn about the Honors Program in particular, noting which courses, student activities, teaching assistantships, or retreats will help quench your thirst for discovery and prime you to reach your personal, academic, and professional goals. How does UF in general and the Honors Program in particular fit your hopes, dreams, and expectations for your college experience and beyond?

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Nailing the UF Supplemental Essays for the 2023-2024 Admissions Cycle

The college application process is a crucial period in any student's life, and when it comes to the University of Florida (UF), this process includes crafting a captivating set of supplemental essays. In this blog post, we will offer targeted, step-by-step guidance to ace each University of Florida essay prompt.

General Prompt

Please submit a personal essay about who you are. We suggest a limit of 500 words.

This is your opportunity to tell your story in your own unique voice. Who are you as an individual? What experiences have shaped you, and what do you value most? Be sure to weave in your personality, values, and motivations. This essay is broad, but the key is to be authentic and introspective.

Example Essay

I come from a vibrant cultural melting pot nestled within the sun-kissed landscapes of Miami, Florida, where my Cuban heritage and American upbringing intersect. The enchanting salsa music echoing down the streets, my grandmother's tantalizingly spiced arroz con pollo, and the passionate baseball debates at the local café - these elements of my Cuban heritage provide a rhythm and warmth to my everyday life. Simultaneously, the annual traditions of roasting a Thanksgiving turkey or watching the Fourth of July fireworks paint the canvas of my American identity. These diverse cultural threads have woven the tapestry of my values and perspective, celebrating resilience, diversity, and tradition.

As I anticipate my journey at the University of Florida, I aim to contribute to the rich diversity of the campus community. I am particularly intrigued by the Multicultural & Diversity Affairs Program. The prospect of fostering meaningful cross-cultural dialogues through this initiative aligns closely with my personal goals and cultural background.

Optional Prompts

Describe a time when you made a meaningful contribution to others in which the greater good was your focus. Discuss the challenges and rewards of making your contribution. (450 words)

Here, UF wants to understand your community involvement and ethical values. Choose a specific moment when you positively impacted others. Discuss the challenges faced, solutions found, and the rewarding outcomes. Demonstrate your growth and commitment to contributing to the greater good.

When Hurricane Irma mercilessly ripped through my hometown of Miami in 2017, it left in its wake a trail of destruction. The poorer neighborhoods, including my own, bore the brunt of the calamity. Amid the chaos, I felt a deep-rooted urge to contribute to my community. Using my high school as a platform, I coordinated a relief drive, urging my peers to donate food, clothes, and their time.

Organizing such an endeavor was not without its hurdles. Power outages disrupted communication, making coordination a significant challenge. Despite the logistical problems, the community response was astounding. We gathered a sizable amount of supplies, enough to assist over 100 families. Witnessing my community unite in the face of adversity and knowing my role in facilitating that unity was a reward in itself. This endeavor reaffirmed my commitment to community service and is a value I intend to bring to the University of Florida, especially through initiatives like the Gator Good.

Has there been a time when you've had a long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the challenge affect your beliefs? (450 words)

This prompt seeks to gauge your ability to handle intellectual challenges and personal growth. Choose a belief, explain why you held it, discuss the event that challenged it, and delve into the aftermath. This essay showcases your ability to adapt, learn, and evolve.

As a product of a devout Catholic family, my religious faith was an integral part of my identity. However, a close friendship with an agnostic classmate put my long-cherished beliefs under a new lens. Our stimulating dialogues revolving around faith, science, and morality invoked in me a sense of discomfort, yet these conversations were enlightening.

To reconcile my faith with the emerging questions, I turned to literature, reading about theology and secular humanism. Rather than eroding my faith, this intellectual journey deepened it, lending it a nuanced, empathetic, and more tolerant nature. I learned the significance of open dialogue, the strength in acknowledging differences, and the beauty of diversity. I aim to bring this attitude of acceptance and respect for differing viewpoints to UF's multicultural campus.

Prompts for Specific Schools

Each college within UF has its own prompt. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your clear interest in your chosen field and how studying it at UF will benefit you.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Describe a problem in your life. Include how you dealt with it and how it influenced your growth. (400 words)

For this prompt, think about a significant challenge or problem in your life, how you approached it, and how it influenced your personal development. It allows you to display your problem-solving skills and resilience. Link this back to your academic pursuits within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

When my younger brother was diagnosed with dyslexia, my family and I found ourselves navigating a maze of challenges. In addition to managing my school work, I found myself tutoring my brother, researching his condition, and grappling with my feelings of helplessness. Instead of being overwhelmed, I chose to confront the problem proactively. I dedicated myself to understand dyslexia and developed a personalized learning plan for my brother.

This incident provided me with first-hand experience of the power of personalized learning and ignited my interest in psychology and cognitive science. I look forward to delving into these subjects at UF’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Cognitive Psychology and Developmental Science courses seem particularly interesting, aligning perfectly with my academic aspirations.

College of the Arts: Describe an experience that has shaped your artistic practice. (400 words)

UF wants to understand your artistic journey. Describe a significant artistic experience, how it shaped your craft, and why it matters. Connect this to the offerings of the College of the Arts, highlighting specific programs or opportunities that you are excited about.

Witnessing Frida Kahlo's "The Two Fridas" for the first time was an experience of profound artistic awakening for me. Kahlo’s raw portrayal of emotional pain and inner turmoil resonated deeply with me, inspiring me to view art as a potent vehicle for personal expression and social commentary. This interaction with Kahlo's masterpiece was transformative for my artistic style and approach, leading me to explore themes of identity and cultural dichotomy through vibrant colors and symbolic elements.

The University of Florida's College of the Arts offers the ideal environment for me to further hone my artistic skills and broaden my conceptual understanding. The Art and Social Change course is particularly appealing to me, promising a rich exploration of the interplay between art, society, and transformation.

The key to excelling in these UF essays is to be reflective, personal, and precise. Illustrate why you are an ideal fit for UF and how UF is the perfect environment for you to achieve your goals.

Good luck, future Gators!

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Application Process

Any student applying to the University of Florida through  freshman admissions  can apply concurrently to the Honors Program. Using the Common Application for UF admissions, prospective Honors students should complete the additional Honors essay as indicated in the application. 

Note that students cannot go back and complete the Honors essay after submitting their UF application. Students must apply to the Honors Program to be considered for the  Lombardi and Stamps Scholarships . Only students who apply to the University of Florida by the November 1 deadline will be considered for the Honors Program.

Timeline for 2023-2024 Cycle

• August 8 : Application opens via the Common Application
• November 1 : UF application deadline
• November 15 : Student Self-Reported Academic Record due to the Office of Admissions
• December 1 : ACT / SAT test scores due to the Office of Admissions
• February 23 : Admissions decision notification. Honors applicants will see one of the following decisions:
• Accepted into UF and the Honors Program: Students accepted to both
• Accepted into UF: Students accepted to UF but not the Honors Program
• Not accepted into UF
• May 15 : $200 tuition deposit and confirmation deadline to UF. Students must confirm to UF by this date in order to confirm their place in the Honors Program. There is not a separate Honors confirmation. (Please note: The confirmation deadline was extended from May 1 to May 15 by the University's Office of Admissions.)
• July 15 : Send official transcripts to UF

Review process

The Honors admissions review process is coordinated by the Office of Admissions .

The Office of Admissions uses the information from the Honors essay to complete the selection process. Both objective information such as high school GPA and standardized test scores, and subjective information from the UF application (e.g. essay and other supplemental information) are also included in their review.

Please note that students accepted to UF Online are not eligible for Honors Program admission.

2023 Admitted Student Profile

Acceptance rate: 12.6%.

• 14,089 applicants
• 1,778 admitted

Middle 50 percent:

• GPA: 4.5 - 4.7
• ACT: 33 - 35
• SAT: 1480 - 1550

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University of Florida (UF) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the University of Florida supplemental essays? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the University of Florida supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging UF supplemental essays and maximize your chances of admission. If you need help responding to the UF essay topics, create your free  account  or  schedule a free advising assessment  by calling (844) 343-6272.

University of Florida Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• UF has an acceptance rate of 31.0%— U.S. News  ranks the University of Florida as a  highly selective  school.
• There is  one  school-specific UF supplemental essay required for all applicants. If you are planning to apply to the UF Honors Program, you will complete an additional  two  UF essays. This means applicants to the UF Honors Program will complete a total of three UF supplemental essays.

Does the University of Florida have supplemental essays?

Yes. Whether you apply through the  Common App  or  Coalition App , you will respond to at least one UF essay prompt. Your UF admissions essay lets the admissions team learn more about you as they review your application.

Any freshman applying through the Common App or Coalition App also can apply to FHP, the University of Florida’s First-Year Honors Program. In addition to the required UF admissions essay, students applying to FHP must complete two additional UF supplemental essays.

While some schools handle honors admissions separately, UF includes all application materials for FHP in the standard UF application. This includes every UF admissions essay. Students completing the UF supplemental essays for the Honors Program, therefore, will submit all three UF essays through the Common or Coalition App. This means that you must complete the UF essays for the Honors Program before you submit your final application.

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay  guide .

How many supplemental essays does the University of Florida have?

There are  three  total University of Florida supplemental essays included on the 2021-2022 application.

The University of Florida has  one  UF essay prompt every student is required to complete. Additionally, if you choose to apply to their Honors Program, you must write another  two  UF supplemental essays. The first required UF essay prompt asks about your extracurricular engagements. In contrast, the UF essay topics for the Honors Program ask about your interest in the program and your academic priorities.

Before writing your essays, you’ll want to have an idea of your intended major. If you haven’t already, use our College Search Feature to explore the wide range of majors offered at UF!

How do I write the University of Florida supplemental essays?

Here are some helpful tips to help you get started on the University of Florida supplemental essays!

To begin, the University of Florida supplemental essays give you an opportunity to showcase what motivates you, which academic topics interest you, and how you engage with the world around you. Therefore, think of the UF supplemental essays as your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions team on your own terms.

As you brainstorm the UF essay topics, remember your audience. Admissions officers read thousands of UF supplemental essays. Ultimately, if you are vague, superficial, or misleading, your UF essays won’t help the UF admissions team understand who you are. To maximize your UF supplemental essays’ impact, you’ll want to be as specific, genuine, and authentic as possible.

If you’re having trouble finding topics for your UF essays, don’t worry! We will discuss each UF essay prompt individually below. But first, here are some more technical tips to keep in mind when writing your University of Florida supplemental essays.

Overall, the most important thing your University of Florida supplemental essays should do is answer the UF essay prompt. Even if you write a perfect UF admissions essay, it has failed to serve its main purpose if it doesn’t answer every aspect of the prompt.

Each of the University of Florida supplemental essays has a maximum word limit. In each essay, make sure to stick to the word limit and use your space wisely. For example, if you find yourself quoting someone famous or writing about a friends’ experiences, ask yourself how it relates back to you. In fact, the more “you” that you include in your UF admissions essay, the better!

The admissions team reads countless UF essays every year. This makes it particularly important that your UF admissions essay is as clear and polished as possible. Essentially, the more straightforward and refined your writing is, the more easily your ideas and personality will shine through! For this reason, you’ll want to be sure to give yourself enough time to draft, revise, and proofread your University of Florida supplemental essays.

Below, we have provided the 2021-2022 UF admissions essay prompts. Along with the prompts, you’ll find a breakdown of how to approach each UF admissions essay. As a bonus, we included both the general UF essay prompt and the Honors Program prompts. Additionally, we’ll also discuss tips for narrowing down your UF essay topics. If you follow these tips, you’ll write University of Florida supplemental essays that will help you stand out in admissions.

University of Florida Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required)

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

To start, this UF essay prompt asks you to choose your single “most meaningful commitment.” Even if multiple experiences pop into your head, you must narrow your UF essay topic down to just one commitment. The best University of Florida supplemental essays will use one commitment to reveal fundamental aspects of an applicant’s identity.

If you need help choosing your UF essay topics, try making a list using UF’s suggested categories. These include: Extracurricular, Work, Volunteering, Academic Activity, Family Responsibility, Other. While writing, remember that this list can include a sport you’ve played, a job you’ve held, or even a responsibility toward a sibling. Once you’ve completed your list, circle three to five topics that engage you most. Do a five-minute free-write for each. If there’s a topic you can’t stop writing about, there’s a good chance that might be your most meaningful commitment!

Once you’ve selected your essay topic, you can consider the rest of the UF essay prompt. This first UF essay prompt is quite open-ended, which gives you plenty of opportunities to showcase your identity. While “Please provide more details” isn’t very specific, remember that your UF admissions essay is an opportunity for the admissions team to get to know you. As you write, make sure to always connect your topic back to who you are.

Struggling to answer this UF essay prompt? Here are some questions to guide your response:

What did I do?  Be specific. If your topic is a sport, like basketball, discuss details of playing basketball that your reader might not know. For instance, you might describe waking up at 6 am for practice, practicing drills and collaborating with teammates, or performing under the pressure of a crowd.

Why did I do it?  What was the motivation behind your commitment? Let’s continue with the basketball example. Is basketball something you and your little brother grew up playing together? Does playing a sport help with your anxiety? Were you inspired by a certain professional athlete? Including the reason why you pursue the activity will strengthen your response to this UF essay prompt.

What did I take away from this commitment? Learning happens in all places. While this UF admissions essay asks you to describe an activity outside the classroom, asking “what did I learn?” will help take your response to this UF essay prompt from a summary into a story. Maybe you discovered a new passion, a new skill, or a new way of problem-solving. Maybe your commitment to basketball translated into commitment in your classes? Or maybe the teamwork you cultivated in practice changed the way you helped your family at home?

As you expand upon your UF essay topics, think about how your commitment shaped who you are. This will give you a compelling ending to your UF admissions essay.

UF Supplemental Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does my UF admissions essay reference one (not two, or three) commitment outside of my classes?
• Does my essay show why this is important to me?
• Do I show how I engaged in this activity?
• Does my essay reflect what I gained from this experience?

University of Florida Honors Program Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required)

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

The first step in tackling this UF essay prompt is to read about the UF Honors Program’s  3 Pillars of Value . As you think about your UF essay topics, ask yourself what about these pillars draws you to the program. Why are these ideals crucial to your college experience?

If you’re struggling to find specific details to discuss in your UF essays, think about your current situation. What are you missing in your high school academic career that you want to experience in college? If your classes aren’t challenging enough, you might want to talk about “challenge” and why the Honors Program would give you the academic rigor you need to reach your greatest potential. Or, if you feel you haven’t met many like-minded individuals in your high school, you might want to talk about “community” and why the Honors Program would provide opportunities to support and be supported by peers. If you aspire to do research or attend a graduate school, you might want to talk about “opportunity” and how the Honors Program will connect you with advisors to put you on track for those experiences.

Think about the future

While this brainstorm can help you begin choosing your UF essay topics, the Honors Program  Application Tips  reminds prospective students that this UF essay prompt is meant to be forward-facing. This means the admissions team wants to hear about what you imagine for your future rather than what you’ve completed in your past. This is where the second half of the UF essay prompt comes into play.

Imagine the Honors Program as a stepping-stone: what will you do in the Honors Program, and how will that help you reach your goals? Be sure to answer these questions with specific details about the Honors Program. For example, if your dream is to join the medical field, you might reference the Honors Program’s Pre-Health Coordinator and the Professional Development courses you will take to prepare you for medical school.

No matter what draws you to the Honors Program, remember to be specific, answer all four questions in the UF essay prompt, and proofread, proofread, proofread!

• Does my UF admissions essay reference specific details about the Honors Program?
• Do I include both why I am interested in the Honors Program and what I plan to do if I get in?
• Does my essay communicate why the Honors Program is important in reaching my academic goals?

University of Florida Honors Program Supplemental Essays – Question 2 (Required)

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

This UF essay prompt asks you to think along interdisciplinary lines to express your unique academic goals. This gives you a crucial opportunity to illustrate why you belong in an intellectually rigorous space like UF’s Honors Program.

Choosing a Topic

The first challenge of this UF essay prompt is to choose two topics that do not traditionally overlap. If you are having trouble choosing your UF essay topics, use your transcript and make a bulleted list of your classes divided into basic high school subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, and the Arts. Think about which classes on this list you most enjoyed, and start combining subjects with seemingly little relation. The more unorthodox your combination, the more unique your UF admissions essay will be. For example, if you first choose Statistics and Chemistry, you may want to keep brainstorming as those have quite a bit of overlap. However, if you choose Chemistry and Music, you’ll have a less traditional pair that will make for a fascinating UF admissions essay. Strong UF essays can come from unexpected places!

Choosing a Concern

Next, turn away from your academic interests and choose the societal, medical, or technological concern you’d like to address. Unlike some other UF essays, this UF essay prompt focuses on how you think rather than who you are. As you choose your concern, therefore, focus on how you will engage the topic rather than why it is important to you. Remember, you’ve chosen this topic because it needs to be addressed, and your reader knows that. If you have a specific, personal connection that impacts the way you view the problem (and will ultimately tackle it), keep your justification brief and always connect back to how you will engage with the topic at hand. The best UF essays will offer concrete, specific details on how an applicant plans to tackle their chosen concern.

As you complete your University of Florida supplemental essays, be sure to reference their Application Tips to ensure you have a strong application.

• Does my essay include two topics that I will combine to solve a problem (not one, not three)?
• Do I show how my two chosen topics inform and relate to one another?
• Does my essay reflect how I plan to engage with this topic (not just why I am interested)?

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

The University of Florida Honors Program is a highly challenging and therefore highly competitive program. Last year, the acceptance rate was 13%—well below the University’s acceptance rate. Students who are accepted have excellent scholarly credentials, are leaders in their communities, and plan to push themselves alongside their fellow Honors Gators.

It is important your University of Florida supplemental essays showcase why you belong in the Honors Program. Students accepted to the UF Honors program also have high test scores and GPAs as well as strong UF supplemental essays. You can read more about the 2020 Admitted Student Profile, the Honors review process, and the timeline for the 2021-2022 application cycle  here .

What are the requirements to get into the University of Florida?

Your University of Florida supplemental essays are only one element of your UF application. The University of Florida’s Admissions page provides a list of minimum  requirements for freshman applicants . That means you need to meet or exceed the following benchmarks to have a competitive application outside of your UF supplemental essays:

• Graduation:  You must be on track to graduate from a regionally accredited or state-approved secondary school or the equivalent (G.E.D., etc.).
• Academic Credits:  You need 16 academic units distributed across English, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Foreign Language.
• Grade Point Average:  Your cumulative GPA must be at least a C.
• Conduct:  You must have a record of good conduct. Any major issues may disqualify your application from being considered, regardless of your academic credentials.
• SAT or ACT:  You must submit test scores from the SAT and/or the ACT. If you have taken a test multiple times, UF will take the highest scores for each subsection and superscore to create the highest possible total score.

University of Florida Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

As you think about the University of Florida supplemental essays, remember that no single element of your application will determine your admissions results. The UF admissions team uses a  holistic review process , meaning they take everything into consideration: your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, background, and UF supplemental essays. Admissions will consider your UF supplemental essays alongside your other academic credentials to better understand who you are as a student and how you will enrich the University of Florida community. While your transcript and test scores reflect the kind of student you already are, your UF essays will help them see what kind of student you can become.

While writing the University of Florida supplemental essays can be time-consuming, remember your UF essays—including both your Personal Statement and your UF supplemental essays—are the one part of your application where you have complete control. Be sure to take your time and make your University of Florida supplemental essays as strong as they can be! Give yourself time to think about the UF essay topics before you get started. Consider what you’ve already included in the rest of your application and use the UF essays to share something new about who you are.

If the thought of distilling yourself into a few short essays seems daunting, spend some time daydreaming about what going to the University of Florida could mean to your future. Think about the possibilities and opportunities you are excited to take on. Let that excitement shine through in your UF supplemental essays. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on UF was written by Stefanie Tedards. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources, click  here . Want help crafting your University of Florida supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a no-cost advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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How to Write the University of Florida Supplemental Essays 2024–2025

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The University of Florida (UF) is a top-rated public university located in the city of Gainesville. Their many accomplished alumni include football player Tim Tebow Senator Marco Rubio; sportscaster Erin Andrews; and former Senator, current NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. If you’re looking for an acceptance letter, you’ll need to nail down your University of Florida supplemental essays. This article will take you through each prompt, including the honors program application prompt.

University of Florida’s 2024-2025 Prompts

There are a few different types of essays required by UF. However, there is only one prompt required for all applicants. That said, there are also three optional prompts that all applicants can elect to answer. You could choose to answer none of the three optional prompts, all of them, or any other combination. Lastly, there is one prompt that is required for applicants to the honors program. Note that this prompt has a longer word count than the others.

In this article, we’ll explain all of the University of Florida supplemental essays. If you’re only answering some of the prompts, feel free to skip around. All of the prompts are listed below. Let’s dive in!

All Applicants

Required : please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. this could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. (250 words or fewer), optional : do you have any employment or family obligations that limit your participation in extracurricular activities if so, please describe. (250 words or fewer), optional : have you participated in or been assisted in your college preparation and search by programs outside of classroom, such as educational talent search, take stock in children, upward bound, boys and girls club, etc. please provide the name of the program, details/benefits of your involvement, and how long your experiences continued. (250 words or fewer).

• Optional : Is there any additional information or extenuating circumstances the Admissions Committee should know when reviewing your application? Please provide more information in less than 250 words. (250 words or fewer)

Honors Program Applicants

As albert einstein once said, “the important thing is not to stop questioning. curiosity has its own reason for existing.” reflecting on this, what academic subjects, learning opportunities, or extracurricular activities are you most excited to engage in during your college experience how do you imagine or hope the uf honors program will help feed your curiosity and help you achieve your aspirations (400 words or fewer).

General Tips

Supplemental essays are never easy to write, but there are some general rules-of-thumb that can make the process a little easier. Here, we’ll dive into two tips in particular. The first is research, the second is authenticity.

Research is key to nailing your University of Florida supplemental essays. Any applicant who has a thorough understanding of the opportunities available to them at the University of Florida will fare better in the application process than any applicant who has thrown UF on their college list after simply reading their website. In your essays, you should mention, by name, specific programs, professors, extracurriculars, and so on that interest you.

These should be qualities of UF that aren’t just generally interesting, but are of particular interest to you. In other words, look up programs related to your intended major, professors who teach courses you might take, clubs you would want to join, etc. Researching UF before you begin to write these essays won’t just boost your level of detail on the page. It’ll also give you genuine reasons to be excited about attending the University of Florida. While less tangible, your motivation will shine through in your essays as excitement and passion. Moreover, it will be easier to get yourself to work on these essays if you’re genuinely excited about attending the University of Florida, because you understand what great opportunities will be available to you if you’re lucky enough to become a student there.

Authenticity

Authenticity is a word that’s thrown around a lot in the context of college essays. But what does it mean in practice? Following upon the point made about research in the section above, you need to have genuine motivations under your belt when you’re writing these essays. Moreover, you need to write about your real interests, experiences, and curiosities.

Admissions officers are highly capable readers who will be able to tell, in most cases, if a student is faking their interest in physics or the depth of their involvement in student government. It’s not worth your or anyone else’s time fabricating an interest or life experience that sounds good. Instead, think deeply about who you are, how you spend your time, and what you’ll bring to the table at UF. Then, write about these honest parts of yourself, with the requisite details included. Authenticity is the only way you can truly stand out from the crowd in the application process.

Now let’s break down the University of Florida supplemental essays specifically, prompt by prompt.

University of Florida Supplemental Essays: All Applicants

The following prompts apply to all applicants, but only the first is required.

As the one required prompt for all applicants, this is probably the most important of your University of Florida supplemental essays. For many applicants, this is the only prompt you’ll answer. When you read the prompt, it can be helpful to go phrase by phrase to break it down.

The prompt begins with, “Please provide more details.” The “more” in this phrase implies that you have already provided details. In this case, the prompt is referring to your activities list. The prompt continues, “Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school.” Evidently, the admissions team at UF wants to hear more about a commitment that appears elsewhere in your application .

Note that in the first sentence of this prompt, the word “meaningful” is used twice. Therefore, it’s your job to show the reader how and why the commitment you choose to explore in this essay is meaningful. To express this meaning, you need to be specific and personal. Why is this commitment meaningful to you ?

Notice how expansive the parameters of this prompt are. You can take the word “commitment” liberally. Not only could this commitment be “related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity,” but it could also be another type of commitment that has been meaningful to you in your high school years. If you’re having trouble coming up with the right commitment to explore, consider how you’ve spent the hours of your high school years. What did you spend the most time on outside of school? This is likely your ideal essay topic.

After answering the last essay question, you may feel that there are some parts of your life left untouched in your application. For instance, you may have spent meaningful time throughout your high school years caring for a younger sibling or working a part-time job. If that is the case, you may have also struggled to find time to take up a sport or join a club. Here is your opportunity to explain these obligations.

Some of the qualities admissions officers look for in applicants include maturity, work ethic, and empathy. If you worked a job or took care of family responsibilities for any significant amount of time in high school, you likely displayed (and continue to display) one or more of these qualities. With humility, consider the ways that you can demonstrate those qualities in this essay, like your other University of Florida supplemental essays.

This question only applies to applicants who have experience with the programs listed above. If so, you’ll want to be as specific as possible in your response. Not only should you name the program, but you should provide as many details as you are comfortable (and can fit in 250 words or fewer) regarding your involvement. The prompt also asks for the duration of your experience.

In addition, if you have strong opinions about your experience with the program, whether positive, negative, or something in between, you’ll may want to provide those opinions as well. Doing so will add layers to your short essay that may help the admissions team better understand you as a person.

Overall, this essay shouldn’t require any added pressure. Instead, it’s a useful opportunity for the admissions team to understand how their applicants navigate high school, choose to apply to UF, and put their applications together. As long as your response is honest and specific, you’ll give the admissions officers what they’re looking for.

Optional : Is there any additional information or extenuating circumstances the Admissions Committee should know when reviewing your application? If so, please provide more information in less than 250 words. (250 words or fewer)

For many applicants looking back at their applications, something seems missing. If there was a drop in your grades during sophomore year and nowhere else in your application did you have the opportunity to explain this situation, this essay is your chance.

If you faced a significant hardship in your personal life, perhaps you want to explore that hardship here. Or if you faced a financial or other barrier to participating in certain extracurricular activities (for instance, you were accepted into a selective academic summer camp but couldn’t afford to attend), then you may wish to provide those details in this essay.

The above are just a few of the many examples of topics you could write about in this essay. Before beginning your draft, think about your application as a whole. Does it truly show you as you are? As a student, classmate, friend, and family member? If so, then remember, this prompt is optional. But if not, you’ll want to provide details here. “Details” is a key word. You’ll need to be specific for the admissions team, who doesn’t necessarily know you very well, so they can fully understand the situation you choose to describe. Once again, be genuine and specific, and this essay has the potential to strengthen your application.

University of Florida Supplemental Essay: Honors Program Applicants

Note that this prompt is only required for honors program applicants.

Applicants to the honors program at the University of Florida are expected to be a level above the general applicant pool. These students are especially intellectually curious, motivated, and accomplished. In order to prove that you deserve a spot in the honors program, you are asked to write this additional essay.

Although it’s more work for the applicant, a successful honors program essay will pay off in the long run by giving the student access to greater resources and more individualized academic attention. Before you write this essay, you should read up on the particular opportunities available to you through the UF honors program . In this essay, you may want to mention specific opportunities at UF that will help you pursue your intellectual hunger further. Doing so will demonstrate to the admissions team your sincerity and commitment.

When the admissions team asks the above questions to honors program applicants, they are expecting to hear from students who know their interests and know how they will take advantage of UF’s resources once enrolled. Thus, it can be helpful to structure your essay around those elements.

For instance, you can start by describing one subject or topic that is intensely interesting to you. Then, envision how this interest will motivate your academic studies in college. Be specific and open-minded in your answer by naming particular resources you’ll seek support from without limiting yourself to a certain path. Whatever topic and essay structure you choose, do your research and let your words exude your passion. You’ve got this!

If you need help polishing up your University of Florida supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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New Regulation regarding High School/Associate of Arts

Students receiving their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) from a Florida College System (FCS) or State University (SUS) institution at the same time should complete the freshman application. If we are unable to offer you admission at the freshman level, you will be provided with the opportunity to have your application reconsidered as an upper-division transfer. Students admitted via transfer admission may have their offer of admission rescinded if they do not complete the required prerequisites and A.A. degree prior to enrollment. Note: Students who opt-in to be considered as an upper-division transfer student will not be required to submit official SAT or ACT scores.

Note: Your admission to UF as a transfer student is determined by the college and major to which you are applying.

Please upload an updated transcript to your status page when you have new grades while going through the application process.

Apply by the college deadline.

College and programs vary on admissions deadlines. Contact the college or refer to the deadlines.

Transfer applications generally are received six to nine months before the term begins.

Check for additional program requirements.

Limited access programs, teacher certification programs and programs requiring an audition generally require additional application materials. Contact your college for information on additional applications and materials.

You may apply to UF before you have completed all requirements provided you will meet all requirements for the term to which you are applying by the time you enroll. You may only apply to one major.

Complete your online application and pay the $30 nonrefundable application fee.

Transfer students apply to a specific college and major. Make sure you meet the college and major prerequisite courses and minimum GPA requirements.

Send us your transcripts.

Submit a transcript from each institution attended, regardless of the length of attendance or credit earned.

Applicants who receive an offer of admission should arrange to have official transcripts sent to the UF Office of Admissions from each postsecondary institution attended. If you attended UF as your postsecondary institution, you do not have to order a transcript from the Office of the University Registrar. Official transcripts can be sent to UF in two ways: paper transcript received by UF in a sealed envelope or electronic transcripts sent from your institution directly to UF, which can save up to two weeks’ response time. UF accepts electronic transcripts through FASTER, Parchment, National Student Clearing House, ScribbleSoft, e-Scrip Safe, Credential Solutions, SCOIR or Transcripts Plus.

All academic credentials become property of the university. They will not be returned to you or forwarded to a third party. For diplomas and academic credentials that are only issued once, send an attested or certified copy of the original.

Foreign language requirement.

If you have not successfully completed at least 8 sequential semester hours at the postsecondary level, submit documentation of two sequential courses of foreign language in secondary school or documentation of an equivalent level of proficiency.

Check your status.

• Two to four weeks after submitting your application and fee, you can check the status to make sure all the required application materials have been received.
• Log on to Check Application Status site with the same username and password used to submit your application through the CollegeNET website.
• The information you receive will identify the status of your application to UF, including what, if any, materials are missing and instructions on how to proceed. This is also where you can receive information about your admission decision.
• If you need to make any changes after submitting your application, email our transfer team at [email protected] .

THAT'S IT. YOU'VE APPLIED!