University of Florida or UF is a public institution of higher learning that was established in 1853. The highly esteemed university is home to 16 academic colleges and over 150 research facilities. UF is committed to producing graduates ready for the global economy, which is why thousands of students apply to it each year. Luckily for hopeful applicants, UF’s acceptance rates are not in the single digits. This fact notwithstanding, prospective students should work hard on crafting a winning application essay. Anyone who has tried writing such a piece knows that the process is complicated, frustrating, and daunting.
This article has been written by Florida Essay staff to get you off on the right foot in crafting a powerful application essay for the 2018-2019 admissions season. Read it to get some writing help and drastically increase your chances of getting into UF.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by essay writing requirements, let our specialists help you. They have assisted thousands of students with getting into UF. You can be next!
Acceptance Rate for University of Florida
University hopefuls entering the 2018 admission season know that the hardest thing about UF is getting in. Indeed, many students who apply online to the educational institution are rejected and their essay crafting efforts have been for naught. The acceptance rate of the institution is 42%, which means that the majority of prospective students who charge ahead to breach the walls of the university will not succeed. Fortunately, as has been mentioned above, the acceptance rate is not a single digit; therefore, applicants stand a solid chance of getting into the university of their dream. All they have to do is work hard on their personal statement essay. Keep reading to get the edge over other applicants.
University of Florida Application Requirements
The ever-increasing number of applicants along with the frantic climate of the current job market have driven UF acceptance rate to meager 42%. It means that in order to get accepted, you have to think and act fast. For starters, you must choose your start dates for online application:
- Fall application process and file completion deadlines are June 10, 2019 and July 8, 2019, respectively.
- Spring application process and file completion deadlines are October 1, 2018 and October 29, 2018, respectively.
- Summer application process and file completion deadlines are March 4, 2019 and April 1, 2019, respectively.
Note that application deadlines for university hopefuls living in areas impacted by Hurricane Michael have been extended to November 15th. Applicants resided outside these territories should meet the priority application deadline – November 1st.
If you are a freshman (a person with less than 12 college credits) who wants to benefit from the rich academic experience offered by UF, consider the following minimum admission requirements:
- An applicant should pay a non-refundable fee of $30 and a $7 processing fee.
- An applicant has graduated from a state or regionally-approved secondary school;
- An applicant has earned fourteen academic units: 4 years English, 4 years Mathematics, 3 years Natural Sciences, and 3 years Social Sciences;
- An applicant with two or more years of foreign language instruction or an equivalent level of proficiency will earn additional credits.
- C average as calculated by UF.
- 2.0 GPA for dual-enrollment students.
- Test scores should be submitted by applicants who graduated from a high school less than 5 years ago. Other applicants do not have to submit the scores.
- Before March 1, 2016 SAT (200-800): Reading 460 and Mathematics 460.
- After March 1, 2016 SAT (10-40): Reading 24, Writing 25, and Mathematics 24.
- ACT (1-36): Reading 19, Writing 17, and Mathematics 19.
Note that mixed scores from different tests will not be accepted.
5. Other Requirements- An applicant must provide a record of good conduct. A record of problematic student behavior can render an applicant ineligible.
UF Admissions Essay is a Key to College
Among all application requirements put forward by the Offices of Admissions an essay is probably the most important one. UF applicants are advised to stay within the 500-word limit when crafting their essays. In their essays and UF’s supplemental sections containing several short-answer style prompts, students are encouraged to be frank and direct. Check examples below to write an essay in which each word counts.
Unlike other prestigious institutions of higher learning, UF is not known for throwing off-the-wall essay topics like “tell us your favorite childhood book” (Kalamazoo College) or “what does #YOLO mean to you” (Tufts University). The University of Florida application essay example topics provided by the Offices of Admissions are pretty basic. Therefore, all you have to do is make sure your essay stands out among other submissions.
An example of great writing would have the following characteristics:- A first-person narrative is expected from UF applicants. Remember, your application essay is a story about you.
- A great essay shows what makes an applicant unique. Avoid boring and overused topics such as winnings or losses, friendships, pet deaths, etc.
- A powerful essay evokes vivid imagery and helps the readers to rise above the straight text. It tingles their senses.
- Application essays worth reading are not repetitive. Avoid restating information provided in the supplemental documents and/or your test scores.
- Essays that are not transferred into the rejection pile are appropriately professional. Do not use contractions and follow proper grammar.
Application to University of Florida
Many college hopefuls ask how to apply to UF. Fortunately, the online application procedure developed by the Offices of Admissions has made it easier than ever to submit your documents. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to finish and can be used for a nominal fee of $37. Online application menu can be accessed here.
UF Essay Topics and Word Limit
Your application essay to UF should not exceed the required 500-word count. As for the supplemental section, each prompt should be answered in 200 words or fewer. With such a short word limit, you have to be brief and precise.
The UF’s Offices of Admissions has presented the following application essay topics:- Tell a story showing your character.
- Describe an experience of making a meaningful contribution to others.
- Present a story about your cherished belief being challenged.
- What are the hardest and easiest experiences of being a teenager?
- Topic of your choice.
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