Admission Information
How to Apply | Freshman Students
You can apply for admission using USF鈥檚 online application or the Common App. USF does not have a preference between the two, so choose whichever application you would like.
Check out our deadlines to ensure you don't miss out on term selection, scholarships, campus choice and more.
APPLY IN FOUR EASY STEPS:
Ready to get started? Here鈥檚 everything you need to do to complete your application
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Submit Your Application
It all starts with an application! At USF, you can apply using our online application or apply to USF through the Common App.
Pay Your Application Fee
Pay the nonrefundable, $30 application fee or submit an ACT, CLT or SAT application fee waiver to admissions@usf.edu.
Step 3: Submit Your STARS
After you apply, you will need to fill out the Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS, formerly SSAR) or link the USF to your
If you have completed any high school coursework outside of the U.S., you may not need to complete the STARS. You will need to submit official transcripts from your institutions attended.
Test Score Notes to Remember
- Use USF's Code to send us your scores:
- SAT Code for USF: 5828
- ACT Code for USF: 0761
- CLT: Please select 杏吧性世界 from dropdown on CLT website
- Register with Your Legal Name: When you register for and take the SAT, ACT or CLT, make sure you use your legal name as it appears on your official high school transcripts so your test scores are accurately reported to USF.
- Superscoring: Students are only required to submit either SAT, ACT or CLT scores, but they are encouraged to submit one of each. USF superscores, meaning we consider your highest submitted section scores across all SAT, ACT and CLT test dates. Final admission decisions are made using only your highest cumulative scores.
- Accepted Test Score Submission: Scores must come directly from SAT, ACT and CLT testing services. USF will not accept scores from the Common App portal, your guidance counselor or PDF screenshot.
- Accepted Test Score Dates: Students applying for Summer or Fall admission must take the SAT, ACT or CLT before December for USF to receive scores in time for an admissions decision. Register for the tests early to give yourself the best chance at admission!
That鈥檚 it! Once you鈥檝e completed all four steps, the admissions team will take some time to review your file and render a decision. Now that you've applied, check out your next steps below to keep your application moving forward.
What's Next?
Apply to the Judy Genshaft Honors College
Once you apply to USF, you will also be able to apply to our prestigious Judy Genshaft Honors College. Explore the benefits of becoming an Honors student and submit your application if this experience interests you.
Submit Residency Documentation
When you apply to USF, the Office of Admissions uses information on your application to determine whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident. This classification is important because it sets your tuition rates.
Please note: students are informed of their residency status once admitted to the university.
Submit Final Transcripts After Graduation
USF doesn鈥檛 require you to submit transcripts when you apply. However, if admitted, your admission is contingent upon submitting final high school transcripts and any college transcripts showing dual enrollment coursework you鈥檝e completed.
Application Fee Waiver
We will waive your admissions application fee if you can show evidence that the fee creates severe financial hardship and serves as a deterrent to your ability to seek admission to USF. Please submit an original ACT, CLT or SAT Request for Deferral/Waiver of College Admission Application Fee Waiver Form.
Typically, you may secure this via your high school guidance counselor, who will send it to USF on your behalf. Although this is the easiest way to ensure the waiver of an application fee, the Director of Admissions will also consider requests for a waiver.
Questions?
We鈥檙e here to help! Check out our blog post, , for information on the most common inquiries, or reach out to us at any time.