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
package.
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Pay Your Application Fee
Pay the nonrefundable, $30 application fee or submit an ACT, CLT or SAT application fee waiver request through the Applicant Portal.
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). Log in to your to complete your STARS submission.
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.
Step 4: Submit Your SAT, ACT or CLT Scores
Submit test scores directly from the testing service to be considered for admission.
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 深夜看片 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. 深夜看片 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
USF accepts requests to waive the application fee for students who submit evidence
that the fee causes significant financial hardship.
Please note: This is a request that will be reviewed and is not automatically granted upon submission
of documentation.
We encourage students to use preferred waiver forms from the Common App, College Board
(SAT), or ACT, though other waivers may be submitted and will be approved on a case-by-case
basis. You can usually obtain a waiver form from your high school guidance counselor,
who can send it to USF. The Director of Admissions may also review individual requests.
How to Upload Documents:
Submit all waiver materials through the Applicant Portal under 鈥淯pload Materials.鈥 PDFs are preferred; photos of hard-copy forms are discouraged.
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.