Admission Information

How to Apply | Freshman Students

You can apply for admission using USF’s 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’s everything you need to do to complete your application package. You can also download our Freshman Application Steps Guide if you need it later.

Step 1: Submit the USF Application

Complete the USF online application or the Common App.

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Step 2: Pay the Nonrefundable Application Fee

Pay the nonrefundable, $30 application fee or submit an ACT, CLT or SAT application fee waiver to admissions@usf.edu.

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Step 3: Submit Your Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR)

Once you've activated your USF NetID, you will need to fill out the Student Self-Reported Academic Record.

After you submit your application, you will receive two emails within the next week to finish this step:

1. Activate NetID Email from USF IT - activate your NetID as soon as possible before attempting to log into the SSAR portal
2. Thanks for Applying Email from USF Admissions - this email will have your unique link to the SSAR portal to flil out your information. You can also access this link through your USF Applicant Portal.

Once you are in the portal, please list your high school courses and grades exactly as they appear on your transcript.

If you have already completed the SSAR, please link the University of South Florida to your SSAR account or via the USF Applicant Portal.

SSAR Portal Details

If you have completed any high school coursework outside of the U.S., you will not need to complete the SSAR. You will need to submit official transcripts from your institutions attended.

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Step 4: Submit Your SAT, ACT or CLT Scores

You will need to submit test scores directly from the testing service to be considered for admission.

• SAT Code for USF: 5828
• ACT Code for USF: 0761
• CLT: Please select University of South Florida from dropdown on CLT website

Test Score Notes to Remember:

• 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’s it! Once you’ve 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.

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Activate Your NetID

It’s important to activate your NetID since you will use it for a variety of tasks, such as viewing your tuition statement and financial aid, registering for courses, accessing your USF email account and checking the Admissions Portal. Do not share your NetID and password with anyone, and make sure you personally know your NetID name and password.

Note: You won't be able to submit your SSAR until you activate your NetID.

You should have received an email from USF Information Technology after you submitted your application with information on how to activate your NetID. The link to activate expires after 7 days, so if you need help with activation, contact the Information Technology Help Desk at 813-974-HELP (4357) or help@usf.edu.

Get to Know the Applicant Portal

Once you apply, you’ll use USF's Applicant Portal to complete most remaining application tasks. From here, you can see any missing items, upload documents, complete requested forms, check your application status and more. Access the portal any time by logging in with your NetID and password. 

You should receive an email from USF Information Technology after you submit your application with information on how to activate your NetID. If you have any NetID issues, please contact USF Information Technology at help@usf.edu. 

Applicant Portal

Understand the Residency Process

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.

If we don’t receive enough information on your application to determine residency, you will be classified as a non-Florida resident for tuition purposes. It’s very important to respond to requests for information about your residency as soon as possible. Learn more about how residency is determined and how to ensure you’re classified correctly. 

Please note: students are informed of their residency status once admitted to the university.

Residency Information

Submit Your Final Transcripts

USF doesn’t 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’ve completed. Learn more about how to submit your final transcripts. 

Submit Transcripts

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We’re here to help! Check out our blog post, Your Admissions Questions Answered, for information on the most common inquiries, or reach out to us at any time.