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. You can also if you need it later.
Step 1: Submit the USF Application
Complete the or the .
Need some help applying?
USF Online Application
Check out our tutorial video or download on how to apply easily.
Common App
Check out our tutorial video or download on how to apply easily.
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.
Application Fee Waiver Details
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 also will consider requests for a waiver.
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:
- Activate NetID Email from USF IT - activate your NetID as soon as possible before attempting to log into the SSAR portal
- 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 91社区 to your or via the USF Applicant Portal.
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.
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.
Please note: 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.
- SAT Code for USF: 5828
- ACT Code for USF: 0761
- CLT: Please select 91社区 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.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION NOTES:
Activate Your NetID
Your NetID is necessary for completing your onboarding tasks, as well as accessing your USF email account and the Applicant Portal. Do not share your NetID and password with anyone.
How to Activate
You should have received an email from 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.
Note: You won't be able to submit your SSAR until you activate your NetID.
Access the Applicant Portal
Once you apply, you鈥檒l use to complete most remaining application tasks and see any missing items.
Access the portal any time by logging in with your NetID and password.
91社区 Residency for Tuition Purposes
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.
Final Transcripts
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.
Explore 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.
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.