University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public · 59,146 undergrads
- Admit rate: 40.1% (60,627 applicants)
- SAT middle 50%: 1200–1350 (ACT 25–29)
- Undergraduates: 59,146 (2.9% international)
- Average net price: $10,411 (per year after aid)
- Graduation rate: 78% (within 6 years)
Deadlines
- Early Action: Oct. 15, 2026
- Regular Decision: May 1, 2027
Essays
Essay option 1 (optional) (250 words)
Why did you choose to apply to UCF?
Essay option 2 (optional) (250 words)
What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community?
Editor's notes
- Treat Oct. 15 as your deadline, and Nov. 15 for everything else. Early Action gets you a Dec. 4 decision and priority for merit money, which UCF says usually runs out by mid-January. A May 1 application is legal but late.
- Your scores matter here more than at most schools. UCF requires them, UCF's CDS rates them very important, and fall 2026 admits had a mid-range SAT of 1310-1420. If you're close, a retake before the Nov. 15 materials deadline is worth more than a polished activity list.
- Send the essay. It's optional, but the CDS ranks it important and nothing else in your file speaks for you: no recommendations, no interview, and nothing added after you submit. Two hundred fifty words, done well, is cheap insurance.
