UCF Admissions Requirements

Looking into applying at UCF here. What are the primary admissions requirements I should be aware of? Besides the obvious (GPA, SAT/ACT scores), are there any specific criteria they look at? Particularly interested in info relevant to their Engineering programs.

At the University of Central Florida (UCF), the college considers several factors beyond your GPA and standardized test scores. Here's an overview:

1. Rigor of Secondary School Record: UCF values an applicant's performance in their academic curriculum, paying close attention to the types of courses taken in high school. Here, they are evaluating if you challenged yourself with AP classes, IB diploma, or Honors coursework. The level of challenging courses you undertook in high school sets the context for your GPA.

2. Academic GPA: UCF looks at both your overall high school GPA and your GPA in core academic subjects. Essentially, they want to see how well you've performed in your most challenging coursework.

3. Standardized Test Scores: While UCF considers SAT and ACT scores, they don't have a minimum score requirement. Keep in mind though, the more competitive your scores, the better.

Switching over to their College of Engineering and Computer Science, you can expect a few more requirements:

1. Prerequisites: Some engineering courses at UCF have certain prerequisites. For instance, a strong foundation in mathematics & science is needed to be successful in engineering programs. Typically, this could mean through Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus in high school, as well as Physics and Chemistry.

2. Engineering Essay: Although UCF's application doesn't typically require essays, some specific programs—including Engineering—may require additional essays or short answers. These would likely focus on your interest in the field, any relevant experiences you've had, and what you hope to do with your degree.

Lastly, involvement in extracurriculars related to your intended major can be an asset. For Engineering, membership or leadership in Science and Engineering clubs, participation in Robotics competitions, or relevant internships, may help demonstrate your commitment to this field.

Just remember that while these factors are important, UCF reviews applications holistically, meaning they consider all aspects of your application when making admission decisions. It's always beneficial to have a balance of solid academic performance coupled with well-rounded extracurricular activities. Best of luck with your application!