University of Central Florida (UCF)
Orlando, Florida · Founded 1963
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SAT / ACT required
UCF requires an SAT, ACT or CLT score from first-year applicants; SAT and ACT scores must be from the last five years and CLT scores from July 1, 2023 or later. It superscores both the SAT and the ACT, combining your best section scores, and does not require the ACT science section for tests taken from April 2025, the ACT writing test or the SAT essay. For the class that entered in fall 2025, 74% of enrolled first-year students submitted an SAT score and 26% an ACT. In its Common Data Set the rigor of the high school record, academic GPA and test scores are rated Very Important, the essay Important and class rank Considered. Transfer applicants need scores only if they will have fewer than thirty transferable college credits. Source: ucf.edu - Freshman & First-Time-In-College, Freshman FAQ and Transfer Students; UCF Common Data Set 2025-2026, sections C7-C9 (verified October 2026).
About
A public metropolitan research university in Orlando and the largest university in Florida by enrollment, with about 60,000 undergraduates among more than 70,000 students. UCF offers 112 bachelor's programs in 12 colleges and names optics and lasers, modeling and simulation, engineering and computer science, hospitality management and video game design among the fields it leads in. Health is its largest field.
History
UCF was founded on June 10, 1963, to supply talent for Central Florida and the growing U.S. space program - one of America's first space universities - and in 1966 it was named Florida Technological University. Classes began on October 7, 1968, with 1,948 students, and campus streets such as Gemini Boulevard and Apollo Circle still recall that start. As the region's economy diversified, so did the school, and in December 1978 Governor Reuben Askew signed the law that renamed it the University of Central Florida.
What stands out
- A standardized test score is required, and UCF combines your best section scores across test dates
- Nonbinding early action closes October 15, with decisions on December 4; regular decision for fall runs on a rolling basis through May 1
- Meeting the early action deadlines gives priority for merit scholarships
- Some students are admitted for the summer or spring term instead of the fall
- DirectConnect to UCF guarantees admission to students who earn an associate degree at one of seven partner state colleges
Popular majors
Campus life
Students cheer for the Knights in the Big 12 Conference at the Acrisure Bounce House and Addition Financial Arena, and UCF counts more than 650 student clubs and organizations. Its best-known tradition is Spirit Splash, a homecoming pep rally in the Reflecting Pond, and the Knight-Thon dance marathon raises money each spring for a local children's hospital.