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College Essays

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The University of Central Florida, commonly known as UCF, is one of the largest colleges in the United States . Over 60,000 students are enrolled at UCF, but that doesn't mean it's super easy to get in— UCF has an acceptance rate of 36 percent , meaning they accept less than half of students who apply.

To set yourself apart from the crowd, you'll want to write a stellar UCF application essay. Don't think that the fact that these essays are optional means they're not important; they're an additional opportunity to show why you'll be a great addition to the student body!

In this guide, we'll cover all the details of the UCF essay prompts, including how to answer them, what UCF is looking for, and a step-by-step guide to make your essay as strong as it can be.

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What Should You Know About the UCF Application Essay?

Unlike many schools, only freshman students can use the Common Application to apply to UCF. Otherwise, students must use UCF's own application, which is also available to freshman students.

However, there are some differences between the two. UCF's website includes a recommendation , but not a requirement, for a supplemental essay based on two of four prompts, outlined below. However, the instructions for the essay include the phrase, "an essay assists the Admissions Committee in knowing you as an individual, independent of test scores and other objective data," so while they may not actually be required, you should write them as if they are.

The Common Application includes two questions that do not appear on the UCF application , and reports from students suggest that UCF sends a follow-up email with instructions for how to complete the supplemental essays. The essays on the Common Application are flagged as optional, but, as with the UCF application, you should answer them as if they're required to be on the safe side.

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What Are the UCF Application Essay Prompts?

Though the UCF essays aren't technically required according to the college's website, it's strongly suggested that you complete them. They're an opportunity to flesh out your application with a more complete picture of yourself, which is valuable to both UCF and you.

UCF has four essay prompts to choose from and instructs students to respond to two. According to previous applicants, UCF accepts those responses in one combined essay or in two separate statements.

The responses, whether in one single essay or in two essays, should total no more than 500 words or 7,000 characters combined . Be sure that your essay or essays fall below both the word and character count.

UCF has four essay prompts for you to choose from, though you only need to answer two of the prompts. The questions can either be answered in one essay or two, depending on which you prefer.

UCF Essay Prompt 1: The Obstacle Prompt

If there has been some obstacle or bump in the road in your academic or personal life, please explain the circumstances.

With this prompt, UCF is giving you an opportunity to explain any parts of your application that may not be as impressive as you'd like them to be. Many students aren't able to commit to extracurriculars as deeply as they'd like because of financial problems or because they need to work or otherwise help out their family. Other times, students may not be able to keep their grades up as well as they'd like due to family illness or other obstacles that can make staying on top of homework difficult.

Circumstances like these are out of your control but can cause hiccups in your education, which might not look good to colleges. This prompt gives you space to explain that, giving UCF a better picture of who you are as a student.

So if you've encountered any hardship that's had an impact on your education, it's smart to take advantage of this essay question and explain it. If your grades dipped in junior year because you had to pick up an after-school job to help your parents out, let UCF know! Not only does that explain changes to your grades, but it also demonstrates responsibility. If you can explain your GPA based on outside circumstances, take advantage of the opportunity and do so.

Be honest about challenges you've faced, and accept responsibility for things that you could have done better. Your answer to this question should demonstrate anything you've learned from the experience and how you've grown rather than just shifting blame to outside circumstances. Don't stop at writing about what happened—continue on to answer what you did about it.

However, be sure that what you write about is an actual hardship. Being bored with your classes or being more invested in something else, such as an extracurricular activity, doesn't qualify—this question is asking for obstacles outside of your control.

UCF Essay Prompt 2: The Family History Prompt

How has your family history, culture or environment influenced who you are?

This is a fairly standard background essay, which asks you to think about your upbringing and how that's shaped the person you've become. Because UCF has a fairly short word limit, be sure to pick one particular element and home in on it rather than spending time painting a complete portrait of your family history.

Information like this helps a college like UCF better understand what you'll be bringing to the student body. Our upbringings often give us unique perspectives and abilities, which contribute to a thriving campus culture. In a school of over 50,000 students, it might feel like there's nothing particularly unique about you, but there is—this essay prompt helps you discuss it.

Don't get too hung up on picking something dramatic to set your family or culture apart from everybody else's. If you grew up in a family that really loves fishing and it's made you a more patient, hands-on person, write about that! On the other hand, if you grew up as part of a traveling circus and that's made you long for a place to put down roots, write about that!

The most important thing with this question is to be honest, thoughtful, and specific. Pick something that really matters to you, and think deeply on what it means.

Provided you are honest, thoughtful, and specific, there aren't a lot of topics you should avoid on this one, though always be aware that, if you choose to write about something potentially inflammatory, the admissions office may not feel the same way about things that you do. Your audience is made up of strangers, so choose something you're comfortable sharing with people who don't know you and deciding whether or not you'll get into college based in part on what you write.

UCF Essay Prompt 3: The "Why UCF?" Prompt

Why did you choose to apply to UCF?

"Why This School?" essays are common in college applications because they require you to think beyond a school's reputation and get specific about why you want to go there. Colleges want to know that your interest goes beyond ticking another box on your college list—you should have a reason to attend beyond that you think you can get in!

To answer this question, try to get specific. What is it about UCF that appeals to you? You can look through their mission statement , course catalog, and clubs to find things that appeal to you, or refer to experiences at a campus visit or college fair. Connect your interest in UCF to something concrete.

For example, UCF has part of its mission statement dedicated to creativity, which should "enrich the human experience." Why does that matter to you? When you attend UCF, how do you hope to use creativity to enrich the human experience, too? If you can, make connections to real-life classes or clubs that you want to belong to, such as the Cypress Dome Society or Elements of Hip Hop . What interests do you have? What are your goals? How will these clubs help connect you to your student body?

The most important things to avoid in this essay response are the things everybody else is already saying—that UCF has a good reputation and that it has a nice campus. Assume that both of those things go without saying. What else does UCF have to offer?

UCF Essay Prompt 4: The Characteristics Prompt

What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community?

This prompt is the flip side of the "Why This College?" prompt— instead of asking why you want to attend UCF, UCF is asking why they should want you .

Think beyond everything UCF already knows about you, like your grades and test scores. Assume that every student applying has exactly the same grades and scores as you do, and then decide what it is about you that's different. What else do you have to offer?

Choose something you haven't discussed already, and be sure that you embrace that UCF is asking for what makes you unique. UCF wants to know about you as an individual, which could be anything from how you have the patience to make the perfect tamale to how your time leading a guild in World of Warcraft taught you about leading by example and connecting with people. UCF has lots of people with good GPAs and test scores—does it have enough tamale makers and guild leaders? Aim to fill the unique gaps only you can fill!

Attending college isn't just about attending classes, getting good grades, and moving on with a degree to show it. You'll be part of a thriving campus culture, and UCF wants to know that you'll be participating and enriching it.

Beyond not focusing on things UCF already knows, always be sure that you're presenting your best self. The people reading your essays are strangers, and may not get your sense of humor if you try to be tongue-in-cheek in this section. Be honest and thoughtful in a way that others will understand, especially because this essay will likely be their first impression of you.

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What Are the UCF Common Application Essay Prompts?

If you're applying to UCF using the Common Application, the requirements are a little different. The Common Application includes two additional questions that do not appear on the UCF application, which are flagged as optional. Still, there's no reason not to answer them —the word counts are short, they provide extra context for your application, and they're valuable questions for both you and UCF to reflect on.

According to students who've applied to UCF, after finishing the Common Application, UCF will follow up with you with additional requirements, including responding to the additional essay prompts covered above.

Though these essays are optional, it's still a good idea to answer them. Be sure that you don't answer the same prompt twice, as one of the Common Application prompts is almost the same as the one in the UCF application. You only have 250 words each, so be brief and clear rather than spending a lot of time painting a vivid picture.

UCF Common App Essay Prompt 1: The "Why UCF?" Prompt

Why are you interested in UCF?

As in the UCF application essay prompts, this question is asking why you want to attend UCF . Think beyond widely applicable answers like citing their reputation, campus, or weather—assume the admissions office already knows all that. Why UCF over any other good, beautiful, warm-weather school? What specifically draws you there?

UCF wants to know that you're committed to attending not just as somebody who wants a good name on their diploma, but as somebody who's dedicated to UCF's mission and programs. Showing that UCF, not just their credibility or campus, matters to you is a great way to set yourself apart from other applicants.

To do this, you need to get specific. Drill deep into what makes you want to attend UCF, and connect it to specifics. Campus visits are a great way to make these specific connections, but if you can't visit, you can also comb through the course catalog, club list, or mission statement. Show UCF that you don't just see yourself proudly holding a diploma with their seal—show them you see yourself learning, growing, and participating in campus culture along the way.

UCF Common App Essay Prompt 2: The Major Prompt

Discuss your reasons for pursuing the academic program (major) selected above.

Like the first question, this prompt wants to know more about you as an individual student. Think about what draws you to your major beyond prestige or salary. What should UCF know about you and your connection to your program beyond your GPA and extracurriculars?

Questions like this show your dedication, which can be an important factor in admissions. Schools want to know that you're committed to your studies, and an essay that shows a deeper connection to your field is more likely to impress them. Take some time to craft a response that's insightful and honest—this essay will show UCF that you're truly passionate about what you study.

You don't have a lot of space to answer this question—just 250 words—so be sure to focus on one specific thing rather than being comprehensive. Did trying and failing to grow strawberries lead you down the path to becoming a botanist? Did you decide to put your reputation for bossiness as a kid to work as a business major?

Due to the short word count, you're going to want to be brief. Don't pick a topic that's too big, and stay away from using answers that other people might use. It's great if you want to be a doctor because you want to help people, but why a doctor as opposed to a social worker? Your essay should clearly demonstrate why the field you've chosen is the perfect one for you.

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Key Tips for the UCF Essay

No matter what school you're applying to, there are some strategies you can always follow to be sure that you have a good, strong essay. Follow these steps as you're writing your UCF essay and you'll have a much easier time wrangling your thoughts and shaping them into something that'll impress the admissions office!

#1: Brainstorm

It'd be nice if you could just sit down and write a perfect draft on your first try, but that's not how most of us work. Instead, start with a little brainstorming. Set a five-minute timer and give yourself free rein to come up with as many possible answers to the prompts as possible, even if the answers are silly or weird or absolutely not in a million years going to work. Don't worry about it! Get everything you can think of down on paper now so you're not trying to herd your thoughts back into shape later on.

#2: Write a Draft

The benefit of getting all your ideas down on paper is that now you can pick and choose the ones that sound the best without getting midway through an essay before deciding the topic isn't working for you.

Cross out the choices that aren't strong enough to support a whole essay, even one as short as UCF's, to get those out of the way. Spend a little more time brainstorming some different points to hit on with the remaining topics and pick the one that feels strongest.

Using your brief outline, flesh the topic out into a full essay. Don't worry about getting it perfect the first time—that's what editing is for!

Editing is tough; it means re-reading your work and dealing with all the flaws that creep in. But editing is what separates the good essays from the bad. Take a day or so away from your essay before diving back in to read it with fresher eyes, and try not to get frustrated as you go.

Read your work aloud to help you find sentences that are too long or lacking in punctuation. Cut out extra words—those "really"s and "very"s aren't doing any work for you—and rephrase to get as much of the essay into passive voice as you can. Read it aloud again, give it another pass, and keep going until you feel like your work is in as good of shape as you can possibly get it.

#4: Get Feedback

Now that you've put in some time in editing, it's time for the next scary step: showing your work to others. Choose a few people who you trust to give you honest, useful feedback —people who know what a good essay looks like, not just people who are going to tell you it's great—and ask them to take a look at it. Leave them with a copy to make notes on so that you can refer to them later.

When you read their feedback, don't take it too hard. Everything they have to say is a suggestion, and it's ultimately up to you whether you want to use it or not. Your essay should always, always, always be your work; don't rephrase things exactly as a teacher or counselor suggests if it isn't how you would say it.

Besides, readers aren't always right about the best way to fix errors. If the people reading your essay are confused about something, take that seriously! But don't feel like their suggestion to fix it is inherently the best way, especially if it contradicts your meaning. It's okay to disagree—it is your essay, after all.

#5: Revise and Submit

Take another break from your essay. Always try to edit with fresh eyes, if you can —trying to make changes when you've already spent a lot of time editing can either mean you miss mistakes or that you get so frustrated you give up. Spend some time away, working on an essay for a different school or doing something else entirely before you come back to it.

Now that you've had a break, take all that feedback you received and use it to spin your essay into gold. Smooth out places where readers were confused, and clean up any lingering grammar errors. Read it for clarity and flow, and tidy everything up.

When you've reached a point where you're satisfied, take one last break. Give yourself a little time away from it, then read it one more time. Are you happy with it? Great! It's time to submit! Send it off to UCF and anxiously wait for your acceptance letter to arrive.

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What's Next?

As you're applying to UCF, it's good to be aware of their admission requirements. This guide will walk you through the average GPA and test scores at UCF to help you maximize your chances of getting in!

College essays should always be targeted to the school you're applying to, but there are some essay-writing strategies that work no matter what school you're applying to.

If you're applying to college, it's a good idea to be aware of how to apply for financial aid . Make a plan and stick to it to ensure you get the maximum money available to you!

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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UCF Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are UCF's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

  • GPA requirements
  • Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
  • Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into UCF and build a strong application.

School location: Orlando, FL

This school is also known as: University of Central Florida

Admissions Rate: 41%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at UCF is 41% . For every 100 applicants, 41 are admitted.

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This means the school is moderately selective . The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in. But if you don't, you might be one of the unlucky minority that gets a rejection letter.

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UCF GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 4

The average GPA at UCF is 4 .

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(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 4, UCF requires you to be at the top of your class . You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 4, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

UCF SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1259

The average SAT score composite at UCF is a 1259 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes UCF Competitive for SAT test scores.

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UCF SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1170, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1340. In other words, a 1170 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1340 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

UCF has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, UCF will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and UCF forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1259, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

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Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

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UCF ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, UCF likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 27

The average ACT score at UCF is 27. This score makes UCF Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 25, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

Even though UCF likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 25 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 27 and above that a 25 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 27 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to UCF, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 27.

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SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

UCF considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is moderately selective, strong academic performance will almost guarantee you admission . Scoring a 1340 SAT or a 29 ACT or above will nearly guarantee you admission. Because the school admits 41% of all applicants, being far above average raises the admission rate for you to nearly 100%.

If you can achieve a high SAT/ACT score, the rest of your application essentially doesn't matter. You still need to meet the rest of the application requirements, and your GPA shouldn't be too far off from the school average of 4. But you won't need dazzling extracurriculars and breathtaking letters of recommendation to get in. You can get in based on the merits of your score alone.

But if your score is a 1170 SAT or a 25 ACT and below, you have a good chance of being one of the unlucky few to be rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

  • 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
  • 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
  • 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
  • 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
  • 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

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  • Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
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There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

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Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of UCF here.

Application Requirements Overview

  • Common Application Accepted
  • Electronic Application Available
  • Essay or Personal Statement Recommended for all freshmen
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Interview Not required
  • Application Fee $30
  • Fee Waiver Available? Available
  • Other Notes

Testing Requirements

  • SAT or ACT Required
  • SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
  • SAT Subject Tests
  • Scores Due in Office May 1

Coursework Requirements

  • Subject Required Years
  • Foreign Language 2
  • Social Studies 3
  • Electives 2

Deadlines and Early Admissions

  • Offered? Deadline Notification
  • Yes May 1 September 1

Admissions Office Information

  • Address: 4000 Orlando, FL 32816
  • Phone: (407) 823-2000 x2000
  • Fax: (407) 823-3419
  • Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in UCF, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to UCF.

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Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than UCF. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

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Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for UCF, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

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Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for UCF, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If UCF is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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University of central florida | ucf.

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University of Central Florida | UCF’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Why this college essay.

Why did you choose to apply to UCF?

Extracurricular Essay

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.

Additional Info Essay

What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community?

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

UCF Extracurriculars, resume or essay?

My son told me UCF only considers SAT score and GPA in admissions. Is this true??? If not, how does he submit a resume or portfolio of his tech work when there is nowhere in the Future Knight portal to submit anything?

This is not true. If his GPA and SAT are competitive, they will then read his essay. (Common app.) I can not express adequately how important the essay is! Also please note it’s not the length of the essay that’s important…it’s the content.

I don’t know for sure, but I suspect Victor is correct above. If you call Undergraduate Admissions, they can probably help you. I have found them to be very helpful in the past.

On the essay, I agree the content is critical. I also think it is very important to go beyond what the applicant did, focusing a great deal on whatever lessons they learned that they will carry forward in life.

Are you a Florida resident Florida students in the top 10% are guaranteed admission Top 10 Knights | UCF Undergraduate Admissions

The application itself has a spot to add extra curriculars, so you can put that work there. UCF has two essay prompts of their own, not the usual Common App one, that they say is not required, but highly encouraged. They may call them personal statements, but they are basically essays.

This may help answer some questions. Application Process FAQs | UCF Undergraduate Admissions

I would follow this advice from the FAQs There are really no optional parts in a a college application. What is required is the bare minimum and most colleges that have optional parts are looking for applicants who will separate themself from the applicant pool

The only exception if you are a Florida High School student guaranteed admission under the top 10% rule but even then they don’t guarantee which semester you will start Summer, Fall, or Spring. Spring is the worst because they want you to go somewhere in the fall online or community college etc.

The application for admission provides space for a listing of extra and co-curricular activities; this portion of the application should be completed in lieu of submitting supplemental materials.

The essay is an optional component of the application for admission. If you elect to submit an essay, please select a topic within the application form and submit it within your completed application.

I chimed in on the other post, but I will reply here as well. I have a daughter who is a senior. So what is on the application today could be different. There was no place to really put a resume, just a place to list a few ECs. I always recommend that kids do the essay. My D chose why UCF. With all that, kids need the GPA and SAT/ACT to be at a certain level.

I do know some kids that when they were deferred, they called admissions and sent in extra materials. Please apply ASAP. They are rolling admission and it is getting late in the application season.

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UCF Writing Center

Ucf writing center location in the main campus library, writing center -- main location, other writing center locations.

  • University Writing Center (UCF) "The University Writing Center is a campus resource that offers free individual and small-group consultations to UCF community members, for any writing in any situation."

UCF Writing Center  is a peer-consultation resource for UCF students. There are several types of consultations and the first step is to determine which type is right for you; face-to-face or online chat. It is important to remember that these meetings can take place at any stage in the writing process, from brainstorming to final editing. Once a type of consultation has been decided on, the next step is to make an appointment. Students may schedule appointments through TutorTrac or by phone.

Once an appointment has been made, students participate in an individualized 45-minute meeting with a trained writing consultant (small group appointments are also available). Writers can also work with other materials such as handouts on various facets of the writing process and computers.

Students can make an appointment or drop in any time we're open. They should bring details about the assignment along with notes and any drafts. Global issues (purpose, thesis, organization, support, etc.) will be addressed first during a consultation. 

Making Appointments

Check for hours   Monday and Wednesday: 11am - 5pm; Friday: 11am - 3pm

2nd floor (entrance floor) - Research Consultation Station #1 near Research & Information Desk  

Other Writing Center locations

UCF Main Campus - Trevor Colbourn Hall 109 407-823-2197 [email protected]

Monday - Thrusday: 9:00am - 7:00pm Friday: 9:00am - 3:00pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: 2:00pm - 7:00pm

(Hours vary by semester. Check the UWC website for the latest updates.)

ucf application essay reddit

Daytona's DSC-UCF Writing Center  - check to verify hours Building 200- Room 107 386-506-3297

Cocoa's EFSC-UCF Writing Center - check to verify hours Building 12, Room 331 321-433-7873

  • Rosen College Library schedule appointments with Writing Center
  • Last Updated: Aug 26, 2022 4:09 PM
  • URL: https://guides.ucf.edu/writingcenter

ucf application essay reddit

Apply to UCF

  • Undergraduate Admissions
  • Deadlines (Undergraduate)
  • Resources/Links (Undergraduate)
  • FAQs (Undergraduate)
  • Check Application Status
  • Graduate Admissions
  • Resources/Links (Graduate)
  • FAQs (Graduate)

Undergraduate Applications

We’ve made it easier than ever to apply to UCF. Whether this is your first time in college, you’re transferring from another institution or you’re enrolling from another country, we’ve streamlined the process to make it as clear and quick as possible. In fact, there are only two steps.

Before You Get Started…

Make sure you’ve reviewed UCF’s undergraduate admissions requirements in the official Undergraduate Catalog before you apply. For details, visit the Undergraduate Admissions website .

Steps to Apply

1. complete and submit the online application.

When you’re ready, fill out the undergraduate application online .

2. Submit required documents

After completing your application, you’ll receive an email with specific instructions for submitting required documents based upon your student type. For more information about requirements, visit the Undergraduate Admissions freshman or transfer pages.

International students must also submit required immigration documents as necessary. Review the undergraduate admissions process on the UCF Global website .

Undergraduate Admissions Deadlines

International, after you apply.

After clicking submit, you can track your application status in your Future Knight Portal .

UCF operates on a rolling admission basis. You will receive an admission decision once we have received all of your supporting documentation. Transfer students will receive a transfer credit summary once admitted.

Resources for Undergraduate Applicants

Admissions requirements.

  • Freshman (FTIC) Admissions
  • Transfer Admissions
  • International Undergraduate Admissions
  • Online Undergraduate Admissions

More Information

  • Find a Degree
  • Office of Undergraduate Admissions
  • Transfer & Transition Services
  • Financial Aid

Visit the UCF Admissions FAQs for frequently asked questions about the undergraduate application process and requirements.

Graduate Applications

Now is the time to push yourself to new possibilities. Graduate school is your chance to make important discoveries, master cutting-edge skills and advance both your knowledge and your career. With an advanced degree from UCF, you’ll make a big impact on the world.

Make sure you’ve reviewed UCF’s graduate admissions requirements in the official Graduate Application Deadlines and Requirements before you apply. For details, visit the Graduate Admissions website .

1. Choose your degree

UCF offers more than 100 graduate degree programs. Find the master’s degree , doctoral program or graduate certificate that’s right for you.

Or, learn more about UCF’s top ranked online master’s programs .

2. Review and complete any pre-application requirements

3. complete and submit the online application.

When you’re ready, fill out the graduate application online . A non-refundable $31 application fee is required to submit your application.

4. Submit required documents

The documents listed below are required for admission into all graduate programs:

  • One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended*
  • Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores or General Management Admissions Test (GMAT) scores (for doctoral programs and certain master’s programs)
  • Immunization Form

Some programs may require additional documents. Review your program’s graduate admissions requirements to ensure you’ve submitted everything needed for your program.

International students must also submit required immigration documents as necessary. Review the graduate admissions process on the UCF Global website .

After clicking submit, you can track your application status through your Applicant Portal .

UCF operates on a rolling admission basis. You will receive an admission decision once we have received all of your supporting documentation.

Resources for Graduate Applicants

  • College of Graduate Studies Admissions
  • International Graduate Admissions
  • Online Graduate Admissions
  • Explore Graduate Programs
  • College of Graduate Studies

Visit the UCF Graduate Admissions FAQs for frequently asked questions about the graduate application process and requirements.

IMAGES

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  2. Best Ways on How to Reply for UCF Essay Prompts Quickly

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  3. Order Essay Online: Ucf essay

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  4. Learn How to Compose a Perfect College Application Essay

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  6. Best Ways on How to Reply for UCF Essay Prompts Quickly

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VIDEO

  1. How to Write the BEST UC Essays/PIQs to Get You In

  2. What Do Students Tend to Put in University Applications That Decreases Their Chances of Acceptance?

  3. Asking UCF Students How They Got Into UCF

  4. THE ESSAYS THAT GOT ME INTO ALL OF THE UCs + Tips on how to choose prompts & approach them

  5. UCF Application Workshop

  6. UCF-graduate application

COMMENTS

  1. Questions about application essays : r/ucf

    I am really confused about the application essays because I am planning to apply to UCF through Common App and there are 2 optional essays (one is "Why UCF" and the other is "Why study this major"), but when I go to the UCF website, there are 4 different optional essay prompts. Should I do the ones asked on Common App only or both? Archived post.

  2. Can you tell me some good things about UCF ? (I'm applying here)

    Best xBlurghs • 6 yr. ago I'm at my second year here, and honestly you summed it up pretty well. Even though Orlando is huge, the UCF area is like a completely separate little college town, everywhere you go around here you see someone your age. There are countless amounts of clubs to join too!

  3. A question on the admission essay : r/ucf

    I'm currently applying to UCF and have a question on the admissions essay. They ask for you to reply to two out of four possible prompts, in less than 500 words.

  4. How important is it to do the application essay? : r/ucf

    How important is it to do the application essay? : r/ucf In the Top 5% of largest communities on Reddit How important is it to do the application essay? I'm from Washington state, have a 3.75 unweighted and a 1790 sat. Any thoughts on the computer science program? Or the school as a whole would also be much appreciated! This thread is archived

  5. 5 Tips to Write an Excellent UCF Application Essay

    Posted by Melissa Brinks College Essays The University of Central Florida, commonly known as UCF, is one of the largest colleges in the United States. Over 60,000 students are enrolled at UCF, but that doesn't mean it's super easy to get in— UCF has an acceptance rate of 36 percent, meaning they accept less than half of students who apply.

  6. r/ucf on Reddit: How important is the Optional Common App essay on my

    marcsterlord How important is the Optional Common App essay on my application? Prospective Student 🤔 I'm finishing my UCF application and all I'm missing is the Common App essay but I'm completely lost on what to write about. I'm not going to skip over it but I just want to know how important it is for my chances of getting in.

  7. Does UCF have specific essay or personal statement topics?

    Does UCF have specific essay or personal statement topics? Although optional, an essay can assist the Admissions Committee in knowing you as an individual, independent of test scores and other objective data. If you would like to submit an essay, please select from one of the topics below.

  8. Apply

    Common App Ready to start your Common App? You've come to the right place. Other Applicants Transfer, transient, non-degree, second degree and dual enrollment/early admission students must complete and submit the UCF institutional application below. Submitting an application for admission requires a $30 nonrefundable fee.

  9. How to Get In: UCF Admission Requirements

    Application requirements In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into UCF and build a strong application. School location: Orlando, FL This school is also known as: University of Central Florida Admissions Rate: 41% If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate.

  10. Does UCF Admissions require recommendations, essays or interviews?

    The essay is an optional (but strongly recommended) component of the application for admission. If you elect to submit an essay, please select a topic within the application form and submit it within your completed application. Supplemental materials - including essays - sent after application submission will not be included in your admission file.

  11. UCF Research Guides: Fulbright Applicants

    How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement features 30 actual samples of successful application essays as well as recommendations from admissions officers on winning strategies that have guaranteed students admission into business, law, medical, and graduate school. Graduate Admissions Essays: Write Your Way into the Graduate School of Your Choice

  12. University of Central Florida

    Majors Admission requirements Essay prompts Want to see your chances of admission at University of Central Florida | UCF? We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances. Calculate my chances University of Central Florida | UCF's 2023-24 Essay Prompts Read our essay guide

  13. UCF Extracurriculars, resume or essay?

    UCF has two essay prompts of their own, not the usual Common App one, that they say is not required, but highly encouraged. They may call them personal statements, but they are basically essays. This may help answer some questions. Application Process FAQs | UCF Undergraduate Admissions kevi2900 November 17, 2021, 9:17pm 6

  14. 2023-2024 University of Central Florida

    Reaction score. 20,323. Mar 23, 2023. #1. Members don't see this ad. 2023-2024 University of Central Florida Secondary Essay Prompts. (edited to remove an old question about online courses) (5) If you are NOT a Florida resident, please describe any connection to UCF COM, UCF, or Florida. (500 characters) (7) If you do not expect to spend the ...

  15. Is the book '100 successful college application essays' good ...

    r/ApplyingToCollege is the premier forum for college admissions questions, advice, and discussions, from college essays and scholarships to SAT/ACT test prep, career guidance, and more.

  16. Freshman & First-Time-In-College

    FTIC students should submit a complete application for admission, including the application fee or waiver, SPARK Form and official SAT, ACT or CLT test scores by this date for priority scholarship consideration. Scholarship funding is limited. The Scholarship Committee reviews admitted FTIC students until all scholarship funding has been allocated.

  17. UCF Writing Center

    Daytona's DSC-UCF Writing Center - check to verify hours Building 200- Room 107 386-506-3297. Cocoa's EFSC-UCF Writing Center - check to verify hours Building 12, Room 331 321-433-7873. Rosen College Library. schedule appointments with Writing Center. Last Updated: Aug 26, 2022 4:09 PM;

  18. Transfer Students

    Transfer Applicants According to U.S. News & World Report, more students choose to transfer to UCF than to any other university. Why? We are bright, bold and innovative. We are right now — and what's next.

  19. Apply to UCF

    Steps to Apply 1. Complete and submit the online application When you're ready, fill out the undergraduate application online. Start Your Undergraduate Application 2. Submit required documents After completing your application, you'll receive an email with specific instructions for submitting required documents based upon your student type.

  20. Readmission

    UCF grade point deficiency must be below 30. For readmission purposes, the grade point deficiency is defined as the number of UCF credit hours needed at B (3.0 GPA) grade to raise the UCF grade point average to 2.0. The College of Sciences strongly encourages applicants not to apply for or begin readmission in the summer terms.