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5 Tips to Write an Excellent UCF Application Essay

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.

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.

Feature Image: Kelly Daacon /Wikimedia Commons

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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University of Central Florida 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15

University of Central Florida (UCF) 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations 

Requirements: 2 essays of 500 words each

Supplemental Essay Type(s):   Why , Community, Activity  

Why did you choose to apply to UCF? (250 words)

This is one of the most straightforward and common supplemental essay prompts out there. In order to impress admissions, do your research. Explore UCF’s offerings and be able to point to specific programs, departments, and/or organizations that are spurring you on to apply. If you can connect your interests and aspirations to your past pursuits, even better!

What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community? (250 words)

By now, you’ve surely seen many versions of this question: UCF wants to know what makes you you and how you will impact their student body. What has shaped you as a person and how has that made your perspective unique? Is there anything you can teach your classmates or peers about your hometown, culture, religion, or identity that they might not already know? Maybe you learned Irish dance from your grandma and look forward to starting a club on campus. Perhaps you were struck by the homeless crisis in Pakistan when you went to visit your family there and hope to make a local impact on this global issue through Hearts for the Homeless Orlando. UCF wants to know how your personal perspectives, beliefs, and/or lived experiences will impact others on campus, so tell them a story that helps them to imagine the kind of student you’ll be. As always, make sure you do your research! Tell them in which specific clubs, organizations, or service opportunities you hope to make a difference. 

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (250 words)

Activity essays like this one are more common than M.C. Escher posters in college dorm rooms. The most strenuous part is selecting the activity you want to write about. So, we return to our favorite mantra: Tell admissions something they couldn’t glean from anywhere else in your application. If you wrote your Common App essay about your time flipping burgers at your local fast food joint, focus on a different activity or work experience that reveals a new aspect of your personality. This can be a great opportunity to highlight your leadership skills and any accolades you may have received. Were you nominated as captain of your ultimate frisbee team? Were you tapped to manage a team of volunteers at the art collective? No matter what you choose, it should probably be something you’ve been involved in for a while, so you can demonstrate your growth and the impact that you have had on others.

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Draft Admission Essay(s)

Purpose: Scholars will learn the rudimentary steps of crafting a personal statement and statement of purpose.

Why Admission Statements Matter

Applications for graduate school solicit personal statements and/or statements of purpose. They are both important elements of any application because they provide a dynamic view of applicants that cannot be obtained from test scores or resumes. Here you demonstrate how your personal and academic experiences make you the ideal candidate.

The Nuances between Statements of Purpose and Personal Statements

Provide admissions committees the specific information that they request to know about you. Understand the prompt and know the subtle differences and similarities between the statement of purpose and personal statement. Below we outline the differences between both.

Statement of Purpose/ Intent

Is a more detailed version of your C.V. Here applicants write about classes, internships, research skills, and experiences that ensure individual success in the graduate program. Applicants outline research interests they want to pursue and highlight reasons why the graduate program will facilitate this pursuit.

Sample Statement of Purpose Prompt

“Outline the key experiences that prepared you for graduate-level studies.”

Personal Statement

Here applicants construct a picture of their place in society. Outline experiences that led you to choose your field and other aspects of your life that demonstrate your potential. Show the graduate program that you are ready in terms of personal life skills and character.

Sample Personal Statement Prompt

“Discuss your career goals and the attributes that you will bring to the XYZ program.”

Important Resources 

Below are invaluable worksheets that outline statements’ components and tips on how to start writing.

• AAP’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy of Graduate School Applications
• General Guidelines for the Personal Statement
• Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School and Scholarship Applications

The Writing Process 

Consider your audience. Admissions committees are interested in applicants who clearly understand the program, demonstrate competence, and whose future goals best benefit from completing the program.

Conduct research on what the graduate program offers in terms of location, faculty, research projects, funding, and student support programs.

Analyze your academic, research, extracurricular, and life experiences for valuable skills and abilities you gained through them that ensure your success in the program of interest.

Content to Include in Your Statements

The details of what to include in your admission statements can vary depending on the writing prompt each school, or program, provides for their application. Browse the videos below for more ways to write your statements.

Developing your Statement of Purpose

The video below is from Academic Advancement Program’s Fall 2020 Grad Prep Week. Dr. Don Brunson, Vanderbilt University’s Assistant Dean of the Graduate School’s Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education Program , presents on Do’s and Don’ts of the Statement of Purpose in an online workshop format.

Need the motivation to start writing your essays?

The video below is about writing your statement for medical school applications, but the same can be true for your graduate school personal statement.

Outlining your Statement

Experts from the University of California, Berkeley share tools you can use to outline and organize content for your written statement.

Editing Your Statements

• Plan and give yourself plenty of time to craft several drafts.
• Use concise language and write in the active voice.
• Respect formatting guidelines like the page and word count limits.
• Use your resources for help, like your faculty mentor, AAP Pre-Grad Advising , and the UCF Writing Center .

Suggested Assignments

Assignment #34

Activity Four: Crafting Your Concept Map

Purpose: Scholars will outline the content and general flow of their statements by constructing concept maps. For assistance schedule a visit with AAP Peer Advisors . Time: 2 hours Instructions: 5d_activity_four Note: that instructions for this assignment are also available in audio format. It can be found here.

Activity 5: Writing a Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose

Purpose: Scholars will write a rough draft of their personal statements and statements of purpose. For assistance schedule a visit with the UCF Writing Center . Time: 1 hour Instructions: 5d_activity_five Note: that instructions for this assignment are also available in audio format. It can be found here.

Instructions for navigation

Prepare for graduate school now by marking this topic complete: click the “ Mark Complete ” button below in the bottom left hand corner to keep track of the topics you’ve completed. Then, click the “ Next Topic ” button below in the bottom right hand corner to move onto the next topic within the lesson.

If you are following the application elements curriculum, follow the Quick Learn icon to the right to the next topic in Personal Statements.

Note: For a refresher on Personal Statements, consult the topic Reflect and Create an Online Portfolio

Personal Statements

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, 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!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — College Tuition — Why Are You Interested in UCF: Dream School

Why Are You Interested in Ucf: Dream School

• Categories: College Tuition University

About this sample

Words: 609 |

Updated: 7 November, 2023

Words: 609 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Video Version

Prompt Examples for the “UCF Application” Essays

• Why UCF: Your Personal Connection Discuss your personal connection to the University of Central Florida. What specific experiences or aspects of UCF, such as campus events or location, have drawn you to this university?
• Academic and Career Goals at UCF Share your academic and career aspirations and explain how UCF’s academic programs align with your goals. How do you envision UCF helping you achieve these goals?
• The Role of Family in Your Educational Journey Reflect on the influence of your family in shaping your educational values and aspirations. How has your family’s emphasis on education and independence impacted your decision to apply to UCF?
• The Importance of Hard Work and Dedication Discuss the values of hard work, dedication, and independence instilled by your family. How do you plan to apply these values to your academic and personal life at UCF?
• Your Dream College: UCF Explain why UCF is your dream college. What specific features, such as academics, extracurricular activities, and location, make UCF your top choice? How do you plan to make the most of your time at UCF to achieve your educational and personal goals?

Works Cited

• University of Central Florida. (n.d.). About UCF. Retrieved from https://www.ucf.edu/about-ucf/
• University of Central Florida. (n.d.). College of Nursing. Retrieved from https://www.nursing.ucf.edu/
• University of Central Florida. (n.d.). UCF Campus Life. Retrieved from https://www.ucf.edu/campus-life/
• Plescia, M., & Chong, K. (2020). The impact of student-faculty relationships on student engagement and retention. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 57(3), 365-378.
• Washington, M., & Burdett, T. (2018). The impact of extracurricular activities on student engagement and well-being. Journal of College Student Development, 59(4), 426-434.
• Perna, L. W., & Titus, M. A. (2004). The relationship between parental involvement as social capital and college enrollment: An examination of racial/ethnic group differences. The Journal of Higher Education, 75(5), 534-564.
• Schneider, B., & Stevenson, D. (1999). The ambitious generation: America’s teenagers, motivated but directionless. Yale University Press.
• Buchmann, C., DiPrete, T. A., & McDaniel, A. (2008). Gender inequalities in education. Annual Review of Sociology, 34, 319-337.
• Elder, G. H. Jr., Eccles, J. S., Ardelt, M., & Lord, S. (1995). Inner-city parents under economic pressure: Perspectives on the strategies of parenting. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 57(3), 771-784.
• Day, J. C. (1996). Population projections of the United States by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin: 1995 to 2050. U.S. Bureau of the Census.

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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 .

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

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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.

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

College Application and Scholarship Essay Workshop

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Applying to college? Looking for scholarships? Join UCF's University Writing Center and the Department of Writing and Rhetoric for an interactive workshop about writing personal essays for your applications. Learn tips for getting started, review example prompts, develop a plan for revision, and more. The workshop session will include time for drafting as well as Q&A.

This event is open to all current high school students and UCF students as well as parents, guardians, family members, and other very important people supporting prospective college students who want to learn more. If joining via Zoom, microphone and camera access is encouraged for participation, but not required.

This workshop will be offered on the following dates in Spring 2022:

• Wednesday, February 23 7:00-8:00 p.m. ( Zoom ) |   Register Here
• Saturday, March 26 2:00-3:00 p.m. ( Join us in-person in the University Writing Center on UCF main campus or via Zoom ) |   Register Here
• Thursday, April 14 6:30-7:30 p.m. ( Zoom ) |   Register Here

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A question about the admission essay on common app

I read that when writing a personal for UCF through the common app you're supposed to pick two of the prompts and write either two or one essay. I am applying through the common app and it only gives me the option of one essay and asks to choose only one prompt. Did the rules change or am I doing sth wrong?

The Personal Statement Topics Ivy League Hopefuls Should Avoid

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Yale University

A compelling personal statement is a critical component of an Ivy League application, as it offers students the unique opportunity to showcase their personality, experiences, and aspirations. Kickstarting the writing process in the summer can give students a critical advantage in the admissions process, allowing them more time to brainstorm, edit, and polish standout essays. However, as students begin drafting their essays this summer, they should bear in mind that selecting the right topic is crucial to writing a successful essay. Particularly for students with Ivy League aspirations, submitting an essay that is cliche, unoriginal, or inauthentic can make the difference between standing out to admissions officers or blending into the sea of other applicants.

As ambitious students embark on the college application process, here are the personal statement topics they should avoid:

1. The Trauma Dump

Many students overcome significant hurdles by the time they begin the college application process, and some assume that the grisliest and most traumatic stories will attract attention and sympathy from admissions committees. While vulnerability can be powerful, sharing overly personal or sensitive information can make readers uncomfortable and shift focus away from a student’s unique strengths. Students should embrace authenticity and be honest about the struggles they have faced on their path to college, while still recognizing that the personal statement is a professional piece of writing, not a diary entry. Students should first consider why they want to share a particular tragic or traumatic experience and how that story might lend insight into the kind of student and community member they will be on campus. As a general rule, if the story will truly enrich the admissions committee’s understanding of their candidacy, students should thoughtfully include it; if it is a means of proving that they are more deserving or seeking to engender pity, students should consider selecting a different topic. Students should adopt a similar, critical approach as they write about difficult or sensitive topics in their supplemental essays, excluding unnecessary detail and focusing on how the experience shaped who they are today.

2. The Travelogue

Travel experiences can be enriching, but essays that merely recount a trip to a foreign country without deeper reflection often fall flat. Additionally, travel stories can often unintentionally convey white saviorism , particularly if students are recounting experiences from their charity work or mission trips in a foreign place. If a student does wish to write about an experience from their travels, they should prioritize depth not breadth—the personal statement is not the place to detail an entire itinerary or document every aspect of a trip. Instead, students should focus on one specific and meaningful experience from their travels with vivid detail and creative storytelling, expounding on how the event changed their worldview, instilled new values, or inspired their future goals.

3. The Superhero Narrative

Ivy League and other top colleges are looking for students who are introspective and teachable—no applicant is perfect (admissions officers know this!). Therefore, it’s crucial that students be aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and open about the areas in which they hope to grow. They should avoid grandiose narratives in which they cast themselves as flawless heroes. While students should seek to put their best foot forward, depicting themselves as protagonists who single-handedly resolve complex issues can make them appear exaggerated and lacking in humility. For instance, rather than telling the story about being the sole onlooker to stand up for a peer being bullied at the lunch table, perhaps a student could share about an experience that emboldened them to advocate for themselves and others. Doing so will add dimension and dynamism to their essay, rather than convey a static story of heroism.

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Similarly, many students feel compelled to declare their intention to solve global issues like world hunger or climate change. While noble, these proclamations can come across as unrealistic and insincere, and they can distract from the tangible achievements and experiences that a student brings to the table. Instead, applicants should focus on demonstrable steps they’ve taken or plan to take within their local community to enact positive change, demonstrating their commitment and practical approach to making a difference. For instance, instead of stating a desire to eradicate poverty, students could describe their extended involvement in a local charity and how it has helped them to discover their values and actualize their passions.

5. The Sports Story

While sports can teach valuable lessons, essays that focus solely on athletic achievements or the importance of a particular game can be overdone and lack depth. Admissions officers have read countless essays about students scoring the winning goal, dealing with the hardship of an injury, or learning teamwork from sports. Students should keep in mind that the personal essay should relay a story that only they can tell—perhaps a student has a particularly unique story about bringing competitive pickleball to their high school and uniting unlikely friend groups or starting a community initiative to repair and donate golf gear for students who couldn’t otherwise afford to play. However, if their sports-related essay could have been written by any high school point guard or soccer team captain, it’s time to brainstorm new ideas.

6. The Pick-Me Monologue

Students may feel the need to list their accomplishments and standout qualities in an effort to appear impressive to Ivy League admissions officers. This removes any depth, introspection, and creativity from a student’s essay and flattens their experiences to line items on a resume. Admissions officers already have students’ Activities Lists and resumes; the personal statement should add texture and dimension to their applications, revealing aspects of their character, values and voice not otherwise obvious through the quantitative aspects of their applications. Instead of listing all of their extracurricular involvements, students should identify a particularly meaningful encounter or event they experienced through one of the activities that matters most to them, and reflect on the ways in which their participation impacted their development as a student and person.

7. The Pandemic Sob Story

The Covid-19 pandemic was a traumatic and formative experience for many students, and it is therefore understandable that applicants draw inspiration from these transformative years as they choose their essay topics. However, while the pandemic affected individuals differently, an essay about the difficulties faced during this time will likely come across as unoriginal and generic. Admissions officers have likely read hundreds of essays about remote learning challenges, social isolation, and the general disruptions caused by Covid-19. These narratives can start to blend together, making it difficult for any single essay to stand out. Instead of centering the essay on the pandemic's challenges, students should consider how they adapted, grew, or made a positive impact during this time. For example, rather than writing about the difficulties of remote learning, a student could describe how they created a virtual study group to support classmates struggling with online classes. Similarly, an applicant might write about developing a new skill such as coding or painting during lockdown and how this pursuit has influenced their academic or career goals. Focusing on resilience, innovation, and personal development can make for a more compelling narrative.

Crafting a standout personal statement requires dedicated time, careful thought, and honest reflection. The most impactful essays are those that toe the lines between vulnerability and professionalism, introspection and action, championing one’s strengths and acknowledging weaknesses. Starting early and striving to avoid overused and unoriginal topics will level up a student’s essay and increase their chances of standing out.

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• You will have 8 questions to choose from. You must respond to only 4 of the 8 questions.
• Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.
• Which questions you choose to answer is entirely up to you. However, you should select questions that are most relevant to your experience and that best reflect your individual circumstances.

Keep in mind

• All questions are equal. All are given equal consideration in the application review process, which means there is no advantage or disadvantage to choosing certain questions over others.
• There is no right or wrong way to answer these questions. It’s about getting to know your personality, background, interests and achievements in your own unique voice.  
• Use the additional comments field if there are issues you'd like to address that you didn't have the opportunity to discuss elsewhere on the application. This shouldn't be an essay, but rather a place to note unusual circumstances or anything that might be unclear in other parts of the application. You may use the additional comments field to note extraordinary circumstances related to COVID-19, if necessary. 

Questions & guidance

Remember, the personal insight questions are just that—personal. Which means you should use our guidance for each question just as a suggestion in case you need help. The important thing is expressing who you are, what matters to you and what you want to share with UC. 

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time. Things to consider: A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or taking the lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about what you accomplished and what you learned from the experience. What were your responsibilities?

Did you lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading others? Did you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, church, in your community or an organization? And your leadership role doesn't necessarily have to be limited to school activities. For example, do you help out or take care of your family? 2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. Things to consider: What does creativity mean to you? Do you have a creative skill that is important to you? What have you been able to do with that skill? If you used creativity to solve a problem, what was your solution? What are the steps you took to solve the problem?

How does your creativity influence your decisions inside or outside the classroom? Does your creativity relate to your major or a future career? 3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? Things to consider: If there is a talent or skill that you're proud of, this is the time to share it.You don't necessarily have to be recognized or have received awards for your talent (although if you did and you want to talk about it, feel free to do so). Why is this talent or skill meaningful to you?

Does the talent come naturally or have you worked hard to develop this skill or talent? Does your talent or skill allow you opportunities in or outside the classroom? If so, what are they and how do they fit into your schedule? 4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. Things to consider: An educational opportunity can be anything that has added value to your educational experience and better prepared you for college. For example, participation in an honors or academic enrichment program, or enrollment in an academy that's geared toward an occupation or a major, or taking advanced courses that interest you; just to name a few.

If you choose to write about educational barriers you've faced, how did you overcome or strive to overcome them? What personal characteristics or skills did you call on to overcome this challenge? How did overcoming this barrier help shape who you are today? 5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? Things to consider: A challenge could be personal, or something you have faced in your community or school. Why was the challenge significant to you? This is a good opportunity to talk about any obstacles you've faced and what you've learned from the experience. Did you have support from someone else or did you handle it alone?

If you're currently working your way through a challenge, what are you doing now, and does that affect different aspects of your life? For example, ask yourself, How has my life changed at home, at my school, with my friends or with my family? 6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. Things to consider:  Many students have a passion for one specific academic subject area, something that they just can't get enough of. If that applies to you, what have you done to further that interest? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had inside and outside the classroom such as volunteer work, internships, employment, summer programs, participation in student organizations and/or clubs and what you have gained from your involvement.

Has your interest in the subject influenced you in choosing a major and/or future career? Have you been able to pursue coursework at a higher level in this subject (honors, AP, IB, college or university work)? Are you inspired to pursue this subject further at UC, and how might you do that?

7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? Things to consider: Think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team or a place like your high school, hometown or home. You can define community as you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that community. Was there a problem that you wanted to fix in your community?

Why were you inspired to act? What did you learn from your effort? How did your actions benefit others, the wider community or both? Did you work alone or with others to initiate change in your community? 8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? Things to consider:  If there's anything you want us to know about you but didn't find a question or place in the application to tell us, now's your chance. What have you not shared with us that will highlight a skill, talent, challenge or opportunity that you think will help us know you better?

From your point of view, what do you feel makes you an excellent choice for UC? Don't be afraid to brag a little.

Writing tips

Start early..

Give yourself plenty of time for preparation, careful composition and revisions.

Write persuasively.

Making a list of accomplishments, activities, awards or work will lessen the impact of your words. Expand on a topic by using specific, concrete examples to support the points you want to make.

Use “I” statements.

Talk about yourself so that we can get to know your personality, talents, accomplishments and potential for success on a UC campus. Use “I” and “my” statements in your responses.

Proofread and edit.

Although you will not be evaluated on grammar, spelling or sentence structure, you should proofread your work and make sure your writing is clear. Grammatical and spelling errors can be distracting to the reader and get in the way of what you’re trying to communicate.

Solicit feedback.

Your answers should reflect your own ideas and be written by you alone, but others — family, teachers and friends can offer valuable suggestions. Ask advice of whomever you like, but do not plagiarize from sources in print or online and do not use anyone's words, published or unpublished, but your own.

Copy and paste.

Once you are satisfied with your answers, save them in plain text (ASCII) and paste them into the space provided in the application. Proofread once more to make sure no odd characters or line breaks have appeared.

This is one of many pieces of information we consider in reviewing your application. Your responses can only add value to the application. An admission decision will not be based on this section alone.

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Application Requirement:

The Garland School of Social Work application includes four short-answer essay prompts. The four essays focus on the following topics:

• Social Work profession
• Advocating for others
• Diana R. Garland School of Social Work mission statement
• Societal issues

Application Advice:

Essays are a significant piece of the application to the MSW program at Baylor. This is how we get to know you as a future student and social work professional. We encourage all applicants to take their time, thoroughly think through a response, and engage in strong writing skills. Read through the information below for additional advice regarding application essays:

• Review, revise, and review again …grammar, punctuation, and editing matter. Be sure there are no typos or other errors that can distract readers.
• Answer the question . As a graduate student, you learn how to write in a concise manner. Use your application as a chance to highlight this skill by answering the question asked of you and avoid rambling.
• Read the mission statement . Knowing the mission of a program and highlighting how you identify with that mission can help reviewers understand what you would bring into the program.

The essay prompts are available on the Garland School of Social Work Application. These prompts are available for students to review and begin drafting essay responses. Students will submit responses to the application essay directly from the Status Portal. As a reminder, students will have access to the Status Portal immediately upon submission of their application.

Application essays are required as part of a complete application. Applicants will submit application essays directly from the Status Portal.

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Tuck Launches MBA Application for the Class of 2027

Aspiring tuck mba students will have three opportunities to apply., tuck will conduct admissions interviews virtually this year, with a limited number of on-campus interviews also offered. all interviews are valued equally in the evaluation process, whether guaranteed or invitational, in-person or virtual., by tuck communications jul 09, 2024.

The admissions cycle for the Tuck class of 2027 is officially underway with today’s launch of the 2024–2025 Tuck MBA application. This year’s application returns many of the enhancements introduced for the 2023–2024 cycle , including refined essay questions and more opportunities to connect with Tuck in-person. 

“We could not be more excited to open the 2024–2025 Tuck MBA application and to meet the tremendous candidates who will comprise the Tuck class of 2027 in the weeks and months to come,” says Lawrence Mur’ray, executive director of admissions and financial aid. “Thanks to the many enhancements we have made in recent years, the Tuck MBA application is in great shape and ready to help identify the next cohort of Tuck students.”

Aspiring Tuck MBA students will have three opportunities to apply. Round 1 applications are due on September 26, 2024, with decisions to be shared on December 12. Rounds 2 and 3 have respective deadlines of January 6 and March 26, 2025. Applicants will be notified of decisions for those rounds on March 13 and May 1, 2025.

Applicants will be guaranteed an admissions interview if they submit their completed application by certain dates for Rounds 1 and 2. For Round 1, applicants must submit their completed application—including test scores and Letters of Reference—by September 3, 2024. For Round 2, applicants must submit by December 2 to guarantee an interview. For those that do not submit their application by the guaranteed interview deadlines, the chance to interview will be offered on an invitational basis.

Thanks to the many enhancements we have made in recent years, the Tuck MBA application is in great shape and ready to help identify the next cohort of Tuck students. — Lawrence Mur’ray, executive director of admissions and financial aid

This year, interviews will be conducted virtually with a limited number of on-campus interviews also offered. All interviews are valued equally in the evaluation process, whether guaranteed or invitational, in-person or virtual.

“Admissions interviews are a fantastic opportunity for applicants to tell us, in their own voice, why Tuck is the right place for them,” Mur’ray says. “They provide invaluable information on who an applicant is, what they have done, where they want to go, and how they plan to get there. Because interviews are such an insightful component of the application, we strive to interview as many viable applicants as possible, whether it be virtual or in-person.”

Tuck will accept all versions of the GMAT and the GRE General Test, including the GMAT Focus Edition and Shorter GRE General Test exams. Tuck does not prefer one test over another. Like last year, those who demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical competency may be eligible for test waivers in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. More information regarding how to request a test waiver can be found in the admissions FAQs on the Tuck website.

Smart, accomplished, aware, and encouraging remain Tuck’s four primary admissions criteria and the essay questions once again offer applicants the space to illustrate in detail how they embody the criteria. Applicants can expect three required essay questions, one optional, and one specifically for reapplicants. More insight on this year’s essay questions can be found on the Tuck360 blog where Pat Harrison, director of admissions, evaluation and yield, takes a closer look. 

2024-2025 Tuck Essay Questions

• Why are you pursuing an MBA and why now? How will the distinctive Tuck MBA contribute to achieving your goals and aspirations? (300 words)
• Tell us who you are. How have your values and experiences shaped your identity and character? How will your background contribute to the diverse Tuck culture and community? (300 words)
• Describe a time you meaningfully contributed to someone else’s sense of inclusion in your professional or personal community. (300 words)
• (Optional) Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere (e.g., atypical choice of references, factors affecting academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application. (300 words)
• (To be completed by all reapplicants) How have you strengthened your candidacy since you last applied? Please reflect on how you have grown personally and professionally. (300 words)

Letter of Reference questions remain the same, aligning with GMAC’s Common Letter of Recommendation Questions.

Letter of Reference Questions

• Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization.
• How does the applicant’s performance compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Provide specific examples.
• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.
• (Optional) Is there anything else we should know?

Apply to Tuck

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Tuck Communications

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Tuck News features the latest stories about business research conducted by faculty members and business practitioners at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Editorials penned by professors are published on the site, as well as regular school updates from Tuck staff writers regarding trends in business education.

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Fulbright Applicants - Resources

Guides for writing application essays, grammar & writing.

University Writing Center - Student Resources

• Guidelines for Writing Your Personal Statement
• Writing Personal Statements

The following books focus on various types of essays and cover letters, but much of the guidance provided may be useful for other applications as well.

See also Resumes, Cover Letters & Interviews

Search the UCF Library Catalog for other books on college admissions essays , including:

• Graduate Admissions Essays: Write Your Way into the Graduate School of Your Choice Call Number: UCF Rosen General Collection --LB 2366.2.A84 2000 ch2ck availability

• Accepted! 50 Successful College Admission Essays Call Number: UCF Main Library Reference -- LB 2351.52.U6.T3 2002 ch2ck availability

UCF University Writing Center provides helpful handouts on grammar and punctuation , including: avoiding sexist language, bare minimum grammar, dashes & parentheses, five uncommonly serious mistakes, five easy comma rules, how to choose articles, the known-new contract, mastering prepositions, the paramedic method, passive voice Q&A, punctuation hierarchies & sentence patterns, and the semi-colon

InfoWrite (Gale Cengage Learning) (NOTE: The UCF Library provides access to many InfoTrac databases )

• Research and the Research Paper
• The Writing Process
• Special Kinds of Writing
• Modes of Expression
• Critical Thinking

Other Resources:

• Blue Book of Grammar & Punctuation
• Common Errors in English Usage
• The Elements of Style
• Guide to Grammar & Writing
• LEO: Literacy Education Online
• Paradigm Online Writing Assistant
• Punctuation Made Simple
• Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) "We offer free resources including Writing and Teaching Writing, Research, Grammar and Mechanics, Style Guides, ESL (English as a Second Language), and Job Search and Professional Writing."
• Writing as an Engineer or Scientist

English as a Second Language:

• TESOL Websites

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