ADMISSIONS AND RELATED MATTERS

     Admission to University of South Florida St. Petersburg requires evidence of academic ability, creative thinking skills, and strong motivation.  The minimum admission requirements are designed to help identify applicants whose academic background indicates potential for success at USF St. Petersburg; however, satisfaction of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance. The admission of new students at all levels is made on a selective basis within curricular, space, and fiscal limitations. The selection process may include such factors as grades, test scores, pattern of courses completed, class rank, educational objectives, past conduct, school recommendations, personal recommendations, and portfolios. Preference for admission in any term will be given to those applicants whose credentials indicate the greatest promise of academic success.

     The University encourages applications from qualified applicants of both genders and from all cultural, racial, religious, ethnic, and age groups.  In the admission process, there is no discrimination on the basis of these factors or on the basis of disability.  Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements will be considered for admission when there is sufficient evidence to suggest ability to do satisfactory work at USF St. Petersburg.  These policies are further described under “Applying for Admission” and “Requirements for Admission.”

     The University supports equal educational opportunity for disadvantaged students.  Requests for waiver of the $30.00 application fee are considered by the Director Enrollment and Marketing Services if payment of this fee creates severe financial hardship and serves as a deterrent to application.

     Students are admitted to USF St. Petersburg in accordance with the mission and goals of the University and within enrollment limitations established by the Board of Governors and the Florida Legislature.

Applying for Admission

Obtaining an Application

     The online application is available at www.GoUSFSP.org.

When to Apply

     Applications for admission are accepted as early as 12 months before the requested entry term.  Applications for admission and the $30.00 non-refundable application fee should be submitted before the deadline (see academic calendar) for the requested entry term or by the application deadline for the requested degree program (see specific program in this catalog), whichever is earlier. Applications for admission and application fees from international students (non-resident aliens) must be received at least five months prior to the requested entry term. Applications submitted after the priority date will be accepted, but processing for the requested term of entry cannot be guaranteed.

Who Should Apply

     An application for admission must be submitted by all students who have not been admitted to and enrolled in a USF system degree program within the last three terms.  Former or continuing USF system degree-seeking students must file another application for admission when applying for a second degree program, another level of study or readmission (see Readmission). 

     The Director of Enrollment and Marketing Services may waive payment of the application fee for disadvantaged applicants with proper documentation if the fee serves as a deterrent to application.

Changing Requested Term of Entry

     Applicants may update their application for admission for up to one year from the originally requested semester of admission.  All requests for changes of entry term must specify any academic work attempted that was not reflected on the original application and must be received by the appropriate published application deadline for the new term of entry or degree program specified whichever is earlier.  Additionally, any issues related to criminal or academic misconduct that were not reflected on the initial application must be reported in writing to the Office of Admissions.  A new application and application fee must be submitted when applicants wish to be considered for admission for a term that begins more than 12 months after the originally requested entry term.

     An applicant who requests a new entry term must meet the admissions requirements in effect for the new term requested.  Entry for some programs is limited to specified terms.