USF 2001-2002 Undergraduate Catalog - Page 12

Admissions and Related Matters

Admission to the University of South Florida requires evidence of ability to handle academic work, capacity to think creatively, and strong motivation. The minimum admission requirements are designed to help identify applicants whose academic background indicates potential for success at USF; however, satisfaction of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance. The admission of new students at all levels is 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 sexes 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 handicap. 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. 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 $20.00 application fee are considered by the Director of Admissions if payment of this fee creates severe financial hardship and serves as a deterrent to application.

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

Applying for Admission

Obtaining an Application

As part of the State University System (SUS) of Florida, USF uses the common SUS Application Form for undergraduates. Applicants who are attending Florida high schools or Florida community/junior colleges may obtain the SUS Application Form in school guidance offices. The USF International Student Application for Admission, as well as the SUS Application, may be requested from the Office of Admissions, SVC 1036, USF, Tampa, FL 33620-6900. All of the application forms are also available on USF campuses in St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Lakeland. (When requesting an application, please indicate applicant category - freshman, undergraduate transfer, or international student.) Applications can be requested by phone, toll-free at 877-USF-BULL or by e-mail at bullseye@admin.usf.edu. Application forms may also be downloaded from http://www.rmit.usf.edu/enroll/admiss/application.html

When to Apply

Applications for admission are accepted as early as 12 months before the requested entry term. Applications for admission and the $20.00 non-refundable application fee should be submitted by the priority date (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. The priority date is normally about ten weeks prior to the first day of classes in each term. 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 degree program within the last three terms. Former or continuing USF degree-seeking students must file another application for admission when applying for a second degree program, another level of study or readmission (see Readmission). Anyone who has previously been admitted and enrolled as a degree-seeking student and has paid an application fee will not be required to pay another fee.

The Director of Admissions may waive payment of the application fee for disadvantaged applicants 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 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 are limited to specified terms.

Please send questions or comments to:
Margaret Martinroe - webCat@ugs.usf.edu
Effective Date: Semester I, 2001