UF SAT & ACT Score Requirements: What You Need to Get In (2026)

Last Updated: April 28, 2026

Key Takeaways

• UF's admitted-student SAT middle 50 is 1380 to 1510 and ACT middle 50 is 31 to 34 for the Class of 2029. UF's admitted-student weighted GPA middle 50 runs 4.5 to 4.7.
• UF requires SAT, ACT, or CLT scores for the 2025–26 cycle. UF returned to test-required after a brief test-optional period and remains so for Fall 2026 with narrow hardship exceptions.
• UF superscores the SAT, ACT, and CLT across test dates. Lower section scores from other dates do not count against you. UF has no test preference and reads whichever test type shows your strongest performance.
• Class of 2029 received 91,896 applications (a 22.8 percent increase) and admitted 18,169 students for an admit rate of approximately 19.8 percent, the most selective in UF's history.
• For Florida residents, the test score is also a gate to Florida Bright Futures, which can cover up to 100 percent of in-state tuition at UF. Plan for both targets when prepping.

What SAT or ACT Score Do You Need for UF?

UF does not publish a competitive minimum and uses a holistic review. What it does publish, through the UF Freshman Student Profile, are the middle 50 percent score ranges for the Class of 2029 admitted students:

Half of UF's admitted Class of 2029 scored inside those bands. Practical target: aim for a 1430 SAT or a 32 ACT to land in the middle of the admitted pool. A 1380 or 31 keeps you competitive. A 1510 or 34 puts your score at or above most admits.

UF's admitted SAT 25th percentile (1380) is the highest of any flagship public in the SEC and matches Big Ten programs like UMich and UNC. Among large public flagships, UF's test profile is matched only by Berkeley, UCLA, UVA, and a handful of other top-tier publics. If your score sits below 1380 SAT or 31 ACT, the rest of your file needs to be exceptional.

UF Is Test-Required (Not Test-Optional)

UF reverted to test-required after a brief test-optional period and remains test-required for Fall 2026. SAT, ACT, or CLT scores are mandatory for all first-year applicants, with narrow hardship exceptions for documented testing inaccessibility. Three implications:

• You must test. If you are applying to UF, plan to take the SAT, ACT, or CLT. There is no workaround.
• UF accepts the CLT. The Classic Learning Test is a third option alongside SAT and ACT. UF superscores it the same way and treats it without preference. Submitting CLT is a viable path for students who perform better on the CLT's passage-heavy reading or for those who have prepared specifically for it.
• The Florida Board of Governors minimums are not your target. Statewide eligibility floors are well below UF's admitted middle 50. Functionally, scores in that range will not be admitted to UF Gainesville and would route applicants toward other State University System schools.

UF Superscores SAT, ACT, and CLT (Generously)

UF's superscoring policy is among the friendliest at any major public university:

• SAT superscore. UF combines your highest Reading & Writing and your highest Math scores across all SAT sittings into a new superscored total. Lower section scores from other dates are simply ignored.
• ACT superscore. UF takes the highest English, Math, and Reading subscores across dates to build a new superscored composite. Note: UF excludes Science from its ACT superscore calculation, so a weaker Science section in one sitting does not hurt you.
• CLT superscore. UF treats the CLT the same way and superscores across CLT sittings.
• UF has no test preference. It reviews whichever test type shows your strongest performance. You can submit two or even three test types, and UF picks whatever helps you most.
• Self-reporting is sufficient. Scores can be self-reported through the application; official reports are required after enrollment.

Because UF superscores so generously, multiple sittings are a clear net positive. A two- to three-test strategy (junior spring, senior early fall, optional retake) is the right default if your first sitting lands below your target.

UF Class of 2029 Admission Profile

UF's most recent admission cycle, summarized from the UF Office of Admissions:

The numbers reflect a flagship that has tightened steeply over five years. UF's admit rate has fallen from above 35 percent in 2020 to under 20 percent for Class of 2029, while the SAT middle 50 has climbed roughly 80 points. UF's 25th percentile SAT (1380) is now higher than the 75th percentile of many peer flagships, and UF Honors targets are essentially Ivy-adjacent.

UF GPA and Course Rigor: The Real Bar

UF recalculates your GPA on a weighted scale using academic core courses (math, science, English, social science, foreign language). The admitted-class profile:

• Weighted GPA middle 50: 4.5 to 4.7. Honors-track applicants run higher, often 4.7 to 4.8.
• Course rigor is non-negotiable. Most admits have AP, IB, AICE, or dual-enrollment participation across multiple core subjects. AICE is especially common in Florida high schools.
• 16-credit minimum required curriculum. 4 English, 4 Math (Algebra I and above, including at least one course beyond Algebra II), 3 Natural Science (2 with lab), 3 Social Science, 2 Foreign Language (same language).
• Going light on math or science makes you visibly less competitive. UF's admitted pool typically has 4 years of math through Calculus or Statistics and 4 years of science including a hard science (Chemistry or Physics).

The single biggest mistake UF applicants make is taking the minimum 16-credit curriculum instead of the more competitive 18-credit profile, which adds a fourth year of math, science, or foreign language. Going light on rigor makes you visibly less competitive in UF's recalculated review.

Florida Bright Futures: Why Test Score Matters Doubly

For Florida residents, the test score is also the gate to the state's flagship merit scholarship, which can cover the majority or all of UF's in-state tuition. Per Florida Bright Futures:

Bright Futures also requires service or paid-work hours that vary by award level: FAS requires 100 hours total (volunteer, paid, or any combination), while FMS requires 75 service hours, 100 paid work hours, or a combined sum of 100. For Florida residents pursuing both UF admission and Florida Academic Scholars, the practical lower-bound score targets are:

• 1330 SAT or 29 ACT for FAS eligibility (assuming 3.5+ weighted GPA).
• 1380 SAT or 31 ACT for UF admitted 25th percentile.
• 1430 SAT or 32 ACT for UF admitted middle.

Practically, anyone clearing UF's admitted 25th percentile (1380 SAT or 31 ACT) is comfortably above the FAS cutoff. Test prep for UF pays double: it strengthens admission and unlocks the largest state merit scholarship in Florida. For a deeper dive into the test cutoffs, see our guide to Bright Futures SAT score requirements.

UF Application Deadlines for Fall 2026

UF uses Early Action plus Regular Decision. Both Early Action and Regular Decision are non-binding:

UF Early Action is the right call for most applicants. EA decisions arrive in late January, giving you time to compare UF with other admits in the spring. UF EA is non-binding and non-restrictive, so you can apply EA to UF and Early Decision or Early Action elsewhere. Note the materials deadline is one week after the application deadline; missing it can convert your EA file to RD.

What UF Weighs Beyond Test Scores

UF's holistic review weighs, in rough order of importance:

1. Recalculated weighted GPA in core courses. The single strongest signal.
2. Course rigor. AP, IB, AICE, dual enrollment. UF wants to see the most challenging available curriculum your high school offers.
3. Standardized test scores. Superscored SAT, ACT, or CLT.
4. Curriculum completion. The 16-credit minimum at minimum, ideally 18 credits with a fourth year of math, science, or foreign language.
5. Essays. UF requires a Common App essay plus UF-specific short-answer responses. These are read carefully, especially for borderline files and Honors Program selection.
6. Activities, leadership, and community engagement. Sustained, deep involvement beats a long shallow list.
7. Letter of recommendation (optional). UF does not require teacher letters but accepts up to three. The Common App Counselor Recommendation is required.

UF does not consider demonstrated interest, race, ethnicity, or legacy status. The review is heavily merit-academic, with secondary signals (essays, leadership, activities) carrying weight only after academic strength is established.

UF vs Peer Public Flagships

How UF compares to peer state flagships in 2026:

UF's test profile is the highest in the SEC and matches the top tier of public flagships nationally. The 30-point gap between UF's 25th percentile and FSU's 25th percentile (1380 vs 1350) is narrower than it once was, with FSU tightening rapidly: FSU's admit rate has fallen to roughly 19 percent for the Class of 2029, similar to UF's. UF still leads on test profile and overall selectivity, but the two Florida flagships have converged. For UF vs UGA, see our UGA SAT and ACT requirements guide.

A Realistic Prep Plan for UF-Level Scores

If UF is your target and your current practice SAT is 1250 or ACT is 28, here is a reasonable pathway:

1. Sophomore spring. Take one timed official SAT (Bluebook) and one ACT. Pick the higher percentile test. For Florida residents, also note the Bright Futures FAS cutoffs as floor targets (1330 SAT or 29 ACT, 3.5 weighted GPA).
2. Junior fall. Structured prep. Three to four hours per week plus a full timed test every two weeks. Focus on your weakest section first; UF superscores, so building one section at a time works.
3. Junior spring. First official sitting. Lock in your strongest section and use the score report to target the next.
4. Summer before senior year. Heavy prep. Aim for one full timed practice per week with precision review.
5. Fall senior year. Second sitting, ideally with results back by mid-October so you can submit Early Action by November 1. A third sitting in November or December is reasonable if you are still chasing the 1430 SAT or 32 ACT admitted-middle target.

Key score targets for Florida residents: 1330 SAT or 29 ACT for Florida Academic Scholars eligibility, 1380 SAT or 31 ACT for UF admitted 25th percentile, and 1430 SAT or 32 ACT for UF admitted middle. For adaptive practice, try the Larry Learns SAT platform or the Larry Learns ACT platform. If you are still deciding which test fits you, see our SAT vs ACT guide, and use the SAT score calculator to convert practice raw scores to scaled scores.

Frequently Asked Questions About UF SAT and ACT Scores

What is the average SAT score for UF?

Approximately 1430, based on the Class of 2029 admitted middle 50 of 1380 to 1510. The 25th percentile is 1380; the 75th percentile is 1510. SAT Reading & Writing middle 50 is 680 to 740; SAT Math middle 50 is 700 to 770.

What is the average ACT score for UF?

Approximately 32 composite, with a middle 50 of 31 to 34. The 25th percentile is 31; the 75th percentile is 34.

What are UF's SAT requirements?

UF requires SAT, ACT, or CLT scores. The admitted middle 50 SAT is 1380 to 1510. UF superscores the SAT across test dates, and lower section scores from other dates do not count against you.

What are UF's ACT requirements?

UF requires SAT, ACT, or CLT scores. The admitted middle 50 ACT composite is 31 to 34. UF superscores English, Math, and Reading subscores across dates (Science is excluded from the superscore).

Does UF require the SAT or ACT?

Yes. UF reverted to test-required after a brief test-optional period. SAT, ACT, or CLT is required for all first-year applicants for the 2025–26 cycle, with narrow hardship exceptions.

Does UF accept the CLT?

Yes. UF accepts the Classic Learning Test (CLT) alongside the SAT and ACT and superscores it the same way. UF has no test preference.

Does UF superscore the SAT?

Yes. UF combines your highest Reading & Writing and your highest Math scores across all SAT sittings into a new superscored total. Multiple sittings only help.

Does UF superscore the ACT?

Yes. UF takes the highest English, Math, and Reading subscores across dates to build a new superscored composite. UF excludes the Science section from its superscore calculation.

Can I submit both SAT and ACT to UF?

Yes. UF reads whichever test type shows your strongest performance. You can submit SAT, ACT, and CLT, and UF picks whichever helps you most.

What GPA do I need for UF?

UF does not publish a formal minimum. The Class of 2029 admitted weighted GPA middle 50 is 4.5 to 4.7. UF Honors admits have a weighted GPA middle 50 of 4.7 to 4.8. AP, IB, AICE, or dual-enrollment participation is essentially universal in the admitted pool.

What is UF's acceptance rate?

Approximately 19.8 percent for the Class of 2029, based on a record 91,896 applications and 18,169 admits. UF has tightened from above 35 percent admit rate in 2020.

When is the UF application deadline?

Early Action is November 1 (materials November 8) with decisions on January 23. Regular Decision is January 15 (materials January 22) with decisions on March 13. Both are non-binding. EA is the strategic default for most applicants.

Is UF Early Action binding?

No. UF Early Action is non-binding and non-restrictive. You can apply EA to UF and Early Decision or Early Action to other schools.

What scholarships do UF students qualify for?

For Florida residents: Florida Academic Scholars (1330 SAT or 29 ACT, 3.5 weighted GPA, ~100 percent of in-state tuition at UF) and Florida Medallion Scholars (1190 SAT or 24 ACT, 3.0 weighted GPA, ~75 percent of in-state tuition). UF also offers university-level merit scholarships, including the Lombardi Scholars and Stamps Scholars programs for top admits.

Does UF require letters of recommendation?

No. UF does not require teacher recommendations but accepts up to three through the Common App. The Common App Counselor Recommendation is required.

How does UF compare to FSU?

UF still leads, but the gap has narrowed. UF's admitted SAT middle 50 (1380 to 1510) sits roughly 30 to 60 points above FSU's (1350 to 1450), and UF's overall admit rate (~20 percent) is now similar to FSU's Class of 2029 admit rate (~19 percent). Both are test-required and both qualify Florida residents for Bright Futures. UF retains a stronger test profile, but FSU has tightened rapidly and is no longer a clear safety relative to UF.

How does UF compare to UGA?

UF is more selective. UF's admitted SAT middle 50 (1380 to 1510) sits roughly 80 points above UGA's (1300 to 1470), and UF's admit rate (~20 percent) is well below UGA's (~34 percent). Both are test-required SEC flagships with generous superscoring. UF and UGA are the two most selective public flagships in the SEC.