The Office of Undergraduate Admissions administers the application, admission, and readmission process for all degree-seeking and non-degree undergraduate students. It also assists prospective students in obtaining information about UWF. The office conducts outreach and visitation programs in high schools and community colleges, coordinates campus tours for prospective students, and awards merit-based scholarships to entering undergraduate students.
The University of West Florida encourages applications for admission from qualified students regardless of gender, culture, religion, ethnic background, age, marital status, or disability. Students with documented visual impairments, hearing impairments, motor impairments, or specific learning disabilities may petition for substitution of admission requirements provided such substitution does not significantly alter the nature of the program for which admission is being sought. For more information about the University’s admission requirement substitution policy, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Admission of students to the University of West Florida is within the jurisdiction of the University, but subject to the minimum standards adopted by the UWF Board of Trustees and the Florida Board of Governors.
Students must apply for undergraduate admission online. All UWF applications are available online. Follow instructions from the UWF Home Page, uwf.edu, and click on Admissions. The international application may be printed from this same website.
Undergraduate applications may also be obtained from the Florida Academic Counseling and Tracking for Students (FACTS) internet site at facts.org.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will notify the applicants of the admission decision. Admission to the University is often contingent upon the subsequent receipt of satisfactory and official college, university, or high school transcripts; verification of associate of arts or baccalaureate degrees; and verification of high school graduation. Failure to submit such documents before the end of the second week of class of the initial academic semester may result in the cancellation of admission.
All credentials and documents submitted become the property of the University of West Florida. The originals or copies of the originals will not be returned to the applicant or forwarded to another institution, agency, or person.
If it is found that an applicant has made a false or fraudulent statement or a deliberate omission on the application for admission, the residency statement, or any other accompanying documents or statements, the applicant may be denied admission. If the student is already enrolled when the fraud is discovered, the case will be adjudicated using the procedures specified for violations of the UWF Student Conduct System as contained in the Student Planner and Handbook at website: the zonelive.com/zone/public/6/schoolHome.asp?i=12706.
Applicants are admitted to the University only for the semester for which they apply. Students who do not enroll in the semester for which they have been admitted and want consideration for a different semester must submit another application for admission. Admission is not automatic. Applicants will be considered for admission under the policies in effect at that time.
This information pertains to applicants who desire admission as beginning freshman students after graduation from high school and who have not attended an accredited postsecondary institution.
International students should refer to the section on International Undergraduate Admissions in addition to this section.
The application for admission and a nonrefundable $30 processing fee payable to the University of West Florida should be submitted as soon as possible after the beginning of the senior year. The $30 processing application fee must be in U.S. currency, drawn on a U.S. bank. There is an option to pay via MasterCard, Visa, or American Express credit card when the web application is submitted.
The preferred time for receipt of applications for the fall semester is the preceding October through February. The processing fee may be waived for applicants from Florida high schools who can document that they have received a fee waiver because of economic need as determined by the College Board or the American College Testing Program. It is the policy of the University not to defer or waive other application processing fees.
An official high school transcript (sent by the high school directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions) reflecting work completed from the beginning of the 9th grade through the 11th grade is required.
Applicants who present scores on the General Education Development (GED) diploma for satisfaction of the high school graduation requirement must also present records from secondary schools attended.
Students who have registered for course work at community colleges, four-year colleges, or universities through dual enrollment or non-degree student status must submit official transcripts from postsecondary institutions. Transcripts are considered official when they are sent from a college or university directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and contain an official seal and signature. Transcripts bearing the statement, “Issued to Student,” or transcripts faxed or submitted by applicants are not considered official.
The examination offered by the American College Testing Program (ACT) or the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) (all three sections: critical reading, mathematics, and writing) administered by the College Entrance Examination Board is required of all applicants for freshman admission. Students are strongly encouraged to initially take their examinations during the spring of their eleventh grade. Either one or both of these tests must be taken no later than the January testing date of the senior year. Students should feel free to repeat a test, since the highest combination of scores is always considered.
Fall Semester June 30
Spring Semester November 1
Summer Semester April 1
Admission to the University of West Florida requires graduation from regionally accredited high schools or completion of the General Education Development (GED) Tests, certain high school academic units, a cumulative high school grade point average in those academic units, and test scores as outlined below.
Applicants should have earned four units (an academic unit is a non-remedial yearlong course) of English (at least three with substantial writing requirements); three units of mathematics (Algebra I or above); three units of natural science (at least two with laboratory); three units of social science; two sequential units of the same foreign language demonstrating proficiency through the second level; and four electives, preferably from English, foreign language, mathematics, natural science, or social science areas. Social science includes history, civics, political science, economics, sociology, psychology, and geography. American Sign Language is considered a foreign language for this admission requirement. Beginning in fall 2011 freshman students will need to complete 4 units of math at the Algebra 1 level and above.
Applicants for admission who have satisfactory high school records, including at least a 3.0 average in the required high school academic units and who submit other appropriate evidence that they can achieve successful academic progress in the University, including SAT scores of 440 and higher on each section or ACT scores of 19 and higher on the English, Math, and Reading subsections are academically eligible for admission consideration.
In the case of applicants who do not meet these qualifications, a variety of additional factors are considered. These include the pattern and quality of courses and curriculum, grade trends, class rank, educational objective, extracurricular activities, leadership, school recommendations, and community services.
Applicants who bring to the University community other important attributes may receive additional consideration. These include talented writers and performing artists, applicants having special ties to the University, students with significant life and career experiences, skilled athletes, and students with other attributes that may contribute to a diverse educational environment.
In computing the high school GPA (academic courses only) for purposes of admission, additional weight is assigned to grades of “C” or better in honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Program, Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education courses, and Dual Enrollment.
Applicants completing a nontraditional program (home schooling, outcome-based education, etc.) must present credentials equivalent to those described above. An applicant whose educational program is not measured in Carnegie Units must present test scores of a least 1490 on the SAT or 21 on the ACT.
Early Admission
The University provides an opportunity to outstanding high school students for entry into the University as a full-time, degree-seeking student upon completion of the 11th grade. The following guidelines are used to consider these students:
This information pertains to applicants who desire admission by transfer from other colleges or universities.
International students also should refer to the section on International Student Admission.
The application for admission and a nonrefundable $30 processing fee payable to the University of West Florida should be submitted six to nine months prior to the semester for which admission is desired. It is the policy of the University not to defer or waive the application processing fee. The $30 application processing fee must be in U.S. currency, drawn on a U.S. bank. There is an option to pay via MasterCard, Visa, or American Express credit card when the web application is submitted.
Applicants must arrange to have submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions official transcripts from each college and university attended. Transcripts are considered official when they are sent from a college or university directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and contain an official seal and signature. Transcripts bearing the statement, “Issued to Student,” or transcripts faxed or submitted by applicants are not considered official.
Transfer applicants who have less than 60 semester hours of transferable credit (as evaluated by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions) must submit official high school transcripts reflecting work completed from the beginning of the 9th grade through the 12th grade and the date of graduation.
The examination offered by the American College Testing program (ACT) or the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) administered by the College Entrance Examination Board is required of all transfer applicants who have less than 60 semester hours of transferable credit (as evaluated by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions) or who are requesting a degree program leading to teacher certification. Arrangements should be made for the test results to be forwarded to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
The Florida CLAST is an achievement test of the communication and computation skills expected of all students by the time they complete their sophomore year of college. All students are required by Florida statutes and rules of the Florida Board of Governors to satisfactorily complete the Florida CLAST or satisfy one of the CLAST alternate options before the granting of admission to upper-division status at the University of West Florida. It is the responsibility of the applicant to have Florida CLAST scores forwarded to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Refer to the CLAST section for more details.
Fall Semester June 30
Spring Semester November 1
Summer Semester April 1
Applicants who have received an A.A. degree from a Florida public institution immediately prior to transfer and who have applied for a non-limited access program will be admitted to the University of West Florida, provided applications and all supporting documents have been received by the deadline. In addition, verification of two units of the same foreign language in high school or at least eight semester hours of the same foreign language (or equivalent proficiency) demonstrating proficiency through the second college level course is required. American Sign Language is considered a foreign language for this admission requirement. Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to programs designated as limited access or teacher certification.
Transfer applicants from a non-regionally accredited institution may be considered for admission on a provisional basis. When a student has earned 20 semester hours of qualifying UWF courses and earned a GPA of at least 2.0, the student must submit a written statement to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions requesting that any credit not accepted upon admission be evaluated for addition to the student’s academic record. All regular credit acceptance policies apply. Credit will not be added for courses that would not ordinarily be accepted for credit at UWF.
Entrance into specific University programs may have additional requirements. Refer to the degree programs sections of this Catalog or contact the program department for details.
Applicants to the University are considered international if they are not U.S. Citizens, dual citizens, or permanent residents. In addition to the policies and procedures stated for the different categories of admission, the following information pertains to international applicants.
International Education and Programs provides immigration assistance to all international students, scholars, and employees at the University of West Florida. Among the services offered are:
The Office of Diversity & International Education & Programs is located in Building 71. Please see additional information for International Students and available services at uwf.edu/internationaloffice.
International applicants must submit original documents or signed, officially certified photocopies of original documents, as well as certified translations of all documents that are not in English.
International applicants must also have their foreign credentials evaluated by one of the four evaluation services listed below. The evaluation should contain a course-by-course description and a grade point average from each institution attended. Applicants have the responsibility to contact the evaluation agency directly and have the evaluation agency send the official evaluation report to UWF. The official evaluation report must be received by the application deadline for the semester the applicant plans to attend. The acceptable evaluation services are:
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
Ph: (414) 289-3400
Fax: (414) 289-3411
www.ece.org
eval@ece.org
International Education Evaluators (IEE)
P.O. Box 545863
Surfside FL 33154
Ph: (305) 503-9063
Fax: (305) 993-5550
www.iee-usa.com
info@iee-usa.com
Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
International Education Consultants
7101 SW 102 Avenue
Miami, FL 33173
Ph: (305) 273-1616
Fax: (305) 273-1338
Translation Fax: (305) 273-1984
www.jsilny.com
info@jsilny.com
If the international applicant’s native language is not English, or the applicant is from a country in which the primary language is not English, he or she must take one of the following tests before consideration of admission.
Minimum scores required by the University are listed below.
Test |
Minimum |
Paper-based TOEFL |
550 |
Computer-based TOEFL |
213 |
Internet-based TOEFL |
79/80 |
IELTS |
6.5 |
MELAB |
78 |
TOEFL scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions from the Educational Testing Service, Box 6151, Princeton, New Jersey, 08541-6151, USA.
TOEFL information and registration forms are available in many locations outside the U.S., usually at U.S. embassies and consulates, at the Educational Advising/Information Centers, from U.S. educational commissions and foundations, at Binational Centers, and from many private organizations such as the Institute of International Education (IIE), American-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST), and the African-American Institute (AAI).
Exemptions from Proof of English Proficiency
Certification of finances must be completed and returned to the International Student Office before the “Certificate of Eligibility” (Form I-20 or DS-2019) is issued. The University is required by U.S. Immigration authorities to check the financial resources of each student prior to issuing Form I-20 or DS-2019. Therefore, it is important for the applicant to know the costs of attending the University and have the necessary funds for the entire period of enrollment. Funds for one year of study and living expenses must be documented and approved by the University before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued.
The “Confidential Financial Statement” form must be completed, signed by the student, and verified by the student’s or sponsor’s bank by submitting an original bank statement from the sponsor’s financial institution. Before completing the “Confidential Financial Statement,” the applicant should review the estimate of institutional costs and living expenses. The total amount of funds available to the student must be listed for each year of planned attendance and must equal or exceed the total estimate of institutional costs and living expenses. The “Confidential Financial Statement” must be accurate and documented to avoid unnecessary delay in processing. The “Confidential Financial Statement” and supporting documents from the student’s or sponsor’s bank or financial institution should be submitted to the International Student Office, Building 71, 11000 University Parkway, University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida, 32514, United States.
Applicants must submit a “Physician’s Evaluation Form” and a “Medical History Form” completed in its entirety by a physician and the applicant respectively. Documentation of measles (rubella and rubeola) immunization must be submitted. Any document submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a translation. Florida law also requires that students residing on campus provide proof of immunization for meningitis and hepatitis B, or sign a waiver indicating their informed decision not to be vaccinated.
International students are required to show proof of adequate medical insurance coverage for illness or accidental injury for an entire academic year before they will be permitted to register or to continue enrollment. An adequate medical insurance policy must meet a number of requirements, including that the insurance proceeds are payable in U.S. currency. Insurance may be obtained at the University before registration.
Fall Semester June 1
Spring Semester October 1
Summer Semester March 1
If a student’s application for admission to UWF is approved, an official notice of admission will be sent by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Admission is for a specific semester only. If the student is unable to enroll for the semester indicated on the notice of admission, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions should be informed immediately. Under no circumstances should an applicant make departure plans for Pensacola until official approval has been given by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the student has received the Form I-20 from the International Student Advisor (see section on passports and visas). Students who come to the campus without first receiving an official notice of acceptance do so at their own risk. The student’s presence on the campus will not influence the decision on an application for admission.
An international student wishing to enter a degree program at the University of West Florida and does not have the required English language proficiency may be “conditionally” admitted to the University. To be eligible for “conditional” admission, a student must meet all other international admission requirements and be admitted to the Intensive English Program at UWF. The “conditional” admission letter will state that the student is accepted for admission to UWF pending completion of the Intensive English Program at UWF and demonstrating English proficiency.
Students meeting all admission requirements of the University will be mailed a “Certificate of Eligibility” by the International Student Advisor. Students possessing a valid Form I-20 or DS- 2019 will be considered for a student visa (F-1 or J-1) by presenting it and the following documents to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate:
Prospective students should familiarize themselves with the current regulations of their own governments, as many restrict the purchase of U.S. dollars. Students should arrive with ample funds in U.S. dollars or traveler’s checks. Local banks provide exchange services, but this procedure can be lengthy and expensive.
The International Student Advisor is available to assist students with problems ranging from immigration to cultural and personal matters. Students should feel free to ask questions and seek assistance from this office at any time. The International Student Advisor may be reached at 850-474-2386.
The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service specifically restricts permission for international students to accept employment off campus. Permission is not granted during the first year of study. Permission, if granted, is restricted to 20 working hours per week when school is in session. Full-time employment is permissible during authorized breaks. Permission to accept employment after completion of a degree for the purpose of practical training is not a right associated with a student visa, but a privilege. Any application for practical training must be approved by the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Undergraduate students not in attendance during three or more consecutive academic semesters (including summer semester) must complete the “Application for Readmission” and provide any required documentation. The application must be filed according to admissions deadlines. A nonrefundable $30 readmission processing fee payable to the University of West Florida is required for all readmission applications. Catalog year is automatically updated for readmitting students. Undergraduates can use the readmission application to change their major upon readmission only if their UWF grade point average is 2.0 or above.
Degree-seeking students file the readmission application in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Official transcripts from each college or university attended since previous enrollment at UWF must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions prior to readmission. If a student is currently enrolled at another institution, the final transcript must be submitted when the term has ended.
Readmission is not automatic (see Academic Suspension and Reinstatement). Readmission applications for suspended students cannot be processed until students are reinstated by the college of their former major. Students who subsequently earn an associate of arts degree (A.A.) at another Florida public institution should refer to the A.A. Forgiveness policy section.
Undergraduate applicants who are denied admission to the University may appeal the admission decision to the University Admissions Committee if they feel the admission decision was inequitable because of some extenuating circumstance or unrevealed data. Applicants are requested to appeal by letter to the University Admissions Committee through the Director of Undergraduate Admissions by the first day of classes of the semester for which admission was requested.
Applicants who have been denied admission to a limited access bachelor’s degree program at the University may appeal, in writing, to the appropriate college dean by the first day of classes of the semester for which admission was requested.
GRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS