Frequently Asked Questions

DirectConnect To UCF

Am I eligible for DirectConnect to UCF if I am earning my high school diploma and associates degree at the same time?

Yes, but this is a special situation. A Dual Enrolled student (earning a high school diploma AND an Associate’s degree concurrently from a DirectConnect to UCF partner college) will be considered for admission at UCF as a First Time in College (FTIC) student, as defined by the SUS Board of Governors’ Regulation. A student who applies to UCF in this manner should adhere to the UCF FTIC application deadlines and admission requirements. In addition to submitting the application and fee, the student must also submit:

  • Completed Self-Provided Academic Record for Knights “SPARK” Form; students who have already completed high school must submit a current official high school or home-school transcript
  • Official SAT [code: 5233] or ACT [code: 0735] score, or CLT
  • Official GED or TOEFL/IELTS score, if applicable
  • Application essay (strongly encouraged but not required)

FTIC application deadlines are May 1st for fall, November 1st for spring and March 1st for summer.

How do I qualify for DirectConnect to UCF?

  • Sign up for DirectConnect to UCF.
  • Pursue and complete an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or statewide articulated Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from one of UCF’s partner colleges.

How do I sign up for DirectConnect to UCF?

Signing up is easy! Fill out our quick DirectConnect to UCF form to begin your path to UCF today!

What are my DirectConnect to UCF options after I complete my A.S. Degree?

A.S. degree students can transfer to UCF if the A.S. degree is part of a statewide articulated A.S. to B.S. program (Criminal Justice, Hospitality Management, or Nursing). The Undergraduate Catalog contains more information about statewide articulated A.S. to B.S. degrees.

What are the benefits of DirectConnect to UCF?

  • Guaranteed admission to UCF (consistent with university policy) with an earned Associate of Arts (A.A.) or statewide articulated Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from one our partner colleges.
  • Shorter time to complete your bachelor’s degree
  • Guidance from your Success Team from sign-up to graduation
  • Smooth transition and enrollment assistance
  • Access to UCF transition services, activities and events
  • Face-to-face programs or fully online pathways available

What if I want to transfer before I complete my A.A. Degree?

UCF does admit lower division transfer students (students with less than 60 credits of college coursework), but they do not have the guarantee of admission. Lower division transfer applicants must submit college transcripts, high school transcripts, and SAT/ACT/CLT scores. If you transfer to UCF without your A.A. degree, you will be required to complete the UCF General Education Program. The Undergraduate Admissions Office has additional information for transfer students at https://www.ucf.edu/admissions/undergraduate/transfer/.

What is DirectConnect to UCF?

DirectConnect to UCF guarantees admission to UCF (consistent with university policy) with an earned Associate of Arts (A.A.) or statewide articulated Associate of Science (A.S.) degree.

What is the difference between DirectConnect to UCF and 2+2?

DirectConnect to UCF guarantees admission to UCF (consistent with university policy) with an earned Associate of Arts (A.A.) or statewide articulated Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from our college partner institutions, whereas the 2+2 program guarantees admission to one of Florida’s state universities, but not necessarily to the one of your choice.

What majors are available?

Who are the DirectConnect to UCF Partners?

Will I still have to apply for admission to UCF even though I completed the DirectConnect to UCF sign-up form?

Yes! Students who have signed up for DirectConnect to UCF should apply for admission to UCF once they have earned 45 college credits. Apply now!!

Dual Enrolled Students

Are there certain SAT/ACT/CLT score requirements?

There are no minimum SAT/ACT/CLT test score requirement. Student test scores must be competitive based on the quality of the applicant pool. For example, the mid-range SAT test score for fall 2025 was 1310-1430 or 28-32 (mid-range) for the ACT. Mid-range for CLT was 92-100.

As a dual enrolled student who intends to earn an A.A. degree from one of the DirectConnect to UCF partner schools concurrently with high school graduation, when should I apply for admission to UCF?

Students should apply to UCF as a First-Time-in-College (FTIC) student and follow FTIC application deadlines. Application deadlines are May 1 for the fall term, November 1 for the spring term, and March 1 for the summer term.

If you plan to enroll at UCF in the fall immediately following your high school graduation, you should submit your application during the fall of your senior year (typically between September and November). For additional information, including Early Action deadlines and admission requirements, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions website.

Do high school extracurricular activities matter for admission or is it only college activities that are considered?

Dual enrollment students should include all relevant high school, college, and community activities in their admissions application. Be sure to list any leadership positions held in organizations, as well as volunteer, service-learning, and community service experiences.

Providing a comprehensive record of your involvement helps the admissions committee better understand your achievements and engagement both inside and outside the classroom.

Do I have to pay the FTIC enrollment deposit?

Yes, the entire amount of the deposit will be used toward your first semester tuition. The enrollment deposit is $200.

Do I need to take ACT,SAT, or CLT for DirectConnect to UCF?

All FTIC students are required to submit SAT/ACT/CLT test scores to be considered for admission. If you earned your A.A. concurrently with high school graduation, you are considered an FTIC student. Students who have 12 or more transferrable college credits since high school graduation and have earned an A.A. degree, are not required to submit SAT/ACT/CLT test scores with their application.

Do we have to send our most recent transcripts when we apply to UCF in the fall, and then send our final transcripts again when we graduate?

Do not provide an item unless an item appears on your Future Knight Portal checklist, but be sure to complete the Self-Provided Academic Record for Knights (SPARK) form. This form allows you to self-report your high school courses and grades. Submit a final high school transcript once you graduate and the state college partner transcript once you earn your A.A.. You should send both final transcripts immediately after the degree and graduation date are posted.

Do we need to have completed our A.A. in order to sign up for DirectConnect to UCF?

No you do not, as a matter of fact, you should sign up for DirectConnect to UCF as soon as you begin taking college level courses at a partner institution.

Does UCF accept Cambridge AICE test scores used as A.A. credits?

Yes, as long as UCF receives an official copy of the scores and an appropriate score was earned (check the Undergraduate Catalog for required scores).

How soon would I know if I am offered admission

If you apply through Early Action and submit both your application and all required materials by the Early Action deadlines, you can expect to receive an admission decision on December 5. Early Action applicants may receive one of the following decisions: Admit, Pathway Admit, Defer, or Deny.

If you apply through Regular Decision, admission decisions are released on a rolling basis. After the December 5 Early Action notification date, the Admissions Committee resumes reviewing summer and fall applications in early January and continues releasing decisions through May 1. This means your decision could be released at any point during that timeframe, depending on when your application becomes complete and is reviewed.

For the quickest possible decision, submit your application and all required materials as early as possible.

I am a dual enrollment whose SAT test score is pending, can I still submit my application?

Yes, along with other applicable items that are required to complete your application file.

I earned an Honors A.A. from a partner institution who has an Honors to Honors articulation agreement with UCF. Will I be able to participate in that honors program?

No, you would not be eligible for that program, as the agreement applies only to transfer students. For more information on First Year Entry requirements, please visit the Burnett Honors College website.

If I am considered a First Time in College Student (FTIC), even though I earned an A.A. degree from one of the DirectConnect to UCF partner institutions, does the guarantee apply to me?

It still applies; however, the guarantee does not necessarily include admission for your preferred term. If you are competitive for UCF freshman (FTIC) admission based on your high school GPA and SAT/ACT/CLT test scores, you may be offered admission for the term you selected. If you are not competitive for FTIC admission for that term, UCF may offer you admission to an alternative term instead.

Once I have been offered admission, do I have to attend orientation?

All students who are new to UCF must attend New Student Orientation. Earning the high school diploma and A.A. concurrently means you are an FTIC student and will have to attend the FTIC New Student Orientation.

Should I wait to apply until after I retake the SAT/ACT/CLT?

No, if you have already taken the test once, submit your admission application along with your test scores. When you retake the test, be sure to send the new scores to UCF.

Since I have my A.A. can I be considered for the Transfer Scholarships?

Since you are applying as an FTIC student, you cannot be considered for the Transfer Scholarships offered by admissions.

Since I will have an A.A. and 60 hours of college credit, what will my academic level be?

While you must apply to UCF as an FTIC, attend freshman orientation and pay the enrollment deposit, you will be considered a junior for academic and financial aid purposes.

What does dual enrollment have to do with DirectConnect to UCF?

Students who are dual-enrolled may also earn their A.A. and high school diploma concurrently. DirectConnect to UCF offers guaranteed admission (consistent with university policy) to UCF with an earned A.A. or statewide articulated A.S. degree from one of our state partner colleges; however, admission is not necessarily guaranteed for your term of choice.

What if I am graduating high school and only have 33 dual enrollment credits at a DirectConnect to UCF partner college, should I continue and complete my A.A. before starting at UCF?

You should complete your A.A. degree in order to benefit from the DirectConnect to UCF admission guarantee (consistent with university policy).

What if you have more than 12 credits past A.A.?

If you earn 12 or more credits after you graduate from high school and you have earned your A.A. degree, you will be considered a transfer student. SAT/ACT/CLT scores are not required and you do not need to meet FTIC admission criteria.

What is a First Time in College (FTIC) student?

First Time in College (FTIC) freshmen are defined as students who have earned a standard high school diploma from a Florida public or regionally accredited high school, or its equivalent, and who have earned fewer than twelve (12) semester hours of transferable college credit since receiving a standard high school diploma or its equivalent (Board of Governors: Regulation 6.002). This includes students applying with any dual enrollment credit during high school, even those concurrently earning an A.A. degree and a high school diploma.

What is dual enrollment?

Dual enrollment allows qualified high school students to take college courses and earn credit toward their high school diploma while also working toward an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree, an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree, or a career certificate.

What is the DirectConnect to UCF guarantee?

DirectConnect to UCF guarantees admission (consistent with university policy) to those students who earn an A.A. or statewide articulated A.S. degree from one of the seven DirectConnect to UCF partner institutions (College of Central Florida, Daytona State College, Eastern Florida State College, Indian River State College, Lake-Sumter State College, Seminole State College, and Valencia College).

Why would I be considered a FTIC if I have earned my A.A. degree?

In most cases, those who graduate from high school and earn the A.A. concurrently have earned fewer than 12 semester hours of transferable college credit since receiving a standard high school diploma or its equivalent.

Will I be considered for any scholarships?

All FTIC students are considered for the FTIC admissions scholarship when they submit their application. No other application is necessary to be considered for the scholarship.

Applying to UCF

How do I check my admission status?

Please visit your Future Knight Portal and log in using your email address and password. The status page will display a checklist of required documents. You can confirm receipt of documents and view your admission decision (if available).

How long does it take to get an admission decision?

You will be notified of a decision as soon as possible once your application file is complete. This includes the application, application fee, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, test scores (AICE, AP/IB/CLEP/TOEFL/IELTS if applicable), and high school transcripts (if applicable).

Note: Transcripts for all institutions attended and other relevant documents must be received before Undergraduate Admissions will review your application for admission.

I don't see an answer to my question here. Is there a more extensive list of admission questions?

Yes! Please visit the Undergraduate Admissions Application Frequently Asked Questions website for more answers.

What do I need to submit to apply for admission to UCF?

  • Complete the online Undergraduate Admission application
  • Pay the admission application fee online
  • Official transcripts from each and every college or university attended
  • If applicable: Official test scores (CLEP, IB, AICE, CLT, etc.)
  • Official High school transcripts (if two years of a foreign language was taken)

Note: High school transcripts may be required to demonstrate completion of the foreign language admission requirement.

When should I apply to UCF?

You should apply to UCF once you have earned 45 college credit hours at a DirectConnect to UCF partner institution. These 45 credit hours may include credits transferred to your DirectConnect to UCF partner college from other accredited colleges or universities.

Before submitting your application, it is recommended that you complete ENC 1101 and ENC 1102 with grades of C or better, as well as two math courses at the College Algebra level (MAC 1105) or higher with grades of C or better.

Students who are dual enrolled and earning both a high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time should follow First-Time-in-College (FTIC) admission requirements and deadlines rather than transfer admission requirements.

Admitted Students

How do I complete the immunization requirements?

Complete the required UCF Immunization Health History Form and submit it through the Med+Proctor portal along with your immunization records (if required). All students must provide proof of two MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations. Hepatitis B and meningitis vaccinations may be waived by completing the waiver section of the health history form. Once Med+Proctor verifies your records as compliant, your immunization hold will be automatically removed. Visit https://studenthealth.ucf.edu/immunizations/ for more information.

How do I obtain/verify Florida residency for tuition purposes?

Once admitted, the Residency Declaration form will be added to your status page in the Future Knight Portal as a checklist item. You will also be required to upload documents, if necessary, to support your residency claim. After submitting the form and all required documents, you may check your residency status by logging into the myUCF portal. If you have already attended UCF as an undergraduate student and wish to reclassify your residency for tuition purposes, please visit the Registrar’s Office website for information on Residency Reclassification.

How do I register for classes?

Before your Enrollment Appointment, use mySchedule Builder to generate and compare possible class schedules based on your course selections. During orientation or your pre-advising appointment, your Academic Success Coach will assist with course selection and may add recommended courses to your shopping cart. When your Enrollment Appointment begins, you can finalize your registration by enrolling in the courses saved in your shopping cart.

How do I verify that my credits from previous schools transferred to UCF?

Verify your transfer credits in the myUCF portal. The status of your transfer credits can be found in the Transfer Summary Report (TSR) in the Student Center.

myKnight Audit will show you which transfer courses meet degree requirements and outstanding courses that remain to complete your degree. Any In-Progress courses will require a final official transcript to record the appropriate grade.

What are my next steps once I am offered admission?

Access and print the You’ve Been Offered Admission! What Now? Checklist

What are my NID and my UCFID?

Your NID is your secure sign-on for many systems at UCF, including myUCF and online courses. To obtain your NID, go to myUCF, click Sign On, click “What is my NID“, then follow the instructions to obtain your NID and create a password.

Your UCF ID is the number you will use to identify yourself when you call or visit offices across campus, including Undergraduate Admissions. To obtain your UCF ID, go to myUCF, log in using your NID and password, click Student Self Service > Personal Information >UCF ID Info. This page will display your UCF ID, your NID and your UCF ID Card number, once you have been issued one.

What is 'Honor Your Knighthood'?

Honor Your Knighthood contains five online module programs for new UCF students to complete as part of the onboarding process into the UCF community. The goals of the online modules are for students to understand the expectations and importance UCF places on subjects related to Academic Integrity, Alcohol Awareness, Career Readiness, Sexual Violence Prevention, and Hazing Prevention. Through the completion of these individual online modules, UCF students will begin to develop a great understanding of upholding the values of the UCF Creed: Integrity, Scholarship, Community, Creativity, and Excellence. UCF is committed to student success and well-being both inside and outside the classroom.

What is transfer orientation and am I required do it?

All first-time, admitted undergraduate degree-seeking students are required to attend transfer orientation prior to enrolling in classes. During Orientation, students will get acquainted with UCF services, meet with their academic college, meet Academic Success Coaches, and register for courses. To reserve an orientation date and for more information on the orientation process, visit the Orientation website.

When do I register for classes?

You will register for classes at the end of orientation or during your pre-advising appointment. Registration is completed through your Enrollment Appointment and can only occur after all orientation and immunization holds have been cleared. Students must enroll for the term indicated in their admission letter.

Where can I check to see if I have any holds?

To check for holds on your UCF account, log in to your myUCF account and navigate to Student Self Service. Look for the Hold box on the right side of your screen and select Details to see the reason for the hold and instructions on how to resolve it. Orientation and immunization holds must be resolved prior to course registration.

Other Common Questions

Is housing available for transfer students?

Yes, there are options for incoming transfer students on the Orlando main campus and at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Visit Housing for more information.

What are the current tuition/fees at UCF?

Where can I find information about off-campus student housing?

Off Campus Housing provides a listing of off-campus housing opportunities.

Financial Aid

Is there a scholarship for DirectConnect to UCF students?

Yes. Out of a desire to assist DirectConnect to UCF students to attain post-secondary education and university degrees, the Johnson Scholarship Foundation partnered with the University of Central Florida, Eastern Florida State College, Lake-Sumter State College, Seminole State College, and Valencia College, to establish the Johnson Scholarship Foundation Scholarship. Please visit the JSF Scholarship page for more information and how to apply while you are at DirectConnect partner school.

Note: The scholarship is only available to students who intend to earn their A.A. or articulated A.S. degree from one of the state college partners listed below and transition to UCF once the A.A. or articulated A.S. degree is completed.

Other Financial Aid and Scholarships Opportunities
https://directconnect.ucf.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/

Where can I find more information about financial aid?