2023 Undergraduate Admissions High School Counselor Guide

Counselor Guide

We recognize the vital role school counselors play in helping students prepare for college. At the University of West Florida, we want to serve as a resource to you and your students throughout the admissions process. Through this guide, online resources, and our counselor email newsletter, we’re committed to keeping you informed.

Sign up for our counselor newsletter, and visit our counselor website!

uwf.edu/Counselors

Freshman class snapshot

Applying to UWF

These key items are required of high school seniors applying to UWF:

APPLICATION

Admission requirements

MINIMUM GPA

2.70 Weighted

MINIMUM TEST SCORES

ACT: Reading-19, Math-19, English-17

SAT: Reading and Writing-490, Math-480

Classical Learning Test scores may be accepted for admission and scholarship. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Admissions thresholds can adjust per semester. Students may be offered transitional pathways or deferment depending on their individual profile.

Transfer Pathways

PERSONALIZED SUPPORT

We recognize that not all students will start at a four-year institution. Our transfer pathway programs offer guided support to students while they attend a community or state college. The pathway helps them align courses to their UWF degree plan and guarantees admission upon completion of their Associate of Arts degree. uwf.edu/Pathways

Students can apply at uwf.edu/GoApply or via Common App. High school seniors should apply as freshmen even if they have earned college credit. Submitting an application gives students access to a checklist of items needed to complete their application.

PAYMENT OR WAIVER

UWF’s application fee is $30. We also accept various waivers.

TEST SCORES

Test scores are required by the state. UWF’s school codes: ACT-0771, SAT-5833; Classical Learning Test scores may be accepted pending approval by the Florida Board of Governors.

SSAR AND TRANSCRIPTS

Applicants must create their Self-reported Student Academic Record from their transcript and connect it to their application.

uwf.edu/Freshman

uwf.edu/ApplicationResources

IMPORTANT DATES

AUGUST

Applications open: Encourage students to start the application process to ensure ample time to send UWF all required documents, including the Self-reported Student Academic Record (SSAR) and test scores. uwf.edu/GoApply uwf.edu/ApplicationResources

OCT. 15

Admissions decisions: UWF will start notifying admitted students. Rolling admission will follow.

DEC. 1

Scholarship priority consideration deadline: Admissions application must be completed and all required items received for priority scholarship consideration.

DECEMBER

Orientation registration opens: Students can register for New Student Orientation after confirming admission.

DECEMBER

FAFSA opens: Students can submit the FAFSA for Fall 2024. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA regardless of Florida Bright Futures eligibility, other tuition coverage, and income. Some students may qualify for nonrepayable aid to help cover expenses beyond tuition. StudentAid.gov

School code: 003955

LATE JANUARY

Housing contracts open: Students should apply early for Fall 2024 campus housing.

FEB. 15

Complete FAFSA: For priority need-based consideration, students entering Fall 2024 must submit a FAFSA to UWF with all outstanding requirements completed by the deadline.

APRIL 1

Argo Spirit Scholarship deadline

MAY 1

Intent to enroll priority date: Students should confirm and register for orientation by this date to reserve their spot in the Class of 2028.

Freshman scholarships

ADMISSIONS ACADEMIC MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Students must complete their application file with all required items by Dec. 1, 2023, to be considered for an Admissions Academic Merit Scholarship.* UWF must receive their official test scores and Self-reported Student Academic Record (SSAR) by this date. Admissions Academic Merit Scholarships are awarded over four years.

aClassical Learning Test scores may be accepted for scholarship consideration pending approval by the Florida Board of Governors. bCumulative Weighted cSAT Total dACT Composite

FULL-RIDE SCHOLARSHIPS

Each full-ride scholarship* covers tuition, campus housing, a meal plan, and $800/semester for books. Pace and National Merit also include a one-time paid research or study abroad experience (up to $1,500).

PACE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Select Florida resident students will compete at the President’s Scholarship Competition. Scoring is based on an interview and essay. Qualifying students who meet the Dec. 1, 2023, scholarship priority consideration deadline will receive an invitation in December.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST SCHOLARSHIP

Incoming Fall 2024 freshman National Merit Finalists qualify.

ARGO SPIRIT SCHOLARSHIP

This competitive scholarship is for Pell-eligible, first-time-in-college Florida resident students who have shown strength of character, or “Argo Spirit,” by overcoming obstacles, fighting for something important, or making an impact while in high school. The application includes a written essay and video essay. Students must be admitted with a completed FAFSA and Argo Spirit Scholarship application by April 1, 2024

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Through generous support from alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and others, UWF offers various Admissions Foundation Scholarships. These are offered only to students beginning in summer or fall and have an application deadline of June 1, 2024

“Because of this added financial support, I took measures to take better care of myself physically, mentally and emotionally. I’m working toward more confidence in myself and the courage to try new things outside of my comfort zone.”

Kieu Tran, ’23, biomedical sciences major and scholarship recipient

*Eligibility does not guarantee an award. Admissions can award students only one academic or full-ride scholarship; scholarships may not be combined. Pace Presidential Scholarship benefits are covered in conjunction with Florida Bright Futures; students who do not receive Pace will maintain their original Admissions Academic Merit Scholarship. Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree will not receive priority scholarship consideration. Some scholarships are renewable pending continued, verified eligibility; others are one-time awards.

Affordability

UWF is committed to affordability, with tuition that hasn’t increased in a decade. Visit UWF’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website for detailed cost of attendance estimates and cost calculators.

uwf.edu/FinancialAid | uwf.edu/COA

ESTIMATED FIRST-YEAR COSTS BEFORE FINANCIAL AID

ARGO 30 GUARANTEE

The Argo 30 Guarantee is UWF’s commitment to ensuring access to higher education. Incoming freshmen who are Florida residents, full-time, Pell Grant-eligible, and earning their first undergraduate degree can qualify for up to 30 credit hours of tuition coverage — meaning no out-of-pocket costs for fall and spring tuition.

uwf.edu/Argo30

FAFSA

To receive an offer of financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA regardless of Florida Bright Futures eligibility, other tuition coverage, and income. Some students may qualify for nonrepayable aid to help cover expenses beyond tuition. The Argo 30 Guarantee and many scholarships require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The 2024-2025 FAFSA will open in December 2023. For the strongest aid consideration, complete the FAFSA and any verification requirements by Feb. 15, 2024.

uwf.edu/FAFSA

Based on 2023-2024 costs for fall/spring semesters. Costs are subject to change.

a30 credit hours of tuition and fees bShared Suite (Martin/Pace Halls: $2,944/semester)

cArgo 15 plan: 15 meals/week + $300 Dining Dollars ($2,471/semester); other options available.

Experience UWF

CAMPUS TOURS

Students and their families can experience UWF’s residence halls, labs, facilities, and grounds with an in-person tour, or visit from anywhere, anytime via our virtual tour. Schools can register for a customized group visit.

uwf.edu/CampusTours

MONTHLY ARGO INFO SESSIONS

Students can learn about academics, student life, admissions, scholarships, and financial aid at these virtual sessions. Families are welcome to join.

uwf.edu/ArgoInfo

NOV. 18

StudentAid.gov

UWF school code: 003955

ZEEMEE

— The Princeton Review, 2003-2023

— U.S. News & World Report, 2020-2023

EXPLORE

UWF! OPEN HOUSE

When you’re choosing a college, nothing compares with experiencing it firsthand. This is your students’ opportunity to explore what UWF has to offer.

uwf.edu/Explore

Students can learn about life at UWF by following the University of West Florida community on the free ZeeMee app, where current students share their everyday experiences.

uwf.edu/ZeeMee

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is committed to providing an exceptional visit experience for every guest. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations is requested to advise UWF by contacting ADA Program Office at 850.474.2694 or 711 (TTY) at least two business days before the event. For information or to submit a request, visit uwf.edu/Accommodations or email ada@uwf.edu.

—

Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, 2015-2016, 2018-2022

#2 “Best Value College for Students With Autism” — BestValueSchools.org, 2023

A “Best Regional College - Southeastern”

A “Top Public SchoolRegional Universities South”

Majors

Accounting, BSBA

Anthropology, B.A.

Art, B.A.

Art History

Studio Art

Arts, Fine, BFA

Art

Graphic Design

Biology, B.S.

General Biology

Biology Teaching, B.A.

Biomedical Sciences, B.S.

Business, General, BSBA

Chemistry, B.A. & Chemistry, B.S.

Chemistry

Chemistry/Biochemistry

Chemistry Teaching

Clinical Laboratory Sciences, B.S.

MLT to MLS

Communication, B.A.

Advertising, Public Relations, & Social Media

Digital Storytelling & Journalism

Computer Engineering, BSCE

Computer Science, B.S.

Construction Management, B.S.

Criminal Justice, B.A.

Cybersecurity, B.S.

Earth & Environmental Science Teaching

Economics, B.A.

Economics

(Business), BSBA

Comprehensive Economics

Global Economics

Education, Elementary, B.A.

Elementary Education Certification

Education, Exceptional Student & Elementary, B.A.

Exceptional Student & Elementary

Education Certification

Education, Music, BME

Electrical Engineering, BSEE

Engineering Technology, B.S.

English, B.A.

Literature

Writing

Environmental Science, B.S.

Environmental Management

Natural Science

Exercise Science, B.S.

Finance, BSBA

General Studies, BGS

Global Hospitality & Tourism, B.S.

Health & Physical Education, B.S.

Fitness & Sport Coaching

Physical Education

Physical Education/Teacher Education

Health Sciences, B.S.

Behavior Analysis

Health Care Administration

History, B.A.

Human Resource Management, BSBA

Humanities, Interdisciplinary, B.A.

Arts Administration

Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies

Information Technology, B.S.

Instructional Design & Technology, B.S.

International Studies, B.A.

Legal Studies, B.A.

Management, BSBA

TOP 10 MAJORS AMONG FRESHMEN

1. Nursing (Pre-BSN)

2. General Business

3. Biomedical Sciences

4. Psychology

5. Marine Biology

6. Mechanical Engineering

7. Exercise Science

8. Computer Science

9. Biology

10. Criminal Justice

Summer/Fall 2023 admitted students

uwf.edu/Programs

MINORS

Accounting Africana Studies

Aging Studies

Interdisciplinary Air & Space Studies (Air Force ROTC)

Anthropology

Art

Athletic Sport Coaching

Behavior Analysis Biology

Business

Business Economics

Business Intelligence

Chemistry

Child Welfare

Computer Engineering

Computer Science

Construction Management

Criminal Justice

Data Processing & Management

e-Business

Economic Policy

Education, Early Childhood Education, Professional Electrical Engineering English

Entrepreneurial Leadership & Innovation

Environmental Science

Environmental Sustainability

Finance

Forensic Studies

General Communication

Geographic Information

Science

Global Hospitality & Tourism Management

Graphic Design

Health Promotion

History

Interdisciplinary Sciences

International Studies

Information Security Management

Information Systems

Administration

Juvenile Justice

Latin American Studies

Leadership Communication

Management

Management Information Systems

Maritime Studies

Marketing

Management Information Systems, BSBA

Marine Biology, B.S. Maritime Studies, B.A.

Marketing, BSBA

Comprehensive Marketing

Global Marketing

Sales Management

Mathematics, B.S.

Mathematics Teaching, B.A.

Mechanical Engineering, BSME

Music, B.M.

Music Performance

Music & an Outside Field, B.A.

Nursing, BSN

BSN

R.N./BSN

Philosophy, B.A.

Physics, B.S. & Physics, B.A.

Engineering Physics

Physics

Physics Teaching

Marketing Applications

Mathematics

Mechanical Engineering

Medical Humanities

Military Science (Army ROTC)

Music

Network Administration

Philosophy

Physics

Political Science

Pre-Law/Legal Studies

Pre-Law/Political Science

Psychology

Public Administration

Quantitative Economics

Social Welfare

Sociology

Spanish

Sport & Exercise Psychology

Sport Management Statistics

Strategic Communication for the Sciences

Substance Abuse

Theatre

Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies

Writing

Political Science, B.A.

Political Science

Pre-Law

Psychology, B.A.

Psychology, B.S.

Public Health, B.S.

Sciences, Interdisciplinary, B.S. Interdisciplinary Sciences Zoo Science

Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary, B.A.

Children & Society

Community Education

Social Work, BSW

Software Design & Development, B.S.

Sport Management, B.S.

Supply Chain Logistics

Management, BSBA

Theatre, B.A.

Theatre, BFA

Musical Theatre

Acting

Design & Technology

Specialized admissions program. Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option available. Available at UWF Emerald Coast. Students pursuing certain programs full-time will have to take classes periodically in Pensacola. Available online, some exclusively online. Not all states authorize online programs. Non-Florida residents will want to check their state’s acceptance of these programs. Students may need to complete some lower-division courses in person or at another institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of approved accrediting agencies provided in the UWF Catalog. | B.A., Bachelor of Arts; BFA, Bachelor of Fine Arts; BGS, Bachelor of General Studies; B.M., Bachelor of Music; BME, Bachelor of Music Education; B.S., Bachelor of Science; BSBA, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; BSCE, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering; BSEE, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering; BSME, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering; BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; BSW, Bachelor of Social Work.