Applying to Florida Public Universities

THERE HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES PARTICULARLY AT UF AND FSU, BOTH OF WHICH HAVE ADDED AN EARLY DECISION APPLICATION OPTION. CHANGES AT OTHER IN-STATE PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES MAY NOT BE REFLECTED BELOW.  STATE UNIVERSITY UPDATES WILL OCCUR IN EARLY SEPTEMBER. PLEASE ALWAY CHECK THE APPLICATION WEBSITES FOR ALL COLLEGES TO WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING.

State University System of Florida

Information for applying to Florida public universities and colleges can be accessed through each campus admissions website.  The State University System Matrix is a very helpful tool for comparing State University campuses 2025-26 SUS Matrix

Below you will find helpful information and a variety of links for researching and applying to Colleges/Universities within the State of Florida. All students are advised to apply to two or more Florida public universities. Freshman applications for most Florida schools (AY 2027-28) open by mid-August.  Please use the Common Application to apply to Florida public universities in every case where it is accepted. 

Deadlines   

Florida State University now has four deadlines. A binding Early Decision deadline of October 15th is open to all students (10/22 materials deadline STARS) and students electing this are expected to accept their offer of admission. The Florida Resident Early Action application deadline of October 15th, 2025 ( materials deadline October 22nd) is non-binding. These decisions will be rendered on December 17, 2026. The FSU Regular Deadline requires submission of all materials by December 1, 2025 (materials deadline December 8th). The final, Rolling deadline is March 1st 2027. Serious applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

The University of Florida now offers two deadlines, one binding (Early Decision-Ocotber 15th) and the other non-binding (Early Action-November 1st). Additional materials deadlines follow by one week (STARS). Applications submitted after November 1st are considered on a "space available" basis (in other words, good luck). If UF is your top option you are encouraged to consider an ED application.

The University of Central Florida has moved to a fixed Early deadline of October 15th with a Rolling deadline thereafter (materials deadline of November 15th-SPARK).

You are strongly encouraged to apply by early deadlines in all cases as your chances for admission are significantly diminished if you wait. 

All other Florida public universities utilize various Rolling Admissions plans (these are subject to change). Again, in every case, the earlier you apply the better. Each also have priority scholarship deadlines (most by November 1st).  This means that in order to be considered for full scholarship aid you must apply by a specific date. Research and know these dates and deadlines for schools you are interested in attending by consulting the individual admissions websites.  Your chances of both being accepted and getting scholarships are greater if you apply early.

Applying to Florida Public Universities

Please use the Common Application whenever possible.  You may also apply through the specific university admissions website using their 'institutional application.'  If doing so please make sure that you add the college to your Schoolinks application list!

Student Self-Reported Academic Report (STARS)

UF and FSU use what is known as Academic Self-Report (STARS).  The University of Central Florida uses its own platform known as SPARK.  These are separate websites where you will be instructed to enter all high school and dual enrollment coursework and grades. You should use your transcript found in MySCS to assist in completing this report. Once finished you must attach and upload the STARS to each application portal (instructions below). Applications will be considered incomplete without the STARS.

Transcript Request and SchooLinks

You MUST complete a Transcript Request 2026 for all colleges (even if you are completing a self-reported transcript).  This will assure that we know where you are applying and where to send transcripts and Pine View school materials when they are requested.  

ALL Florida schools to which you are applying must appear in Schoolinks as well (these will automatically populate if using the CommonApp).  This allows us to support your application and cues us to send application materials.

Letters of Recommendation 

State University schools do NOT require (or accept!) letters of recommendation from either teachers or counselors.  While it is not necessary that we formally meet for this purpose, I ask that you please share your questionnaire, prompts and resume with me should a counselor recommendation be necessary for other purposes (honors colleges, dual degree programs, scholarships or various recognitions).

Florida State University FSU Freshman Admissions

  • Early Decision (Binding): October 15, 2026 - If FSU is your top choice. You are expected to attend if accepted.
  • Early Action Florida Resident Deadline: October 15, 2026 - You must meet this early deadline if you are interested in attending FSU
  • Regular Decision deadline is December 1, 2026
  • Please apply using the Common Application
  • Common Application Essay Prompts
  • FSU also requires the use of the updated Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS) for reporting academic coursework (DUE by materials deadline-within one week application deadline!).  FSU Student Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System FAQs

University of Florida Freshman Admissions/UF Deadlines

  • Early Decision Deadline: October 15, 2026 - If UF is your top choice. You are expected to attend if accepted.
  • Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2026
  • Please apply using the Common Application
  • Common Application Essay Prompts
  • UF Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System FAQs/(STARS) Students are responsible for reporting all academic coursework in place of a school transcript.  The STARS for UF is due within one week of submission deadline.  Your UF application is considered incomplete without this.  Please follow all directions and confirm that your STARS has been submitted.

Bright Futures

Information can be accessed through the State Scholarship and Grant Programs website.  The Bright Futures link describes current requirements and awards amounts.  Be sure to follow legislative updates and any changes to the current program.  All Pine View students will be sent instructions for signing up for Bright Futures starting in October 2026.