Next Steps
Understanding Your Decision
Visit the links below to learn more about your admission decision status.
Admitted to a campus or term you weren't expecting? Learn why below.
Spring 2026 Applicants
I Haven't Received My Decision Yet
We know it can be frustrating to wait longer than you expected for an admission decision. Your academic future is important to you and it's equally important to us, so we dedicate time to reviewing your application and making the decision that will ensure your success. There could be several reasons why you haven't received a decision yet:
We Need More Information From You
Sometimes, we need additional information, like updated test scores, to make a decision about your application. If you receive an email from us requesting more information from you, follow the instructions to submit your updated information as soon as possible.
Your Decision is on the Way
If your doesn't indicate that you need to submit new information, and you submitted your application by the deadline, you may need to wait a few days for your decision. While we strive to honor our decision release schedule, a high volume of applications can increase processing times, as we complete a careful and thorough review of every application we receive.
Did I Receive an Admissions Scholarship?
Merit-based scholarships add to the excitement of receiving an admission decision, and we know many students are eager to find out if they've been awarded an admissions scholarship. This year, students will be notified of their scholarship status in the Applicant Portal with their other admissions decision.
In the meantime, submit your FAFSA to ensure your eligibility for the most types of aid.
I Was Admitted to a Different Term
You applied for the fall semester, but you were admitted to summer or spring. While you might have to change your plans, you can make the most of your first term here at USF.
I Was Admitted to the Summer B Term
If you were admitted to Summer B, we think you'd be a great fit for our six-week summer session starting on June 29, 2026. In Summer B, you'll get a head start on your journey as a Bull. This is a common start term for freshmen students, so you'll be surrounded by other new Bulls as you get used to campus life ahead of the busy fall term.
Most incoming students who start in the Summer B session will take two in-person classes (or six credit hours), so it's important to get started on your next steps soon, including applying for on-campus housing.
I Was Admitted to the Spring Term
If you were admitted to Spring 2027, you'll get to start life as a USF Bull on January 11, 2027. The spring term is lively and active on all three USF campuses, so you'll have many opportunities to get involved in clubs and organizations as soon as you arrive!
I Was Admitted to a Different USF Campus
We know it might be confusing to learn you were admitted to a different campus than the one you applied to. Review the campus assignment information below to learn more about campus assignments, including requirements, options and frequently asked questions.
I Was Admitted to the USF St. Petersburg Campus
Congratulations! USF St. Petersburg is our mid-sized, waterfront campus in the heart of vibrant downtown St. Pete. At USF St. Petersburg, you'll get to enjoy your college experience in a location all your friends will envy.
I Was Admitted to the USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus
Congratulations! USF Sarasota-Manatee will give you a personalized learning environment just steps from the Sarasota Bay. USF Sarasota-Manatee is our smallest campus and has a tight-knit community where it's easy to get involved and forge new friendships.
How Does Campus Assignment Work?
We understand that you may still have questions after you've been assigned a different USF campus than the one you initially applied to, so review the information below to learn more about the process.
Why did I not receive admission to my first-choice campus?
In some majors, there are more applications from admissible candidates than there are spaces available. Applicants who meet USF's admission criteria may be admitted to a different USF campus that still has spaces available and offers the declared major.
I was admitted to a different campus than the one I applied to. What are my options?
- Attend your assigned campus: We think you'll thrive at your assigned campus and we hope you agree. We recommend attending your assigned campus with an open mind. All three USF campuses offer rigorous academics, engaging campus activities, and a community of Bulls waiting to welcome you to the Herd.
- Switch campuses for the spring term: If you attend your assigned campus and don't think it's the right fit for you, you may work with your academic advising team to determine which USF campus is right for you for the spring term and beyond.
- Defer admission: If you'd like to wait to attend USF, you may request a deferment of up to one year through the Office of Admissions, but this won't impact your campus assignment unless space becomes available at your preferred campus.
- Reapply as a transfer student: If you'd like to wait to attend USF, you can attend another institution and then reapply as a transfer student.
Can I live on one campus and take classes at a different one?
Yes, you may take classes at any campus irrespective of your home campus. Just consider commute time and parking when you build your schedule.
Where should I attend Orientation if I plan to switch campuses?
You must complete Orientation for your assigned home campus. For example, if you鈥檝e been admitted to the St. Petersburg campus, you must complete the St. Petersburg campus Orientation.
Am I allowed to change my major? What if my new major is not offered on my assigned campus?
Students who wish to change their major after admission will need to meet with their academic advising team. If the new major is not offered at their assigned campus, they can request a change of both campus and major, space permitting.
Should I meet with an academic advisor at my preferred campus if I plan to change campuses later?
Students will meet with an advisor at their assigned campus. For example, if you are assigned to the St. Petersburg campus, you will meet with an academic advisor on the St. Petersburg campus. If a student changes to a different campus, a new advisor at that campus will be assigned.
Do scholarships/grants received apply to my assigned campus?
Scholarships are awarded on a funds-available basis, but are available to qualified admitted students regardless of the campus students attend. Scholarships are also transferable between campuses if you change campuses at a later date.
I Was Denied Admission to USF
Admission to the 色色研究所 is very competitive鈥�meaning we鈥檙e unfortunately unable to admit all students, even those who may be eligible and qualified for admission.
We know being denied is stressful, but the good news is there are other ways to become a Bull!
- FUSE Transfer Program: You can earn an associate鈥檚 degree at a local community or state college, then transfer to USF and complete your bachelor鈥檚 degree.
- Upper Level Transfer: If you are not local to the Tampa Bay area, you may be considered as an upper-level transfer after completing your associate鈥檚 degree.
Additionally, you also may be able to apply for graduate or certificate programs at USF after you complete your undergraduate program at another institution.
Want to look into other options? Check out our .
I Want to Appeal My Denial
Students who apply to USF and are denied may appeal the decision, but please know that very few of those appeals (<10%) are granted, and the decision of the Faculty Committee is final. We encourage denied applicants to make alternative plans, including enrolling in one of the 28 colleges in the .
Submitting an Appeal to USF
| Entry Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Summer Term | April 1, or within 2 weeks if denied after March 15 |
| Fall Term | April 1, or within 2 weeks if denied after March 15 |
| Spring Term | December, 1 or within 2 weeks if denied after November 15 |
Reasons to Submit an Appeal
There are several reasons why you might decide to submit an appeal. Perhaps one or more of your grades from 9th-11th grade changed, increasing your GPA. You may have had a medical issue that affected your academics, or a life circumstance that had a negative impact on you. Reasons that USF will accept an appeal may vary.
Documents to Include in Your Appeal
When you submit your appeal, there are supporting documents you must include, and you must submit everything in one package. If you do not turn everything in at once, it will result in a delayed processing time. Documents to include are:
- A letter of appeal requesting reconsideration, including information regarding the reason for your appeal (REQUIRED)
- Official high school transcript including your most recent semester grades (REQUIRED)
- Letters of recommendation from teachers, professors or academic advisors familiar with your academic history (RECOMMENDED)
- New test scores if you were denied due to low test scores (AS APPLICABLE)
- Documentation verifying your disability along with letter of appeal (AS APPLICABLE)
How to Submit Your Appeal
You must submit your complete appeal package, including all items, to:
Faculty Committee on Student Admissions
色色研究所
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, SVC 1036
Tampa, FL 33620-6900
Remember, failure to submit all items together will result in a delayed processing time.
My Decision Was Rescinded
As stated on the application for admission, USF reserves the right to rescind your offer of admission based on any changes to your academic or student conduct record.
Your admission to the 色色研究所 may be rescinded for several reasons. Common causes include:
- Missing Final High School Transcript: The Office of Admissions has not received your official final high school transcript. The Florida Board of Governors requires all first-time-in-college students to submit a final transcript verifying graduation before enrolling at any State University System institution in Florida. If you provide an official transcript to the Office of Admissions, your admission may be reinstated.
- Transcript Discrepancies: Your final high school transcript does not match the STARS (formerly SSAR/SRAR) you submitted when you applied.
- Unmet GPA Requirements: Your final cumulative GPA no longer meets USF鈥檚 admission standards.
- Senior Year Academic Decline: You failed a course or experienced a significant drop in performance during your senior year (e.g., multiple C鈥檚, D鈥檚, or F鈥檚).
- Canceled Standardized Test Scores: Your test scores were canceled by the College Board (SAT), ACT, or CLT resulting in you no longer meeting USF鈥檚 admission standards.
- Postsecondary Coursework Issues: You failed to disclose dual enrollment or other college coursework, your postsecondary GPA is below 2.5 or you earned poor grades in those courses.
Students who have had their admission rescinded after a term has started may be allowed to complete that term at the discretion of the University. However, they will not be allowed to enroll in future terms unless they reapply for admission to USF.
Appeals and Financial Aid Notice
If your admission is rescinded, you will have 10 days to appeal the decision.
If your appeal is denied after financial aid has been disbursed, your aid will be canceled, and you will be responsible for repaying those funds. Questions regarding your financial aid can be directed to the Financial Aid Office at USF by calling (813) 974-4700.
If you have a housing or meal plan, please ensure that both have been canceled.
I Still Have Questions
If you still have questions about your admission decision, reach out to your recruiter or admissions@usf.edu.