university of florida essay requirements

University of Florida

Writing requirement, university writing requirement.

The University of Florida requires all students 1 to complete a Writing Requirement. AICE, AP, CLEP, and IB examination credit as well as dual enrollment or transfer credit may count toward this requirement.

To graduate, students must complete courses that involve substantial writing for a total of 24,000 words.

Courses that count toward this requirement will be in one of three categories:

• 2 | Coursework with at least 2,000 words
• 4 | Coursework with at least 4,000 words
• 6 | Coursework with at least 6,000 words

Some sections of qualified courses may not offer substantial writing in a particular term. In the schedule of courses , the course sections and amount of writing credit awarded (2, 4, or 6 thousand) are identified for a given term.

The writing course grade assigned by the instructor has two components: the writing component and a course grade. Therefore, to receive writing credit, students must satisfactorily complete the writing component and receive a minimum grade of C (2.0) for the course. It is possible to not meet the Writing Requirement and still earn a minimum grade of C in a class, so students should review their degree audit after receiving their grade to verify receipt of credit for the writing component.

Courses intended to satisfy the Writing Requirement may not be taken S/U.

The writing must be evaluated on content, organization and coherence, effectiveness, style, grammar, and punctuation. Assignments must be returned to students with a grade and comments that address the students’ writing skills. Consequently, feedback on all assignments should be provided by the last day of class, or if provided electronically, by the end of finals.

Evaluation of writing is based on individual work. Class notes, quizzes and in-class writing assignments or essay examinations may not be counted. Team-written documents may not be counted for credit unless clear individual sections are identified for grading, such that an individual student’s writing may be evaluated and graded. Drafts cannot be counted separately from final drafts as part of the total number of words completed during the course.

Students may not take the same course multiple times to meet the Writing Requirement, unless the course allows for multiple registration based upon rotating course content.

All courses that require writing will not necessarily count toward the Writing Requirement. In Writing Requirement courses, students will be evaluated as described above.

Except those transferring to UF with an AA degree from a Florida public college or an AA certificate from a Florida public state university.

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3 Writing Tips for the University of Florida Essay Prompts

College Essays

Are you applying to the University of Florida? You'll need to answer some essay prompts as part of your application.   Read this guide to learn what the University of Florida essay prompts are, what admissions officers are looking for in your response, what you should include and avoid in your answers, and what strong UF college essay examples look like.

What Are the University of Florida Essays?

The University of Florida accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application, and applicants must answer one of the Common Application prompts. 

As part of your application, you'll also need to answer an additional UF-specific essay prompt, and you'll have the option of answering three additional essay prompts. Your answer to each prompt can be up to 250 words. Here's the prompt:

• Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity

We'll go over how to best answer this supplement question in the next section.

The UF Essay Prompt, Analyzed

In this section, we explain what the prompt is asking for, why UF is interested in this information, what information you should include (and what information to avoid), and what a strong example answer could look like.

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity.

What the prompt is asking for: A description of the one extracurricular you feel is most important to you.

Why UF is interested: Students who are dedicated to something show they are passionate, interested in learning, and have a strong work ethic. These are all characteristics colleges want their students to have, so having something you're committed to is a major boost to your application. Seeing what you choose also gives UF a better sense of who you are and what you value.

Potential topics to discuss: What the extracurricular, is how long you've involved with it, how much time per week/month/etc. you dedicate to it, what activities your involvement includes, why you consider it meaningful. 

Topics to avoid: Listing multiple activities or simply describing the extracurricular without explaining why it's important to you.

Example: "The extracurricular most important to me is my involvement in my high school's Model UN team . I've been involved for four years, since I was a freshman. We meet once a week during the school year to prepare for the four conferences we participate in each year. As a Model UN member, I research different political events and international relations topics, then debate the issues with other team members to build my skills in those areas. Model UN is so important to me because, not only did it solidify my choice to major in International Relations, it strengthened me personally. As a result of my participation, I've improved my debate skills, become a more confident public speaker, and have much more experience finding a compromise even between very different groups."

Tips for the UF Essay Prompt

Follow these three tips when completing the University of Florida supplement essays to make sure your answers are as strong as possible.

#1: Keep Your Answers Concise

You only have 250 words per prompt. That isn't that much! This means your responses need to be brief and to the point if you're trying to fit a lot of information in. You likely have a lot of reasons why a particular extracurricular is the most important to you.

#2: Show Your Strengths

Even though the prompt is short, it’s still an opportunity for you to impress the admissions committee. You can dive into how you've been involved in your extracurricular, as well as any leadership roles you may have had. Try to include themes you've mentioned in other parts of your application , such as your longer essay. For example, if you mentioned that your dream is to be a doctor, try to highlight experiences that reflect that, such as volunteering at a hospital.

#3: Be Honest and Passionate

Sometimes students think they need to tell a story that the admissions committee wants to hear...so they make things up. Do not lie in your college essay—admissions counselors are  great  at sniffing out fibs! 

Instead, lean into the passions and experiences that make you unique . For instance, maybe you made a quilt and entered it in the fair. That's awesome! Just make sure you're explaining why it's meaningful for you! Maybe your grandmother taught you how to quilt and you worked on it together, which taught you the importance passing knowledge down from one generation to the next. 

Summary: UF College Essay Examples

There is one main University of Florida essay, and it'll be the Coalition or Common Application (depending on which application you use) prompt of your choice. But there are also additional UF essay prompts to answer. These shorter prompts are a way for the UF admissions committee to learn more about you and have the most accurate look at your application.

Here is where you can discuss extracurricular activities, anything that prevented you from participating in extracurriculars, certain programs you took part in, and anything else you think is important for the people reviewing your application to know. As you answer these UF essay prompts, remember to keep your responses short, don't feel pressured to answer every prompt, and highlight your strengths.

What's Next?

Considering the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship? Our guide to Bright Futures Scholarship programs answers all the questions you're wondering about.

Want to bring up your GPA? Read about four ways to bring up your high school grades fast .

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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University of Florida 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

Regular Decision Deadline: Sept 3

The Requirements:  1 essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Activity

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. (250 words)

What would your life be mundane without? Elaborate on an activity, responsibility, or passion that is meaningful to you. Unlike an activities resume entry, this should be expanded to reflect your priorities, worldview, and sense of purpose. Do you babysit your cousins when your aunt gets called into work? How does it feel to support your family members in this way and what does the phrase, “it takes a village,” mean to you? Do you foster rescue cats until they find their forever homes? What does this hobby mean to you? Maybe you inherited your animal love from your dad who used to work as a farmhand. Use your experiences to tell admissions something about you they wouldn’t already know from your list of extracurriculars. What gives your life meaning? Why do you wake up in the morning? What are you working toward?

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University of Florida Requirements for Admission

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What are University of Florida's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into University of Florida and build a strong application.

School location: Gainesville, FL

This school is also known as: UF

Admissions Rate: 30.1%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at University of Florida is 30.1% . For every 100 applicants, 30 are admitted.

This means the school is very selective . If you meet University of Florida's requirements for GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and other components of the application, you have a great shot at getting in. But if you fall short on GPA or your SAT/ACT scores, you'll have a very low chance of being admitted, even if you meet the other admissions requirements.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

University of Florida GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.9

The average GPA at University of Florida is 3.9 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.9, University of Florida requires you to be at the top of your class . You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.9, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

University of Florida SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1360

The average SAT score composite at University of Florida is a 1360 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes University of Florida Moderately Competitive for SAT test scores.

University of Florida SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1320, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1450. In other words, a 1320 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1450 will move you up to above average .

Learn more about tutoring in the Miami area to improve your test score and strengthen your application to UF.

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

University of Florida has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, University of Florida will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and University of Florida forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1450, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

University of Florida ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, University of Florida likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 30

The average ACT score at University of Florida is 30. This score makes University of Florida Strongly Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 29, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 33.

Even though University of Florida likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 29 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 30 and above that a 29 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 33 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to University of Florida, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 33.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

University of Florida considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is very selective, strong academic scores are critical to improving your chances of admission . If you're able to score a 1450 SAT or a 33 ACT or above, you'll have a very strong chance at getting in.

For a school as selective as University of Florida, rounding out the rest of your application will also help. We'll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1450 SAT or a 33 ACT, you unfortunately have a low chance of getting in. There are just too many other applicants with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of University of Florida here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $30
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes Self-reported academic record; transcripts required for admitted students only required for freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Required
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office December 15

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 3
• Electives 2

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes March 1 February 25

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 201 Gainesville, FL 32611
• Phone: (352) 392-3261
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

Instead of submitting your transcript, you will complete a self-reported academic record. You can find info on that process here.

Priority admissions deadline is November 1st, with a final deadline of March 1st or as long as space is available. Furthermore, housing applications are available soon after the first deadline and are treated on a first-come, first-served basis. (Most schools don't start housing arrangements until after the enrollment deadline.) So if UF as a top choice and you want on-campus housing, make sure to apply early.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in University of Florida, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to University of Florida.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Florida. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for University of Florida, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for University of Florida, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Florida is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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University of Florida’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Honors program short response.

American novelist Henry Miller once said, “My hunger and curiosity drive me forward in all directions at once.” Students in the University of Florida Honors Program are known for pursuing multiple interests and passions.

Tell us about a subject or topic that you find intellectually stimulating and are curious to learn more about while in college. Which direction(s) do you imagine your hunger for that subject or topic will take you while at UF? How do you envision the honors program’s academic and extracurricular resources will support you along the way?

Extracurricular Short Response

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity.

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Extracurriculars.

How to Get Into the University of Florida: Admissions Stats + Tips

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What’s Covered:

How hard is it to get into the university of florida, average academic profile of accepted university of florida college students, what is the university of florida looking for, how to improve your chances of getting into the university of florida.

The University of Florida is a public research university located in Gainesville, Florida. The university is known for its sizable 2,000-acre campus (with two lakes on campus!), its highly-rated engineering program, and its football team, the “Florida Gators.”

The University of Florida offers 100 undergraduate majors across 16 schools and colleges. The University of Florida also provides esteemed graduate programs in the Warrington College of Business, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Levin College of Law, and College of Medicine. Gainesville is considered a popular college town, known for its well-preserved buildings and beautiful natural surroundings. 

If you want to attend the University of Florida, you’ll need to develop a strong academic profile. In this post, we’ll review what the admissions committee looks for, how you can improve your chances of acceptance, and the information you need to apply to the University of Florida.

Getting accepted into the University of Florida isn’t impossible, but it does require hard work and a strong application. Last year, only 36% of applicants were admitted. Out of 42,193 students who applied, only 15,002 were accepted.

While the University of Florida’s acceptance rate is incredibly low, your personal chances of acceptance may actually be higher or lower, depending on your profile strength.

To better understand your chances at the University of Florida, we recommend using our free admissions calculator . Using your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, we’ll estimate your odds of acceptance, and give you tips on improving your profile!

The average high school GPA of the University of Florida of 2025 is 3.88 (unweighted). The percentage of students with a 4.0 GPA is 39% .

To give you an idea of where your standardized testing scores should be, the middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students were 1310-1450 . The middle 50% for ACT scores is 29-33. 81% of students submitted SAT scores, while 50% of students submitted ACT scores. The University of Florida recommends that students submit ACT or SAT scores, but it is not required. 

82% of students accepted to the University of Florida were ranked within the top 10% of their high school class, while 98% of students accepted were ranked within the top 25% of their class.

Since the University of Florida is a competitive school, most candidates will be academically qualified. Even though your stellar grades and standardized test scores are important, you’ll need to have extra qualifications that can help your application stand out.

The University of Florida also considers extracurriculars, personality traits, skills, and talents to be an important part of the admissions process. Students who are well-rounded both academically and personally will be more likely to be accepted to the University of Florida than students who are strictly focused on excelling academically.

How the University of Florida Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set , the University of Florida considers the following factors “very important” :

• Course rigor
• Academic GPA
• Application essay 
• Extracurricular activities 
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities

These factors are “important” :

• Standardized test scores
• First-generation
• Volunteer work 
• Work experience

These are “considered” :

• Geographical residence
• State residency

And these are “not considered” :

• Recommendation 
• Alumni relation
• Religious affiliation
• Level of applicant’s interest
• Racial/ethnic status

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

1. Achieve at least a 3.88 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available

If you recall, the average high school GPA of the University of Florida Class of 2025 is 3.88 , and the percentage of students with a 4.0 GPA is 39% .

If you’re thinking about applying to the University of Florida, it’s important to ensure your GPA matches or exceeds these statistics. The reason why? It’s called the academic index —a tool that calculates a student’s overall performance and represents it in a numerical score.

Only students who pass the academic index will be considered for admission, so it’s crucial to have a competitive transcript to get your application seen by the admissions committee at the University of Florida.

In addition to keeping your GPA high, consider taking the most challenging courses available to you, like honors classes or AP classes. This will demonstrate the strength of your course rigor—another factor that’s highly considered by the University of Florida admissions committee.

If your GPA is lower, and you’re earlier on in your high school career, check out our tips for increasing your GPA . If you’re a junior or senior, it will be harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score.

2. Aim for a 1450 SAT and 33 ACT

The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students at the University of Florida for the 2020-2021 school year was 1310-1450, and the middle 50% for ACT scores was 29-33. 81% of students submitted SAT scores, while 50% of students submitted ACT scores.

In light of COVID-19 test-optional policies , we highly recommend taking the test if you can do so safely. Since SAT and ACT scores are considered to be “important” by the University of Florida, it’s wise to submit these scores to boost your application to the top.

Even though submitting test scores is optional at the University of Florida, we recommend submitting your score if it’s the 25th percentile or above for accepted students at that school. Get a free recommendation on whether or not you should submit your test scores using our free Chancing Engine . 

To improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
• More SAT Info and Tips
• More ACT Info and Tips

3. Cultivate at least one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “spike”)

Even though all your extracurricular activities are important, some will rank higher during the admissions process than others. We call this rating system the Four Tiers of Extracurriculars .

When you’re applying to a competitive school, it’s recommended you are involved in at least one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars to stand out to the admissions committee. Tier 1 activities include winning a prestigious national award or starting a nonprofit, while Tier 2 activities describe serving as student body president or earning first place in a local robotics competition.

Since you can choose from tons of impressive extracurriculars for college , it’s crucial to highlight activities that reflect your accomplishments, passions, and personality on your application.

Remember that your application will be more competitive if you develop a deep interest in one or two extracurriculars (a highly-developed interest known as a “ spike “) rather than participate in a range of unrelated activities. For example, attending American Legion Auxilary’s Girls State as the delegate for your school and serving as your school’s student body president would be considered a spike—it demonstrates that you are interested in political leadership!

4. Write engaging essays

Once you’ve proven your academic excellence, your essays are one of the best ways for you to set yourself apart from other applicants. The University of Florida rates your essay responses as “very important” for admission, and they also rate talents, abilities, character, and personal qualities as extremely important, too. Your essays are an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality and skills so that you can accomplish two goals at the same time!

Discover our best tips for writing the University of Florida essays for the 2021-2022 school year to get inspired before starting your essay!

How to Apply to the University of Florida

Application Requirements

Students can apply to the University of Florida using the Common Application or Coalition Application. You’ll need the following:

• $30 application fee
• High school transcript
• SAT or ACT scores (recommended)
• Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR)
• List of your high school activities (jobs, clubs, sports, community service, etc.)
• Information about your parents or guardians, such as educational background, occupation, and employer information

Learn more about the University of Florida

• What is the University of Florida Known For?
• University of Florida Student Panel

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

How to Get Into University of Florida (UF) Guide

How to get into uf—general information.

The University of Florida is a land-grant research university located in Gainesville, Florida. Its campus is home to almost 35,000 undergraduate students and nearly 5,000 faculty members. UF offers students the opportunity to pursue over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, perform research, and participate in UF’s Honors Program.

What we’ll cover in this “How to Get Into UF” Guide:

• UF admissions process
• Components of the UF application
• UF application deadline
• University of Florida acceptance rate
• University of Florida GPA requirements
• Optimal University of Florida SAT scores
• Acing the University of Florida essay questions, and more.

If you’re interested in attending the University of Florida, you’re likely wondering exactly how to get into UF . Researching statistics like the University of Florida acceptance rate and the average University of Florida GPA can help you determine if UF is a good match for you. However, the most important part of your “how to get into UF” strategy should be taking the time to make your application as strong as it can be. Also, you’ll need to pay attention to the UF application deadline.

This “How to Get Into UF Guide” will answer your questions about the UF application requirements. Also, we’ll discuss the UF application deadline so you can feel confident throughout the application process.

Figuring out how to get into UF takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes University of Florida graduates. Want to maximize your UF admissions odds?  Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272. 

How can I get into the University of Florida?

There is no right answer when it comes to the question of how to get into UF. The most important thing you can do to set yourself up for success is to make a game plan . Strategize so you can submit your application by the UF application deadline. Gather your required materials (transcript, a list of extracurricular activities, and necessary information about your parents/guardians) early. In addition, give yourself time to respond to the University of Florida essay questions.

You will also want to research the University of Florida acceptance rate, University of Florida GPA, and University of Florida SAT scores. Knowing each of these statistics can help you create your “how to get into UF” strategy. Additionally, it will be important to spend the proper amount of time crafting strong responses to the University of Florida essay questions.

How hard is it to get into the University of Florida?

The answer to how to get into UF isn’t simple. The University of Florida acceptance rate is relatively low. Successful applicants have high University of Florida SAT scores and ACT scores and a strong University of Florida GPA. That being said, UF admissions uses a holistic review process to determine how successful an applicant might be as a UF student.

No single factor will determine your acceptance to the University of Florida. UF admissions officers will consider your academic performance, test scores, extracurricular activities, the quality of your essays, and your personal background and experiences. Most importantly, they’re looking to get a sense of how prepared you are to continue your education at UF and what you will offer to the campus community. Because getting into the University of Florida is competitive, showcasing why you would be a great addition to UF’s campus will make your application stand out.

What is the acceptance rate at the University of Florida?

According to U.S. News , the University of Florida acceptance rate is 31%. Just under 53,000 students applied to UF during the 2020-2021 application cycle, making the University of Florida acceptance rate for the Class of 2025 around 28%. The University of Florida acceptance rate makes UF admissions a “most selective” process. 

If you are doing research on how to get into UF and feel intimidated by the University of Florida acceptance rate, remember that it’s just a number. The University of Florida acceptance rate varies based on how many students apply each year. But, it does not have a direct impact on the value of your application.

Want to learn more about acceptance rates? Check out our expert  guide .

What is the average GPA needed for the University of Florida?

When thinking about how to get into UF, one of the first things you might do is compare your stats to those of admitted students. UF admissions provides a report of class profiles for the latest incoming class. This includes the average University of Florida GPA and University of Florida SAT scores and ACT scores.

For the class of 2025 , admissions officers used the stats from the 6,300 admitted students to calculate the middle 50% range of University of Florida GPA and University of Florida SAT scores and ACT scores.

Here are the academic stats for the UF class of 2025:

• University of Florida GPA ( recalculated ): 4.4 – 4.6
• ACT scores for University of Florida: 30 – 34
• University of Florida SAT scores: 1330 – 1470

The average University of Florida GPA and University of Florida SAT scores and ACT scores can give you an idea of how you compare to other applicants. These statistics can give you valuable insight into the kinds of students who had a successful “how to get into UF” plan. However, remember that being above or below the average University of Florida GPA and University of Florida SAT scores and ACT scores will not make or break your application.

The range reported for University of Florida GPA, University of Florida SAT scores, and University of Florida ACT scores only represent the middle 50% of accepted students. That means a quarter of students had higher scores and a quarter of students had lower scores. Because of this, if your scores or GPA do not fall into the range of the average University of Florida GPA or SAT scores, don’t worry. That doesn’t mean you can’t still have a strong UF application. No matter what, you can always focus on expressing your strengths in your University of Florida essay responses.

What does the University of Florida application require?

The most important part of your “how to get into UF” plan is completing your full UF application . Make sure you submit all the required materials by the UF application deadline. There is no option for students to apply for Early Decision, so all applicants must submit their materials by the same UF application deadline. The UF application deadline is November 1st .

Your checklist for your UF application should include:

• The Common Application or Coalition Application
• University of Florida essay questions
• Student Self-Reported Academic Records (SSAR)
• University of Florida SAT scores or ACT scores

Your SSAR and University of Florida SAT scores or ACT scores are a key part of your UF application. However, they do not need to be submitted by the UF application deadline. Your SSAR is due by December 1st and your test scores are due by December 15th . You can always submit your materials early, but we recommend submitting everything at once. That way, you don’t have to worry about any missing materials for the UF application deadline.

UF admissions does not have a preference between SAT or ACT scores. Your scores will be superscored no matter which test you choose to take. That means if you have taken either test multiple times, you can submit all of your test scores and UF admissions officers will only consider your highest scores in each section. 

In conclusion, to complete your UF application by the UF application deadline, keep an eye on the Dates & Deadlines for Freshman Applicants . This site has important dates regarding your UF application and UF admissions status. 

What extracurriculars does the University of Florida look for?

As you think about how to get into UF, consider the role your extracurriculars play in your UF application. In addition to looking for students with strong academic backgrounds, UF admissions is also looking for students who have shown commitment and excellence in other areas of their life.

Your extracurriculars can include anything you devote your time to outside of class, including:

• Community-based organizations
• Athletic teams
• School clubs
• Jobs or internships
• Dedication to a developed talent or interest

In short, although UF isn’t looking for any particular type of extracurricular , it is important that your extracurriculars are valuable to you. Any extracurricular activity that demonstrates your commitment, growth, or leadership is worth including in your UF application.

How to write a University of Florida supplemental essay

One of the most important parts of your “how to get into UF” plan is how you tackle the University of Florida essay questions. The UF application has numerous short essay questions designed by UF admissions to add more depth to your application.

There is one required University of Florida essay question. In addition, there are three optional University of Florida essay questions. Lastly, there are two additional University of Florida essay questions for students applying to the Honors Program.

The required University of Florida essay question is:

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity (250 words or less).

The optional University of Florida essay prompts are:

1. Do you have any employment or family obligations that limit your participation in extracurricular activities? If so, please describe (250 words or less). 2. Have you participated in or been assisted in your college preparation and search by programs outside of the classroom, such as Educational Talent Search, Take Stock in Children Upward Bound, Boys and Girls Club, etc.? Please provide the name of the program, details/benefits of your involvement, and how long your experiences continued (250 words or less). 3. Is there any additional information or extenuating circumstances the Admissions Committee should know when reviewing your application? (250 words or less).

These optional University of Florida essay prompts give you the opportunity to elaborate on extenuating circumstances. So, if you would respond yes to any or all of the questions above, you should add responses to your UF application packet.

Additional University of Florida essay questions are required if you are applying to the UF Honors Program:

1. Why is applying for the UF Honors Program important to you? Which aspects of the program’s three pillars of opportunity, community, and challenge pique your interests? How would you engage with the program to exemplify these pillars yourself? How does the program factor into your long-term goals? Please be specific (400 words or less). 2. Identify two topics you have previously studied that do not traditionally overlap. How do you envision you might bring these topics together during your time in Honors to engage a pressing societal, medical, or technological concern? The concern you wish to engage could be of local, national, or global scope, but you should be clear about the issue you want to address. For the purposes of this essay, the topics you identify need not have been formally studied in high school, but you should have studied them since beginning in high school (300 words or less).

Even though the supplemental University of Florida essay questions are relatively short, we recommend spending time on each of them. Crafting a well-worded, compelling response will show UF admissions who you are in your own words. 

In conclusion, make sure your University of Florida essay responses are clear, concise, and thorough. Also, check out our University of Florida Essay Guide for writing tips and a more in-depth breakdown of the University of Florida essay prompts.

Will the University of Florida consider my social media accounts?

Curating your social media accounts does not need to be part of your “how to get into UF” plan. This is because, UF admissions does not consider your social media accounts as part of your UF application. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thoughtful about what you post. 

Anything you post online becomes public information. If UF admissions did find anything illegal or inappropriate, it could jeopardize your chances of admission. Most importantly, it is always better to be on the safe side . So, don’t post anything you wouldn’t want a future professor or employer to see.

Is the University of Florida the school for me?

The college application process is time-consuming. So, before you start planning for how to get into UF, you first need to decide if UF is the right school for you. The University of Florida is one of the top schools on several of Forbes ’ rankings lists. For example, it is #25 in Top Colleges 2021, #6 in Public Colleges, #4 in the South, and #22 in Research Universities.

While rankings can provide helpful information, do your best to think about what is most important to you in a college education. Aspects like size, academics, financial aid, and the overall cost of attending the University of Florida will be factors in your decision. Also, think about UF’s academic programs , research opportunities , and student life . 

Before beginning your UF application, take some time to explore the University of Florida’s website . Learn more about who they are as a school and if their values align with yours. Furthermore, this research will also help you write your University of Florida essay responses.

So, if you really love UF, don’t let things like the University of Florida acceptance rate deter you from applying. Although college acceptance rates and the admissions process go hand in hand, remember that the only thing standing between you and UF is a strong UF application. Take time to craft a solid “how to get into UF” strategy. That way, you’ll have a better chance of beating the low University of Florida acceptance rate.

Additional tips to get into the University of Florida

Take a chance in your extracurriculars.

Your junior and senior years of high school are great times to step up and take on more responsibility in your extracurriculars. If you can, try to take on new roles or start a new initiative. Anything you can do to further involve yourself in your activities will demonstrate to UF admissions that you are a self-starter.

Stay on top of important deadlines

The earlier you start thinking about how to get into UF, the better. If you need help managing your time, our ideal timeline for college applications offers tips and suggestions to help you prepare to complete your UF application and submit it by the UF application deadline.

Play to your strengths

Every applicant’s plan for how to get into UF will be different because everyone has different backgrounds, abilities, and experiences that make them valuable candidates. If you’re worried about how to stand out to UF admissions, know that you have a lot to offer as you are. Remember to be thoughtful, honest, and try to capture the best version of yourself in your application.

This guide was written by Stefanie Tedards. If you want to know how to get into UF, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes University of Florida graduates. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Does UCF have specific essay or personal statement topics?

Although optional, an essay can assist the Admissions Committee in knowing you as an individual, independent of test scores and other objective data. If you would like to submit an essay, please select from one of the topics below. Your response should be limited to a total of 250 words.

• Why did you choose to apply to UCF?
• What qualities or unique characteristics do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the UCF community?

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Essays and Short Answer Prompts

The Penn application process includes a personal essay —which is sent to most schools you apply to—as well as a few short answer prompts . We read your words carefully, as they are yet another window into how you think, what you value, and how you see the world. Through your writing, we get a glimpse of what you might bring to our community—including your voice and creativity. 

Remember, you are the expert on your story. This is an opportunity for you to reflect and understand who you are now, and who you want to be in the future. You have the agency to choose the information you want to share. This is your story: your experiences, your ideas, your perspective.   

A Few Writing Tips

• Review the prompts thoroughly.  Be sure you’re answering the question or prompt being asked. Topics are chosen because the Admissions Committee wants to know specific things about you. If you don’t address them directly, we are left to make decisions regarding your application with incomplete information. 
• Consider your response carefully.  We understand that you may be writing responses for different schools and you may want to reuse material, but be sure to read through your response to make sure it is relevant to the prompt. 
• Double-check your writing.  Give yourself time to revisit your response. Try to avoid rushing your writing process so you have time to revise your work. Ultimately, it is up to you to polish and proofread your writing before you submit. 
• Do your research. Are there classes you’re eager to take? Research opportunities you’d love to pursue? A group or club you want to be a part of? This kind of specificity shows us you’re serious about Penn and have thought about how you’d spend your time here. 

2023-24 Short Answer and Essay Prompts

When answering these prompts, be precise when explaining both why you are applying to Penn and why you have chosen to apply to that specific undergraduate school. Some of our specialized programs will have additional essays to complete, but the  Penn short answer prompts should address your single-degree or single-school choice.  

• Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words, not required for transfer applicants) 
• How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words) 
• The school-specific prompt is unique to the school to which you are applying. (For example, all applicants applying to the College of Arts and Sciences will respond to the prompt under the “College of Arts and Sciences” section). Considering the undergraduate school you have selected for your single-degree option, please respond to your school-specific prompt below.  

Transfer Essay (required for all transfer applicants): Please explain your reasons for transferring from your current institution and what you hope to gain by transferring to another institution. (4150 characters) 

Undergraduate School-Specific Short Answer Prompts

For students applying to coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer this question about your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay.  

Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science and promoting equity. What do you think this means for the future of nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare? (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about  Penn Nursing’s mission and how we promote equity in healthcare . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of our values and how they align with your own goals and aspirations. 

The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about the  academic offerings within the College of Arts and Sciences .  This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of how the study of the liberal arts aligns with your own goals and aspirations. 

Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues.  Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it.  (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about  the foundations of a Wharton education . This information will help you better understand what you could learn by studying at Wharton and what you could do afterward. 

Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology, by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, exploration in the liberal arts, and depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at Penn. (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about  Penn Engineering and its mission to prepare students for global leadership in technology . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of academic pathways within Penn Engineering and how they align with your goals and interests. 

Coordinated Dual Degree and Specialized Program Essay Prompts

For students applying to coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer the program-specific essay below. 

** Numbers marked with double asterisks indicate a character count that only applies to transfer students applying through Common App.  

Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words / 3575 characters**) 

We encourage you to learn more about the DMD: Digital Media Design Program . 

The Huntsman Program supports the development of globally minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and internationally. What draws you to a dual-degree program in business and international studies, and how would you use what you learn to contribute to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect? (400-650 words) 

The LSM program aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the life sciences and their management with an eye to identifying, advancing, and implementing innovations. What issues would you want to address using the understanding gained from such a program? Note that this essay should be distinct from your single degree essay. (400-650 words) 

• Explain how you will use the M&T program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words) 
• Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words) 

Describe your interests in modern networked information systems and technologies, such as the internet, and their impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the creation of beneficial content for society. Feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology. (400-650 words / 3575 characters**) 

Discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. How might Penn's coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals? (400-650 words) 

How do you envision your participation in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) furthering your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any past experiences (ex. academic, research, or extracurricular) that have led to your interest in the program. Additionally, please indicate why you are interested in pursuing dual degrees in science and engineering and which VIPER majors are most interesting to you at this time. (400-650 words) 

Department of English

Christopher Grobe

Research professor, contact information.

• [email protected]

Research Interests:  Drama and dramatic literature; Performance studies; Twentieth- and twenty-first-century American cultural studies; Humanistic approaches to technology and technoculture; Performance-based theories of politics

• Faculty Books

Christopher Grobe received his PhD in English from Yale University in 2011. His teaching and scholarship concern “performance” as both a mode of artistic practice and a source of social knowledge.

His book The Art of Confession (NYU Press, 2017) posits “confessional performance” as a major force shaping American culture since the 1950s – not only colonizing one medium after another (poetry, comedy, performance art, theater, reality TV,  and social media), but also transforming the way people artfully shape their lives for the eyes of others.

His other published work similarly pursues “performance” across disciplines and domains. In one area of current research, he asks how ideas, techniques, and people from the arts have shaped the history of technology (e.g., “Every Nerve Keyed Up”) and the present-day practices of the tech industry (e.g., “The Programming Era”). In another area of current research, he seeks to define a “performance literacy” for politics – that is a set of foundational concepts from theater and performance studies that can help us see politics more clearly and act politically with greater purpose (e.g., “The Artist Is President”). He is particularly interested in ideas of political performance that are native to contemporary right-wing politics (see, e.g., “The Deep, Dark Play of the US Capitol Riots”).

He has taught a wide array of courses on subjects ranging from contemporary and modern drama to podcasting, performance studies, apocalyptic theater, poetry performance, archival research, technology in the arts, and the practice of arts criticism.

Before arriving at Johns Hopkins in 2024, he taught for thirteen years at Amherst College, where he also chaired the English department and directed the Center for Humanistic Inquiry.

BOOKS (In-Progress)

• Imitation Games: Acting, A.I., and the Arts of Seeming Human  (monograph in progress)
• Performance Literacy for Politics  (monograph in progress)

JOURNAL ARTICLES

• "'A Terrible Art of Sharpshooting at the Audience': Teaching the Shock of Modern Drama via the Play of Ideas,"  Modern Drama  66.2, Special Issue on "Teaching Modern Drama" (June 2023): 158-178 ( Link )
• "The Programming Era: The Art of Conversation Design, from ELIZA to Alexa,"  Post45 ( Spring 2023) ( Link )
• "The Deep, Dark Play of the US Capitol Riots,"  Performance Research  27.1, Special Issue "On Protest" (2023) ( Link )
• "The Artist Is President: 'Performance Art' and Other Keywords in the Age of Donald Trump,"  Critical Inquiry  (Summer 2020). ( Link )
• "On Book: The Performance of Reading,"  New Literary History  47.4 (Autumn 2016): 567-589. ( Link )
• contributor to "A Constellation of Imagined Theatres: Technology and Performance," ed. Daniel Sack,  Theatre Journal  68.3 (September 2016): 379-403. ( Link )
• "Why It's 'Easier to Act with a Telephone than a Man,'"  Theatre Survey  57.2 (May 2016): 175-199. ( Link )
• “Every Nerve Keyed Up: 'Telegraph Plays' and Networked Performance, 1850-1900,"  Theater  46.2 (Spring 2016): 7-33. ( Link )
• “The Breath of the Poem: Confessional Print/Performance Circa 1959."   PMLA  127.2 (March 2012): 215-230.  (Link)
• (excerpted in the Norton anthology of  Modern and Contemporary Irish Drama , 563-568)

BOOK CHAPTERS

• “Sound, or, An Essay on 'O'” in  Further Reading , ed. Leah Price & Matthew Rubery (Oxford UP, 2020). ( Link )
• “Playing with Technodollies: The TV Actress and Other Technologies,”  Orphan Black: Performance, Gender, Biopolitics,  ed. Andrea Goulet and Robert Rushing (Intellect Books, 2018). ( Link )
• contributor to  Imagined Theatres: Writing for a Theoretical Stage , ed. Daniel Sack (Routledge, 2017): 140, 192-3, 233. ( Link )
• "Advertisements for Themselves: Poetry, Confession, and the Arts of Publicity,"  American Literature in Transition, 1950-1960,  ed. Steven Belletto (Cambridge UP, 2017): 238-250. ( Link )
• "From the Podium to the Second Row: The Vanishing Feel of an Anne Sexton Reading" in  This Business of Words: Reassessing Anne Sexton,  (UP of Florida, 2017): 127-140. ( Link ) 

EDITORIAL PROJECTS

• A collection of poems sent to Sexton by her fans about the experience of attending her poetry readings.

REVIEWS & OTHER SHORT ESSAYS

• "Can the Computer Speak?" (review of  Deceitful Media: Artificial Intelligence and Social Life After the Turing Test  and  The Computer's Voice: From  Star Trek  to Siri ),  American Literature  95.2, Special Issue on "Critical AI: A Field in Formation" (June 2023): 439-443. ( Link )
• "Why I'm Not Scared of ChatGPT," essay for  The Chronicle of Higher Education , 17 January 2023. ( Link )
• Review of  Interchangeable Parts: Acting, Industry, and Technology in US Theater ,  Theatre Journal  73.2 (Summer 2021): 257-8. ( Link)
• "How to Resist When Resistance Feels Impossible" (review of  The Play in the System: The Art of Parasitical Resistance ),  Performance Research  25.7 (Spring 2021): 167-8. ( Link )
• “The Democratic convention was super awkward,” essay for the  Washington Post , 21 August 2020. ( Link )
• “Offending the Audience,” essay for the  Lights Camera Action Committee,  18 December 2019. ( Link )
• Review of  It's All Allowed: The Performances of Adrian Howells .  TDR: The Drama Review  62.1 (Spring 2018): 207-208. ( Link )
• "The Case of the Missing Detective: William Gillette's  Sherlock Holmes  Rediscovered and Restored,"  Los Angeles Review of Books  (January 2016). Online.  ( Link )
• Review of  Bodies on the Line: Performance and the Sixties Poetry Reading  by Raphael Allison,  New England Quarterly  88.3 (September 2015): 532-4.  ( Link )
• "Hollywood Calling: Luise Rainer, Sally Hawkins, and the First Law of Telephone Scenes,"  Los Angeles Review of Books  (January 2015). Online.  ( Link )
• "Lending An Ear,"  Public Books  (May 2014). Online.   (Link)
• "Memoir 2.0; or, Confession Gone  Wild ,"  Public Books  (March 2013). Online.   (Link)
• Review of  American Poetry in Performance: From Walt Whitman to Hip Hop .   Modern Drama  55.4 (Winter 2012): 579-81.  (Link)
• "Refined Mechanicals; Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Share the Stage: New Scholarship on Theater and Media."  Theater  42.2 (May 2012): 139-146.  (Link)
• “Canonical Improvisations: The Case of  Them .”  Theater  41.2 (2011): 5-7.  (Link)
• “Twice Real: Marina Abramović and the Performance Archive.”  Theater  41.1 (2011): 104-113.  (Link)
• The New Haven Independent  (head theater critic, 2007-2008)
• The Village Voice  (contributing theater critic, 2008-2010)

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Delta Cancels More Flights as It Struggles to Recover From Tech Outage

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg singled out the airline on Sunday for ongoing disruptions and “unacceptable” customer service as it continued to cancel flights.

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By Christine Chung and Yan Zhuang

Three days after planes around the world were grounded by a technology outage , Delta Air Lines was struggling to get stranded passengers to their destinations on Monday and was the only carrier still canceling hundreds of flights as it raced to update its systems.

The company’s performance was much worse than other large U.S. air carriers like American Airlines and United Airlines, which were operating with few cancellations, and appeared to stem from decisions it made when its systems first went down, analysts said.

The secretary of transportation, Pete Buttigieg, singled out Delta on Sunday for its slow recovery and said that his office had received numerous complaints about Delta’s customer service. He warned that the carrier must provide its customers with adequate assistance and refunds. Delta canceled about 1,300 flights on Sunday, roughly the same number as each of the previous two days, and delayed another 1,600, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. The cancellations represented about a third of the airline’s scheduled flights.

Delta’s cancellations on Monday — 815 as of 3 p.m. Eastern time — accounted for about 21 percent of its scheduled departures, according to FlightAware. Another 34 percent of its flights were delayed.

The tech outage on Friday hit airlines especially hard. A flawed update from CrowdStrike, whose software is used around the world, forced Delta, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines to ground flights.

Delta has been the slowest to restore its operations. American and United had canceled fewer than 50 flights each as of noon on Monday, according to FlightAware.

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