The Admissions Review Committee at The University of Tampa strives for transparency in our application review process. UT reviews completed student applications holistically. We define holistic admission as examining the entire student application file, the whole person and the context of the student’s environment. Academic accomplishment is clearly the dominating factor when evaluating students and making admissions decisions. However, there are many relevant criteria that may outweigh certain academic factors when UT decides to accept a student. We are particularly interested in student character, leadership, community service and willingness to help others. The following provides examples that will demonstrate what we look for with respect to a student’s academic potential and strength of character, the two main areas of review during our evaluation process:
Academic Review:
- Quality of grades
- Quality of grades related to prospective major (e.g., chemistry grades for a forensic science major, etc.)
- Strength and performance of coursework completed (number of AP, IB, AICE or dual enrollment courses taken and performance in these courses)
- Academic challenge (number of AP, IB, AICE or dual enrollment attempted, irrespective of grades)
Character Review:
- Empathy and kindness toward others (e.g., community service, taking care of family in need, etc.)
- Extracurricular activity and accomplishment (e.g., orchestra, band, theatre, honors societies, Girl/Boy Scouts, club involvement, athletics, performing arts, etc.)
- Independence (e.g., overnight travel, camps, after-school or summer employment, student-initiated communication with the University versus parents communicating, etc.)
- Leadership (e.g., president, treasurer, captain/co-captain, MVP, first-chair instrumental, teacher’s assistant, etc.)
A college preparatory curriculum is required, including a minimum of 18 academic units (four English, three science (two must be laboratory sciences), three mathematics, three social studies, two foreign language and three academic electives).
Admission is contingent on graduation from high school or acceptable scores on the high school equivalency test (GED).
UT is also Test Optional. We do not require test scores for admission to the University or in our scholarship award process. Instead of tests, we concentrate on other metrics previously mentioned here. While a student may send test scores if they desire, such scores are not necessary during the application and admissions process at UT.
The University awards course credit for acceptable scores Advanced Placement tests administered by the College Entrance Examination Board, CLEP examinations and International Baccalaureate course exams.
Home-schooled students should also submit a copy of the 11th-year annual pupil’s educational progress evaluation or annual assessment test results, as well as a grade transcript for all completed work at time of application, if available.
Students may appeal an admissions decision by writing to the chair of the Faculty Admissions Committee. Documentation to support reasons for appeal should be included.
