University of South Florida SAT & ACT Scores

USF asks for official results from at least one college entrance exam: the SAT, the ACT or the CLT. It does not require or consider the optional essay section of the SAT or ACT. Your scores also have to meet USF's minimum section scores on whichever test you submit, so check those minimums on the admissions site before you apply. USF superscores every test it accepts: it uses your highest section scores across all SAT, ACT or CLT test dates and updates your record each time new scores arrive. Students finishing an A.A. degree through Florida dual enrollment have a second route under Florida Board of Governors Regulation 6.005, which is based on the A.A. rather than test scores, but students admitted that way can't qualify for admissions scholarships.

Enrolled students in USF's fall 2025 entering class had a middle 50% SAT of 1160–1340, with a median of 1250. A quarter scored 1160 or lower, and a quarter scored 1340 or higher. Section ranges were 590–670 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 560–670 in Math.

Because every applicant must send a score, this range describes nearly the whole class rather than a self-selected group of submitters. 77.8% of enrolled students reported the SAT. Keep in mind that these are enrolled students. USF's profile of admitted fall 2026 freshmen shows a higher middle 50%, and USF says fall is its most competitive term. It reviews fall applicants for summer and spring starts as well, and its summer admitted profile is lower than its fall one.

Since USF superscores, your best Reading and Writing score and your best Math score from different test dates are combined, and a retake can only raise your superscore. USF suggests taking each test once in the spring of junior year, then preparing for the one that suits you during the fall of senior year. It also advises against taking any test more than three times.

21.7% of the fall 2025 entering class reported the ACT. Their middle 50% composite was 25–29, with a median of 27. English scores ran 23–30 and Math scores ran 23–27.

USF superscores the ACT the same way it does the SAT, using your best section scores from every sitting it receives. A composite of 29 or higher puts you in the top quarter of recent enrolled students, while 25 marks the low end of the middle half. USF also sets minimum English, Reading and Math scores for admission, so one weak section can matter even when your composite looks strong.

USF has three application rounds for fall 2027. Early Action is non-binding, with applications due in early November, materials due in mid-November and decisions in December. Regular Decision applications are due in mid-December, with materials due in mid-January and decisions in February. Rolling Decision follows, with decisions starting in early March. Test scores count as application materials, so they must arrive by your round's materials deadline. Early Action applicants get priority for their preferred campus and start term and are automatically considered for merit scholarships, as are applicants who complete everything by the mid-January scholarship deadline. There is no Early Decision.

You need an SAT, ACT or CLT score to apply to USF for fall 2027, so plan your test dates so results arrive by your round's materials deadline. A practical target is 1340 or higher on the SAT or 29 or higher on the ACT. Scores near 1250 or 27 sit in the middle of recent enrolled students, but the fall 2026 admitted profile runs higher, so aim above the median if you want a fall start.

In its 2025–26 Common Data Set, USF rates the rigor of your high school record, your GPA and your test scores as very important, and class rank as considered. The essay, recommendations, interview and activities are listed as not considered. USF recalculates your GPA from core academic courses and adds weight for AP, IB, AICE, dual enrollment and honors classes, so your course choices and grades matter alongside your scores.