Homeschooled Students

Ranked as the No. 1 best online bachelor’s program, UF Online gives you the flexibility to excel from wherever you are. Earn your University of Florida degree and jump start your career with one of more than 25 different programs in fields such as business, communication, health and life sciences, technology, and more.

UF Online is a great option for many homeschool students who want to continue studying on their own schedule while also attending a top university. With a little forethought and planning, your application can be highly competitive. Below, you can find some tips and advice for homeschool students.

“Being homeschooled became a major part of my identity as a student and young professional, instilling a sense of independence and autonomy. As a traveling cellist since I was thirteen, I had the fortune of performing and doing school on the go. Being homeschooled allowed me to take control over my schedule and pursue a career in music simultaneously alongside my schoolwork, all on my terms.

I firmly believe that homeschooling helped me excel in my UF Online courses, as it was familiar territory. I was used to claiming responsibility over my schedule and holding myself accountable for my workload. As someone who was comfortable taking a personalized, hands-on approach for my studies through homeschooling, UF Online was a natural progression for my undergraduate education.”

-- Dariel Liakhovetski, homeschooled student and UF Online Microbiology & Cell Science graduate

Know the Academic Requirements

Homeschooled applicants are considered for admission using the same holistic review process as other Freshman and Lower Division Transfer applicants. An applicant’s homeschool performance will be considered for FTC and Lower Division Transfer applicants only. (High school performance is not evaluated for Upper Division and Second Bachelor’s Degree applicants.)

To be eligible for admission, homeschooled students must demonstrate proficiency in sixteen academic units, distributed as follows:

  • Four years of English (with substantial writing)
  • Four years of mathematics (at or above Algebra 1)
  • Three years of natural sciences (two units must include laboratory)
  • Three years of social sciences
  • Two years of a foreign language (must be sequential)

UF looks for a strong, academically challenging course schedule. Homeschooled students are encouraged to enroll in academic core courses through an accredited secondary curriculum or at an accredited post-secondary institution. Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment classes are particularly encouraged as they help to prepare students for higher education.

Create a Timeline for Required Exams

Depending on your academic background, you may be required to submit standardized test scores. Please read below.

  • All incoming First Time in College and Lower Division Transfer applicants who graduated high school less than 5 years before applying to UF are required to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of the admissions process. One of these tests is required. UF accepts both and has no preference. There is no limit on the number of times a student may take the tests and the writing sections are no longer required.
  • NOTE: UF Online does not require ACT or SAT scores for applicants who graduated high school more than 5 years prior to applying.

It’s never too early to start

From the 9th grade forward, begin keeping a log or journal of activities, involvement, participation, and awards. It is easy to forget what happened last month, much less two years ago.

Share your passion, goals, and dreams. The power of the Gator Nation is rooted in the passion of its students and alumni. We want to know what makes you unique and how you are going to change the world. There is no magic formula for the personal statement. We want insights into you.

We Take a Holistic Approach

While academic credentials are important, UF looks at non-academic pursuits and accomplishments as well. To learn more about the application process, feel free to reach out to our admissions team at 1-855-994-2867, by email, or sign up to join us in one of our live virtual information sessions.