Florida’s State Universities, Simplified: Essays for 2021 Applicants
Applying to any of Florida’s 12 state universities? Wondering how many essays you’ll need to write? Here’s our short-but-sweet guide to writing requirements for your applications!
Common App
UF: requires Common App’s personal essay (650-word max. length). Under its “Important Questions,” UF asks for a short (250-word max.), meaningful extracurricular activity essay.
FSU: FSU highly recommends the Common App’s personal essay, and will also accept your uploaded résumé, either on its Common App page or on the applicant portal (preferred).
FGCU: The personal essay is required; no additional writing is requested.
UCF: UCF highly recommends the personal essay. Additionally, there are three optional short essays which ask you to describe your interest in UCF, the reason for your chosen major, and one extracurricular activity. Each response has a maximum word limit of 250. It’s highly recommended that you write these! You may also upload your résumé.
FL Poly: The personal essay is required, along with one shorter essay (250 words) about an extracurricular activity.
New College: New College requires the personal essay, but no others.
USF: Optional personal essay
UNF: Optional personal essay
FAU: Optional personal essay
UWF: Optional personal essay
Institutional Applications
FAMU: The school’s own application asks you for a a 500-word personal statement on a topic of your choice for. Note that FAMU will be joining the Common App on October 1, 2021.
FIU: You must apply using the school’s own application. No essay is required unless you’re applying to its honors program.
If you apply to a university’s honors program, you’ll likely have to write additional essays and/or provide other details. Please see each college’s website for further information, including writing prompts and deadlines.
