essay for university of tampa

University of Tampa 2022-23 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action: 

Early Action: Nov 15

University of Tampa 2022-23 Application Essay Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 800 words or fewer

Supplemental Essay Type: Oddball

Please write an essay on one of the following prompts or on a topic of your choice. There is an 800-word limit on essays submitted in this section of the Common App, however, you may choose to submit an essay of any length via the SpartanStart portal at www.ut.edu/spartanstart or by emailing your essay to [email protected].

What are your three favorite words in the english language explain what they mean to you..

This prompt is the type that students usually love or hate. If this question immediately tickles your fancy, and you have an idea for the word you’d like to highlight, go for it! If you look at this prompt and feel totally stuck, but still want to try answering it, try this trick: What might you tell admissions about yourself that they haven’t already heard from you in your personal statement? Is there something in your history and experience worth expanding upon? Once you’ve identified what you want to discuss, think about what words might be helpful launch points for describing that experience and back into your “three favorite words.” This is also a great strategy for choosing words that are slightly less expected than those submitted by the average applicant.

Discuss your childhood neighborhood and how it shaped you as a person.

This is a great opportunity to share the nuances of your background or family history with admissions. Maybe your family has lived in the same town for multiple generations, and you can still find your mom and aunt’s initials on a tree near the elementary school playground. Maybe you were raised by your mother and grandmother in a big city that taught you the importance of independence at a young age. Look back to how where you came from has shaped who you are now and what factors contributed to your unique perspective and position in life. Just keep in mind: this is a chance to deepen admissions’ understanding of who you are and show them why they’d be lucky to have you in their student body. 

Describe how you feel about the month of February.

This prompt may seem totally random, but really, like all other college essay prompts, it’s an opportunity for you to share something about yourself with admissions. What do you think of when you think of February? Maybe three people in your family have birthdays in February, so it’s a month of party planning and celebration. Perhaps you feel inspired and empowered in February, as you honor and recognize the contributions of African Americans during Black History Month. What does that month bring up for you? How do you spend it? How might you be able to tell admissions something new about yourself through this prompt? If nothing comes to mind, fear not; you have three other prompts to choose from!

Imagine that you could have one superpower. What would it be and how would you use it? What would be your kryptonite?

Easy: flight. But what does that say about you? That you hate getting checked by the TSA or live in LA and dread the 405 traffic? Let’s try and think of others that would match up with your goals and passions. For instance, maybe you want to be able to shrink like Ant-Man so you could study nature from a new perspective. Perhaps you’d love to teleport so you could visit all your family members across the globe and still be back in time for “Physics” (your favorite class). Once you identify your superpower, you’ll need to address your kryptonite. For us, this is probably golden doodles and udon noodles because they can truly derail any of our plans, but we’re sure you can come up with one just fine on your own! Use this opportunity to have some fun and show admissions the powers of your imagination.

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University of Tampa Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are University of Tampa'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 Tampa and build a strong application.

School location: Tampa, FL

This school is also known as: UT

Admissions Rate: 26.3%

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 Tampa is 26.3% . For every 100 applicants, 26 are admitted.

This means the school is very selective . If you meet University of Tampa'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 Tampa 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: 3.5

The average GPA at University of Tampa is 3.5 .

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

With a GPA of 3.5, University of Tampa requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes. This will help boost your weighted GPA and show your ability to take college classes.

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 3.5, 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 Tampa hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to University of Tampa will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

University of Tampa 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: 1170

The average SAT score composite at University of Tampa is a 1170 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes University of Tampa Competitive for SAT test scores.

University of Tampa SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1090, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1250. In other words, a 1090 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1250 will move you up to above average .

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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 1250, 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 Tampa ACT Requirements

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

Average ACT: 25

The average ACT score at University of Tampa is 25. This score makes University of Tampa Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 27.

Even though University of Tampa likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 22 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 25 and above that a 22 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 27 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.

However, from our research, University of Tampa is understood to superscore the ACT . We couldn't confirm it directly from the school's admissions website, but multiple sources confirm that the school does superscore the ACT. We recommend you call their admissions office directly for more information.

Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that University of Tampa receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit .

For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:

Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, University of Tampa 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 20 to 32 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and University of Tampa forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT 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 ACT score is currently below a 27, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT 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 ACT. 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 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 Tampa 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 1250 SAT or a 27 ACT or above, you'll have a very strong chance at getting in.

For a school as selective as University of Tampa, 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 1250 SAT or a 27 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 Tampa here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 1
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $40
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

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

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes March 1 October 1
• Yes November 15 December 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 401 Tampa, FL 33606-1490
• Phone: (813) 253-3333 x3333
• Fax: (813) 254-4955
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in University of Tampa, 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 Tampa.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Tampa. 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 Tampa, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for University of Tampa, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Tampa 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 Tampa Admissions

University of Tampa admissions has an acceptance rate of 26% and an early acceptance rate of 29.7%. Half the applicants admitted to University of Tampa who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1080 and 1280 or an ACT score of 22 and 28. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges. The application deadline at University of Tampa is rolling.

Admissions officials at University of Tampa consider a student's GPA a very important academic factor. An applicant's high school class rank, when available, is considered and letters of recommendation are considered important for admissions officials at University of Tampa. To see additional academic factors along with other school data, learn more about College Compass .

University of Tampa Admissions Stats

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University of Tampa Admissions Requirements

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The University of Tampa Undergraduate College Application Essays

These The University of Tampa college application essays were written by students accepted at The University of Tampa. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by The University of Tampa

A city swept from it's feet anonymous, the university of tampa.

Eyes were beginning to blur; muscles were beginning to convulse; thousands were shouting from excitement. Through all these distractions, my mind began to form a clear picture of what was taking place. I was on the final stretch of the 2013 Boston...

I have been; I am no longer Julia Ann Reed

I am a seventeen year old mother. Every single day after completing seven hours of rigorous Advanced Placement classes, I am ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a boy who desperately needs my help in order to grow up. I meet him at...

Natural Hair Journey Mardnie C Mentor

Do you know what your hair type is? Probably not, I have natural 3c-4a hair. Beyond interesting trivial, I honestly care less as to what my hair texture is, but at one point in my life I felt as if my hair texture would either make me or break me....

Recent Questions about The University of Tampa

The Question and Answer section for The University of Tampa is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

• grade  B Overall Grade
• Rating 3.64 out of 5   2,464 reviews

University of Tampa Admissions

What is the acceptance rate for ut, will you get in, will you get into ut.

Test Scores and High School GPA for University of Tampa

Admissions Statistics

Admissions deadlines, admissions requirements.

• High School GPA Required
• High School Rank Considered but not required
• High School Transcript Required
• College Prep Courses Required
• SAT/ACT Neither required nor recommended
• Recommendations Required

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University of Tampa Acceptance Rate, Ranking, & Tuition (2024)

May 27, 2024

The University of Tampa (UT) is a mid-sized private university located along the riverfront in Tampa, Florida. The student body is composed of approximately 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students, with around 50% hailing from Florida. The other 50% are from all 50 states and over 130 countries. In fact, the student body includes about 1,200 international students. 98% of UT undergraduate students are full-time. Are you interested in applying to the University of Tampa? In this article, we will discuss the University of Tampa acceptance rate, ranking, notable alumni, majors, and tuition costs. First, though, let’s dive into a general overview.

University of Tampa Overview

  The University of Tampa is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) , which accredits educational institutions in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

UT offers over 200 academic programs of study , including 19 master’s degree programs and two doctorate programs, and is organized into four colleges:

• College of Arts and Letters , with undergraduate programs in Art and Design; Communication; English and Writing; Film, Animation, and New Media; Languages and Linguistics; Music; Philosophy and Religion; and Theatre and Dance
• College of Natural and Health Sciences , with undergraduate programs in Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Environmental Studies, Health Sciences and Human Performance, Nursing, Physics and Astronomy, and Sport Management
• College of Social Science, Mathematics, and Education , with undergraduate programs in Computer Science; Criminology and Criminal Justice; Education; History, Sociology, Geography, and Legal Studies; Mathematics; Political Science and International Studies; and Psychology
• Sykes College of Business , with undergraduate programs in Accounting, Business Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Financial Enterprise Systems, International Business, Leadership Studies, Management, Management Information Systems, and Marketing

University of Tampa Acceptance Rate, Tuition, Notable Alumni (Continued)

The most popular undergraduate majors include:

• International Business
• Biology/Environmental Science
• Criminology and Criminal Justice

The average class size at the University of Tampa is 21, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 1:17. UT offers an Honors Program , leadership programs , and opportunities for e xperiential learning . Internship and study abroad opportunities are also prioritized. The University of Tampa mission statement reads, in part:

UT is committed to the development of each student to become a productive and responsible citizen. The University conducts classes in personalized settings in which learning is enhanced through application by balancing “learning by thinking” with “learning by doing.” Students are taught by highly qualified faculty members dedicated to teaching, scholarship, advising and continued intellectual growth. Students participate in learning partnerships with faculty and the community through clinical and consulting assignments, internships and research experiences. Academic services and co-curricular activities support individual well-being and development, and provide leadership opportunities. UT strives to provide a rich and inclusive learning environment for all students to prepare them for careers and lifelong learning. 

In terms of extracurricular opportunities, students can choose between over 315 different organizations, clubs, and teams , including 27 sororities and fraternities . UT also has 8 campus publications and a student-run television station, newspaper, and radio station.

The UT Spartans sports teams compete in the NCAA Division II Sunshine State Conference. UT has won 22 NCAA Division II championships in baseball, lacrosse, men’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, and women’s beach volleyball.

Where is the University of Tampa?

The University of Tampa campus has a storied history. In 1931, the private Tampa Junior College was founded as one of the first higher education institutions in the Tampa Bay area. Fun fact: enrollment in 1931 was a whopping 67 students!

In 1933, the institution moved to its current location on the grounds of the recently closed Tampa Bay Hotel, built by railroad and shipping magnate Henry B. Plant in 1981 directly across the Hillsborough River from downtown Tampa. Both Plant and the Tampa Bay Hotel are credited with the transformation and popularization of Tampa. The 511-room, 5-story hotel was designed as a grand winter resort, and is architecturally-distinctive—topped by Moorish minarets, domes, and cupolas. Teddy Roosevelt, the Queen of England, and Babe Ruth all stayed at the hotel throughout its history.

Upon its move, Tampa Junior College expanded its offerings and became the University of Tampa. Today, the former Tampa Bay Hotel is known as Plant Hall and is a National Historic Landmark. Plant Hall serves as the foundation of the 110-acre, 71-building University of Tampa campus, and also houses the Henry B. Plant Museum. The campus also includes modern additions and facilities, including the Daly Innovation and Collaboration Building and the Ferman Center for the Arts , which opened in 2021.

The renowned, 3,000-square-foot University of Tampa waterfront Marine Science Field Station is located at Bayside Marina, about 20 minutes from campus. The facility includes a wet laboratory as well as a dry lab/classroom, a scuba storage area, lockers, showers, and boat slip. The wet lab boasts a recirculating/flow-through seawater system.

About half of the UT student body lives on campus, including most first-year students, who receive priority. The campus includes 12 residence halls.

2.7 million people live in the Tampa Bay area, making it West Central Florida’s center of government, commerce, communications, business, health care, sports, and entertainment. Tampa residents enjoy a high quality of life, helped in part by the beautiful beaches and warm, sunny weather. Recreational opportunities abound, and UT offers a variety of off-campus, guided activities throughout the year.

The University of Tampa campus is close to the Tampa Museum of Art , Busch Gardens , and the Florida Aquarium , among numerous other attractions. For football fans, Tampa is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Raymond James Stadium.

Besides the University of Tampa, Tampa is also home to three other institutions of higher education— Eckerd College , Saint Leo University, and the University of South Florida —making Tampa a bona fide college town.

University of Tampa Acceptance Rate

The University of Tampa is very selective, with an acceptance rate of around 26%. Enrollment has been increasing every year since 1995, but applications are increasing as well. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the University of Tampa received a record 35,351 applications for the entering first-year class of 2,898 undergraduates.

The average SAT score is 1,200 (though the University of Tampa is a test-optional school , and only about 20% of applicants submit scores). The average high school GPA is 3.6 (on a 4.0) unweighted scale.

The University of Tampa tends to attract more women than men, with a student body percentage of 59% women and 41% men.

University of Tampa Ranking

U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Tampa #16 in Regional Universities South .

University of Tampa Tuition

In 2024-2025, the estimated undergraduate tuition is $32,096/year plus $2,312 in mandatory fees . On-campus living expenses (housing and food) are $14,612/year. Hence:

• Estimated Direct Costs for On-Campus Undergraduates: $49,020
• Estimated Direct Costs for Off-Campus Undergraduates: $34,408

In addition, UT recommends budgeting for “indirect costs” including personal expenses, transportation, and books.

• Estimated Indirect Costs for On-Campus Undergraduates: $9,130
• Estimated Indirect Costs for Off-Campus Students (including living expenses): $23,630.

Therefore, the total COA (Cost of Attendance) for the 2024-2025 school year is estimated to fall between $58,038-$58,150.

At the University of Tampa, approximately 92% of students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans . Florida residents can take advantage of Florida-specific aid programs , including the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program . Veterans also have numerous aid options , and UT covers up to 100% of the tuition and fees of veterans eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Work-study opportunities are plentiful, and about 1,700 students are employed on campus.

University of Tampa Academic Calendar

At the University of Tampa, the academic year runs on a semester schedule . The Fall Semester begins in late August (although registration begins in early August), and concludes mid-December. The Spring Semester begins in mid-January, and concludes in early-May. UT also offers a “Winter Intercession” from early to mid-January, a “May Term” from early to mid-May, and various Summer School options.

University of Tampa Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include:

• Jane Castor ’81, 59th Mayor of Tampa and 31-year Veteran of the Tampa Police Department
• Nneka Jones ’20, Artist and Activist
• Connie May Fowler ’82 , Novelist, Memoirist, and Screenwriter
• Tino Martinez ’11, Major League Baseball Player
• Brad Schiff ’93 , Animation Supervisor at LAIKA

How to Apply to the University of Tampa

To apply to the University of Tampa, students can use the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or UT’s online Application. Admission is contingent on graduation from high school or acceptable scores on the GED. Decisions are made following three deadlines:

• November 1—Early Decision Deadline
• November 15—Early Action Deadline
• March 1—Regular Decision Deadline

From March 2 on, applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.

In addition, some majors require separate departmental applications and/or requirements:

• Education (separate application after completion of first 30 credit hours)
• Nursing (separate application after completion of all pre-nursing prerequisites)
• Music (audition required)
• Musical Theatre (audition required)
• Theatre (audition required)
• Dance (audition required)

UT aims to review student applications holistically, meaning that while academic accomplishments are the dominating factor when evaluating students and making admissions decisions, the Admissions Review Committee is also interested in student character, leadership, and community service.

The University of Tampa is also a test-optional school , meaning they do not require submission of SAT or ACT test scores for admission (although applicants may choose to submit test scores).

UT awards course credit for acceptable scores on AP tests, CLEP examinations, and IB course exams.

Potential applicants are encouraged to schedule a campus visit and/or request an information packet . Virtual tours are also available.

Prospective students interested in the University of Tampa might also consider other colleges in Florida , including the University of Florida or Florida State University .

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Jordan received her BA from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, where she majored in Religious Studies and Classics. Following her undergraduate work, she spent several years teaching elementary school--first in northern Thailand as a fellow with Princeton in Asia, then in Bozeman, Montana. Jordan went on to receive a Master's in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School, and is currently working toward completing her PhD at Boston University, focusing on religions of the Ancient Mediterranean.

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University of Tampa

Known for academic excellence, personal attention and real-world experience in its undergraduate and graduate programs, university of tampa students come from 50 states and 137 countries. there are 200 areas of study, including 11 master's degree programs and numerous study abroad opportunities. from its humble beginnings in plant hall, ut boasts a $220 million annual budget and a $750 million estimated annual economic impact., admissions office.

401 W Kennedy Blvd , Box F Tampa , FL 33606 , United States of America

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(813) 253-6211

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The University of Tampa: Overview Research Paper

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University Description

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The University of Tampa is a learning community that is characterized by its high diversity and dynamic development (“About UT,” 2017). The history of this university started when Tampa Junior College was reconstructed to become The University of Tampa. The reconstruction included moving the headquarters from the local high school that was later turned into Plant Hall. The University of Tampa got a new leader in the person of Frederic H. Spaulding. Spaulding was the principal of Hillsborough High School. It was precisely him that inspired the creation of the first local university for Tampa’s high school graduates to carry on their education.

Thus, the mission of this institution – at least, in the beginning – was to provide Tampa’s graduates with a place to receive a post-high-school education. Nowadays, however, The University of Tampa is a highly diverse institution regarding demographics. Graduates of various descent and age come to this university to receive a proper education. The University of Tampa has more than two hundred academic programs that are taught by highly professional and inspired professors. The educators at UT are interested both in students’ progress and the research field in which they specialize. Programs, in turn, contain both research-oriented studies and liberal arts disciplines. With such variety, every student has a program that will suit them well.

Although UT is not one of the biggest institutions there is, it provides numerous opportunities as well as support. UT offers its students possibilities to transfer from other institutions as well as admissions between different faculties. However, there are several particular criteria that a student must meet to be allowed to apply for admission.

The University of Tampa accepts sophomores and juniors (“Transfer Admissions,” 2017). However, to transfer successfully, a student must have a degree of credit hours gathered from regionally accredited institutions. Two-year or community colleges admissions allow transferring a maximum of sixty-four credits. Four-year institutions, on the other hand, do not have limits as to how many credits may be transferred. Sophomores require twenty-eight to fifty-nine credit hours, juniors, in turn, must achieve sixty to eighty-nine. The campus is open for fall, spring, and summer admissions.

Admissions for transfer students are allowed throughout the year, but students should apply as early as possible. The University of Tampa calculates transfer GPA that is based on several attempted courses at every university attended by a student. However, once the admission is successful, GPA becomes based solely on the achievements at UT. Therefore, transfer students need to focus their attention on achieving a high GPA as soon as they realize they wish to apply for admission.

If a transfer student completes less than seventeen credit hours, the standardized test is implemented. This is one of the core requirements for admission, so – based on the information gathered from the website – the testing has a significant influence on the admission decision. The tests do not have the purpose of collecting any background. If seventeen or more credit hours are achieved, a transfer student should submit official transcripts from every attended university or college and final transcripts from high school. Transcripts have as much influence on admission decisions as the testing. Other than that, admission does not require college essays or personal statements and letters of recommendation. Also, there are no student attributes that are evaluated for admission.

About UT . (2017). Web.

Transfer Admissions . (2017). Web.

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Undergraduate Application Management

• First-Year: you are a student without college credit or you earned college credit prior to high school graduation (dual enrollment, AP/IB credit included). - Select application type of Fall 2024 and choose an application option from the choices below ( Early Decision , Early Action , Regular Decision).
• Transfer/Returning: you have attended a regionally accredited college after high school graduation or are a former UT student returning to complete an undergraduate degree. - Select application type of Fall 2024 and Transfer/Non-Degree (Rolling Admission) .
• Non-Degree/Transient/Continuing Studies: you are interested in taking classes, but not attaining a degree. - Select application type of Fall 2024 and Transfer/Non-Degree (Rolling Admission) .

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5 strategies to unlock your winning college essay.

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 29: People walk through the gate on Harvard Yard at the Harvard ... [+] University campus on June 29, 2023 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that race-conscious admission policies used by Harvard and the University of North Carolina violate the Constitution, bringing an end to affirmative action in higher education. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

The college application season is upon us, and high school students everywhere are staring down at one of the most daunting tasks: the college essay. As someone who has guided countless applicants through the admissions process and reviewed admissions essays on an undergraduate admissions committee, I've pinpointed the essential ingredient to a differentiated candidacy—the core of your college admissions X-factor .

The essential ingredient to your college admissions X-factor is your intellectual vitality. Intellectual vitality is your passion for learning and curiosity. By demonstrating and conveying this passion, you can transform an average essay into a compelling narrative that boosts your chances of getting accepted to your top schools. Here are five dynamic strategies to achieve that goal.

Unleash Your Authentic Voice

Admissions officers sift through thousands of essays every year. What stops them in their tracks? An authentic voice that leaps off the page. Forget trying to guess what the admissions committee wants to hear. Focus on being true to yourself. Share your unique perspective, your passions, and your values. Authenticity resonates deeply with application reviewers, making your essay memorable and impactful. You need not have experienced trauma or tragedy to create a strong narrative. You can write about what you know—intellectually or personally—to convey your enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership. Intellectual vitality shines through when you write with personalized reflection about what lights you up.

Weave A Captivating Story

Everyone loves a good story, and your essay is the perfect place to tell yours. The Common Application personal statement has seven choices of prompts to ground the structure for your narrative. The most compelling stories are often about the smallest moments in life, whether it’s shopping at Costco or about why you wear socks that have holes. Think of the Common Application personal statement as a window into your soul rather than a dry list of your achievements or your overly broad event-based life story. Use vivid anecdotes to bring your experiences to life. A well-told story can showcase your growth, highlight your character, and illustrate how you've overcome challenges. Intellectual vitality often emerges in these narratives, revealing how your curiosity and proactive approach to learning have driven you to explore and innovate.

Reflect And Reveal Insights

It's not just about what you've done—it's about what you've learned along the way. When you are writing about a specific event, you can use the STAR framework—situation, task, action, and result (your learning). Focus most of your writing space on the “R” part of this framework to dive deeply into your experiences and reflect on how they've shaped your aspirations and identity.

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The most insightful college-specific supplement essays demonstrate depth of thought, and the ability to connect past experiences with your future life in college and beyond. Reflecting on your intellectual journey signals maturity and a readiness to embrace the college experience. It shows admissions officers that you engage deeply with your studies and are eager to contribute to the academic community.

Highlight Your Contributions—But Don’t Brag

Whether it's a special talent, an unusual hobby, or a unique perspective, showcasing what you can bring to the college environment can make a significant impact. Recognize that the hard work behind the accomplishment is what colleges are interested in learning more about—not retelling about the accomplishment itself. (Honors and activities can be conveyed in another section of the application.) Walk us through the journey to your summit; don’t just take us to the peak and expect us know how you earned it.

Intellectual vitality can be demonstrated through your proactive approach to solving problems, starting new projects, or leading initiatives that reflect your passion for learning and growth. These experiences often have a place in the college-specific supplement essays. They ground the reasons why you want to study in your major and at the particular college.

Perfect Your Prose

Great writing is essential. Anyone can use AI or a thesaurus to assist with an essay, but AI cannot write your story in the way that you tell it. Admissions officers don’t give out extra credit for choosing the longest words with the most amount of syllables.

The best essays have clear, coherent language and are free of errors. The story is clearly and specifically told. After drafting, take the time to revise and polish your writing. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or trusted friends, but ensure the final piece is unmistakably yours. A well-crafted essay showcases your diligence and attention to detail—qualities that admissions officers highly value. Intellectual vitality is also reflected in your writing process, showing your commitment to excellence and your enthusiasm for presenting your best self.

Crafting a standout college essay is about presenting your true self in an engaging, reflective, and polished manner while showcasing your intellectual vitality. Happy writing.

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A 12-Year-Old Wins Astonishing Spell-Off at Scripps National Spelling Bee

In a dramatic finish, Bruhat Soma, from Tampa, Fla., defeated Faizan Zaki, a 12-year-old from Plano, Texas, in the competition’s second spell-off ever.

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Emmett Lindner

A fast-paced spell-off capped the night: Takeaways from the spelling bee.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday came down to its second-ever spell-off, a fast-and-furious tiebreaking round that rewards speed as much as accuracy. Given 90 seconds to spell as many of the announced words as possible, Bruhat Soma and Faizan Zaki, the two remaining spellers after 14 rounds, stood tense over a blue buzzer as they flew through words difficult to comprehend even at conversational speed.

When the results were tallied, Bruhat — a 12-year-old from Tampa, Fla. — came out on top with a superhuman total of 29 correct words, seven more words than the previous spell-off winner in 2022. As the confetti fell from the ceiling, Bruhat smiled widely, held the trophy high above his head and shook hands with Faizan.

If you weren’t able to watch the finals on Thursday night, here are three takeaways.

The schwa and homonyms were a tough hurdle.

The difficulty of the finals was immediately apparent: The first speller onstage, Rishabh Saha, misspelled “desmotrope,” a chemistry term. As an eighth-grader, Rishabh will not be eligible to compete in the 2025 Scripps Bee.

The schwa — the “uh”-like sound that can be represented by any vowel in the English alphabet — tripped him up, much like it did for several spellers in 2023. He added an “a” in place of the first “o.”

Shrey Parikh also fell to the schwa with the word “kanin,” a kind of boiled rice used in the Philippines. He spelled it as “kanan.” Shortly after, Ananya Prassanna misspelled “murrina,” a word of Spanish origin, as “marina.”

YY Liang got tripped up by “immanent,” a homonym of “imminent,” and was the second to be eliminated. Kirsten Santos was taken out next by another homonym, “apophasis,” which she spelled “apophysis.”

A trend of the night: Indigenous vocabularies.

The 13th round featured several Indigenous words. Shrey correctly spelled “Jumano,” a group of Native Americans that lived in the Southwest and South Plains between until around 1700. He asked twice for an etymology, but judges told him that it had none, given the dictionary. No matter — he nailed the spelling.

The next competitor, Aditi Muthukumar, was asked to spell Lillooet, a Salishan people of the Fraser River valley in British Columbia. The word also did not have a language of origin listed, and it knocked Aditi out of the finals.

Immediately after Aditi came Bruhat, the night’s eventual champion, who correctly spelled “Okvik,” from an Alaskan geographical name.

Texas, almost always home to finalists, could not clinch a win.

Texas holds the title of being home to the most Bee champions, with 16 spellers from the Lone Star State holding the trophy under clouds of confetti. Out of the 20 Texans who made it to the nationals this year, only two remained by the finals.

Faizan, who is from the Dallas area, came in second place after spelling 20 words correctly in the spell-off.

The eight finalists spanned the United States, with spellers from California to New York.

Aimee Ortiz and Alexandra E. Petri

Bruhat Soma was on a mission to win after a disappointing loss last year.

When Bruhat Soma lifted the ceramic Scripps National Spelling Bee trophy in a blizzard of confetti as cheers erupted from the audience late Thursday night, he was shocked but he also knew that, finally, he had achieved his goal. He was the champion.

“I’m really happy that I won,” Bruhat said during a phone interview on Friday morning. “It’s like a dream come true.”

The 12-year-old from Tampa, Fla., won in a spell-off round — just the second one to be held in the history of the competition. Bruhat rattled off a head-spinning 29 correctly spelled words in 90 seconds, including heautophany, nachschläge and puszta.

Bruhat’s spell-off sprint on Thursday night won him the competition’s trophy, the Scripps Cup, and a grand prize of $50,000. He far surpassed his competitor, Faizan Zaki, a sixth grader from Dallas who correctly spelled 20 words, and also the bee’s previous spell-off record of 22 correct words in 2022, according to Bee officials.

The spell-off came easily to Bruhat, who said he had prepared for this exact moment for six months. His father, Srinivas Soma, would prepare a daily list of 30 words for him to practice spelling out in 90 seconds, leaving him “kind of nervous, but I knew I had prepared” once the big moment arrived.

In addition to studying with his father, Bruhat said he used SpellPundit, a popular tool among top spellers, and the dictionary to get ready for Scripps. He also worked with a spelling coach and practiced his vocabulary by making his own list of words to study, focusing on his trouble spots.

“I’ve worked really hard,” he said.

The 12-year-old said that while some people studied with music, in the company of others or while snacking, he said he preferred to do it alone in a quiet environment.

“Quality of studying is also important,” he said, noting that if someone studied for a lengthy time but didn’t have the focus required to learn the words, “there’s really no point.”

Bruhat was eliminated last year in the first round of the quarterfinals, tying for 74th place. “I was pretty disappointed by my performance, and I knew I had to work harder,” he said in a recorded interview that aired during the show.

But his failure to make the finals last year drove him to study even more for this year’s competition, Bruhat said on Friday morning.

“Instead of going down, I decided to be really motivated by that,” he said, adding, “so don’t be discouraged by failure.”

Bruhat went into Thursday’s competition with a goal in mind and the confidence that he knew what he was doing, because he had worked for it.

“I feel like working for it is the hardest part,” he said. “But I was able to do it because I really wanted that trophy, and now I finally have it.”

The 12-year-old also competed in 2022, when he tied for 163rd place.

Bruhat’s first word of the night was habitude, which means one’s “usual disposition or mode of behavior or procedure.” He steadily conquered words like Okvik, an Alaskan geographical name, and hoofddorp, a Dutch word, as the competition progressed in intensity and difficulty. He remained poised onstage, rarely seeming nervous and often thinking through the words by mock-typing out the letters in the air.

After his win, Bruhat was joined onstage by his parents and two siblings, who expressed pride and elation at his achievement.

In a recorded interview aired during the show, Bruhat — who is tall for his age — said that he also enjoys basketball. His favorite player is LeBron James, according to his bio on the Scripps National Spelling Bee website. He also enjoys reading, Ping-Pong and badminton, and he plays the snare drum in his middle school band.

While competing, his forehead was marked with a vermilion tika, a Hindu symbol of power and purity. His parents said that Bruhat memorized about 80 percent of the sacred Hindu text, the Bhagavad Gita.

Now that he’s won, Bruhat is unable to compete again for the Scripps Cup, which means he gets to relax this summer, play some basketball and maybe go on vacation.

“I guess I’m done,” he said.

But the future looks bright for the newest champion speller. He said he hoped to be a doctor some day, but he’s not quite sure what kind.

“Probably in high school, I’m going to look at all the options and choose,” he said. For now, though, summer awaits.

Emily Schmall , Maggie Astor and Emmett Lindner contributed reporting.

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Aimee Ortiz

Here are a few key moments, and words, from this year’s Scripps spelling bee.

The long road to a champion speller is littered with schwas and arcane words, but after 244 eliminations, there was finally a winner on Thursday: Bruhat Soma, a seventh grader from Tampa, Fla.

For many, the words are the star of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Here are a few key moments that helped shape the competition:

Desmotrope: a form of a chemical element related to another

The first word of the night took out the very first speller, Rishabh Saha, a 14-year-old from Merced, Calif., who used an A for the first O. Grace Walters, 22, a spelling bee coach and a recent graduate of Rice University, said in an interview that Saha “maybe overthought it because it’s the finals and he didn’t expect a word to follow the rules like that.”

Apophasis: the raising of an issue by claiming not to mention it (as in, “We won’t discuss his past crimes.”)

Kirsten Santos, this year’s only repeat finalist, was knocked out by the word, which has a homonym: “apophysis.” Kirsten, a 13-year-old from Katy, Texas, looked crestfallen when she heard the bell indicating that she had gotten the word wrong. Cole Shafer-Ray, 23, a former professional spelling bee coach, recent Yale University graduate and the 2015 Scripps National Spelling Bee runner-up, said the word was “one of the first words that’s as hard as a typical finals word. The fact that it’s a homonym makes it harder.”

Kanin: boiled rice

Shrey Parikh, a 12-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., was taken out by the word, which he spelled “kanan.” Dev Shah, 15, the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion, said that “asking geographical words at a spelling bee is like spelling at a geography bee.”

Nicuri: a Brazilian palm

Faizan Zaki, a 12-year-old from Plano, Texas, tore through this word without asking any questions and kicked the competition into an exciting spell-off, the second in the history of the bee.

Emily Schmall

Bruhat’s forehead was marked with a vermilion tika, a Hindu symbol of power and purity. His father said he had memorized 80 percent of the Hindu sacred text, the Bhagavad Gita.

Standing with his wife and daughters next to his spelling champion son, Bruhat’s father said in a television interview that it was “the proudest moment for the family.”

Bruhat clearly was determined. He first competed at the national bee as a fifth-grader in 2022. That year, he tied for 163rd place. He rose up the ranks the following year, finishing tied for 74th place. This year, he held the trophy over his head, as the crowd roared with applause.

“I can’t describe it,” Bruhat said in a television interview on stage as the confetti rained down. “I’m still shaking.”

As the confetti fell from the ceiling, Bruhat smiled wide and held the trophy high above his head. A Bee official said that he set a new record for the number of words correctly spelled during a spell-off; the winner of the only other spell-off in the bee’s history had 22 correct words.

Maggie Astor

Bruhat’s reaction at the moment he was declared the winner was a bit muted, almost like he was in shock — understandable! He smiled and shook Faizan’s hand.

Bruhat’s spell-off performance was mesmerizing to watch. Twenty-nine words in 90 seconds, including such monsters as “heautophany,” “nachschläge” and “puszta.”

And the winner is… Bruhat Soma, with 29 correctly spelled words in 90 seconds! Faizan Zaki correctly spelled 20 words.

One of the officials is now tormenting — I mean, complimenting — Faizan and Bruhat by talking about how awesome they are. I’m sure all they actually want is to know who won.

Before beginning, Faizan took a few deep breaths with his eyes closed, lifting his fingers to his face. He then raced through the words, stumbling a few times, but persevering until the 90 seconds were up.

Faizan Zaki didn’t get as far down the list as Bruhat Soma did, but before we have a declaration of the winner, the judges have to confirm how many of the words each of them spelled correctly.

Cole Shafer-Ray, a former spelling coach, said that a “bee that works like it should (where the best spellers generally win) hinges on having a read on what makes a word difficult.” He added: “This year’s competition has probably had the most examples ever of Scripps’ word selection reflecting blatant misunderstanding of word difficulty. I think if they ever want to fix this — which they should — they need to have former spellers pick the words. Recent ones.”

Shafer-Ray said that spell-offs are exciting, “but I think it should probably be a last resort, since it’s testing an entirely new skill.”

Bruhat Soma just BLAZED through about 30 words in an unbelievable performance. Faizan Zaki is up now, and he asks for and receives a few moments to take deep breaths.

Alexandra E. Petri

Bruhat is like the runner in a race whose whole strategy is to hang back and then let it absolutely rip in the last mile.

Each speller will receive the same words in the same order. (The other person will of course be sequestered while the other spells, so they can’t hear it.) Whoever spells more of the words correctly in 90 seconds will win.

We’re heading to a spell-off for only the second time in the history of the spelling bee! The two remaining contestants, Faizan Zaki and Bruhat Soma, will have to spell as many words as they can in a short period of time, rather than taking their time to spell a single one.

The crowd goes wild, chanting, “Spell-off! Spell-off! Spell-off!”

Wow, Faizan Zaki just instantly spelled “nicuri” after asking not a single question.

Ananya Prassanna is out on “murrina,” a disease of Central American horses and mules, which she spells “marina.” We’re down to two.

Bruhat Soma correctly spells “hoofddorp,” a Dutch word.

Shrey Parikh is out, and we’re down to three. He covered his face with his hands and looked from side to side nervously as he thought and asked questions. The word was “kanin,” and he spelled it “kanan.”

As Shrey walked off the stage, Faizan walked over and gave him a hug.

Dev Shah, last year’s champion, said that tagalog words like to use “k” and that “personally, asking geographical words at a spelling bee is like spelling at a geography bee.”

Ananya Prassanna correctly spells “tennesi,” which she seemed uncertain about, and she is clearly delighted. Next up is Faizan Zaki, who correctly spells a word with a homonym: “daena,” referring to “the moral life of humankind.”

Bruhat Soma correctly spelled “Okvik,” from an Alaskan geographical name. He asked multiple times for the part of speech, an adjective, which could have misled him into ending the word with “ic” but didn’t.

Aditi Muthukumar’s word, Lillooet — “a Salishan people of the Fraser river valley in British Columbia” — also has no language of origin listed in the dictionary. She misspelled it “Lillowet,” and we’re down to four.

Cole Shafer-Ray, a former spelling coach, noted that “it’s getting significantly more difficult now. These kids are impressive.” He added that Lillooet, which knocked out Aditi Muthukumar, "was probably the toughest so far.”

She was visibly shaken at first, but left the stage smiling, flashing a heart sign with her hands.

Shrey Parikh gets a tricky one: “Jumano.” He asked for the language of origin twice, but it had none given in the dictionary. He got it right anyway.

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