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Here's what we need

In order for the Office of Undergraduate Admission to make an admission decision, UK must receive a completed application. This includes the online application and supporting material.

Most undergraduate majors at UK permit a student to be directly admitted to their program (or with a pre-major designation) as part of the general undergraduate admission process. However, some colleges and programs at UK require an admission process separate from general undergraduate admission to the University.

Learn about Selective Majors and Programs

 

Application

Essays

We use our essays to get to know potential students like you and see a small glimpse of your personality. Here are our 2024-25 essay prompts; choose your favorite from the list below and write a draft now so you are prepared when you start your application.

  • Describe a topic, idea or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
  • Discuss an accomplishment, event or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
  • Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
  • Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
  • Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt or one of your own design.
  • Some students have a background, identity, interest or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  • The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Transcripts (with Pre-College Curriculum)

Please request that your high school send an official high school transcript to UK. This transcript should reflect grades through at least six semesters of high school work. If you are a high school graduate, submit a complete official transcript including the date of graduation.

Incoming freshmen should have the high school preparation necessary for academic success at the college level. To be eligible for consideration at UK, an applicant must have successfully completed the following high school courses as a minimum:

English/Language Arts – 4 credits

  • English I, II, III, IV

Mathematics – 3 credits

  • Algebra I, Geometry, or more rigorous courses in mathematics

Science – 3 credits

  • Biology I, Chemistry I, Physics I or life science, physical science and earth/space science (at least one lab course)

Social Studies – 3 credits

  • From U.S. History, Economics, Government, World Geography and World Civilization (or comparable courses)

Foreign Language – 2 credits (recommended)

  • Two credits in the same foreign language or demonstrated competency

Health – 1/2 credit

Physical Education – 1/2 credit

History and Appreciation of Visual, Performing Arts – 1 credit

  • History and appreciation of visual and performing arts or another arts course that incorporates such content

Electives – 7 credits

  • Recommended strongly: one or more courses that develop computer literacy

High school graduates from states other than Kentucky may follow pre-college curriculum requirements (college prep courses) from their state of residence.

A total of 24 credits or more must be completed in high school. Applicants should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission for information concerning exceptions to this policy.

Non-refundable Application Processing Fee

Pay $50 ($60 international applicants) online when submitting the electronic application for admission or mail a check noting the applicant ID to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Full-time UK employees applying to take classes and who submit a copy of their UK staff card are not required to pay the processing fee.

Test Scores (optional)

Scores from the ACT or the SAT are not required for admission purposes but students may submit them for consideration in illustrating their academic journey. To be considered official, submitted test scores must be received either directly from ACT/SAT or listed on your official high school transcript. When requesting, indicate to the testing service that an official score report should be sent to the University of Kentucky (ACT School Code -1554; SAT School Code - 1837). 

For more information regarding our test optional for admission policy, including information on continuation of the policy through the 2028-29 academic year, visit go.uky.edu/testoptional.

College Credit (optional)

The University of Kentucky currently has almost 500,000 established course equivalencies from many colleges and universities around the country.  Please note that if your institution and/or courses are not listed here, it does not mean that credit will not be awarded. 

An official transcript from the college or university must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. A college transcript is necessary for credit to be awarded even if the credit also appears on a high school transcript. 

Contact 859-257-2000 for more information. 

Search the College Credit Equivalency Database

The University of Kentucky considers admission from freshman applicants who are not high school graduates but who present a valid High School Equivalency Certificate and General Education Development (GED) test scores. 

Fall 2024 Deadlines

  Deadline to Apply for Admission Competitive & Academic Scholarship, Lewis Honors College Deadline

FAFSA Priority Deadline

Housing and Dining Application Deadline Living Learning Program Application Deadline Enrollment Deposit, Orientation Fee & Scholarship Acceptance
Early Action Track
December 1
December 1
March 1
February 15
February 15
May 1
Regular Decision Track
February 15
Early Action
Applicants Only
March 1
June 1
May 15
May 1

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2024-25 is now open. All students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA. For maximum consideration of financial aid, incoming students should complete their FAFSA by our March 1 priority deadline. (FAFSA's are continuously accepted.) Students who complete their FAFSA by March 1 should expect their financial aid offer in late spring 2024. Use UK's school code - 001989 - on the form.

Spring and Summer Terms Deadlines

Students wishing to enroll in the Spring term should apply by September 30.

Students wishing to enroll in the Summer term should apply by February 15.

If a deadline falls on a weekend, the deadline is extended until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the following Monday.