Freshman Admission Checklist
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
You can apply via UK Application for Undergraduate Admission or Common App.
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, Algebra II and 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
Additionally, high school students are encouraged to complete at least one year of mathematics beyond Algebra II.
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.
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 Deadline | Housing and Dining Application Deadline | Living Learning Program Application Deadline | Enrollment Deposit, Orientation Fee & Scholarship Acceptance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action Track |
December 1
|
December 1
|
TBD
|
February 15
|
February 15 |
May 1
|
| Regular Decision Track |
February 15
|
Early Action
Applicants Only
|
TBD
|
June 1
|
May 15 |
May 1
|
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is undergoing a simplification process to make the application easier and more user-friendly. The 2024-25 FAFSA is expected to open in December 2023. Our deadlines will be announced once the FAFSA has opened.
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.