Selective Admission

The University of Kentucky subscribes to a selective admission policy. The academic criteria are established by a faculty committee of the University Senate. The admission decision is based on factors, including cumulative high school grade-point average, completion of the pre-college curriculum, ACT or SAT I score results, and special talents and abilities.

Enrollment in the freshman class is limited. The University of Kentucky receives many more freshman applications than can be accommodated. Applicants are offered admission on a competitive basis, with those meeting the University's selective admission criteria receiving first offers. Remaining spaces in the class will be offered based on the strength of the student's record, potential for academic success and the University's enrollment goals.

Freshman Admission

To be eligible for consideration, students must complete high school and meet Kentucky's pre-college curriculum requirement. High school preparation is critically important to a student's potential to succeed at UK, and it is given significant consideration in the decision-making process. Total number of academic courses completed in high school, level of course work, number of Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, and senior year schedule can be important factors in admission decisions. The requirements listed below are only minimum requirements. Most UK applicants will have taken course work that exceeds these minimums.

Advanced Standing

UK encourages you to pursue the highest level of scholastic course work available through your high school. UK participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) Program offered through the College Board. Course credit is awarded for scores of 3 or better attained on any AP exam.

The University of Kentucky recognizes course credit earned through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program offered by high schools throughout the world. Generally, course credit is awarded for scores of 5, 6, or 7 on either the Standard Level exam or the Higher Level exam.

For more information about IB credit, contact the College of Arts & Sciences Advising Center at (859) 257-8712.

Incoming freshmen should have the high school preparation necessary for academic success at the college level. To be eligible for consideration at UK under the policy outlined above, 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

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 – 5 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 22 credits or more must be completed in high school. Applicants should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar for information concerning exceptions to this policy.

UK encourages students to take the ACT and/or SAT I tests multiple times and to send all the results to UK. UK only recognizes ACT or SAT I scores sent from the testing agency; scores listed on high school transcript are not accepted. UK’s code for ACT is 1554; UK’s code for SAT is 1837.

Want to know where you stand? Here are the mid-50 percent figures for the 2008 freshman class:

• ACT Composite: 22 - 27
• SAT I Total: 1020 - 1230
• High School Grade-Point Average (GPA): 3.2 – 3.8

The mid-50 percent means that 25 percent of the class was above the top scores and 25 percent were below the lower score.

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.

Want to know where you stand? Here are the mid-50 percent figures for the 2008 freshman class:

• High School Grade Point Average (GPA): 3.2 - 3.8

The application for admission contains questions and areas of information that must be fully completed and is part of the review process.

Extracurricular Activities

List all the extracurricular activities you have been involved with in high school, including leadership roles, awards and recognition, and work and community service and leadership.

List any Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Dual Credit courses you have completed.

Let us know if you are fluent in a foreign language.

Written Interview

Provide a short answer to these questions:

• How do you stand out from other candidates?
• How can you contribute to diversity?
• What obstacles or challenges have you faced or overcome in your life?

Letters of Recommendation

We encourage you to include letters of recommendation from your high school counselor, teachers, etc. that explain why you would make a good candidate for admission to the University of Kentucky.

Come Visit Us!

Want the inside scoop on the University of Kentucky? Plan a trip to the Visitor Center and get all your questions answered!

In order for the Office of Undergraduate Admission and University Registrar to make an admission decision, UK must receive a completed application, which includes:

• Application form (you can download a pdf version or apply on-line)
• Application fee
• Official high school transcript
• Official ACT or SAT scores sent directly from the testing agency (UK only recognizes ACT or SAT scores sent from the testing agency; scores listed on high school transcript are not accepted. UK’s code for ACT is 1554; UK’s code for SAT is 1837.)

UK notifies applicants of their admission status beginning in September. Applicants should expect a decision two to three weeks after submitting the application and all required supporting documents.