Freshman Admission

All freshman admissions are handled by the University of Florida Admissions Office. For a beginning freshman to major in Chemical Engineering, he or she merely has to enter the major code for chemical engineering, CHE, on the application for admission form.  The University of Florida's Freshman Admissions Page contains answers to common questions.

Essential Preparation

Modern engineering education demands much in the way of specific high school preparation not required in other college programs.  The beginning chemical engineering student, in particular, should have a sound understanding of the basic physical sciences, a highly developed ability in mathematics and the competence to read rapidly with comprehension. 

Minimum high school preparation should include:

• Elementary algebra (1 year)
• Intermediate and Advanced algebra (1 year)
• Plain Geometry (1 year)
• Trigonometry (1/2 year)
• Chemistry (1 year)
• Physics (1 year)
• Calculus(1 year  - Desirable)

All prospective engineering students should complete pre-calculus before entering the university in the freshman year.  Deficiencies may be overcome by registering for remedial pre-engineering courses before proceeding with the regular engineering program. Note that such remedial courses do not count as credits towards the degree program.

Examinations

It is strongly recommended that high school students, while seniors, take the SAT II examinations in the areas of English composition, chemistry and calculus (Math Level II-C). These examinations can be used as the basic criteria for placement in courses in these areas. Students may substitute AP or IB credit earned during the junior or senior year in high school for any of the SAT II exams.

Major Declaration

All students are urged to declare their major upon first entry to the university or as soon thereafter as possible.  Any student who is admitted to the University of Florida as a freshman may choose the chemical engineering program as a possible major.  All students electing to major in chemical engineering must successfully complete the minimum College of Engineering foundation course requirements before proceeding in the upper division BSChE degree program.

Course Load

A program of study commensurate with your academic abilities should be taken. In your first term at the university, take 14-15 hours, including two science or mathematics courses. Non-science courses should be solid, academic courses. Lighter loads or easy courses do not enhance your record. Honors courses are recommended for superior students. After your first term, maintain a 15 to 17-hour load including two-or-three science/math courses each term. See Academic Loads for considerations in planning how many credit hours to take each term.

Apply Online(Preferred) or Obtain Application Documents to Print and Mail

The UF Registrar's Freshman Admission Applications site provides application information and forms for admissions: