Application Criteria and Process
Criteria for Applying Students
The LEAD Scholars Academy looks for potential first-time-in-college students with a strong academic, leadership, and community service background during their high school careers. Selection decisions are based on, but not limited to, the following areas:
- Academics: Honors, AP/IB/Dual Enrollment courses, along with strong SAT/ACT scores
and a strong high school GPA - Leadership: Involvement in high school co-curricular activities (Student Government,
sports, journalism, honor societies, clubs) and/or activities outside of school (youth group, Scouts, etc.) - Community Service: A love and passion for community service along with documented
hours throughout high school
Application Process
The application consists of four components that need to be completed before the application is reviewed.
Once the online application is submitted, you must register for a 15-minute phone interview, where you will get a chance to speak with a current LEAD Scholar one-on-one.
When the phone interview is complete, your application, along with your academic information, is reviewed and evaluated by the selection committee.
Most students will receive a letter or an email informing them of the program’s decision within three weeks of the phone interview. A few, however, will receive an email indicating that they are on “wait list” status, and will be informed of the application decision in late summer.
If you are interested in developing and establishing yourself as a leader, the LEAD Scholars Academy is for you! Acceptance into the program is competitive and we encourage you to apply as early as possible. After the application opens the priority deadline to apply is March 31st (the final deadline is June 1). Spaces in the LEAD Scholars cohort are limited, so we strongly encourage you to apply before the priority deadline. Completed applications are reviewed daily beginning in late fall (except when UCF is closed or on break).
Apply to the LEAD Living Learning Community
The LEAD Scholars Living Learning Community (LLC) is located in the Neptune Community (Building #157), a short walk from the LEAD Academy lounge and classrooms. The LEAD LLC is home to about a third of first-year LEAD Scholars and its limited residential capacity is in high demand. The LEAD LLC provides supportive co-ed peer network who share a passion for leadership and creating positive change. With mentoring from LEAD staff, residents plan LLC-specific social programs to encourage close friendships with other LEAD Scholars.
All incoming students accepted in the LEAD Scholars Academy who have applied for on-campus housing and selected a preference for academic-year community (fall and spring semesters only), may apply to live in the LEAD LLC. In addition to applying for on-campus housing, incoming LEAD Scholars must complete an LLC application. The LLC application opens in January 2024 and is in high demand. Some LEAD Scholars may be placed on a LEAD LLC waitlist in the event space becomes available. It is highly advisable that if you would like to live in the LEAD Living Learning Community, you should apply prior to UCF’s March 31st early decision deadline.