How to apply to the Department of Geological Sciences at UF

The UF admissions web page provides information on UF requirements and procedures, and has a link to the admission forms. http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/grad/

You can apply ONLINE, by Printing from the Web, or by Mail (by request from the Department). The best way is to do it ONLINE.

During the application process, be sure to write down your UFID number. You can use that to check on your application status.  You will need your UFID to get a gatorlink address for the log in.

1. Access the online application forms: (http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/start.html)

2. Create an application name and password. You will be able to return to this site to add or change information before you submit it. When all the information is complete press submit.

3. You will need three letters of recommendation from people that can evaulate your potential to succeed in graduate studies. Instructions for online submittal of recommendation letters will be given to you as part of the application process. OR recommendation forms can be accessed as PDF files http://gradschool.rgp.ufl.edu/pdf-files/recommendation-letter-form.pdf. Paper forms should be mailed to Geological Sciences (Mail to: Graduate Program Assistant, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, 241 Williamson Hall, P.O. Box 112120, Gainesville, FL 32611). Individual letters of recommendation will also be accepted (the form is not required).  If recommendation letters are submitted online, you do not need to mail copies.

4. Submit a personal essay (2 pages): This essay should describe your reasons for undertaking graduate study in the geological sciences, your planned area of research, relevant previous experiences, and future career plans.  This can be submitted online or mailed to the department 

5. Be sure to print out copies for your files.

6. Make sure you pay the $30 fee. If you don’t, your application will NOT be processed by the University and your materials will not be forwarded to the Department for evaluation.

7. If you have not done so already, order official GRE scores from the ETS and have them sent directly to the University and the Department of Geological Sciences. You cannot be admitted to the program without the University receiving official notice of your GRE scores. Institution code for UF: 5812. Department code for geology (0504)

8. International students whose native language is not English are required to have TOEFL scores sent directly to the University and the Department of Geological Sciences. Information on exceptions can be found at: http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/intl/englishprof.html

9. Have official transcripts from all your school(s) sent to the University Office of Admissions. If you are attending a foreign university, you must submit transcripts and degree/diploma statement in the native language with an English translation (if applicable).  Please send copies of the transcripts to the Department of Geological Sciences.


Checklist of items to be sent to the Department (Mail to: Graduate Program Assistant, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, 241 Williamson Hall, P.O. Box 112120, Gainesville, FL 32611).

A. A copy of your application.

B.  If you want to be considered for financial support (TA, RA or Fellowship) you must fill out the Fellowship and Assistantship Application form, and mail to the department: http://gradschool.rgp.ufl.edu/pdf-files/fellowship-assistantship-form.pdf

C. Copies of transcripts and test scores.

D.If not submitted online: at least 3 letters of recommendation and your personal essay.