<p>I live in Illinois and just graduated high school with a 3.4 GPA and a 25 on my ACT. I'm all signed up to go to a local university and live at home my first semester (Parents don't have a lot of money). Second Semester in the spring I go to basic training for Air national guard but will be back by summer. </p>
<p>I really want to go to the University of South Florida. The Air guard will pay my full tuition. I have a few questions tho for how to proceed. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>What are my chances of getting in as a transfer student? I know they are harder on admissions and a 3.4GPA and 25 ACT is decent, but not outstanding. (Might take the ACT again).</p></li>
<li><p>Since I only hope to do one semester at my local university, would I be admitted as a transfer student or a freshman with some college credit? On their website it says they accept lower level transfers (30-59). But I won't have 30 credits when I transfer What does that mean? Transfer Requirements - Undergraduate Admissions at the University of South Florida</p></li>
<li><p>Would it be a better decision just to skip this first semester at my local university and just apply as a full fledged freshman next fall? I hear schools are harder on transfer applicants anyway. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks everyone, I just don't know the best way to go about this.</p>
<p>A good start might be to check in with the USF Veterans Services office for assistance with your questions. They help vets, active duty, reserve and guard. Their contact info is listed in the attached link for the Veterans Services Office. Good luck!<br>
[Veterans</a> Services - University of South Florida](<a href=“Office of Veteran Success | University of South Florida”>http://www.veterans.usf.edu/)</p>
<p>Actually, freshman admissions are typically <em>more</em> competitive than transfer, since there is typically very little (if any) college-level coursework to base a decision on for freshmen. As such, freshman need a very good high school record and a high-ish ACT or SAT score.</p>
<p>Transfer students have a lot more weight placed on their college-level work, and the test score requirements are not as high for them. However, you are correct in noticing that USF does not accept transfer students with less than 30 hours. You would likely need to complete 2 or 3 semesters before transferring. I don’t believe there is an option for “freshmen with some coursework”-- either you come in as a freshman with no prior work, or you come in with a transfer having at least 30 hours (might want to call Admissions and verify this).</p>
<p>All of the requirements for both freshmen and transfers are laid out in detail on the USF Admissions page-- compare the requirements for freshmen and transfer students and see what you think would work better for your situation. You can always call Admissions and ask to speak to an advisor, as well. Hope this helps!</p>