* Course rigor: The difficulty of your high school courses (AP, IB, honors) significantly impacts your application. A 3.8 GPA in challenging courses is much more impressive than the same GPA in easier courses.
* SAT score (if submitted): While the ACT is your focus, if you took the SAT and it's a significantly lower score, that could be a factor.
* Essays and Application: Your personal essays are crucial for showing your personality, experiences, and fit with the university. A compelling application can make a difference.
* Extracurricular activities: Demonstrating involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, and leadership roles showcases well-roundedness.
* Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters from teachers and counselors who can speak to your abilities and character are essential.
* Major: Some majors at UF are significantly more competitive than others. Engineering and certain pre-med tracks, for example, have extremely high admission standards.
* In-state vs. Out-of-state: Being a Florida resident significantly improves your chances.
In short: Your GPA and ACT score put you in a competitive position, but you need a strong application in all areas to maximize your chances. Check the UF admissions website for their specific admission requirements and statistics for your intended major. A strong application is key to increasing your likelihood of acceptance.