USF’s newest first-year class raises the bar, setting records for high school GPA, SAT scores and National Merit Scholars

By Paul Guzzo, University Communications & Marketing

The University of South Florida's newest class set records before they even stepped onto campus. It's the most academically accomplished first-year class in USF history, with record-high averages for high school GPA and SAT scores.

There are also a record-breaking 83 National Merit Scholars, up 38% from fall 2025. The number of students enrolled is up 9.3% from last year - the largest class in the last five years. The top three majors are biology, biomedical sciences and health sciences.

Meet some of USF's incoming students

Finding Home

As a National Merit Scholar, Sofia Antonia Larenas Bustos had no shortage of universities from which to choose.

But for the Chilean-born student raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the decision was easy.

"USF was at the top of my list," she said. "I'm not exactly sure what career or major I want to pursue, and USF offers so many great options. Every college is highly regarded in its field, so whatever I choose, I know USF will prepare me for success."

But while academics put USF on Larenas Bustos' radar, it was the campus that sealed the deal.

The beauty of USF's campus also helped ease the prospect of moving away from home.

"I really like the trees, the nature, the greenery," Larenas Bustos said. "It felt like exactly the kind of place I want to call home for the next few years."

A Sense of Belonging

After earning his associate degree from the State College of Florida, Moszio Brooks will continue his education at USF, majoring in economics and minoring in Russian.

But while economics is built on models and forecasts, his journey to USF unfolded through a series of instinctive decisions

"I visited a lot of college campuses," Brooks said. "USF just felt right. When I took a tour, there was a vibe. It filled me with excitement and a sense of belonging. The campus is beautiful, and it feels welcoming."

The Sarasota native hopes to eventually apply what he learns at USF in the United States military.

"I plan on going to Officer Candidate School," he said. "I want to become an officer. But I'm getting ahead of myself. First comes USF. I want to attend every event I can, go to baseball, football and basketball games, and join clubs. I want to be part of USF."

A Perfect Fit on the Coast

When Saylor Davis was making her college decision, the Fort Myers native had two criteria.

The university she chose needed to support her dream of pursuing a career in phlebotomy, the specialized field of drawing and collecting blood for medical testing, transfusions and other healthcare procedures.

"USF has the best medical school in Florida," Davis said. "So it was at the top of my list for where to go for undergrad."

The other factor was finding a campus with a close-knit atmosphere, like the one offered at USF St. Petersburg.

"I thrive in those types of environments," she said. "Once I visited campus, I knew it was where I belonged. Everyone was so nice. It felt like everyone knew each other."

The proximity to the beach did not hurt, either.

"I grew up at the beach," Davis said. "I couldn't imagine not being close to one."

A Family Connection to USF

As a first-year student, Fatima Mansour may be new to the University of South Florida, but USF is not new to her.

Mansour's sister is entering her final year as an architecture student, and Mansour regularly visited campus to spend time with her.

"I've been to campus too many times to count," Mansour said. "That definitely influenced my decision to attend USF. Through my visits, I got to see the sense of community here and how much my sister enjoyed being a student."

The university's investment in computer science and artificial intelligence also attracted her.

The Tampa Preparatory School graduate plans to study computer science in the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.

"USF literally created a new college for the field I'm interested in," Mansour said. "I'm so excited to be part of USF."