FSU Admissions

If you’re considering joining the Florida State University (FSU) family, you’ve come to the right place. I know navigating the college admissions process can be a bit overwhelming, but fear not. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about FSU admissions to help you put your best foot forward.

1. For First Year Students (High school seniors or first-time-in-college students):

Step 1: Completing the Application

For high school seniors or first-time-in-college students, understanding the application process is key to kickstarting your academic journey at FSU. The institution provides two application options: the Common App and the FSU Application, and they do not favor one over the other.

Key Application Considerations

• Official communication with FSU relies heavily on email. It is crucial to maintain an up-to-date email address and include admissions@fsu.edu in the address book.
• Applicants should select the term they wish to enroll in at the University, as automatic consideration for the summer term does not occur if one is ineligible for the fall term.
• Students interested in the University Honors Program or the CARE Summer Bridge Program should indicate their interest during the admissions application process. These programs might require additional applications.

For students intending to major in disciplines such as dance, film (animation or production), music, studio art, or theatre, direct contact with the respective academic department is advised for insights into specific major prerequisites.

Step 2: Accessing the Application Status Check

Upon submitting the application, applicants gain access to the Application Status Check. If the Common App is used, an email with instructions on accessing the Application Status Check is typically received within 2-3 business days. Within this portal, applicants can:

• Self-report their test scores.
• Link their Self-Reported Student Academic Record (SSAR), with a checklist item satisfaction delay of one to two business days.
• Upload their essay and resume/list of activities.
• Florida residents must complete the Residency Declaration form.

You may need to check the Application Status Check regularly as additional materials could be added to your checklist during the application process.

Application Deadlines

1. Early Action (Florida Students Only):

• Application Deadline: October 15, 2023
• Additional Test Score Deadlines: December 1, 2023
• Decision Release Date: December 14, 2023

2. Regular Decision (All students):

• Application Deadline: December 1, 2023
• Additional Test Score Deadlines: January 1, 2024
• Decision Release Date: February 15, 2024

3. Rolling Decision (All students):

• Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
• Additional Test Score Deadlines: March 1, 2024
• Released on a rolling basis in early April

FSU’s first-year application fee amounts to $30. However, students who meet the criteria for an ACT, CollegeBoard, or NACAC application fee waiver or who demonstrate specific economic need can request a waiver by selecting the qualifying application fee waiver category on the admissions application.

Test Score Information

FSU, in line with Florida Board of Governors admissions regulation 6.002, mandates that first-year students seeking admission should submit an ACT, CLT, or SAT test score. Self-reporting test scores through the Application Status Page is permissible, but it is highly recommended to reference complete score reports for accuracy. Official test score reports must be submitted before enrollment at FSU for admitted students.

2. Transfer and Graduate Students:

Transfer Students (With 12 or more semester hours post-high school)

If you’re a high school student earning both the standard high school diploma and an Associate in Arts (AA) degree through dual enrollment from the Florida College System or the State University System of Florida, you must apply to FSU as a first-year student. Applicants must adhere to the first-year admission deadlines. However, applicants may be subject to additional major deadlines and requirements. Be sure to review all major requirements on the Academic Program Guide.

For students receiving an AA degree but not meeting the admissions requirements under the Florida Board of Governors Admission Regulation 6.002, there’s an alternative. Students admitted under Florida Board of Governors Admission Regulation 6.005 are still considered first-time-in-college (FTIC) students, but they aren’t required to submit SAT/ACT scores. However, they should meet the requirements for their selected major as listed in FSU’s Academic Program Guide. If admitted, they must submit a $200 enrollment deposit, attend a first-year orientation session, and are eligible to apply for on-campus housing. Please note that students admitted under FL BOG 6.005 are not eligible for first-year merit scholarships from the Office of Admissions. They will also need to submit official college transcripts for evaluation and provide a final official college transcript displaying the A.A. before enrolling at FSU.

The application process for transfer students is also quite straightforward:

Application Process for Transfers

• Review the transfer admission requirements.
• Check if your major/program of interest has a different application deadline and/or additional admission criteria, such as prerequisites, auditions, or portfolios.
• Apply online.
• Submit required materials by the application deadline, including all college/university transcripts, official high school transcripts, ACT/SAT results, AICE, AP, IB, or CLEP results if applicable, and a personal statement if you will have attempted 90+ hours of college credit. More details can be found on the Transfer Admission Requirements page.
• Don’t forget to submit the residency form.

Graduate Students (Post-bachelor’s degree)

If you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree or higher and are looking to pursue post-graduate education at FSU, here’s how you can get started:

Application Process for Graduate Students

1. Submit your application online, selecting your desired start term and program. The application process is streamlined for your convenience.
2. Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll be directed to your Application Status Page, where you can pay your application fee, include recommenders, and upload required application materials.
3. Specific departmental application materials and requirements will be listed on your Status Page within one day.
4. The application fee for graduate applicants is $30.00 USD.

You can expect most admission-related communications to be accessible through the Application Status Check, so it’s essential to regularly monitor your application status and email correspondence.

Admission Requirements for Graduate Students

Eligibility for admission to the University is determined by the Office of Admissions. However, the final decision rests with the academic department or college overseeing the intended degree program. To meet university admission requirements, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or its international equivalent, boasting a minimum 3.0 GPA in all coursework pursued while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student.
• Provide test scores from a nationally standardized graduate admission test acceptable for the academic program to which they apply. Official test results must be sent directly to FSU from the testing agency.

Applicants should submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities they attended in sealed envelopes. For college coursework from non-U.S. institutions, a Foreign Credential Evaluation Agency evaluation is essential. Official transcripts should reflect grades posted up to the relevant application deadline.

3. Transient & Non-Degree Students:

Undergraduate Transient Students

Degree-seeking students at other institutions can explore FSU courses on a space-available basis. To ensure a smooth process:

• Submit transient applications no earlier than one semester in advance of the desired admission term.
• Adherence to specific deadlines and processes depending on your parent institution is crucial.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

For students looking to take courses without pursuing a degree, FSU offers two categories:

Post-baccalaureate Non-Degree (Holding a bachelor’s degree or higher)

• Enrollment in undergraduate or graduate-level courses is permissible.
• Coursework taken as a non-degree student carries no degree credit, but up to 12 semester hours earned as a graduate non-degree student may be applied toward a graduate degree with approval.

Pre-baccalaureate Non-Degree (Equivalent to a high school diploma without a bachelor’s degree)

• Enrollment is limited to undergraduate-level courses.
• Coursework as a non-degree student does not count toward a degree but may be applied (up to 15 semester hours) if you later enroll as a degree-seeking undergraduate student.

Do keep in mind that enrollment as a non-degree student does not guarantee subsequent admission as a degree-seeking student. Therefore, applicants who have been denied admission as degree-seeking students will not be considered for non-degree admission.

4. Readmissions (Returning to FSU after a break):

For previous FSU students seeking readmission:

• Complete the readmission application if you were previously enrolled in a degree-seeking undergraduate program at FSU and have been absent for three or more consecutive semesters, including the summer.
• Academic dismissal may require reinstatement by your academic dean.
• If you earned a bachelor’s degree from FSU and aim for a second one, approval is necessary from your academic dean, with final approval by the Office of Admissions.

5. International Students (Non-U.S. citizens seeking undergraduate or graduate degrees):

The university welcomes international students from around the world. With a diverse community of over 2,600 students from 125 countries, FSU offers a rich and inclusive academic environment. Here’s how you can apply as an international student, whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree:

Undergraduate International Students

As an undergraduate international student, FSU offers a straightforward application process:

1. Apply online using either the institutional application or the Common App. Remember that you should only submit one application.
2. Complete the items listed on the application status portal before the application deadline. This includes completing the International School Form, self-reporting test scores, and uploading required documents.
3. Applicants with a curriculum following the U.S. pattern should complete the Self-Reported Student Academic Record (SSAR). Those with an exam-based curriculum must submit official or certified copies of exam results.
4. Academic records from non-U.S. institutions require evaluation by a foreign-credential-evaluation agency, with all academic records issued in the native language and accompanied by certified English translations.
5. If your native language isn’t English, self-report your English proficiency exam results.

Graduate International Students

If you’re an international student seeking post-bachelor’s education at FSU, here’s what you will need to do:

1. Submit your application online, choosing your desired start term and program. It’s better if you can submit your application as soon as the admit term opens.
2. After submitting your application, you’ll gain access to your Application Status Page, where you can pay your application fee, add recommenders, and upload required application materials.
3. Your Status Page will list department-specific application materials and requirements.
4. The application fee for graduate applicants is $30.00 USD.

Remember that final admission to the University depends on both the Office of Admissions and the academic department of your chosen degree program. Regularly monitoring your application status and email account is essential for staying updated on your application progress. For more detailed information, you can visit the FSU Admissions website.

Read Also:

• University of Florida Acceptance Rate
• Florida State University Acceptance Rate
• FSU Academics Programs

FAQs

Q : What are the application deadlines for FSU admissions?

A : For first-year students, the Early Action deadline is October 15, and the Regular Decision deadline is December 1. For transfer students, the deadline is December 1.

Q : Can I apply for FSU scholarships and financial aid?

A : Yes, FSU offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities. To be considered, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and explore FSU’s scholarship programs.

Q : How can international students apply to FSU?

A : International students can apply to FSU by submitting an online application or through the Common App.