| FSU Homepage | Office of the Registrar | On-Line Registration | 1997-1999 Graduate Bulletin | Table of Contents |
The Florida State University encourages applications for admission from qualified students regardless of sex, culture, race, religion, ethnic background, age, or disability. Admission of students to The Florida State University is within the jurisdiction of the University, but subject to the minimum standards adopted by the Board of Regents of the State University System of Florida. Admission shall be on a selective basis within curricular, spatial, and fiscal limitations. The admission requirements stated below are minimum requirements. Admission to the University is a selective process and satisfaction of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to The Florida State University. Preference for admission to any term will be given to those students whose credentials indicate the greatest promise of academic success.
An application for admission may be obtained from the Office of Admissions, The Florida State University; from Florida high schools and community colleges; from all universities in the State University System of Florida; and at the following website: <http://admissions.fsu.edu>.
An application should not be submitted earlier than one year prior to the term for which admission is desired. Applications received after the published closing date for a particular term or after any enrollment limit or program limit is reached will be returned to the sender.
The Office of Admissions will mail decisions regarding admission or denial on a rolling basis. Admission is for a specific term. If the student is unable to enroll for the term indicated in the letter of admission, the Office of Admissions should be informed immediately. An applicant should not assume that admission is automatically deferred to a future term.
Offers of admission to the University are often contingent upon the subsequent receipt of official college, university, or high school transcripts indicating satisfactory performance, and verification of high school graduation. Failure to submit such documents before the end of the second week of classes of the initial academic term may result in the cancellation of admission.
Undergraduate applicants who are denied admission to the University may appeal the admission decision to the University Admissions Committee if they feel that because of some extenuating circumstance or unrevealed data the admission decision was inequitable. Applicants are requested to appeal in writing to the Admissions Committee through the Director of Admissions.
An application or residency statement submitted by or on behalf of a student that contains false, fraudulent, or incomplete statements may result in denial of admission or denial of further registration and/or invalidation of The Florida State University credit and related degrees.
Every student must complete the student health history form provided by the Office of Admissions when admission is granted. The form must be forwarded to the Thagard Student Health Center prior to registration. The Florida State University reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicant whose health record indicates the existence of a condition which may be harmful to members of the University community.
The Board of Regents requires all students entering the state university system born in or after 1957 to provide proof of rubeola and rubella immunization. There are further restrictions regarding the age at which, and year in which, immunization was received; students should contact the Thagard Student Health Center for complete details.
Any applicant who desires admission as a beginning freshman student after graduating from high school and before attending an accredited postsecondary institution must provide the Office of Admissions with the following documents:
Application for Admission. The completed application for admission and a nonrefundable $20 fee payable to The Florida State University should be submitted as soon as possible at the beginning of the senior year, preferably in October, November, or December. Although it is the policy of the University not to defer or waive the application fee, this fee might be waived for applicants attending Florida high schools who can document that they have received a fee waiver from the American College Testing Program or from the College Board.
Secondary School Record. An official high school transcript (sent directly by the high school to the Office of Admissions) reflecting work from the beginning of the 9th grade through whatever portion of the 12th grade has been completed at the time of application is required.
College Transcripts. Students who have registered for any course work at a community college, four-year college, or university through dual enrollment or special student status must submit an official transcript from that postsecondary institution.
Test Scores. Results from the ACT or SAT I are required of all applicants for freshman admission. Either one or both of these tests should be taken no later than the February testing date of the senior year. Since the highest combination of scores is always considered, students should feel free to repeat a test.
Auditions. Auditions are required of all students wishing to major in music, dance, or the bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree program in theatre. In addition to submitting the application for admission and other supporting information, prospective students should contact the School of Music, the Department of Dance, or the School of Theatre for details.
Departmental Application. A departmental application is required of all students wishing to major in motion picture, television, and recording arts. In addition to submitting the application for admission and other supporting information, prospective students should contact the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts for details.
| Spring semester 1999 | November 13th, 1998 |
| Summer semester 1999 | March 5th, 1999 |
| Fall semester 1999 | March 5th, 1999 |
The University reserves the right to close admissions early if warranted by enrollment limitations and the quantity and quality of applicants.
International students should refer to the International Student Admission section of this chapter.
Specific high school course units are required for admission to the freshman class. An academic unit is the equivalent of a year-long course that is not remedial in nature. Upon graduation from high school, applicants must have earned four units of English (at least three with substantial writing requirements); three units of mathematics (algebra I and above); three units of natural science (at least two with laboratory); three units of social science (includes history, civics, political science, economics, sociology, psychology, and geography); two units of the same foreign language; and four elective units (preferably from the English, mathematics, natural science, social science, or foreign language areas).
Most Florida students accepted to the University present at least a B average in all academic subjects (grades 9 through 12) and test scores of at least 24 (composite) on the ACT or 1100 (verbal plus math) on the SAT I. Non-Florida applicants will ordinarily be held to higher standards. When applicants do not meet these qualifications, a variety of additional factors are considered. These include a written essay, the pattern and quality of courses and curriculum, grade trends, class rank, educational objectives, extracurricular activities, leadership, and school recommendations. Applicants who bring to the University community other important attributes may receive additional consideration. These include talented writers and performing artists, applicants having special ties to the University, students with significant life and career experiences, skilled athletes, and members of minority groups underrepresented in our student body.
The University has two programs designed to enhance the recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented groups. The Horizons Unlimited Program (HUP) is a recruitment/retention program open to students of all races who have been disadvantaged by educational, economic, or cultural circumstances. Students who are selected for this program are provided extensive academic support services. The Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) is a high school-to-college bridge program for minority and/or economically disadvantaged students. This program provides students with an intensive academic and social orientation to The Florida State University during the summer session. Students continue at the University during the fall semester and are assured of continued academic support through the Horizons Unlimited Program. A student interested in either of these programs should submit the application for admission to the University, an alternative admission programs application, two letters of support (at least one of which is from a high school representative), and a short essay describing the students educational goals.
The Florida State University has made a special commitment to high school students who are designated Merit/Achievement Finalists or Hispanic Scholars. This commitment ensures that: 1) those who choose the University as their first-choice institution will receive a University scholarship of $5,000 per year, renewable for three additional years of undergraduate study; 2) non-Florida finalists will receive waivers of their out-of-state tuition surcharges in addition to the $5,000 scholarship; 3) they receive preference in housing if they apply by the appropriate deadlines; and 4) they are invited into the University Honors Program.
All other freshman applicants who are admitted to the University are automatically considered for University/Incentive scholarships. Recipients are selected based upon high school grades and test scores.
The University provides an opportunity to outstanding high school students for entry into the University upon completion of the 11th grade. The following guidelines are used to consider these students: 1) sufficient maturity as evidenced by age at the time of admission and/or written recommendations pointing out the candidates maturity; 2) a 3.5 or better high school grade point average in the academic subjects; 3) a minimum score of 27 on the ACT or 1180 on the SAT I; 4) sufficient strength in the academic units as evidenced by the high school transcript; 5) evidence of a lack of curricular opportunity in the existing high school setting; and 6) three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the high school principal or a representative of the principal.
Applicants desiring admission by transfer from other colleges or universities must provide the Office of Admissions with the following documents:
Application for Admission. The completed application for admission and a nonrefundable $20 fee payable to The Florida State University should be submitted from six to nine months prior to the term for which admission is desired. It is the policy of the University not to defer or waive the application fee.
College Transcripts. Official transcripts from each college and university attended must be submitted to the Office of Admissions. Transcripts are considered official when they are sent directly from a college or university to the Office of Admissions and contain an official seal and/or signature. Transcripts bearing the statement Issued to Student or transcripts submitted by the applicant are not considered official.
Secondary School Record. Transfer applicants who have less than sixty (60) semester hours of transferable credit (as evaluated by the Office of Admissions) must submit an official high school transcript reflecting work completed from the beginning of the 9th grade through the 12th grade and the date of graduation.
Test Scores. Results from the ACT or SAT I are required of all transfer applicants who have less than sixty (60) semester hours of transferable credit (as evaluated by the Office of Admissions) or who are requesting a degree program leading to teacher certification. Arrangements should be made for the test results to be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions.
Auditions. Auditions are required of all students wishing to major in music, dance, or the bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree program in theatre. In addition to submitting the application for admission and other supporting information, prospective students should contact the School of Music, the Department of Dance, or the School of Theatre for details.
Departmental Applications. Departmental applications are required of all students wishing to major in audiology and speech pathology; communication; education; motion picture, television, and recording arts; or nursing. In addition to submitting the application for admission and other supporting information, prospective students should contact the College of Communication; the College of Education; the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts; or the School of Nursing for details.
Florida College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST). The Florida CLAST is an achievement test of the communication and computation skills expected of all students by the time they complete their sophomore year of college. All students are required by Florida statutes and rules of the state Board of Education to satisfactorily complete the Florida CLAST or an approved alternative to the CLAST before the granting of admission to upper-division status at The Florida State University. It is the responsibility of the applicant to have Florida CLAST scores forwarded to the University. Transfer students admitted directly to baccalaureate degree programs who have not completed the Florida CLAST must register for and take the Florida CLAST prior to or during the first term of enrollment. Refer to the Undergraduate Degree Requirements section of this General Bulletin for more details.
| Spring semester 1999 | November 13, 1998 |
| Summer semester 1999 | April 1, 1999 |
| Fall semester 1999 | July 16, 1999 |
The University reserves the right to close admissions earlier if warranted by enrollment limitations and the quantity and quality of the applicants.
International students should refer to the International Student Admission section of this chapter.
Applicants who have received an associate in arts (AA) degree from a Florida public institution immediately prior to transfer and who have applied to a non-limited access program will be admitted to The Florida State University, provided an application and all supporting documents have been received by the deadline. In addition, verification of two units of the same foreign language in high school or at least eight (8) semester hours of the same foreign language (or equivalent proficiency) at the college level is required. Admission to the University is not guaranteed to programs designated as limited access or teacher certification, or to those programs requiring auditions.
Applicants With Less Than Sixty (60) Semester Hours of Transferable Credit (As Evaluated by the Office of Admissions) Must:
Applicants With Sixty (60) or More Semester Hours of Transferable Credit (As Evaluated by the Office of Admissions) Must:
Admission to all undergraduate teacher education programs at The Florida State University requires a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale; a minimum composite score of 20 on the ACT or a combined total of 950 on the recentered SAT I; and grades of C or better in each required freshman English and liberal studies mathematics course. Many programs also have additional admission criteria to those listed above, as well as retention and exit standards that exceed normal University requirements.
In addition, students must complete: 1) thirty-six (36) hours in liberal studies (general education requirements); 2) three (3) education core courses of EDF 1005, EDG 2701, and EME 2040; and 3) fifteen (15) semester hours of general program prerequisites specified for each degree program (see degree program sections for specific prerequisites). Lower-division requirements include at least nine (9) semester hours of course work with an international or diversity focus. These may be satisfied as part of the University multicultural requirement.
All students planning to pursue a teacher education program at The Florida State University must be formally admitted to teacher education. Admission to the program is administered by the Dean of the College of Education and assigned to the Office of Student Services within the College of Education. Admission to teacher education is distinct from admission to an upper-division college or school in that students must meet State of Florida admission criteria. For details on the criteria for admission to teacher education, the student should refer to the Teacher Education entry in the Undergraduate Degree Requirements section and the College of Education section of this General Bulletin.
Note: these admission policies currently are under review and had not been finalized by the publication of this General Bulletin. Contact the College of Education Office of the Dean for the most current admission policies.
A limited access program utilizes selective admission to limit program enrollment. Limited access status is justified where student demand exceeds available resources (student/faculty ratios, instructional facilities, equipment, or specific accrediting requirements). Criteria for selective admission include indicators of ability, performance, creativity, or talent to complete required work within the program. Admission to such programs is governed by the Articulation Agreement and by the Board of Regents rules.
For a number of degree programs, access is limited at the upper-division level to those students meeting certain additional criteria. These additional criteria are applied equally to AA degree transfers from Florida public community/junior colleges, AA degree transfers from other state universities in Florida, and rising juniors at The Florida State University.
Limited access programs fall into three major categories: performing and visual arts and dance, teacher education programs, and limited enrollment programs.
Limited Enrollment Programs Requiring a Higher Grade Point Average
Admission to these undergraduate degree programs requires a cumulative GPA above the level of 2.0. The specific GPA minimum for each program is determined annually on the basis of student spaces available and the number and quality of applicants for those spaces. For specific requirements for admission to a particular college or school, refer to the appropriate section of this General Bulletin.
Limited enrollment programs at The Florida State University include the following:
| ** | = | Limited access and limited enrollment (capped) |
| + | = | Limited access and limited enrollment (capped) by specialized accreditation or licensure requirement |
| ++ | = | Limited access and limited enrollment by audition or portfolio review (special talent) |
Associate in Arts (AA) degree recipients from Florida public community colleges who display high academic achievement are awarded academic scholarships on a competitive basis by The Florida State University. Applicants with cumulative grade point averages of at least 3.9 will be automatically considered.
Applicants to The Florida State University are considered international if they are not U.S. citizens, dual citizens, or Permanent Resident Aliens.
International applicants must provide the Office of Admissions with the following documents:
Application for Admission. The completed International Student Application for Admission and a nonrefundable application fee of $20.00 (U.S. currency), made payable to The Florida State University, must be submitted. Only checks drawn on U.S. banks and money orders that can be cashed at U.S. banks are acceptable. Although it is the policy of the University not to defer or waive the application fee, this fee might be waived for applicants attending Florida high schools who can document that they have received a fee waiver from the American College Testing Program or from the College Board.
Academic Records. Transcripts (mark sheets, diplomas, and/or certificates) of all academic records and/or examination results are required. The records should list all courses the student has taken during each year of secondary school (or its equivalent) and the marks or grades received in each subject. Any diploma or certificate the student has received for completing government or university examinations must show the subjects passed and the grades received. Academic records are considered official only when they are sent directly from a school, college, or university to the Office of Admissions. Certified copies are accepted only if the institution will not send records directly to The Florida State University. Certified copies must bear the original seal of the institution, or the original signature of the institutions records official. Notarized copies of academic records are not accepted. Documents that are not in English must be accompanied by an original or certified English translation. An official course-by-course evaluation is required for all academic records from non-U.S. post-secondary institutions, colleges, universities, or other institutions attended. We recommend the evaluation be conducted by one of the three foreign educational credentials evaluation services listed in the Florida State University International Student Admission Application. Transfer credit from non-U.S. institutions will not be awarded unless an evaluation has been submitted.
Test Scores. Results from the ACT or SAT I are required of all freshman applicants, transfer applicants who have earned less than sixty (60) semester hours of transferable credit (as evaluated by the Office of Admissions), or all undergraduate applicants who are requesting a degree program leading to teacher certification. Arrangements should be made for the test results to be forwarded to the Office of Admissions. For information and applications for the ACT, write to: ACT Registration Department, P.O. Box 414, Iowa City, Iowa 52443-0414, U.S.A. For information and applications for the SAT I, write to: College Board SAT Program, P.O. Box 6200, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6200, U.S.A.
English Proficiency Test. If an applicants native language is not English, the applicant must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) before applying for admission. A minimum score of 550 is required. TOEFL scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the Educational Testing Service. Examinee copies are not considered official. For TOEFL information and applications, write to: TOEFL Program Office, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151, U.S.A.
Certification of Financial Responsibility. Certification of finances must be completed before the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or IAP-66) is issued. The University is required by immigration authorities to check carefully the financial resources of each student prior to issuing the Form I-20 or IAP-66. Therefore, it is important that the applicant knows the costs of attending the University and has the necessary funds available for the entire period of enrollment.
The Certification of Financial Responsibility form must be completed, signed by the sponsor and the applicant, and verified by the sponsors bank or financial institution. Before completing the form, the applicant should review the estimate of annual costs. The total amount of funds available to the student must be listed for each year of planned attendance and must equal the total estimate of annual costs.
Auditions. Auditions are required of all students wishing to major in music, dance, or the bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree program in theatre. In addition to submitting the application for admission and other supporting information, prospective students should contact the School of Music, the Department of Dance, or the School of Theatre for details.
Departmental Applications. Departmental applications are required of all students wishing to major in audiology and speech pathology; communication; education; motion picture, television, and recording arts; or nursing. In addition to submitting the application for admission and other supporting information, prospective students should contact the College of Communication; the College of Education; the School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts; or the School of Nursing for details.
Priority Deadlines for Applications and Supporting Documents for International Students
Freshmen [first-time-in-college and undergraduate transfers with less than twelve (12) semester hours of transferable credit as evaluated by the Office of Admissions]:
| Spring semester 1999 | November 13, 1998 |
| Summer semester 1999 | March 5, 1999 |
| Fall semester 1999 | March 5, 1999 |
Transfers [applicants with more than twelve (12) semester hours of transferable credit as evaluated by the Office of Admissions]:
| Spring semester 1999 | November 13, 1998 |
| Summer semester 1999 | April 1, 1999 |
| Fall semester 1999 | July 16, 1999 |
The University reserves the right to close freshman and transfer admissions earlier if warranted by enrollment limitations and the quantity and quality of applicants.
Admission to The Florida State University requires graduation from a recognized secondary program with certain academic units, an overall performance average in those academic units, and appropriate ACT or SAT I scores. Four units of English, three units of mathematics (algebra I and above), three units of natural science, three units of social science, and two units of the same foreign (non-English) language are required. A unit is the equivalent of a year-long subject that is not remedial in nature. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must also present a TOEFL score of at least 550.
Most students accepted to the University from English speaking countries present at least a B average in all academic subjects and test scores of at least 24 (composite) on the ACT or 1100 (verbal plus math) on the SAT I. Applicants from non-English speaking countries present at least a B average in all academic subjects, ACT or SAT scores, and the appropriate TOEFL score of 550 or higher.
Applicants who have received an associate in arts (AA) degree from a Florida public institution immediately prior to transfer and who have applied to a non-limited access program will be admitted to The Florida State University, provided an application and all supporting documents (including the financial guarantee) have been received by the deadline. In addition, verification of two (2) units of one foreign language in high school (secondary program) or at least eight (8) semester hours of one foreign (non-English) language (or equivalent proficiency) at the university level is required. Admission to the University is not guaranteed to programs designated as limited access or teacher certification, or to those programs requiring auditions.
For a number of undergraduate degree programs, access is limited at the junior year to those students meeting certain additional criteria. Limited access programs are described in the previous section, Admission by Transfer.
If a students application for admission to The Florida State University is approved, an official notice of admission will be sent by the Office of Admissions with the appropriate immigration form. Admission is only for a specific term. If the student is unable to enroll for the term indicated in the notice of admission, the Office of Admissions should be informed immediately. If the student wishes to be considered for entrance to a different term, the Office of Admissions must be advised in writing.
Before a United States Consul will grant a visa, international applicants must prove that they will have sufficient funding to meet all of their expenses while studying in the United States. Applicants must document the source of funds and guarantee that they will receive funding for the duration of the program. Unless applicants show written evidence of having financial support for the entire time required to complete the degree program, they will not be granted a student visa. Applicants should not assume that additional financial assistance or part-time employment will be available.
If governmental restrictions limit the amount of money that may be sent to students in the United States, the applicant should make sure that sufficient funds will be available. When applicants leave their country, they must have enough money to pay for traveling expenses to the University, fees for the entire term, living expenses until more money arrives, and the return fare to their home country. Students must be sure that they will have sufficient financial resources to cover all costs during their stay at the University. If the applicants government requires verification of enrollment before money can be forwarded, the student may request verification from the Office of the University Registrar after registration is completed at the University.
The costs given are estimated minima and are subject to change. The following estimates are based on one academic year (two semesters fall and spring) and are for an unmarried student with no dependents. Additional funds must be included for spouse or family ($3,000 for spouse and $1,000 for each child per year). Biographical data must be provided for each family member accompanying the student to the United States. The data should include complete name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, and relationship to the student (wife, husband, son, or daughter). Approximately one-half of the estimated annual costs should be available at the beginning of each semester since University fees must be paid upon registration at the start of each term.
| Tuition/Fees | $8,740 |
| Books and Supplies | 700 |
| Housing * | 2,616 |
| Food+ | 2,090 |
| Insurance ++ | 479 |
| Miscellaneous | 3,134 |
| Summer Maintenance | 1,600 |
| Total | $19,359 |
Note: undergraduate fees are based on estimates of fifteen (15) hours per semester. Students must register for a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours each semester.
International applicants will need a current passport from their own government and a visa from the United States Consulate to enter this country. Applicants should apply for a passport as soon as possible, although in some countries it will be necessary to provide proof of admission to a United States school before a passport will be granted.
To apply for a visa, applicants should take their passport, Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or IAP-66) issued by The Florida State University, and proof of adequate financial support for annual costs to the nearest United States Consulate.
If students are coming to the University specifically for the purpose of studying, they will probably wish to apply for a Student Visa (F-1). Undergraduate students holding this visa will be required to carry at least twelve (12) semester hours each semester.
The University’s Thagard Student Health Center provides basic outpatient care. Because students are likely to incur costs for medical care beyond that provided through outpatient services, adequate health insurance coverage must be obtained. Insurance coverage for dependents is also available.
International students are required to demonstrate that they have adequate medical insurance coverage for illness or accidental injury before they will be permitted to register or to continue enrollment. International students must comply with all health insurance requirements. International students who will be accompanied by dependents are required to purchase health insurance coverage for them. An adequate medical insurance policy will meet a number of requirements, including that the insurance proceeds are payable in U.S. currency. For more information regarding health insurance, contact the Thagard Student Health Center, (850) 644-4250.
International applicants are advised to bring a medical history to campus which describes previous illnesses and/or surgery. This information is required prior to enrollment. If students have ever had tuberculosis (or scars appearing on chest X rays) or other serious infectious diseases, they should be sure to have thorough medical studies made before coming to the University and to bring the medical reports from those studies to campus.
International applicants must be immunized, and show proof of such immunization, prior to registration.
English is the language of instruction and communication at the University. International applicants who lack sufficient English preparation must correct this deficiency before being admitted to the University. Students may do this in their home country or in the United States at a school that offers an intensive English language program. The Florida State University offers one such program. For further information, write to: Center for Intensive English Studies, 918 West Park Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2052, U.S.A.
Note: Admission to the Center for Intensive English Studies does not in any way imply that admission to The Florida State University will be approved.
Admission to graduate study involves admission to the department, school, or college in which the applicant expects to study; therefore, final admission to the University is subject to approval by the specific program. While there are minimum University admission requirements, the departments can, and frequently do, set admission standards significantly higher than these minima. The student should determine departmental requirements first and then determine the University admission requirements. Consult the Graduate Bulletin for complete details.
Transfer students who have sixty (60) or more semester hours of transferable credit and are interested in attending the Panama City campus should apply directly to: Office of Admissions, The Florida State University, 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City, FL 32405-1020. Information may also be obtained through their website:<http://www.pc.fsu.edu>.
The same policies, procedures, and requirements that pertain to the Tallahassee campus apply to the Panama City campus.