ADMISSIONS

Director of Admissions: John Barnhill, Jr.; Associate Directors: Richard Burnette III, Janice Finney

General Policies

The Florida State University encourages applications for admission from qualified students regardless of gender, culture, race, religion, ethnic background, national origin, 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 Florida Board of Education. The admission requirements stated below are minimum requirements. Admission shall be on a selective basis within curricular, spatial, and fiscal limitations, and satisfaction of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to The Florida State University.

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 of Florida, Division of Colleges and Universities; and at the following website: http://admissions.fsu.edu/online.

An application should not be submitted earlier than one year prior to the term for which admission is desired. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to return all applications received after the published deadline for a particular term or after any enrollment limit or program limit is reached.

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 cancel the admission of any applicant whose health record indicates the existence of a condition which may be harmful to members of the University community.

The Florida Board of Education 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.

Admission from Secondary School

Any applicant who desires admission as a beginning freshman student after graduating from high school and before attending an accredited post-secondary institution must provide the Office of Admissions with the following:

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 who can document that they have received a fee waiver from the American College Testing Program or 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 post-secondary 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 applicants 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 applicants 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.

Deadlines for Applications and Supporting Documents for Secondary School Applicants

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.

Admission Requirements

Required High School Course Units

Specific high school course units are required for admission to the freshman class. An academic unit is the equivalent of a yearlong course that is not remedial in nature. Upon graduation from high school, applicants must have earned four (4) units of English (at least three [3] with substantial writing requirements); three (3) units of mathematics (algebra I and above); three (3) units of natural science (at least two [2] with laboratory); three (3) units of social science (includes history, civics, political science, economics, sociology, psychology, and geography); two (2) sequential units of the same foreign language; and four (4) elective units (preferably from the English, mathematics, natural science, social science, or foreign language areas).

Academic Qualifications

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, skilled athletes, applicants having special ties to the University, and students with significant life and career experiences.

Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE)

Through the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE), the University offers a special admissions program dedicated to assisting students who have been disadvantaged due to economic, educational, or cultural circumstances. CARE provides a comprehensive program of orientation and academic support designed to ease the student's transition from high school to college, and to build a strong academic foundation. The majority of applicants selected to participate in CARE will be first generation college students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who have demonstrated a strong desire to succeed. Students admitted to the University through CARE will begin their studies in the summer. Interested students should submit the application for admission to the University, a supplemental CARE application available from the Office of Admissions, a one-page essay describing the student's educational goals, and two (2) letters of recommendation (one should be from a high school guidance counselor).

Freshman Scholarships

All freshman applicants who are admitted to the University are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Recipients are selected based upon high school grades and test scores.

Early Admission

The Florida State University provides an opportunity to outstanding high school students for entry into the University. 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 candidate's maturity; 2) a 3.5 or better weighted 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 (3) letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the high school principal or a representative of the principal.

Admission by Transfer

Applicants desiring admission by transfer from other colleges or universities must provide the Office of Admissions with the following:

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. An official high school transcript is 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 verifying completion of the foreign language admissions requirement with two (2) sequential units of the same high school foreign language. The transcript must reflect work completed from the beginning of the ninth grade through the twelfth 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). Arrangements should be made for the test results to be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions.

Auditions. Auditions are required of all applicants 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 applicants wishing to major in communication; communica tion sciences and disorders; 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, including transfer students and international 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. International students seeking a waiver from CLAST should refer to 'Minimum Criteria for Eligibility for CLAST Waivers in the Communications Area for Non-native English Speaking Students' in "Undergraduate Degree Requirements" for more details. 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.

Deadlines for Applications and Supporting Documents for Transfer Students

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.

General Admission Requirements

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. This includes verification of two (2) sequential units of the same foreign language in high school or at least eight (8) semester hours of the same foreign language (or equivalent proficiency as demonstrated by passing AP, IB, or CLEP examinations) at the college level. 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:

1. Meet The Florida State University freshman criteria for high school academic grade point average, academic units, and test score (refer to the 'Freshman Admission Requirements' section of this chapter);
2. Have at least a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) on all college work attempted; and
3. Have at least a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) GPA on all college work attempted at the last institution attended, if more than one institution is attended.

Applicants With Sixty (60) or More Semester Hours of Transferable Credit
(As Evaluated by the Office of Admissions) Must:

1. Have at least a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) on all college work attempted;
2. Have at least a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) GPA on all college work attempted at the last institution attended, if more than one institution is attended; and
3. Have verification that two (2) sequential units of the same foreign language have been successfully completed in high school or that at least eight (8) semester hours of the same foreign language (or equivalent proficiency as demonstrated by passing AP, IB, or CLEP examinations) have been completed successfully in college. Verification is by an official transcript or score report.

Teacher Education Programs

All students planning to pursue a teacher education program at The Florida State University must be formally admitted to teacher education. Admission to teacher education is administered by the Dean of the College of Education and assigned to the Office of Academic Services. Application for admission to teacher education is distinct from admission to an upper-division college or school and is made in the Office of Academic Services, 108 Stone Building.

State Board of Education Rule 6A-5.066 and The Florida State University Council on Teacher Education require that all students seeking admission into undergraduate teacher education programs at The Florida State University must meet the following requirements prior to entering the program:

1. Have at least a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) on all college work attempted; and
2. Have a grade of "C-" or better in each required general education English and each general education mathematics course; and
3. Take and achieve a passing score on all sections of the CLAST (this requirement cannot be waived or met by alternative means).

Note: there is no longer a required minimum composite score on the ACT or SAT for admission to teacher education. However, programs with limited enrollment status may require submission of the score, and may use that score in determining which students will be admitted.

The following curriculum requirements must be completed prior to entry into the degree program (upper-division):

1. Forty-five (45) semester hours in teacher preparation general education core curriculum (see the "College of Education" section of this General Bulletin for specific requirements). Student should consult with an advisor to determine how to simultaneously satisfy the thirty-six (36) semester hours in liberal studies and the teacher preparation general education core curriculum requirements.
2. State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites which include: a) three (3) education core courses of EDF 1005, EDG 2701, and EME 2040; and b) fifteen (15) semester hours of general program prerequisites specified for each degree program (see degree program sections for specific prerequisites). Note: in addition to EDG 2701, students must take six (6) additional hours with an international or diversity focus. These may be satisfied as part of the University multicultural requirement.

Common prerequisites and total program length for state-approved teacher preparation programs are subject to revision based on changes in State Board of Education Rule 6A-5.066, Approval of Preservice Teacher Preparation Programs, as amended August 7, 2000.

Limited Access Programs

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 State Board of Education administrative 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 (3) major categories: performing and visual arts, teacher education programs, and limited enrollment programs.

Performing and Visual Arts

• Dance (audition required for all majors)
• Interior Design (departmental interview and minimum GPA)
• Music (audition required for all majors)
• Theatre (audition required for BFA degree program)
• Visual Arts (portfolio review for BFA degree program)

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 department, college or school, refer to the appropriate section of this General Bulletin.

Limited enrollment programs at The Florida State University include the following:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• Computer Science
• Psychology
• College of Business (all programs)
• College of Communication (all programs)
• College of Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Emotional Disturbances/Learning Disabilities
• Mental Disabilities
• Recreation and Leisure Services Administration
• Visual Disabilities
• School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts
• School of Nursing
• School of Visual Arts and Dance Interior Design

Categories of Limited Access Programs

• ** = 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)

Degree Programs

• Accounting**
• Business Administration**
• Communication**
• Communication Sciences and Disorders**
• Computer and Information Science**
• Dance++
• Early Childhood Education**
• Economics**
• Elementary Education**
• Emotional Disturbances/Learning
• Disabilities**
• Finance**
• Hospitality Administration**
• Interior Design**
• Management**
• Management Information Systems**
• Marketing**
• Mental Disabilities**
• Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts++
• Multinational Business**
• Music Composition++
• Music Education++
• Music History and Literature++
• Music, Liberal Arts++
• Music Performance++
• Music Theory++
• Music Therapy++
• Nursing+
• Psychology**
• Real Estate**
• Recreation and Leisure Services
• Administration+
• Risk Management/Insurance**
• Visual Disabilities**
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre:
• Majors in Acting, Design/Technology, and Music Theatre++
• Bachelor of Arts in Theatre**
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art++

Transfer Scholarships

Associate in Arts (AA) degree recipients from Florida public community colleges who enroll directly at the University and 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 3.8 will be automatically considered.

International Student Admission

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:

Application for Admission. The completed International Application for Admission and a nonrefundable application fee of $20 in U.S. currency must be submitted. The check or money order must be drawn on a U.S. bank and made payable to The Florida State University. The application will not be processed without the application fee and under no circumstances will the University waive or postpone this fee.

Academic Records. Official or certified copies of all academic records and/or examination results from every institution attended are required. Records are considered official only when sent directly from an issuing institution, and must bear the original seal of the institution or the original signature of the institution's records official. All documents must be issued in the native language and accompanied by certified English translations.

Test Scores. Results from the ACT or SAT I are required of all freshman applicants or transfer applicants who have less than sixty (60) semester hours of transferable credit (as determined by the Office of Admissions after an evaluation has been submitted). Arrangements should be made for the test results to be forwarded to the Office of Admissions directly from the American College Testing Program or the Educational Testing Service.

English Proficiency Test. If an applicant's 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 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test is required. TOEFL scores are considered official when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the Educational Testing Service. Examinee copies are not considered official.

Certification of Financial Responsibility. The University is required by federal regulations to verify the financial resources of each applicant prior to issuing the certificate of eligibility (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 sponsor's bank or financial institution. 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 applicants 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 applicants wishing to major in motion picture, television, and recording arts and all transfer applicants wishing to major in communication, communication sciences and disorders, education 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). Refer to the "Admissions by Transfer" section of this chapter.

Transfer Credit. An official course-by-course evaluation is required for all academic records from non-U.S. institutions. We recommend the evaluation be done by one of the foreign educational credential evaluation services listed in the International Brochure or found at http://admissions.fsu.edu/intl/transfer.htm.

Deadlines for Applications and Supporting Documents for International Students

Freshmen (first-time-in-college and undergraduate transfer applicants with less than twelve [12] semester hours of transferable credit as determined by the Office of Admissions after an evaluation has been submitted):

Transfers (applicants with twelve [12] or more semester hours of transferable credit as determined by the Office of Admissions after an evaluation has been submitted):

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 Requirements

Freshmen

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 (4) units of English, three (3) units of mathematics (algebra I and above), three (3) units of natural science, three (3) units of social science, and two (2) sequential units of the same foreign (non-English) language are required. A unit is the equivalent of a yearlong subject that is not remedial in nature. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must also present a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test.

Most students accepted to the University 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.

Transfers With Less Than Sixty (60) Semester Hours of Transferable Credit Must:

1. Meet The Florida State University minimum freshman admission requirements of secondary school academic performance (academic courses only), test scores, and academic units;
2. Have at least a "C+" average (2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale) on all college work attempted;
3. Have at least a "C+" average (2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale) on all college work attempted at the last institution attended, if more than one institution is attended;
4. Submit an official course-by-course evaluation of all academic records from each non-U.S. college and/or university attended(ing); and
5. Submit a TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test if the applicant is from a country where English is not the official language.

Transfers With Sixty (60) or More Semester Hours of Transferable Credit Must:

1. Have at least a "C+" average (2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale) on all college work attempted;
2. Have at least a "C+" average (2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale) on all college work attempted at the last institution attended, if more than one institution is attended;
3. Submit an official course-by-course evaluation of all academic records from each non-U.S. college and/or university attended(ing);
4. Verify that two (2) sequential units of the same foreign (non-English) language have been completed successfully in high school (secondary program) or at least eight (8) semester hours of the same foreign (non-English) language (or equivalent proficiency) have been successfully completed at the university level (required if the applicant is from a country where English is the official language); and
5. Submit a TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test if the applicant is from a country where English is not the official language.

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 nonlimited access program will be admitted to The Florida State University, provided an application and all supporting documents have been received by the deadline. This includes the financial guarantee and verification of two (2) sequential units of the same foreign (non-English) language in high school (secondary program) or at least eight (8) semester hours of the same foreign (non-English) language (or equivalent proficiency) at the university level. 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.'

Notice of Admission

Formal notification of admission to The Florida State University is sent by the Office of Admissions with the appropriate immigration form. Admission to the University is 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.

Finances

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 before a student visa will be awarded.

If government 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 applicant's 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.

Annual Estimate of Costs for Undergraduate International Students

The annual estimated costs listed below are for the 2001–2002 academic year. Costs for the 2002–2003 academic year were not available at date of publication.

Note:

¹ The tuition and fee estimate is based on fifteen (15) credit hours for an undergraduate international student attending two (2) terms per year. (International students must register for a minimum of twelve hours each term.) It is estimated that an additional $3,120 will be necessary for tuition and fees if the student will be attending summer school. Contact the Office of Admissions or refer to website http://admissions.fsu.edu/intl for the approved 2002–2003 fees.

² Includes annual mid-range costs for on-campus residence halls (does not include Alumni Village) and most popular meal plan, allowing students up to fourteen (14) meals per week. Contact the Housing Office or refer to website: http://www.housing.fsu.edu for the approved 2002-2003 rental costs. Contact FSU Dining Services or refer to website: http://sodexhomarriott.fsu.com for the 2002–2003 actual costs.

³ All international students who are admitted to the University must maintain a health insurance policy for the duration of their enrollment. Estimated annual health insurance costs: student $486; student and spouse $2,195; student and child $1,102; student and family $2,810. These figures are subject to change. Please contact the Thagard Student Health Center for current costs.

Passports and Visas

International applicants will need a current passport from their own government and a visa from the United States Consulate to enter the U.S. 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.

Health Insurance

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 for classes 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 required to bring a medical history to campus which describes previous illnesses and/or surgery prior to enrollment. If students have ever had tuberculosis (or scars appearing on chest X-rays) or other serious infectious diseases, they must have thorough medical studies made before coming to the University and bring the medical reports from those studies to campus. International applicants must also be immunized, and show proof of such immunization, prior to registration.

Intensive English Program

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 32306-4170, U.S.A. (website: http://www.fsu.edu/~cies).

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

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 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.

Admission to Panama City Campus

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.