Section Topics

General Policies

Admission from Secondary School

Admission Requirements

Admission by Transfer

Teacher Education Programs

Limited Access Programs

International Student Admission

Readmission

Special Student Regulations

Admissions

Director of Admissions: Janice Finney; Associate Director: Hege Ferguson; Assistant Directors: Linda Bodiford, Donna Bostwick, Katherine Nerona

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 State Board of Education within the State of Florida, Division of Colleges and Universities. 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 and at 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 modified 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 successful 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 and registration.

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 in its entirety 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.

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 $30.00 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.

Secondary School Applicants

The University reserves the right to close freshman admissions earlier if warranted by enrollment limitations and the number and quality of applications.

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 level and higher); 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).

Note: the 2003 Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 30A to amend several laws related to high school graduation. The purpose of these amendments was to provide students with accelerated high school graduation programs and to align the number of university admission unit requirements with these new options. In addition to the four-year, 24-credit standard program (Sections 1003.429(1)(a) and 1003.43 Florida Statutes), Florida public schools also offer a three-year, 18-credit standard college preparatory program (Section 1003.429(1)(b), Florida Statutes) and a three-year, 18-credit career preparatory program (Section 1003.429(1)(c), Florida Statutes). Under the three-year options, the above high school course units are still required for college admission, except only three (3) elective units must be earned.

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 be held to higher standards. In addition to academic grade point average and test scores, a variety of additional factors are considered. These include a written essay, the pattern and quality of courses and curriculum, grade trends, class rank, and educational objectives. 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 admission 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 transition from high school to college, and to build a strong academic foundation. The majority of applicants selected to participate will be first generation college students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. 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 short essay of no more than 500 words describing the student’s educational goals, and two (2) letters of recommendation (one 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. Because scholarships are limited and awarded on a rolling basis, students with strong academic records should apply to the University as early as possible.

Early Admission

The Florida State University provides an opportunity to outstanding high school students for early 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 1220 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.

Freshman Admission Deposit

All freshman applicants to the University are required to submit a $200.00 non-refundable admission deposit to ensure a place in the freshman class. Upon enrollment, the deposit will apply toward the student's tuition.

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 $30 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 admission 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) or who require exemption from the Florida College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST). 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; communication 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 or exempted 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” chapter of this General Bulletin for more details.

Deadlines for Applications and Supporting Documents for Transfer Students

The University reserves the right to close transfer admissions earlier if warranted by enrollment limitations and the number and quality of the applications.

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 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 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 AICE, 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;
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; and
4. Have satisfactorily completed the Florida CLAST or an approved alternative to the CLAST (refer to the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter of this General Bulletin for more details).

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;
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 AICE, AP, IB, or CLEP examinations) have been completed successfully in college. Verification is by an official transcript or score report;

and

4. Have satisfactorily completed the Florida CLAST or an approved alternative to the CLAST (refer to the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter of this General Bulletin for more details).

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 a teacher education program is administered by the Dean of the College of Education and assigned to the Office of Academic Services, 108 Stone Building. Application for admission to a teacher education program is distinct from admission to an upper-division college or school and is made in the Office of Academic Services, 108 Stone Building.

Section 1004.04, Florida Statutes, Public Accountability and State Approval for Teacher Preparation Programs, 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 general education mathematics course; and
3. Take and achieve a passing score on all sections of the Florida 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” chapter of this General Bulletin for specific requirements). Students 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 Section 1004.04, Florida Statutes, Public Accountability and State Approval for Teacher Preparation Programs, and State Board of Education Rule 6A-5.066, Approval of Preservice Teacher Preparation Programs.

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, and limited enrollment.

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 applications 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 and Information Science (all majors)

Psychology

College of Business (all majors)

College of Communication (all majors)

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

College of Social Sciences

Economics (all majors)

School of Theatre (see below)

School of Visual Arts and Dance

Interior Design

Categories of Limited Access Programs

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**

Graphic Design++

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 Musical Theatre++

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre**

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art++

Transfer Scholarships

Associate in Arts (AA) degree recipients from Florida public c ommunity/junior 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 $30.00 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 the 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 be accompanied by certified English translations.

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

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). A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test is required. TOEFL scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the Educational Testing Service.

Certification of Financial Responsibility. Certification of finances must be completed before the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019) is issued. The University is required by immigration authorities to verify the financial resources of each applicant prior to issuing the Form I-20 or DS-2019; 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 submitted, along with verification of funding from the sponsor's bank or financial institution, to the Florida State University International Center. The applicant must show proof of financial support for the first year of study and demonstrate availability of funds for the length of the academic program.

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.

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 number and quality of applications.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen

Admission to The Florida State University requires graduation from a recognized secondary program with certain academic units, a successful 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 level and higher), three (3) units of natural science, three (3) units of social science, two (2) sequential units of the same foreign (non-English) language, and four (4) units of electives (preferably in above areas) 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. Academic qualifications are described above in ‘Academic Qualifications’ in the ‘Admission Requirements’ section.

Note: international applicants educated in Florida may elect to graduate from one of the three-year, 18-credit preparatory programs. Refer to 'Required High School Course Units' in the “Admission Requirements” section above.

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), academic units, and test scores;
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);
5. S ubmit 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;

and

6. Have satisfactorily completed the Florida CLAST or an approved alternative to the CLAST (refer to the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter of this General Bulletin for more details).

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);
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;

and

6. Have satisfactorily completed the Florida CLAST or an approved alternative to the CLAST (refer to the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter of this General Bulletin for more details).

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 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 and is for a specific term. The International Center will issue the appropriate immigration form (Form I-20 or DS-2019) necessary to obtain the student's visa when formal admission has been granted and all required financial documentation has been received.

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 reconsidered for 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 explain 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.

If the student’s government limits 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.

A number of international students arrive at the University without being aware of the amount of money they will need. Students often assume, incorrectly, that additional financial assistance or part-time employment will be available. International students are allowed to work off-campus only in exceptional circumstances. Each year, many students find themselves in serious financial difficulties because they did not arrange for adequate support. Before making firm plans to come to the United States, international applicants should read the following sections carefully.

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 ($4,000 for spouse and $2,000 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, gender, city of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship, country of permanent residence, relationship to the student (wife/husband, son or daughter) and, for students transferring to The Florida State University from another university, each family member’s SEVIS ID number. Approximately one-half of the estimated total amount 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 2003–2004 academic year. Costs for the 2004–2005 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 $4,166 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 2004–2005 fees.

² Includes annual mid-range costs for on-campus residence halls (does not include Alumni Village) and one of the most popular meal plans. Contact the Housing Office or refer to website: http://www.housing.fsu.edu for the approved 2004–2005 rental costs. Contact Seminole Dining or refer to http://www.seminoledining.com for the 2004–2005 actual costs.

³ All international students who are admitted to the University must maintain a health insurance policy for the duration of their enrollment. Dependents of international students in “J” visa status also are required by federal regulations to have health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in the United States. Estimated annual health insurance costs: student—$715; spouse—$2,514; one child—$907; all children—$1,774.

Passports and Visas

International applicants need a current passport from their own government and a visa from the United States Consulate to enter the United States. 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 is granted.

To apply for a visa, applicants should take their passport, Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019), issued by The Florida State University, and proof of adequate financial support for studies and living expenses to the nearest United States Consulate.

If students are coming to the University specifically for the purpose of studying, they need to apply for a Student Visa (F-1 or J-1). It is granted upon presentation of a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 for the F-1 visa and Form DS-2019 for the J-1 visa which is typically granted to government funded students) and proof that sufficient financial support to cover all expenses for the entire period of study in the United States is available. Undergraduate students holding F-1 or J-1 visas are 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 before they will be permitted to register for classes or to continue enrollment. In addition, international students who will be accompanied by dependents are required to purchase health insurance coverage for them. For more information regarding health insurance, contact the Thagard Student Health Center, (850) 644-4250, http://www.tshc.fsu.edu.

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 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 such a program through the Center for Intensive English Studies. Detailed information on the center may be obtained at http://www.fsu.edu/~cies.

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 may request an application from the following: Office of Admissions, The Florida State University, 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City, FL 32405-1099, or apply online at http://www.pc.fsu.edu.

The same policies, procedures, and requirements that pertain to the Tallahassee campus apply to the Panama City campus.

Readmission

Returning students who 1) have been absent from the University for two or more consecutive terms (including the Summer term); 2) have been dismissed from the University and have not been enrolled for one or more terms (including the Summer term); 3) have canceled their registration during their last term of enrollment; or 4) have earned a bachelor's degree from the University, and now wish to pursue a second bachelor's degree, must submit an application for readmission to the readmission section of the Office of Admissions.This application should be submitted at least sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of the term for which readmission is desired. (Consult the “University Calendar” chapter of this General Bulletin for specific application deadlines.) Readmitted former students are subject to retention requirements in effect at the time of reentrance. Students claiming classification as Florida residents must reestablish their eligibility for this classification when applying for readmission.

Any student who attempts college work at any institution other than The Florida State University (including correspondence work) must have official transcripts sent to the readmissions section of 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.

When a student has withdrawn from the University three (3) or more times, subsequent readmission first will be considered by a committee whose charge is to assess the student’s capability of making satisfactory progress toward degree. This committee, appointed by the Council of Associate and Assistant Deans, will make a recommendation to the dean of the student’s college who will make the final decision.

The University reserves the right to refuse readmission to any student who has an unsatisfactory academic, conduct, or health record. Students who are denied readmission to the University may appeal that decision by filing a written petition with the appropriate academic dean’s office. Students who are denied readmission for judicial reasons may appeal by filing a written petition to the Office of Admissions.

Special (Non-Degree Seeking) Student Regulations

Registration as a special student for undergraduate course work may be approved for any high school graduate and for any postbaccalaureate student provided an application, a nonrefundable $30.00 fee payable to The Florida State University, and all supporting documents have been received by the deadline; the student was not previously denied undergraduate admission to The Florida State University; the student has at least a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) from the last institution attended; and the student has at least a 2.0 GPA on all coursework taken at this institution. Students intending to register for graduate course work under the special student status should consult the Graduate Bulletin for details.

Foreign nationals on a student visa may not use the special student status other than to fulfill prerequisite requirements, or for summer enrollment if full-time status has been maintained during the academic year. All other foreign nationals, whether intending degree or non-degree work, must obtain permission from the Office of Admissions.

The special (non-degree seeking) student application may be obtained at http://admissions.fsu.edu/online. The application should not be submitted earlier than one semester prior to the term for which registration is desired. The Special Student section in 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 is reached (consult the “University Calendar” chapter of this General Bulletin for specific application deadlines.)

All registration by special students is on a space-available basis. For more complete details, see the “Academic Regulations and Procedures” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Tallahassee Community College/The Florida State University Cooperative Program

A Tallahassee Community College student wishing to dual enroll at The Florida State University must obtain specific approval from the designated representative in the Office of Enrollment Services at Tallahassee Community College and the Office of Admissions at The Florida State University by the published deadline. (Consult the “University Calendar” chapter of this General Bulletin for specific application deadlines.) If the student is participating in a special program (music, band, dance, or ROTC), the student also must obtain approval from the appropriate departmental representative before submitting the form to the Office of Admissions. If approval for dual enrollment is granted, the student follows the prescribed registration procedures and adheres to the fee schedule established by this institution. The approval of one institution does not bind the other to comply. Florida State University students wishing to dual enroll at Tallahassee Community College should refer to the “Office of the University Registrar” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Note: academic rules governing regular students (e.g., fees, drop/add, withdrawal, grading policies, etc.) apply to dual enrollment students.

Undergraduate Interinstitutional Transient Students

A student at another institution who wishes to take advantage of special resources and/or programs not available at their home institution should submit an interinstitutional transient student application that has been approved by the home institution to the Office of Admissions by the published deadline. (Consult the “University Calendar” chapter of this General Bulletin for specific application deadlines.) If approval for transient status is granted, the student follows the prescribed registration procedures and adheres to the fee schedule established by this institution. The approval of one institution does not bind the other to comply. Florida State University students wishing to enroll as transient at another institution should refer to the “Office of the University Registrar” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Note: academic rules governing regular students (e.g., fees, drop/add, withdrawal, grading policies, etc.) apply to transient students.