Undergraduate Admissions
Director of Admissions: Hege Ferguson
Program Directors: Janice Finney, Andrea Carballo Flores, Danielle Kelley
Associate Directors: Lori Hamilton, Julie Rubin, Anthony Russo, Christina Smith, Erin Verity
Assistant Directors: Cathy Do, Allison Helms, Karen Layton, Lisa McGrady, Stephanie Robinson, Mark Slik
Program Managers: Vannah Clayton, Stacy White
Panama City Campus Director: Susan Hogg
General Information
Florida State University encourages applications for admission from qualified students regardless of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran or marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected group status in accordance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws on non-discrimination and equal opportunity. Admission of students to Florida State University is within the jurisdiction of the University, but subject to minimum standards adopted by the Florida Board of Governors. Satisfaction of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to Florida State University. Admission shall be on a competitive basis within curricular, spatial, and fiscal limitations.
The University reserves the right to deny admission to any student that has an unsatisfactory academic, conduct, health, or behavioral record. The University reserves the right to place additional criteria or other requirements on an offer of admission to an applicant. The University further reserves the right to deny (temporarily or permanently) or revoke admission to any applicant who has exhibited behavior that has severely disrupted, impeded, or obstructed normal University operations or otherwise threatened the safety or well-being of the University community. Undergraduate applicants who are denied admission to the University may appeal the admission decision if they have evidence that, due to extenuating circumstances or prior unrevealed information, the admission decision rendered was inequitable. Applicants are requested to appeal in writing to the Admissions Committee through the Director of Admissions.
An application for admission is available online at https://admissions.fsu.edu/. When applying for admission, the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 allows colleges and universities to require the disclosure of social security numbers for the purpose of identification and verification of student records, including registration, financial aid, and academic records, and for verification of identity in connection with the provisions of its services. The University does not use social security numbers for student identification; instead, the University assigns a unique Florida State University student identification number.
The Office of Admissions encourages first-year college students who are Florida residents for tuition purposes to apply for Early Action and to submit a complete application by October 15 for an admission decision on December 12. Regular decision for Florida residents and non-Florida residents has a December 1 deadline with an admission decision on February 13. March 1 is the final application deadline and rolling admissions decisions will be made available starting in early April. An application cannot be submitted earlier than one year prior to the term for admission is desired. In addition, the University reserves the right to close admission earlier than the published deadline(s), and/or increase requirements, if warranted by enrollment limitations and the number and quality of applications.
The Office of Admissions will post all decisions electronically on the Application Status Check, an applicant's private account created at the time of application. Admission is for a specific term, and if the student is unable to enroll for the term indicated on the Application Status Check, the Office of Admissions should be notified immediately. If a transfer student wishes to be considered for a different term, the student must submit a new application, an application fee, and updated official transcript(s). A change in terms will result in a re-evaluation of the application. The applicant should not assume that admission will automatically be granted when requesting a term change.
The University reserves the right to request an evaluation of international academic documents. (For transfer credit, an official course-by-course evaluation is required.) We recommend this evaluation be done by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
Offers of admission to the University are contingent upon the subsequent receipt of official college, university, and/or high school transcript(s) indicating successful performance and verification of high school graduation. Poor performance and/or failure to meet the stipulated conditions of admission can result in the offer of admission being rescinded. Failure to submit such documents before enrollment can result in the cancellation of admission and registration.
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 Florida State University credits and related degrees.
Prior to registering for classes, accepted students must be health compliant. For information regarding this requirement, refer to https://uhs.fsu.edu/. Florida State University reserves the right to cancel the admission of an applicant whose health record indicates the existence of a condition that may be harmful to members of the University community.
Admission from Secondary School
An applicant who desires admission as a first year in college student after graduating from a nationally accredited high school (or comparable international institution) must provide the Office of Admissions with the following:
Application for Admission. The completed application for admission and a nonrefundable $30.00 application fee should be submitted as soon as possible at the beginning of the senior year. Students can access the FSU institutional application online at https://admissions.fsu.edu/ or use the Common Application found at https://www.commonapp.org/. First year in college students who apply via the Common Application will pay an additional $5.00 processing fee. If application payment is by check or money order, it must be made payable to Florida State University and drawn on a U.S. bank. Accepted application fee waivers include a fee waiver from the American College Testing (ACT) Program, the College Board (SAT), or the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Students that are Pell eligible are also eligible to receive a waiver of the application fee. The application will not be processed without an application fee or approved application fee waiver.
Self-reported Student Academic Record. The Self-reported Student Academic Record (SSAR) is an online transcript, created by the student, which lists all high school courses and associated grades attempted (including courses in progress if applicable), including dual enrollment courses. It replaces the high school and college transcripts used by the Office of Admissions during the initial application review process. Detailed information on the SSAR can be found at https://admissions.fsu.edu/freshman/ssar. Since accuracy is critical, applicants must have a copy of their high school transcript available to use as a reference when creating the SSAR.
Note: All domestic and international applicants who have not followed an educational curriculum patterned after the U.S. system or GED graduates should not complete the SSAR. For students following an educational curriculum not patterned after the U.S. system, refer to the ‘Academic Records' portion of the “International Student Admission” section for details on what to submit. GED applicants must submit an official GED transcript and an official high school transcript(s) showing coursework and grades completed prior to taking the GED.
College Transcripts. Students who have registered for coursework at a college or university while in high school must submit a final and official transcript from that post-secondary institution before enrolling at the University. Transcripts are considered official when they are sent directly from the college or university to the Office of Admissions and contain an official seal and/or signature. Transcripts bearing the statement “Issued to Student,” notarized transcripts, or transcripts submitted by the applicant are not considered official. [An official course-by-course evaluation is required of all academic records from non-U.S. institutions. Refer to ‘Transfer Credit' in the “International Student Admission” section for details.]
Test Scores. Applicants can self-report all test scores through the Application Status Check. Official ACT or SAT scores are required of all first year in college applicants if granted admission to the university and must be sent directly from the testing agency to the university. All official test scores must be received before enrolling at the University. Either one or both tests should be taken no later than February in the senior year. Since the highest combination of scores is always considered, students are encouraged to retest.
Letters of Recommendation. Letters of recommendation are not required and will not be used in the decision-making process. Applicants denied admission to the University who plan to appeal may submit letters of recommendation and other supporting documentation to support their appeal.
Auditions
Auditions are required of all applicants planning to major in music, dance, or the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program in theatre. In addition to submitting an application for admission and other supporting information, prospective students should visit the Websites for the College of Music (music.fsu.edu) or the College of Fine Arts (cfa.fsu.edu) for details.
Departmental Application
A departmental application is required of all applicants planning to major in animation and digital arts; motion picture arts-production; studio art or theatre. In addition to submitting an application for admission and other supporting information, prospective students should visit the Websites for the College of Motion Picture Arts (https://film.fsu.edu/) or the College of Fine Arts (https://cfa.fsu.edu/) for details.
Deadlines for Applications and Supporting Documents for Secondary School Applicants
| Applications and all supporting documents received by: | Decision by: |
| October 15 (Early Action) | December 12 |
| December 1 (Regular) | February 13 |
| March 1 | Rolling |
Note: If the University deadline falls on a weekend, applicants have until the following Monday to submit applications and all supporting documents.
All information used to make an admission decision must be received by one of the published deadlines. The University does not ordinarily accept first year in college applications for the Spring term. Deadlines for submitting applications and supporting documents for the Panama City campus may differ from the FSU Tallahassee campus. Refer to “Admission to the Panama City campus” section.
Admission Requirements
Academic Qualifications
The academic profile of the middle fifty percent of first-year students accepted in 2024 was: 4.2–4.6 academic GPA; 30–33 ACT composite; 1340–1450 SAT total SAT score. In addition to academic GPA and test scores, a variety of additional factors are considered. These include essay, the rigor of curriculum, grade trends, and educational objectives. Applicants who bring other important attributes to the University community may also receive additional consideration. These applicants include first generation and socio-economically disadvantaged students applying to CARE, visual and performing artists, and skilled athletes.
For students taking dual enrollment classes either in high school or at a college/university, their college career has begun. First year in college applicants who have earned thirty or more hours of college credit while in high school should also consult the department website to see if they should submit additional materials. Any grade below “C” (2.0) is cause for concern and could prevent the applicant from being admitted to the University or cause the offer of admission to be rescinded.
Required High School Course Units
Specific high school course units are required for a first-year student. 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 a minimum of four units of English (at least three with substantial writing requirements); four units of mathematics (algebra I level and higher); three units of natural science (at least two with laboratory); three units of social science (includes history, civics, political science, economics, psychology, and geography); two sequential units of the same world language; and two elective units (preferably from the English, mathematics, natural science, social science, or world language areas). The units listed above represent the minimum required for admission consideration but do not guarantee admission. Most students accepted to the University exceed the minimums.
Calculation of High School Academic GPA
Only the academic core subjects will be used in the calculation of the grade point average for admission purposes. We do not use the GPAs listed on the high school transcript or report card. Grades of “C” or better in academic core dual enrollment courses, AICE, AP, and IB coursework will be weighted and receive one point in the GPA recalculation; grade of “C” or better in honors, pre-AICE, pre-AP, and pre-IB coursework will receive one half point.
Accuracy on the SSAR is extremely important and all students accepted to the University who have deposited will have their courses and grades validated upon receipt of the final and official high school and college transcript(s) sent to us upon graduation. Students with discrepancies between the SSAR and the official high school transcript and/or official college transcript(s) may have their admission revoked if admitted, or have their registration cancelled if enrolled.
ACT/CLT/SAT Information
Applicants may wish to take each exam more than once since the highest sub scores are used to create the ACT composite score, the CLT total score and SAT total score.
High School Students Earning 30 or More Semester Hours While in High School
Applicants who are graduating from high school and earning thirty or more college credit hours, or the AA degree simultaneously, meet first-year requirements for admission and can be approved by the academic program they are applying to. All majors have individual milestones (prerequisite college courses and/or specific college grade point averages) that must be met. In addition, some majors require auditions, departmental applications, portfolios, or other information for consideration. Refer to the “Academic Departments and Programs” section of this General Bulletin or https://www.academic-guide.fsu.edu for details.
Note: A number of majors have specialized admission status and require additional application materials and may have individual earlier application deadlines. See the department websites for instructions on how and when to apply for these programs.
Home Education and GED Information
Applicants who have graduated from a home education program must submit a final, official home education transcript(s) that includes a list of all coursework attempted and grades and units for each course completed and a date of graduation. If the applicant previously attended another school or has completed coursework through a virtual school or dual enrollment at a college or university, official transcripts are required, and those courses and grades should also be reflected on the home education transcript.
Applicants applying with a GED must submit an official GED transcript(s) and it must be accompanied by an official high school transcript through whatever portion of high school was completed. Home education and GED applicants must also submit ACT, CLT, and/or SAT test scores.
Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE)
Through the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) Summer Bridge Program, the University offers a special admission program dedicated to assisting students who are the first generation in their family to attend college and have limited financial resources for college enrollment. Students admitted to the University through the CARE Summer Bridge Program will begin their studies in the summer with a comprehensive orientation program and academic support designed to ease the transition from high school to college and to build a strong academic foundation. Upon completion of the CARE Summer Bridge Program, students continue to be supported with transition, academic, and general support services throughout their enrollment at FSU. Interested students should apply for admission to the University, complete the CARE supplemental questions, the Self-reported Student Academic Record, ACT, CLT, or SAT test scores, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for summer and fall/spring. The minimum requirements for consideration include a 3.0 weighted academic GPA as recalculated by the Office of Admissions. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
First-Year Scholarships
All first year in college students 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, students with strong academic records should apply to the University by the December 1 deadline.
Early Admission
Florida State University provides outstanding high school students with an opportunity 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 supporting the candidate's maturity; (2) a 4.0 or better weighted high school GPA in the academic subjects; (3) a minimum composite score of 29 on the ACT, 96 total score on the CLT, or total score of 1340 on the SAT; (4) sufficient strength in the academic units; (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.
First-Year Admission Deposit
All first year in college students who are admitted to the University are required to submit a $200.00 nonrefundable admission deposit by May 1 to secure a place in the first-year class unless qualifying for a waiver of the admission deposit. Upon enrollment, the deposit will be applied toward the student's tuition. Students admitted for Spring semester will not submit an admission deposit.
Admission by Transfer
Applicants are considered transfer students if they have earned twelve or more semester hours of college credit from a nationally accredited college or university (or comparable international institution) as evaluated by the Office of Admissions after graduation from high school. Applicants desiring admission by transfer must provide the Office of Admissions with the following:
Application for Admission. A completed application for admission and a nonrefundable $30.00 processing fee should be submitted online at https://admissions.edu.edu/transfer/ six to nine months prior to the desired term of enrollment. The preferred method of payment is online at https://fees.fsu.edu/. If application payment is by check or money order, it must be made payable to Florida State University and drawn on a U.S. bank. The application will not be processed without this fee, and there are no provisions to have it waived or postponed.
College Transcripts. An official transcript from each college and university attended must be submitted to the Office of Admissions. Transfer credits posted on the record of another institution are not accepted in lieu of submitting the official transcript from the original institution. Transcripts are considered official when they are sent directly from the college or university to the Office of Admissions and contain an official seal and/or signature. Transcripts bearing the statement “Issued to Student,” notarized transcripts, or transcripts submitted by the applicant are not considered official. (An official course-by-course evaluation is required of all academic records from non-U.S. institutions. Refer to ‘Transfer Credit' in the “International Student Admission” section for details.)
Secondary School Record. An official high school transcript is required of all transfer applicants. The transcript must reflect all attempted high school credits and the date of graduation.
Test Scores. Official ACT, CLT, or SAT test scores are required of all freshman/sophomore-level applicants.
Exam Results. All AICE, AP, IB, and/or CLEP results should be submitted if college credit has been earned. Refer to the tables at the end of the “Academic Regulations and Procedures” chapter in this General Bulletin for required scores and course equivalents for which credit is granted.
Deadlines for Applications and Supporting Documents for Transfer Students
| Spring term | October 1 |
| Summer term | March 1 |
| Fall term | June 1 |
Note: Some departments may have earlier deadlines than those established by the University or may admit only for a specific term. If the University deadline falls on a weekend, applicants have until the following Monday to submit their applications and all supporting documents. Deadlines for submitting applications and supporting documents for the Panama City campus may differ. Refer to “Admission to the Panama City campus” section of this chapter.
General Admission Requirements – Transfer Applicants
World Language Admission Requirement
All transfer applicants must have satisfied the state of Florida's world language admission requirement by having earned two sequential units in one world language (i.e., proficiency through Spanish II) in high school or having completed through the second elementary/beginning course of one world language (i.e., proficiency through SPN 1121) in college (or documented equivalent proficiency). American Sign Language is accepted as a world language.
College-Level Proficiency Skills in English and Mathematics
All transfer applicants must have demonstrated college-level proficiency in English and mathematics prior to being considered for admission. This can be achieved by having a minimum of three semester hours of approved college-level English composition and a minimum of three semester hours of approved college-level mathematics with no grade below “C.”
Freshman/Sophomore-Level Applicants
First-year and sophomore applicants (12–59 semester hours of transferable credit as determined by the Office of Admissions) must: submit official ACT and/or SAT results for every test taken and have a strong academic high school profile that is indicative of success at the college level. In addition, the applicant must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 on all attempted college courses. In calculating a GPA, we use all attempted courses (including D's, F's, and WF's) from every college the applicant has attended. If a course is repeated, we will use both grades. Applicants must also be in good academic standing with a minimum 2.0 calculated GPA at the last institution attended.
Note: Very few students who have less than a 3.0 calculated GPA will be admitted.
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree
Applicants who have received an Associate of Arts (AA) degree from a Florida public institution immediately prior to transferring receive priority consideration for admission, provided an application and all supporting documents have been received by the deadline.
Junior-Level Applicants
Junior applicants (60 to 89 semester hours of transferable credit as determined by the Office of Admissions) must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 on all attempted college courses. In calculating a transfer GPA, we use all attempted courses (including D's, F's, and WF's) from every college the student has attended. If a course is repeated, we will use both grades. Applicants must also be in good academic standing with a minimum 2.0 calculated GPA at the last institution attended. Note: Very few students with less than a 3.0 calculated GPA will be admitted.
Senior-Level Applicants
Senior applicants (90+ semester hours of transferable credit as determined by the Office of Admissions) must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 on all attempted college courses. In calculating the GPA, we use all attempted courses (including D's, F's, and WF's) from every college you attended. If a course is repeated, we will use both grades.
Additionally, the applicant must be in good academic standing and have at least a 2.0 calculated GPA on all work attempted at the last institution attended.
Note: Very few students with less than a 3.0 calculated GPA will be admitted.
Personal Statement
Applicants who will have attempted 90+ semester hours of college credit (including withdrawals and repeated courses) before enrolling at Florida State University must upload a personal statement addressing the reason(s) for transferring to FSU this late in the academic program. The persnal statement should also include a detailed plan for a timely graduation.
Major Requirements
All transfer applicants must meet requirements for admission to the University and to the major/program of interest. For information about a major/program of interest, refer to the “Academic Departments and Programs” section of this General Bulletin or https://www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/ for more details.
Note: Several specialized admission majors require additional application materials and/or have earlier application deadlines. See the department websites for instructions on how and when to apply for these programs.
Excess Credit Hour Surcharge
In 2009, the Florida Legislature implemented a new law (Section 1009.286, FS) to encourage students who enroll in a state university to complete the baccalaureate degree program as quickly and efficiently as possible. It established what is commonly referred to as an “Excess Credit Hour Surcharge” by charging an additional student payment to those students who do not complete the baccalaureate degree in a timely fashion. Accelerated coursework (AICE, AP, IB, CLEP, and dual enrollment) taken while in high school will not be considered in this hour count. To learn more about this surcharge, please visit https://registrar.fsu.edu/records/excess-hours.
Educator Preparation Programs
All students planning to pursue an educator preparation program at Florida State University must be formally admitted to Educator Preparation. Admission to Educator Preparation is administered by the Dean of the College of Education and assigned to the Office of Academic Services and Intern Support (OASIS), 2301 Stone Building. For more information on admission to educator preparation, see the “Admissions Standards for University Educator Preparation Programs” section of this Undergraduate Bulletin.
Application for admission to Educator Preparation is distinct from admission to an upper-division college or program and is a required step for graduation and certification.
Specialized Admissions Programs
Specialized admissions status is justified when 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 several 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 institutions and rising juniors at Florida State University.
Specialized admissions programs are offered by a number of different colleges. Please be aware that some programs only admit students once a year. For specific requirements for admission to a particular department or college, refer to the Program Description of the Academic Program Guide (https://academic-guide.fsu.edu).
International Students
International Admission
Applicants to Florida State University are considered international if they are not U.S. citizens, dual citizens, or Permanent Residents. The admission requirements and deadlines for international applicants can be found at the beginning of this chapter under “Admission from Secondary School” for first year and “Admission by Transfer” for transfers. In addition, international applicants must provide the Office of Admissions with the following:
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. Certified documents should be true copies that are signed and dated by an educational official familiar with academic records. Documents signed by a notary or other public official with no educational affiliation will not be accepted.
Transfer Credit
An official course-by-course evaluation is required of all academic records from non-U.S. institutions. We recommend the evaluation be done by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (https://www.naces.org).
English Proficiency Test
If an applicant's native language is not English, the applicant must submit a minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (IBTOEFL) or 6.5 on the Academic International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS), or 55 on the PTE (Pearson Test of English) examination, 55 on the MLA (Michigan Language Assessment), 120 on the Duolingo Examination, 180 on Cambridge C1 Advanced level or C2 Proficiency examinations, or the successful completion of Level 8 (Advanced Level) at Florida State University's Center for Intensive English Studies. Score reports are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency.
Notice of Admission
Formal notification of admission to Florida State University comes from the Office of Admissions and is for a specific term. After admission, the Center for Global Engagement will contact the students needing an F-1 or J-1 visa status with instructions on submitting all information and documents required to review eligibility to receive an I-20 or DS-2019. If the student is unable to enroll for the term indicated on the Application Status Check, the Office of Admissions should be informed immediately. If the student wishes to be reconsidered for a different term, the student must submit a new application and an application fee.
Center for Global Engagement
The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) provides immigration advising, programming, orientation, and other support services to international students. The CGE is responsible for issuing the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for students who will study with an F-1 visa and a DS-2019 for some students who will study with the J-1 visa. Outside agencies issue DS-2019 forms for sponsored J-1 students enrolling at FSU. New international students must confirm their arrival at FSU following instructions provided to them by the CGE. For more information about the CGE and specific requirements of F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrant status, international students should refer to https://cge.fsu.edu. All first year in college students and transfer (undergraduate) students must attend an orientation session through the Office of New Student and Family Programs. The required Center for Global Engagement orientation for international students is in addition to the required general orientation for all new students.
Finances
International students needing an I-20 or DS-2019 document to apply for an F-1 or J-1 student visa, or to apply to USCIS for a change of status, must demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources. After admission, the Center for Global Engagement provides information on the funding documents required and how to submit them. More information on financial requirements is available at https://cge.fsu.edu/international-students. In addition to providing the Center for Global Engagement with evidence of funding available for all expenses of the first year of study, international students must certify that funding will continue to be available for the duration of their academic program.
Students should have access to half of the estimated total yearly amount at the beginning of each semester since university fees must be paid upon registration at the start of each term. Students should also be prepared for initial expenses such as housing deposits, insurance, utilities, etc. The most up-to-date cost estimates for international students can be found at https://cge.fsu.edu/international-students/new-students.
On-campus employment opportunities are limited, and international students are not permitted to work off campus except under special circumstances.
If the student's government limits the amount of money that can be sent to students in the United States, the applicant should make sure that they have access to funds that are sufficient to cover all costs while 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.
Passports and Visas
International students admitted to FSU and coming from abroad need a valid passport from their own government and an F-1 or J-1 visa (unless a qualified citizen of Canada or Bermuda) obtained by application though a United States Embassy/Consulate. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date the student plans to enter the United States.
Health Insurance and Immunization Requirements
Florida State University requires all students to have adequate health insurance coverage and the Florida Board of Governors mandates specific levels of coverage for F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 enrolled international students. In addition, international students with J-1 visa status who will be accompanied by J-2 dependents are required by federal regulations to purchase health insurance coverage for them. For more information regarding the health insurance requirement, refer to https://uhs.fsu.edu. All students must be immunized according to state of Florida requirements and must submit proof of each immunization prior to registration.
Center for Intensive English Studies
English is the official language of instruction and communication at the University. International applicants who lack sufficient English language 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. Florida State University offers such a program through the Frederick L. Jenks Center for Intensive English Studies. Detailed information on the Center may be obtained at https://cies.fsu.edu.
Successful completion of English studies at the Frederick L. Jenks Center for Intensive English Studies does not guarantee admission to Florida State University.
Admission to Graduate Study
Admission to graduate study involves admission to the department 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 minimums. The student should determine departmental requirements first and then determine the University admission requirements. Consult the Graduate Bulletin for complete details.
Admission to the Panama City Campus
Undergraduate students who are interested in attending the Panama City campus should request information from the Panama City Office of Admissions and Records, Florida State University, 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City, FL 32405-1099, or apply online at https://pc.fsu.edu/admissions. The same policies, procedures, and requirements that pertain to first year and transfer students at the Tallahassee campus apply to the Panama City campus.
Deadlines for applications and supporting documents at the FSU Panama City campus are typically one month prior to the start of each term. Further information is available by calling the Office of Admissions and Records on the Panama City campus at (850) 770-2160 or by visiting https://pc.fsu.edu/admissions.
Continuous Enrollment
Please refer to the “Academic Regulations and Procedures” chapter in this General Bulletin for continuous enrollment policies.
Readmission
Returning students seeking readmission to any student status, including undergraduate degree-seeking or non-degree seeking students who: (1) have been absent from the University for three or more consecutive terms (including Summer); (2) have been dismissed from the University and have been absent for three or more consecutive terms (including Summer); (3) have withdrawn from the University and have been absent for three or more consecutive terms (including Summer); (4) have had their last term of enrollment at the University administratively cancelled and have been absent for three or more consecutive terms (including Summer); or (5) have earned a bachelor's degree from the University and wish to pursue a second bachelor's degree, must submit an application for readmission to the Office of Admissions. Academically dismissed students are not eligible for readmission unless they have been reinstated by their academic dean. Reinstatement does not guarantee a favorable readmission decision or admission into a specific major. Refer to the ‘Dismissal and Reinstatement' section of the “Academic Regulations and Procedures” chapter of this General Bulletin.
Students who have attempted college work (including correspondence work) at any college or university since their last enrollment at Florida State University must have official transcripts sent 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,” notarized transcripts, or transcripts submitted by the applicant are not considered official.
The University reserves the right to deny admission to any student that has an unsatisfactory academic, conduct, health, or behavioral record. The University reserves the right to place additional criteria or other requirements on an offer of admission to an applicant. The University further reserves the right to deny (temporarily or permanently) or revoke admission to any applicant who has exhibited behavior that has severely disrupted, impeded, or obstructed normal University operations or otherwise threatened the safety or well-being of the University community.
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 and/or conduct reasons may appeal by filing a written petition to the Admissions Committee through the Director of Admissions.
The readmission application and all supporting documents should be submitted by the published deadline of the term for which readmission is desired. (Consult the “University Calendar” chapter of this General Bulletin for specific deadlines.)
Readmitted students are subject to retention requirements in effect at the time of readmission. In addition, students claiming Florida residency must reestablish their eligibility for this classification when applying for readmission.
Readmission after Multiple Withdrawals
When a student has withdrawn from the University three or more times, subsequent readmission must first be considered by a committee whose charge is to assess the student's capability of making satisfactory progress toward a 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.
Non-Degree Seeking Student Admission
Enrollment as a non-degree seeking student is subject to approval by the Office of Admissions and may be open to high school and college graduates. Refer to the ‘Admission Requirements' and ‘Admission by Transfer' sections of this chapter for enrollment requirements. Applicants who have been denied admission as a degree-seeking student or who missed the deadline for submitting a degree-seeking application will not be considered for enrollment as a non-degree student. Students intending to register for graduate coursework under the non-degree status should consult the Graduate Bulletin for details. The University reserves the right to deny admission to any student that has an unsatisfactory academic, conduct, health, or behavioral record. The University reserves the right to place additional criteria or other requirements on an offer of admission to an applicant. The University further reserves the right to deny (temporarily or permanently) or revoke admission to any applicant who has exhibited behavior that has severely disrupted, impeded, or obstructed normal University operations or otherwise threatened the safety or well-being of the University community.
The completed non-degree seeking student application must be accompanied by a $30.00 nonrefundable processing fee and all supporting documents. Applications should be submitted for consideration one semester prior to the desired term of enrollment. Consult the “University Calendar” chapter of this General Bulletin for specific application deadlines. The University reserves the right to close the application process earlier than the published deadlines if warranted by enrollment limitations.
A non-degree seeking student at Florida State University who subsequently decides to pursue a degree must apply for admission through the Office of Admissions. The student may be reclassified as a regular undergraduate student upon meeting undergraduate admission requirements. Enrollment as a non-degree seeking student does not guarantee admission to an undergraduate program.
Work taken as a non-degree seeking student does not automatically carry undergraduate degree credit; however, up to fifteen semester hours earned as a non-degree seeking student may be applied toward an undergraduate degree with approval of the appropriate dean after degree-seeking status is obtained.
The University generally does not issue I-20 or DS-2019 visa documents for international non-degree seeking students. Questions related to international students and non-degree study should be e-mailed to the Center for Global Engagement at CGE@fsu.edu.
All registration by non-degree seeking students is on a space-available basis and, in some cases, may require departmental approval. For more complete details, see the “Academic Regulations and Procedures” chapter of this General Bulletin.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University/Florida State University Interinstitutional Registration
A Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) student planning to participate in the Cooperative Program at Florida State University must obtain specific approval from the designated representative in the Office of the Registrar at FAMU. Approval is also required from the department offering the course at FSU. The completed co-op application must be returned to the Office of the Registrar at FAMU by the published deadline. (Consult the “University Calendar” chapter of this General Bulletin for specific application deadlines.) If approval to co-op is granted, the student will be registered for courses at Florida State University by a representative in the Office of the University Registrar at FSU. Some courses may have limited availability, and registration for these courses may be denied or delayed until drop/add at the beginning of the term. The approval of one institution does not bind the other to comply. All tuition and fees are paid at FAMU unless the course has additional departmental fees associated with it. Any departmental fees will be paid at FSU. Florida State University students planning to co-op at FAMU should refer to the “Academic Regulations and Procedures” chapter of this General Bulletin.
Interinstitutional Transient Students
A student at another institution who wishes to take advantage of special resources and/or programs not available at the 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. A Florida State University student wishing to enroll as a transient at another institution should refer to the “Academic Regulations and Procedures” chapter of this General Bulletin.
Note: Academic rules governing regular students (e.g., fees, drop/add, withdrawal, grading policies, etc.) apply to transient students.