Freshman Requirements
Admission Criteria
Admission to Florida State University requires graduation from a regionally accredited high school with certain high school academic units, a cumulative grade point average in those academic units, and test scores as outlined below. Satisfying these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Florida students applying to the University should present at least an "A-/B+" average in all academic subjects (additional weight is assigned to Honors, Dual Enrollment, AICE, AP, and IB coursework) and test scores of at least 24 (composite) on the ACT or 1620 (total) on the SAT. The profile for non-Florida applicants is higher.
A variety of other factors are also considered in the review process. These include the written essay, the pattern and quality of courses and curriculum, grade trends, class rank, and educational objectives. Applicants who bring other important attributes to the University community may also receive additional consideration. These applicants include students applying to CARE, visual and performing artists, and skilled athletes.
Applicants interested in majoring in music; dance; theatre; or motion picture, television, and recording arts should contact the academic department directly.
Required High School Course Units
- 4 units of English (at least three with substantial writing requirements)
- 3 units of mathematics (Algebra I level and higher)
- 3 units of natural science (at least two with laboratory)
- 3 units of social science
- 2 sequential units of the same foreign language
- 3 elective units, preferably from English, mathematics, natural science, social science, and/or foreign language areas
The units listed above represent the minimum required for admission consideration. The typical student coming to FSU has 4.5 units of English, 5 units of math, 4 units of natural science, 4.5 units of social science, and 3 units of foreign language.
ACT/SAT Information
- Applicants may take both exams, since FSU uses the best composite/total score for admission purposes.
- Applicants may take each exam more than once, since FSU uses the highest subscores to create the ACT composite and SAT total.
- In addition to the applicant's overall composite on the ACT or total score on the SAT, FSU has minimum subscores for each exam:
- Writing · 21 on the ACT English or 500 on the SAT critical reading;
- Math · 21 on the ACT math or 500 on the SAT math; and
- Reading · 22 on the ACT reading or 500 on the SAT critical reading.
Having these minimum subscores does not guarantee admission. Most students admitted to FSU have higher subscores. - ACT scores from the February 7 testing date are the latest scores FSU will consider in the admission process for applicants applying for the summer or fall terms.
Admission Criteria for the University Honors Program
The University Honors Program allows FSU's most promising students to take advantage of the many resources available at a major research university. It connects talented students with faculty in world-class research and creative endeavors. The program is designed to help participants develop into excellent scholars, effective community leaders, and professional innovators. Students who are admitted into the Honors Program also have the opportunity to apply for the Honors Scholar medical and legal programs, two professional-track programs that give undergraduates a headstart in these careers.
Admission into the University Honors Program is by invitation and is based on an evaluation of the entire record that a student has submitted to the University during the general admission process. Students who receive a letter of invitation typically have a 3.9+ weighted high school academic GPA and a 29+ (composite) ACT or a 1910+ (total) SAT score.
Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE)
Through the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement, Florida State University offers a special admission program dedicated to assisting those 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.
Most of the participants selected will be first-generation college students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who will enter CARE in the summer. For those who qualify for need-based state or federal financial aid, room, board, tuition, and books will be fully covered during the initial summer term. Interested students should submit the application for admission to the University, a supplemental CARE application, a short essay describing why the student wants to participate in CARE, and two letters of recommendation (one from a school guidance counselor).