Freshman Requirements
Admission Criteria
Admission to The Florida State University is competitive. It requires graduation from a regionally accredited high school with certain high school academic units, a cumulative grade point average (GPA) in those academic units, and test scores as outlined on this page. Satisfying these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
The academic profile of the middle 50 percent of freshmen accepted in 2009 was:
3.5-4.1 academic GPA;
25-29 ACT composite; 1700-1930 SAT total
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.
Required High School Course Units
The units listed below represent the minimum required for admission consideration:
- 4 units of English, at least three with substantial writing requirements
- 3 units of mathematics at the Algebra I level and higher (beginning in 2011, a freshman applicant must successfully complete four units in mathematics, all of which must be at the 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 the English, mathematics, natural science, social science, or foreign language areas
The typical student accepted to Florida State has 4.5 units of English, 5 units of math, 4.5 units of natural science, 5 units of social science, and 3.5 units of foreign language.
Calculation of High School Academic GPA
The Office of Admissions recalculates all grade point averages - we do not use the GPAs listed on your high school transcript or report card. Only academic subjects will be used in the recalculation. Grades of C- or better in dual enrollment, AICE, AP, and IB coursework will receive 1 full bonus point in the calculation; grades of C- or better in honors, pre-AICE, pre-AP, and pre-IB will receive 1/2 bonus point. For repeated courses, we will only forgive a low grade if the exact course has been repeated (i.e. Algebra I will not replace an Algebra I honors grade - both courses will be used in the recalculation).
ACT/SAT Information
- Applicants may take both exams, since we use the best composite/total score for admission purposes.
- Applicants may take each exam more than once, since we use 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, the following minimum subscores are required:
- Writing - 21 on the ACT English or 21 on the ACT E/W or 500 on the SAT writing;
- Math - 21 on the ACT math or 500 on the SAT math
- Reading - 22 on the ACT reading or 500 on the SAT critical reading
- The January 23, 2010 SAT and February 6, 2010 ACT are the latest tests that we will use in the admission process for applicants applying for the summer or fall term.
Having these minimum subscores does not guarantee admission. The typical student admitted to the University has higher subscores.
Homeschooled and GED Information
Florida State University will consider applications from students who are educated through a homeschooled program who meet the above requirements for admission. The prospective student should submit a homeschooled transcript that includes a list of all coursework (both completed and in progress), showing final grades and units earned for each course completed. A brief description of each course the student has taken or is planning to take (with information regarding the teaching materials including the title and author of all textbooks, DVDs, and other teaching materials utilized) and the methods used for evaluation should accompany the homeschooled transcript. If homeschooled applicants previously attended another school, or have completed courses through the Florida Virtual School or through dual enrollment at a local college or university, official transcripts are required, and those courses should also be reflected on the homeschooled transcript.
Applicants who present a GED will also be considered for admission. Official GED results, a partial high school transcript, and ACT and/or SAT results must be submitted.
Admission Criteria for the University Honors Program
The University Honors Program allows our 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 Medical and Legal Scholars programs, two professional-track programs that give undergraduates a head start in these careers.
Admission into the University Honors Program is by invitation and is based on an evaluation of a student's entire record. Students who receive a letter of invitation typically have a 3.9+ weighted high school academic GPA and a 29+ ACT composite or 1910+ SAT total.
Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE)
Through the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement, Florida State University offers a special Summer Bridge Program dedicated to assisting those who have been disadvantaged due to economic, educational, or cultural circumstances. Starting in the summer, CARE provides a comprehensive program of orientation and academic support designed to ease the transition from high school to college and build a strong academic foundation.
Most of the participants selected will be first-generation college students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Those who qualify for need-based state or federal financial aid will have their room, board, tuition, books, and health insurance (if needed) fully covered without loans during the initial summer term.
Interested students should submit the application for admission to the University, the supplemental Summer Bridge Program application, available at www.care.fsu.edu/, a short essay describing why they want to participate in CARE, two letters of recommendation (one from a high school guidance counselor), and 2008 tax information. Applicants must complete the 2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible and also submit the 2010-2011 FAFSA after it becomes available in January 2010.