Counselor Portal (Slate.org)
Slate.org is a free tool that allows high school and independent counselors to view their students' application status. Counselors are also able to upload official transcripts, add a school profile, and other documents through this portal.
To register, visit Slate.org and click the registration link in the center of the page. The first counselor to register from a school will be the designated person to manage permissions for that specific school. Click the following link for a video overview of how to register and manage your school's Slate.org profile.
Counselor Resources
Major Information
FAFSA Resources
AXS Toolbox for Counselors
The AXS Toolbox is a free resource designed to empower counselors in assisting students through the Common App using AXS Companion, a 501(c)3, NACAC-approved platform.
The goals of AXS Companion and AXS Toolbox:
- Increase student success in completing Common App
- Streamline applications for students, counselors, and families
- Simplify the seemingly overwhelming application process with clear, easy-to-follow instructions
- Support high school counselors to save valuable time and onramp new staff
AXS Toolbox was created for counselors by counselors and contains customizable lesson plans & slides, video tutorials, interactive student worksheets, and a wealth of resources.
AXS Toolbox for Counselors transcript
Highlights
Best Value College in Florida
The Princeton Review, 2026
Four-Year
Graduation Rate
Top 9 in the nation among
public institutions
Top Public University in America
Niche, 2026
Retention Rate
Top 4 in the nation among public institutions
Student-to-Faculty
Ratio
Undergraduates Conducting Research
Deadlines
Students’ admissions application and all required supporting documents must be received by their preferred application deadline.
- At least one test score must be submitted before the application deadline, but additional tests may be considered if provided by these dates. Please note: FSU does not accept self-reported test scores from the Common App. Students should self-report their test scores on the Admissions Portal using the Self-reported Test Scores form.
- February test scores are the last exam date that can be used for admissions purposes.
- Admissions decisions are made available through the Admissions Portal.
| Early Decision | |
| Eligible Applicants: | Domestic Students (No Talent-Based Majors or CARE Summer Bridge) |
| Application Deadline: | October 15 |
| Materials Deadline: | October 22 |
| Additional Test Score Deadline: | December 1 |
| Decision Release Date: | December 17 |
| Decision Type: | Binding |
| Deposit Due Date: | January 15 |
| Early Action | |
| Eligible Applicants: | FL Residents Only |
| Application Deadline: | October 15 |
| Materials Deadline: | October 22 |
| Additional Test Score Deadline: | December 1 |
| Decision Release Date: | December 17 |
| Decision Type: | Non-binding |
| Deposit Due Date: | May 1 |
| Regular Decision | |
| Eligible Applicants: | All Students |
| Application Deadline: | December 1 |
| Materials Deadline: | December 8 |
| Additional Test Score Deadline: | January 1 |
| Decision Release Date: | February 18 |
| Decision Type: | Non-binding |
| Deposit Due Date: | May 1 |
| Rolling | |
| Eligible Applicants: | All Students |
| Application Deadline: | March 1 |
| Materials Deadline: | March 8 |
| Additional Test Score Deadline: | March 8 |
| Decision Release Date: | Rolling basis in April |
| Decision Type: | Non-binding |
| Deposit Due Date: | May 1 |
For information about potential decisions for each release, please visit https://admissions.fsu.edu/first-year/decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Application Plans
What is Early Decision?
Early Decision at Florida State University is an application plan for students who are certain that FSU is their first-choice institution. By applying Early Decision, students are committing to enroll if admitted.
Early Decision is binding, meaning admitted students must:
- Withdraw all other college applications
- Submit the enrollment deposit by January 15
- Register for orientation once available
Students applying Early Decision may still apply to other institutions through non-binding Early Action, Regular Decision, or Rolling Admission, as long as they do not apply to another binding plan and they honor policies at restrictive Early Action schools.
All Early Decision applicants must complete an Early Decision Agreement, signed by the student, a parent/guardian, and a school counselor, confirming their understanding of the binding commitment. Early Decision decisions are released in December.
When will Early Decision applicants receive a decision?
Early Decision applicants will receive an admissions decision on December 17.
How should I choose my decision plan?
Apply Early Decision if FSU is your clear first choice and you feel that your grades and test scores already represent your strongest work. Because Early Decision is binding, you must be prepared to enroll if admitted and be comfortable with your anticipated financial commitment. Families considering Early Decision are encouraged to use the Net Price Calculator to estimate potential costs and aid eligibility.
You should apply Early Action (FL residents only) or Regular Decision if you are still exploring your college options, are not prepared to meet the October 15 application deadline, plan to take additional standardized tests, or prefer to compare admissions offers, merit scholarships, and financial aid packages before making your final choice. Both Early Action and Regular Decision are non-binding and give you until May 1 to make your college choice.
Other key considerations:
- Students applying to FSU through talent-based programs (Acting BFA, Athletics, Dance, Film, Music, Music Theatre, Stage Management BFA, and Studio Art BFA) or the CARE Summer Bridge Program are not eligible to apply for Early Decision
- Merit scholarship funds are limited, so priority consideration for merit scholarships is given to students applying Early Decision and Early Action
- In some limited cases, students may request to be released from their Early Decision contract for financial reasons or extenuating circumstances. These scenarios are evaluated on a case-by-case basis after discussions with your family, Financial Aid, and the Office of Admissions
| Early Decision | |
| Eligible Applicants: | Domestic Students (No Talent-Based Majors or CARE Summer Bridge) |
| Application Deadline: | October 15 |
| Materials Deadline: | October 22 |
| Additional Test Score Deadline: | December 1 |
| Decision Release Date: | December 17 |
| Decision Type: | Binding |
| Deposit Due Date: | January 15 |
| Early Action | |
| Eligible Applicants: | FL Residents Only |
| Application Deadline: | October 15 |
| Materials Deadline: | October 22 |
| Additional Test Score Deadline: | December 1 |
| Decision Release Date: | December 17 |
| Decision Type: | Non-binding |
| Deposit Due Date: | May 1 |
| Regular Decision | |
| Eligible Applicants: | All Students |
| Application Deadline: | December 1 |
| Materials Deadline: | December 8 |
| Additional Test Score Deadline: | January 1 |
| Decision Release Date: | February 18 |
| Decision Type: | Non-binding |
| Deposit Due Date: | May 1 |
| Rolling | |
| Eligible Applicants: | All Students |
| Application Deadline: | March 1 |
| Materials Deadline: | March 8 |
| Additional Test Score Deadline: | March 8 |
| Decision Release Date: | Rolling basis in April |
| Decision Type: | Non-binding |
| Deposit Due Date: | May 1 |
*Students applying to FSU through talent-based programs (Acting BFA, Athletics, Dance, Film, Music, Music Theatre, Stage Management BFA, and Studio Art BFA), the CARE Summer Bridge Program, or international applicants, are not eligible to apply for Early Decision
What are some reasons why a student would choose to apply Early Decision?
Early Decision may appeal to students who want to show their commitment to FSU, focus on one application, and/or receive an earlier decision. Early Decision applicants are reviewed using the same holistic process as all other applicants. You should only apply Early Decision if FSU is your clear first choice and your academic record is strongest based on your 9th–11th grade performance and current ACT/CLT/SAT scores.
Are there any students that are not eligible to apply for Early Decision?
Early Decision is only available to domestic students; international applicants should apply through Regular Decision.
Students applying to FSU for talent-based programs (Acting BFA, Athletics, Dance, Film, Music, Music Theatre BFA, Stage Management BFA, and Studio Art) or the CARE Summer Bridge Program are also not eligible to apply for Early Decision. These programs use separate, specialized review processes with varying timelines that do not align with a binding admissions plan.
Do Early Decision admits have early access to housing or orientation?
Admitted Early Action and Early Decision students who have submitted their admissions deposit gain access to orientation when registration opens in mid-January, and students admitted in later rounds will be able to register for orientation after they have submitted their admissions deposit. Housing contracts are available in late February to all admitted students.
What do I need to do to apply Early Decision?
To apply Early Decision, eligible students must submit their FSU application through the Common App by October 15, select “Early Decision” as their preferred application plan, and submit all required materials by October 22.
A complete Early Decision application includes:
- Signed Early Decision Agreement
- Self-reported ACT/CLT/SAT test scores
- Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)
- Essay
- Resume/List of activities
- Florida residents should complete the Residency Declaration Form
The Early Decision Agreement must be signed by the student, a parent/guardian, and a school counselor. This form confirms an understanding of the binding nature of Early Decision.
If students plan on submitting additional standardized test scores, they must be provided by December 1 by updating the Self-reported Test Scores form on their Admissions Portal.
Note: If submitting the Common Application in early August, students may experience a delayed confirmation email due to the annual Common App rollout later in the month - this is normal and not a cause for concern.
How can I apply for financial aid through Early Decision?
Students applying early who wish to be considered for need-based financial aid should submit the FAFSA (available on October 1) by December 1. Early Decision and Early Action students who meet this deadline should receive their financial aid package in January. Be sure to submit all required documents, as missing materials may delay your offer.
Families considering Early Decision are encouraged to use the Net Price Calculator to estimate potential costs and aid eligibility.
Am I considered for scholarships in Early Decision?
Yes. Early Decision applicants receive full consideration for admissions merit scholarships, and no separate application is required. Any scholarship awards will be included with the Early Decision admission notification. Scholarships associated with the University Honors Program (such as Presidential Scholars) are released on a later timeline.
Can I apply to Honors in Early Decision?
Early Decision applicants may apply for the University Honors Program by submitting the Honors Application by December 1. All Honors decisions will be released on February 18.
Can I change my decision plan?
Yes, students may change their application plan through December 1 if they have met the requirements and deadlines for their desired plan (i.e., Out-of-state students cannot switch into Early Action). Applicants can submit the change request using the Application Update Form on their Admission Portal. If switching to Early Decision from Early Action/Regular Decision, the applicant, a parent/guardian, and a school counselor will also need to complete the Early Decision Agreement.
What decisions could I receive in Early Decision?
Early Decision applicants will receive one of these decisions on December 17: Admit, Defer, or Deny
- Admit – You are admitted to FSU for the summer or fall term. Because Early Decision is binding, you must pay your enrollment deposit by January 15 and withdraw all other college applications.
- Defer – Your application will be reviewed again during Regular Decision, thus releasing you from your Early Decision Agreement. Deferred students must complete the Deferral Reply Form to remain under consideration and will receive a final decision on February 18.
- Deny – We are unable to offer you admission to FSU or reconsider you in another application round. We encourage you to reapply in the future after earning an Associate in Arts degree or completing 60+ semester hours.
What happens if I am admitted through Early Decision?
Students admitted through Early Decision must submit their enrollment deposit by January 15 and withdraw their applications to all other universities to secure their place in the incoming first-year class.
Can I change my mind after being admitted in Early Decision?
Early Decision is a binding commitment, but in rare and exceptional cases, students may request to be released from the agreement. Release requests are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis and will include the Office of Admissions, Financial Aid, and your family.
The most common reason a student may be released from their Early Decision commitment is a significant change in financial circumstances. If the applicant’s family experiences a financial hardship, such as loss of income, they should contact the Office of Admissions to discuss their options.
If a release from the Early Decision agreement is granted, their acceptance is withdrawn and the applicant cannot be reconsidered for admission in a later, non‑binding round.
What happens if I am deferred in Early Decision?
Students deferred from Early Decision are released from the binding Early Decision commitment and are no longer required to enroll if admitted. Deferred students are still under active consideration and will receive a decision on February 18. To receive a final decision, deferred applicants must complete the Deferral Reply Form on their Admissions Portal.
If you are admitted in February, applicants will have until May 1 to decide whether to enroll.
For information about potential decisions for each release, please visit the Office of Admissions Decisions page.
University Honors Program
To apply for the University Honors Program, on the admissions application students should select Yes to the question "Are you interested in applying to the University Honors Program?" By selecting Yes, the supplemental application will appear on the Admissions Portal. For detailed instructions on how to complete your supplemental Honors Application, visit the Honors website. To be considered for the University Honors Program, you must complete the Honors Application by December 1.
Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE)
The Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) at Florida State University is committed to the successful retention and graduation of undergraduate students who have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
CARE offers three programs to assist students in the transition from high school to college.
Summer Bridge Program
The CARE Summer Bridge Program (SBP) provides comprehensive orientation and academic support designed to ease the transition from high school to college while building a strong academic foundation for the student's start at FSU. After the first summer semester, students are supported in accomplishing academic and personal goals through graduation. The Summer Bridge Program is designed for students in the State of Florida who are first-generation and have the support of the Federal Pell grant. The Summer Bridge Program comes with a $10,000 grant distributed throughout eight semesters in $1,250 increments at the beginning of each fall and spring semester.
To apply for the CARE Summer Bridge Program, students should select Yes to the question "Are you interested in the CARE Summer Bridge Program?" on the admissions application. By selecting Yes, the supplemental application will appear on the Admissions Portal. For detailed instructions on how to complete your supplemental CARE Application, visit the CARE website.
QUEST Scholars Program
The QUEST Scholars Program is designed to invest in students for their success at FSU and beyond. QUEST Scholars can expect to have access to transition, academic and developmental services to thrive at Florida State and set the stage for a positive post-graduation experience. The QUEST Program supports students who are first-generation or from select schools or communities. The QUEST Program comes with a $6,000 scholarship distributed throughout eight semesters in $750 increments at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. In addition, there is the opportunity to earn up to $2,000 (one-time award) in funding assistance for an experiential learning experience to support internships.
To be considered for QUEST, students should select Yes to the question "Are you interested in being considered for the QUEST Scholars and/or Illuminate Scholars and Enrichment programs?" on the admissions application.
Illuminate Scholars and Enrichment Program
The Illuminate Program exists to promote high levels of engagement in experiential learning, leadership development and personal growth. Students engage in workshops, receive individualized support and are assisted in gaining valuable skills for a thriving college life. The program focuses on students pursuing their bachelor's degree with support of the Federal Pell Grant. The Illuminate Scholars Program comes with a $6,000 scholarship distributed throughout eight semesters in $750 increments at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. In addition, there is the opportunity to earn up to $2,000 (one-time award) in funding assistance for an experiential learning experience to support internships.
To be considered for Illuminate, students should select Yes to the question "Are you interested in being considered for the QUEST Scholars and/or Illuminate Scholars and Enrichment programs?" on the admissions application.
Both QUEST and Illuminate are by invitation only post-acceptance to the university.
What We're Looking For
Our application review process is a holistic and selective process, where no single criterion guarantees admission. Our holistic review process is centered on three of our institutional core values - Vires, Artes, Mores.
Vires
Strength
The first torch, Vires, is strength. Our focus in this area is rigor, grades, and courses taken while in high school. Each applicant is evaluated based upon the performance within the context of the student's academic environment.
Transcripts - GPA - Course Rigor - Test Scores - High School Profile
Artes
Skill
The second torch, Artes, is skill. We want to see how students use their out-of-classroom time, whether through sports, clubs, organizations, family responsibilities, employment, or other achievements.
Resume - Academic and Non-academic Involvement
Mores
Character
The third torch, Mores, is character. We are taking the information students have shared with us to learn who they are, any formative experiences they may have had, and what their life goals may be.
Essay - Resume
Additional consideration will also be given to applicants applying to the CARE Summer Bridge Program, as well as exceptionally talented visual and performing artists and athletes.
Admitted Student Profile
4.3 - 4.6
Core GPA
31 - 34
ACT
1380 - 1480
SAT
* Represents the middle 50% of all admitted students for Fall 2026.
Academic Information
The Florida Board of Governors sets the minimum eligibility requirements in the State University System (SUS). Satisfying these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to Florida State University. Admission is selective, and admitted students typically exceed the minimum requirements.
Minimum Courses Required
English (4), Math (4), Natural Science (3), Social Science (3), World Language (2 sequential)
Average Courses Completed
by 2025 Accepted Students
The STARS Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System
All first-year applicants must complete a STARS Record except:
- Applicants who have not followed an academic curriculum patterned after the U.S. system - must submit official or certified copies of all secondary school records and/or examination results. This includes students who have attended an institution not patterned after the U.S. system for any length of time. All academic records not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. In addition, these credentials must be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency. We recommend a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or International Education Credential Services provided by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
- GED graduates - students must submit their official GED transcript, along with official partial high school transcript(s).
The STARS Record lists all courses and associated grades that have been attempted, or will be attempted, for high school and/or college credit. When creating their STARS Record, students must have a copy of their high school transcript available to use as a reference to ensure their self-reported academic information is accurate. Students can link their STARS Record through their Admissions Portal. Please allow one to two business days after linking for the checklist item to be satisfied.
For more information on the STARS Record, please refer to our STARS FAQ.
Applying to FSU Link Your STARS Record Through Your Admissions Portal transcript
Test Score Information
FSU, along with Florida's 11 other public universities, is subject to Florida Board of Governors admissions regulation 6.002 which requires first-year students seeking admission to submit an ACT, CLT, or SAT test score.
When evaluating students for admission, we use the highest earned ACT, CLT, and SAT sub scores to calculate the highest ACT, CLT and/or SAT total score (a process known as "super scoring"). FSU considers scores from every individual test date to ensure the highest possible superscore. Lower scores from any test date will not negatively impact a student's admission decision.
FSU does not accept self-reported test scores from the Common App. Students should self-report their test scores on the Admissions Portal using the Self-Reported Test Scores form.
At least one test score must be submitted before the application deadline, but additional tests may be considered if provided by the test score deadline. Since accuracy is critical, students must have a copy of their score report(s) available to reference when self-reporting their scores. We strongly recommend using your complete score report when completing the Self-Reported Test Scores form. To complete this form, you must list at least one set of test scores. If admitted, student will be required to submit official test score reports prior to enrollment at FSU.
In May 2023, the Classic Learning Initiatives, Inc. published The Concordance Relationship Between the Classic Learning Test (CLT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), establishing a concordance table between the CLT and the SAT.
Starting in April 2025, the ACT exam no longer requires the Science subsection, though the 1-36 scoring scale remains unchanged. Beginning with the 2025-26 application cycle, FSU will no longer require a Science score to be eligible for admission. The ACT composite score (or, if using multiple test attempts, the composite superscore) used by FSU for admissions will now only include the English, Mathematics, and Reading subsections.
Guidance from the state of Florida is:
| Florida Board of Governors | The ACT Science subsection is not required for admission to Florida public universities under FL BOG 6.008. |
| Florida Department of Education | Starting with the 2025-2026 graduating class, the ACT Science section is optional for Bright Futures. The ACT composite score will be calculated using the following policies:
|
Applying to FSU Self-Report Your Test Scores Through Your Admissions Portal transcript
Essay & Resume
The essay and resume provide another opportunity to learn more about you.
The essay, a required component of the application, should be no longer than 650 words, and may be uploaded after the application has been submitted. Please choose a topic from the list below:
Application Essay Prompts
- Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
- The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
- Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
- Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
- Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
- Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
The resume should be no longer than two pages, and may be uploaded after the application has been submitted. It should include a list of activities such as (but not limited to) service work, employment, family contributions such as caring for siblings or sick relatives, and extracurricular and summer activities.
Please allow 3-4 business days for us to pull your essay and resume/activities if you submitted your application through the Common App.
Earning both a High School Diploma and an Associate in Arts (AA) degree
A high school student earning both the standard high school diploma and an Associate in Arts (AA) degree through dual enrollment from the Florida College System or the State University System of Florida must apply to FSU as a first-year student. Applicants must adhere to the first-year admission deadlines. In addition, applicants may be subject to additional major deadlines/requirements. Carefully review all major requirements at the Academic Program Guide.
Those students who are receiving an AA degree but do not meet the admissions requirements under the Florida Board of Governors Admission Regulation 6.002, will automatically be considered for admission under Florida Board of Governors Admission Regulation 6.005, provided the expected AA is indicated on the admission application. Students admitted under this regulation are first-time-in-college (FTIC) students although they are not required to submit ACT, CLT, or SAT scores. However, they should meet the requirements for their selected major as listed in FSU's Academic Program Guide. If admitted, they must submit a $200 enrollment deposit, attend a first-year orientation session, and are eligible to apply for on-campus housing. Admitted students without a test score are not eligible to be considered for first-year merit scholarships from the Office of Admissions. Students considered for admission under FL BOG 6.005 will be required to submit all official college transcript(s) for evaluation prior to an admission offer being made; they must also provide a final official college transcript displaying the A.A. before enrolling at FSU. Any FTIC student admitted under this regulation must immediately notify the Office of Admissions if they will not receive their degree. All first-year students admitted under this regulation who do not receive the Associate in Arts degree will have their offer of admission revoked.
University Housing
Students who have been admitted for the Summer or Fall term are eligible to complete a housing contract. The university housing contract opens in late February each year. Florida State has 18 residence halls in total; 14 of the residence halls are reserved for first-year students. Students may also want to consider applying to live in a Living-Learning Community (LLC). An LLC is a small group of students who live together, share an interest, and take one or two of their classes together - usually in a small classroom inside their residence hall. On-campus housing is not required, but strongly encouraged for first-year students. On-campus housing is limited, so we encourage admitted students to complete a contract as soon as possible if they are interested in living on-campus. Students do not need to pay their admissions deposit to submit a university housing contract. The housing contract and pre-payment should be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than May 1. To learn more, visit housing.fsu.edu.
FSU Online Educational Leadership / Administration Certificate
In our Educational Leadership/Administration certificate program, you will master a core of professional and theoretical knowledge and demonstrate skills in applied research and the practice of leadership. The program is approved by the Florida Department of Education, incorporates a core of professional knowledge, includes an experiential component, and facilitates mastery of the Florida Principal Leadership Standards in educational leadership. For more information, visit the College of Education certificate program website.
Please note: To be admitted to the program, you must be a Florida teacher with a current Florida professional teaching certificate and have at least two years of full-time PK-12 classroom teaching experience.
The Office of Admissions maintains a social media presence on X formally known as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube where we share information, engage with the community, and offer customer support.