First-Year Applicant

Ready to take the first step on your FIU journey? From our lush, expansive campus grounds to our nationally-ranked research programs to our diverse student population, there are a million reasons to choose FIU. We’re creating more opportunities for first-year students like you every term. Follow this checklist to apply. If you need help, contact an admissions counselor.

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Get guidance from application to graduation. Visit the I’m First website or talk with an FIU admissions counselor for advice on your FIU journey.

1. Take the SAT, ACT or CLT

Students should take the SAT, ACT, and/or CLT in their junior year, but no later than the fall of their senior year. Test scores submitted after the deadline will not be considered for applications or scholarships for the upcoming term. Official scores for the SAT can be sent through CollegeBoard.org (code: 5206), ACT scores through ACT.org (code: 0776), and CLT scores through cltexam.com.

*Effective April 2025, the Science section of the ACT exam is optional, and composite scores are based on the average of English, math, and reading sections. Beginning with the 2025-26 application, FIU will no longer require a science score to be eligible for admission. The ACT composite score (or, if using multiple test attempts, the composite super-score) used by FIU for admissions will now only include the English, mathematics, and reading subsections.

Example:

• Applicant took the ACT on February 8, 2025, and earned a 25 English, 24 math, 23 reading, 26 sciences = 24.5
• Applicant took the ACT AGAIN on September 6, 2025, and earned a 24 English, 23 math, 25 reading = 24
• The applicant's composite super-score would be 25 English, 24 math, 25 reading = 25

The composite super-score would include only the English + math + reading subsection scores, regardless of the exam date.

Guidance from the state of Florida is:

2. Apply for Financial Aid 

Filing for FAFSA before the deadline will make it easier to calculate and deliver your financial aid awards. You should file for FAFSA even if you aren’t sure you’ll qualify. Search for scholarships you could qualify for early as deadlines to apply may vary.

3. Start your Application

Interested applicants can apply to FIU through Common App. If you have applied through Common App, you should not submit a separate application through FIU's application portal.

Applicants will be required to pay a $30 USD application fee or use an SAT/ACT fee waiver. If you are using an SAT/ACT fee waiver please indicate that on the Common App when submitting your application.

4. Submit Transcript(s)

FIU requires all incoming students, whether first-year or transfer students, to submit all official academic transcripts from every high school or college/university attended prior to submitting their application. Applications will not be reviewed until they are complete. Your transcript(s) should be sent directly from all secondary schools, colleges, and universities you have attended.

Transcripts received by FIU become the property of FIU and will not be returned to the applicant or forwarded to any other institution. Please do not send us your original transcript/diploma if no other copy exists.

For international credentials, a certified copy issued by the previous institution’s registration office may be submitted. Please note that the translation is separate from the official transcript requirement (both are necessary).

5. Submit Exam Scores

Submit scores separately from the testing agency. This applies to Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP, International Baccalaureate (IB), or any other exam credit scores. AP scores must be a 3 or higher. Scores submitted after the application deadline will not be considered on your application. See accepted exam credits. The only scores accepted as "official" from a high school transcript are SAT and ACT scores.

6. Submit Residency Documentation

Residency status is used primarily to determine whether students pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. Whether you are a Florida resident, U.S. resident, or international student, you are required to submit proof of residency. Failing to provide residency documentation will delay your enrollment.

Residency Forms and Information

Residency Status

Your proof of residency is used for tuition and financial aid purposes only. Undocumented or DACA students may qualify for in-state tuition in certain circumstances and some private scholarships.

7. Check Application Status

When you finish your application, you will be assigned a Panther ID and within 1-3 business days you will have access to your MyFIU account where you can check your application status. 

If you receive your acceptance letter, congratulations! You're on your way. Start the Admitted checklist to secure your spot at FIU.

If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision if your grades have improved or if you have retaken a test and achieved a higher score.

Students who have received a letter of deferred admission or alternate term admission:

• A deferred admission decision means that we have not been able to make a decision based on the academic credentials you have submitted. We would like for you to send us your first semester grades in January and/or any new SAT or ACT scores you may have. In addition to receiving a letter, we will also contact you via email. Please make sure to check your email regularly for updated information regarding your deferred admission status. Communicating continued demonstrated interest is not required when you are deferred admission. 

• If you were admitted to Early Fall, but applied for Fall, we understand that not all applicants admitted to Early Fall can begin taking classes in Miami in June. You are offered the opportunity to take online classes over the summer or you can defer your application to spring (January). If you are admitted to summer, regardless of course modality, orientation is in person over the summer, and it is mandatory.