First Year Pathways

Fall Direct

This pathway is designed for high-achieving first-year students who intend to graduate from FIU in 48 months. This is the most selective of the pathways at FIU.

Fall Direct Requirements
50% LowerMiddle50% Upper
SAT124013001370
ACT262830
GPA4.104.404.70

Top 10% Access to FIU

We admit selected students to our Early Fall STEP, Early Fall or Fall Direct pathway who are in the top 10% of their high school graduating class and are graduating from a Florida high school. Students begin this pathway in the summer term; if they complete the summer successfully, then they progress to the fall term as full-time.

Early Fall Direct

To provide many incoming first year students with the best opportunity for success during the traditional fall semester, we admit selected students to our Early Fall Direct pathway. Students begin this pathway in the summer term as part-time students. If they complete the summer successfully, then they progress to the fall term as full-time. Admission decisions will be released beginning September 21.

Early Fall Direct Requirements
50% LowerMiddle50% Upper
SAT106011201170
ACT212324
GPA3.904.204.40

Fall STEP for Engineering, STEM and Business

For students interested in STEM, this pathway better prepares you for college math courses. STEM STEP (Supported Transition to Excellence Program) is designed for students who are not calculus ready or have not successfully completed college-level math courses. Students may be required to enter this pathway in the following majors: engineering, business, biochemistry, chemistry, geosciences, biology, mathematical sciences, mathematics, marine biology, or physics. Financial aid awards are adjusted. Being admitted to this program does not exclude you from any premier scholarship opportunities, extra-curricular activities, or the Honors College.

Fall COB STEP
50% LowerMiddle50% Upper
SAT121012201250
ACT252627
GPA3.803.904.00
Fall CASE STEP
50% LowerMiddle50% Upper
SAT121012601290
ACT252626
GPA3.803.904.10
Fall Engineering STEP
50% LowerMiddle50% Upper
SAT121012501320
ACT252830
GPA3.703.904.20

Early Fall STEP

This pathway enrolls first-year students in the Supported Transition to Excellence Program (STEP), which offers success workshops and specialized advising. Students begin classes in the summer and first fall terms part-time (less than 12 credits). Students who successfully manage their course load begin taking classes full-time in the spring. Financial aid is adjusted to ensure that part-time enrollment status will not affect your awards. Being admitted to this program does not exclude you from any premier scholarship opportunities, extra-curricular activities, or the Honors College.

NEW 2024 Pathway - Effective: 2024-2025 Application Cycle

High School Applicants earning an AA from a Florida State College or State University

High school students participating in dual enrollment and other acceleration programs, and who are on track to earn an associate in arts (AA) degree from a Florida College System or State University System institution, and who do not meet the requirements of Florida Board of Governors Regulation 6.004, may be considered for admission as either a freshman or potential AA transfer student.  Applicants should complete the general admissions application and the supplemental AA application, in addition to the requirements outlined below.

Admission is contingent upon completing all additional requirements for admission:

  • Students selected for the FTIC option must meet the requirements in Florida Board of Governors Regulation 6.002.
  • Students who would benefit from the AA admissions option have the choice to submit SAT, ACT or CLT scores.
  • Students who are admitted to this option must complete the AA degree and their high school diploma. Failure to complete either may result in their admission decision being rescinded.

Applicants who would benefit from this pathway will work closely with their school’s college counselor and FIU University Admissions. Those admitted will still participate in first-year programs, orientation, and residence life.

Some FIU Academic Scholarships require the achievement of a specific test score range. Transfer Guides are located online and help to ensure that an applicant is on track for specific majors and programs, visit https://transfer.fiu.edu/transfer-101/transfer-guides/ for details.

Spring Direct

In many cases, FIU admits students who will begin their coursework during the spring term. You can take classes at one of the Florida State Colleges in the summer and or fall. We ask that you do not exceed 11 credit hours prior to enrolling at FIU. You will be required to submit a transcript from all colleges and universities attended.

To provide many students with the best opportunity for success during the traditional fall semester, we admit selected students to our spring direct pathway.

Connect4Success

Students participating in the Connect for Success program are admitted FIU as well as a Florida state college.  While earning their Associate in Arts or select Associate of Science degree at a state college; these students work with bridge advisors as they prepare for formal admission to an FIU major.  Upon completing their AA degrees, these students begin pursuing their coursework at FIU. Learn more about Connect4Success.