Applying to FIU as a First Time in College Student
- Do I have to take an SAT or ACT?
Yes, the Florida Board of Governors Regulations state that an SAT or ACT score is required for First Time in College admission to the State University System. Please remember this is one factor we use to make an admission decision.
- Can I apply without an SAT or ACT?
Yes, you can submit your application, fee or fee waiver, and transcript before you have an SAT or ACT score. We will wait until we have your score to make an admissions decision. Please remember, the standardized test score is one factor we use to make an admissions decision, we look at your grades, the courses you took in high school and how well you persisted in a college-readiness curriculum as factors. In addition we admit students graduating from a Florida high school in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, regardless of what they score on an SAT or ACT.
- The NCAA is test optional
Yes, we are aware the NCAA is test optional, the Florida Board of Governors Regulations state that an SAT or ACT score is required for First Time in College admission to the State University System.
- As I changed from remote to in-person or in-person to remote, my class schedule changed, how does this effect admissions?
Yes, we are aware of the changes to schedules as well as to how students learn and resources during this time. We will be looking at all seven semesters and understand there may be some changes at the end of your junior year and your senior year due to the way school is being offered.
- I did not do well in my virtual learning classes, will this hurt my chances of being admitted?
Due to the increased number of virtual learning environments we will assess course work on the same level as in class instruction. We do understand that we may see some changes between the fall semester of 2019 and the spring semester of 2020; the transition from face-to-face to remote was not smooth for everyone.
- My school used P/F or S/U or other grades
We have already accounted for those grades and you will be given credit for the completion and mastery of the subject with whatever passing grade is on your transcript.
- When can we come take a tour of campus?
We offer campus tours in-person and virtual information sessions. Please click here to schedule a visit to campus, https://admissions.fiu.edu/experience-fiu/index.html
- What if I can’t afford the application fee? How do I submit a fee waiver? How do I get an application fee waiver?
Application fee waivers are provided to you from the College Board and ACT through the portal when you register for the standardized tests. In addition, if you qualify for free or reduced lunch, your HS counselor can provide you with a letter that will serve as an application fee waiver. We also accept NACAC and SCOIR waivers. Finally, if you don’t have any of these resources but have had a change in financial circumstances due to the pandemic, we will take a letter from your parent or guardian with a short statement regarding the change (job loss, medical bills, etc.). We in no way want the application fee to be a barrier.
- How can I meet with someone from Admissions?
FIU Admission staff is meeting with prospective students through remote resources including Zoom, Skype and Instagram Live. Contact your assigned Admission Recruiter. We are also hosting virtual information sessions and special events, please visit go.fiu.edu/visit.
General
- How can I speak with an advisor?
You can contact an admissions counselor or request information about a specific degree program. Students can meet with Transfer & Transition Services as well as FIU Online Success Coaches at any time.
- Is there a summer attendance requirement at FIU?
Students entering with fewer than 60 credit hours are required to enroll in a minimum of 9 credit hours in the summer as required by the Florida Board of Education. These hours can be spread out over the course of earning your degree at FIU.
- I’m an international student. How do I apply to FIU?
Visit International Admissions for how to apply as an undergraduate or graduate student.
- I am a student athlete. How do I apply to FIU?
The Admissions Office is notified by Athletics about every prospective student athlete and we require all athletes to go through the First Year Applicant or Transfer Applicant process. If you are a prospective student athlete, we are aware of you and you should be working with the compliance office.
- I went to another college or university and now I want to come to FIU. How do I apply?
Once a student leaves high school and begins college courses they must apply as a Transfer Applicant. In addition, they need to have a 2.0 GPA and be in good academic standing at the last institution.
- I am currently attending another university. How do I apply to FIU as a transient student?
Students attending other institutions can take classes at FIU by applying as a Guest Applicant.
- When is the best time to apply to FIU?
Admission deadlines are posted on the application checklists. FIU admits students on a rolling basis as applications are completed and all supporting documents are received. Once a pathway, term or major is full, we will no longer admit students to that major, term or pathway. Students can apply as early as July of their senior year. But in order to be invited to apply for a merit scholarship you must be admitted before the Scholarships deadline.
- How can I check the progress or current status of my application?
Check your admission status using the MyFIU student portal. Learn how to check admissions status.
- What if I 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.
- If you were admitted to Early Fall, but applied for fall, this is the pathway you have qualified for based on your academic credentials. We will provide you with a window appeal this decision during the first two weeks of March. This will be an online process so please visit us online at admissions.fiu.edu on March 1 for details. Emails to the Office of Admission or any staff will not be considered as an appeal at this time. undefined
- What if I am a student doing a gap year for a mission or Israel Birthright Trip?
You may defer your enrollment up to 1 year. Request an enrollment deferral when you update your application and we will update you to the following year in the same term as you were admitted (early fall 2018 to early fall 2019; fall 2018 to fall 2019; etc.).
- What if a student major is full?
You will have to update your application to another term.
- When is the scholarship deadline?
Deadlines for merit scholarships and Raise.Me can be found under Scholarships.
- Do you “super-score” tests for scholarship consideration?
Yes, we will take different sections of either the SAT/ACT and count the best individual sections from each test while reviewing your requirements for scholarships.
SAT scores are calculated using critical reading, math, and writing scores. ACT scores are calculated using the highest composite score, including the writing portion of the exam.
- If I retake the SAT or ACT after the deadline, can I be considered for scholarships?
Not for merit scholarships. Students needed to have the test scores prior to the deadline. See Scholarships for other options.
- I'm a returning student. Can I still earn a merit scholarship?
No. Merit scholarships are only available for incoming first year or transfer students for the term in which they begin their degree at FIU. Even if you qualified for one when you first started at FIU, you will not qualify when you return.
- Why do I have a hold on my account?
There are a few reasons why a hold may have been placed on your account. For instructions on how to resolve your hold, please visit our Admissions Clearance page.
First Year Pathways
- What if I am not admissible under one of the pathways when I apply?
We will be deferring students until after the holidays; however you should retest and provide an updated transcript as soon as possible. We will be on rolling admission until a pathway is full.
- What if I take dual enrollment at MDC, St. Thomas, or another institution?
We applaud students who take dual enrollment, however, the dual enrollment pathways are only for students who participate in FIU’s dual enrollment program.
- What if I am admitted into a pathway but I retest or improve my GPA and want to be considered for another pathway?
You can appeal your pathway placement. We will do a holistic review of all applicants seeking to change pathways. The new scores will be part of the holistic review, but appeals do not guarantee a spot in a specific pathway.
- What if I am admitted to a pathway starting in early fall but I am traveling in the summer?
You can appeal your pathway placement. We will do a holistic review of all applicants seeking to change pathways, but appeals do not guarantee a spot in a specific pathway.
- What if I am receiving financial aid or a scholarship but I am put in a pathway which requires less than full-time enrollment?
Financial aid is leveraged and repackaged to accommodate less than full-time enrollment (12 credits or fewer). You will receive an amount in accordance with your enrollment.
- Can take classes non-degree in the fall if my enrollment date is in the spring term?
For students who want to take classes before their enrollment date, we recommended taking classes at a Florida state or community college. At FIU they will not receive academic advising or attend orientation – two factors that have a positive impact on student success. Students can take up to 11 credits at a local state college.
Connect4Success
- Do I have to attend the college in the county that I live in?
No. You may choose any public state or community college in the Florida College System.
- Do I have to apply separately to the partner college?
Yes. After you have submitted your Connect4Success application or accepted your admission to Connect4Success, your next step is to apply directly to the partner college where you will be receiving your AA degree. There is nothing specific that you will need to indicate on that application to say that you are in the program; you will apply as the same as any other student.
- Can I participate if I am attending a private college or a college outside of Florida?
No, only students attending colleges within the Florida State College System can participate in Connect4Success.
- What is a Specialized Admissions Program?
A Specialized Admissions Program has selective admission to limit program enrollment. These programs may have a limited number of "seats" and/or more competitive admission requirements, such as a higher cumulative GPA than FIU's 2.0 general transfer GPA, an entrance exam, audition, portfolio, or even a separate application. Your Bridge Advisor will be aware of these specific requirements if you plan to enroll in a Specialized Admissions Program following the completion of your AA degree. Learn more about Specialized Admissions Programs.
- Is the orientation session mandatory?
Yes. It is important that students attend the orientation session from the college that they choose in order to know their next steps. This orientation will provide you and your family with information on financial aid, advising, registration, and student life at the partner college of your choice.
- Will my financial aid automatically transfer?
No. You need to be sure to update your FAFSA to include both FIU and your partner college. Any outside scholarships or aid that you are receiving will be applied to the partner college first as that is where you will initially be attending.
- After I accepted admission to the program, I changed my mind about the college I want to go to. May I update my college choice?
Yes. Please email jhgraham@fiu.edu for updates on your college selection.
- I am about to complete my AA degree. What are my next steps?
You will need to log in to your student portal, MyFIU, once you have completed 30+ credits. See step-by-step instructions on Prepare to Transfer.
- What if I do not finish my AA degree within 3 years?
Students in Connect4Success must complete an AA degree prior to transitioning to FIU. If you do not transition within 3 years, you can still attend FIU but you must submit a new application and your admission is no longer guaranteed.
- Can I change my major once I go to FIU?
Yes, however, you are not guaranteed admission to limited access programs, including but not limited to Architecture and Nursing.
- Will FIU accept my preparatory courses?
No, FIU will not accept preparatory (developmental) courses.
- Can I transfer after one semester/year in Connect4Success?
If you entered Connect4Success it is advised you complete the program. If you do not, you must meet all requirements for a lower-level transfer, are not guaranteed admission and do not have the benefits of completing the UCC before enrolling at FIU (this could lead you to excess credit hours).