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Applying to FIU as a First Time in College Student

  • Do I have to take a standardized test?

    Yes, the Florida Board of Governors Regulations state that an SAT, ACT or CLT 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 a standardized test score?

    Yes, you can submit your application, fee or fee waiver, and transcript before you have an SAT, ACT or CLT 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 the SAT, ACT or CLT.

  • 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 can meet with prospective students and families on campus, over Zoom or the phone. Contact your assigned Admission Recruiter. We are also hosting virtual information sessions and special events, please visit go.fiu.edu/visit.

  • What if I am not admissible under one of the pathways when I apply?

    We will be deferring students who don't meet admissions requirements; however, you should retest and provide an updated transcript as soon as possible. You will receive a decision no later than March 31.

  • What is STEP?

    This pathway is for first-year students in the Supported Transition to Excellence Program (STEP), which offers you access to success workshops and specialized advising. Students begin classes in the Summer B term, taking two to three classes (up to 7 credits). In their first fall term, students attend part-time (up to 11 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. 

     The STEP pathway best prepares you for success at FIU. With support services such as workshops and specialized advising offered to students admitted to this pathway, your FIU journey is tailored for you.

  • Do I have to report dual enrollment credit?

    Yes, you need to report your dual enrollment institution on the application and submit official transcripts from the institution.  

  • If I attend HS in a country outside of the U.S., do I need to take the SAT, ACT, or CLT?
    Yes, the Florida Board of Governors requires standardized testing in university admissions. All 12 members of the State University System in Florida require applicants to submit one of these scores. These do replace the need for an English language proficiency exam. 
  • What if I am earning an AA degree while in high school?

    Students who will receive their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree or 60 college credits at the same time should apply using the Common App.  

    On your application, include the name of the institution and indicate that you will be earning an AA degree and select your intended major. If we are unable to offer you admission as a first-time in college student, you will be provided with the opportunity to have your application reconsidered through the FTIC AA Pathway.  

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?

    Students can apply as early as August of their senior year. But to be considered for a merit scholarship you must be admitted before the posted deadlines.

  • 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?
    1. 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 standardized test 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.
    2. If you were admitted to Early Fall, but applied for fall, this is the pathway you have qualified for based on your academic credentials. Beginning with the 2024 application cycle, FIU will no longer accept pathway placement appeals from applicants. Pathways are created to provide a successful entry to college and the readiness required to sustain four years of academics at a large, comprehensive, research university. We consider an applicant’s GPA and scores, we look at the coursework completed, the challenge of the curriculum and the foundations on which to build.

      We will consider a pathway placement appeal only if it provides new and compelling information as outlined below:

      Grade Change – one or more of your grades from 9th – 11th grade have changed resulting in a higher core GPA. You must submit the following to have your application reviewed again:
      - Updated Transcripts
      - Personal statement from student explaining grade changes

      Medical – A medical condition or illness, or surgery that negatively impacted your academic performance. We will also consider an appeal if you have a scheduled medical procedure in the pathway you were admitted to and are requesting a change. You must submit the following to have your application reviewed again:
      - Letter of appeal written by the applicant
      - Documentation from healthcare provider outlining the severity and duration of the condition; or the upcoming event that will cause you downtime.  Do not provide any information that would violate your HIPPA privacy.

      Life Circumstance – An extenuating life circumstance that negatively impacted your academics in high school.
      - Letter of appeal written by the applicant
      - Optional letter from school counselor corroborating circumstance

  • 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 RaiseMe 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, ACT or CLT 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.

  • What if I’m admitted to early fall and can’t start in June?
    We understand that not all applicants admitted to Early Fall can begin taking classes in June in Miami. 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.  
  • When do I have to let you know if I’m coming to FIU?
    While FIU is practicing Early Action, it’s non-binding and provides the flexibility to commit to FIU with a $200 enrollment deposit or deposit waiver by May 1. The deposit is non-refundable and is applied to your tuition.
  • What if I get admitted to Early Fall and retest?

    We employ a comprehensive review process that evaluates academic and nonacademic criteria.  

    The university recognizes that there is great variation among applicants' circumstances, home communities, and high schools, including schools' course offerings and grading practices, however, we also employ consistent standards and review the grades in context with the course work completed and standardized test scores.  

     Therefore, retesting for a higher score or earning a higher grade in one semester will not change the results of our decision.  

  • How come my friend got admitted and I didn’t?
    This is an individual process; we don’t look at you and your friend as the same. Admission to FIU is selective and based on several factors; no one factor determines someone’s value. We employ a comprehensive process to evaluate academic criteria including doing a deep dive into your course selection from 9th grade through eleventh grade; progression in subjects such as math and writing; and probability of success based on what you have accomplishedthough your academic history.  

First Year Pathways

Connect4Success

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