International Freshman Requirements
Requirements
Florida State University receives over 30,000 freshman applications each year; therefore, admission to the University is a competitive process. It is based on graduating from a recognized secondary school with specific academic subjects, a strong performance in all subjects, and test scores. Because of the number of applications we receive, satisfying minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The academic profile of the middle 50% of freshmen accepted in 2015 was:
3.8-4.3 academic GPA; 26-30 ACT composite; 1750-1960 SAT total
In addition to the academic profile, a variety of other factors are also considered in the review process. These include the written essay, the rigor and quality of courses and curriculum, grade trends, class rank, strength of senior schedule in academic subjects, math level in the senior year, and number of years in a sequential world language.
Applicants who bring other important attributes to the University community may also receive additional consideration. These applicants include visual and performing artists and skilled athletes.
Please note that letters of recommendation are not required and will not be used in the decision-making process.
Required Secondary School Courses
The courses listed below represent the minimum required for admission consideration:
4 English courses, at least three with substantial writing requirements
4 mathematics courses at the Algebra I level and higher
3 natural science courses, at least two with laboratory experience
3 social science courses
2 sequential courses of a world language or American Sign Language
2 elective courses, preferably in the above subject areas
Satisfying these minimum required courses does not guarantee admission. The typical student accepted to Florida State has 4.5 English courses, 5.5 math courses, 4.5 natural science courses, 5 social science courses, and 3.5 world language courses.
English Language Proficiency
Official English Language Proficiency results are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. The following are the minimum scores required for admission to the University, although some departments require higher scores at the graduate level:
Internet based TOEFL (IBTOEFL): 80
Paper based TOEFL (TOEFL): 550
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 77
Pearson Test of English (PTE): 55
These scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency, and are not valid after two years.
International graduate applicants seeking teaching assistantships are required to pass the SPEAK test which evaluates the English-speaking ability of non-native speakers of English and is administered at Florida State. Students who receive a score of 26 or higher on the speaking section of the Internet-based TOEFL examination meet the University requirements to serve as a teaching assistant; however, some departments may still require that the student take the SPEAK test.
Required Academic Records
All transcripts/academic records that are not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations.
To be considered "certified," documents should be true copies that are signed and dated by an educational official familiar with academic records. Any translated record should be literal and not an interpretive translation. Documents signed by a notary or other public official with no educational affiliation will not be accepted.
If the transcript/academic record does not indicate the degree earned and date the degree was awarded, separate proof of degree is required.
International Transfer Requirements
College Level Proficiency Skills in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
All transfer applicants must have demonstrated college-level proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics prior to being considered for admission. This can be achieved by having a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA in six semester hours of approved college-level English and a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA in six semester hours of approved college-level mathematics with no grade below "C-," or by having the appropriate subscores on the ACT and/or SAT:
Reading - 22 on the ACT reading or 500 on the SAT critical reading
Writing - 21 on the ACT English and ACT E/W or 500 on the SAT writing
Math - 21 on the ACT math or 500 on the SAT math
English Proficiency Information
Applicants whose native language is not English must take an English proficiency exam.
English proficiency exams are only valid for 2 years.
Associate in Arts (AA) Applicants
Applicants transferring directly after earning the AA degree from a Florida public institution will receive priority consideration for admission.
Junior/Senior-Level Applicants
Junior and senior applicants (60 or more semester hours of transferable credit as determined by the Office of Admissions) must:
Have at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative grade point average (GPA) on all college or university work attempted.
Have at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on all college or university workattempted at the last institution.
Freshman/Sophomore-Level Applicants
Freshman and sophomore applicants (12-59 semester hours of transferable credit as determined by the Office of Admissions) must:
Meet international freshman admission criteria.
Have at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative grade point average on all college or university work attempted.
Have at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average on allcollege or university work attempted at the last institution.
English Language Proficiency
Official English Language Proficiency results are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. The following are the minimum scores required for admission to the University, although some departments require higher scores at the graduate level:
Internet based TOEFL (IBTOEFL): 80
Paper based TOEFL (TOEFL): 550
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 77
Pearson Test of English (PTE): 55
These scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency, and are not valid after two years.
International graduate applicants seeking teaching assistantships are required to pass the SPEAK test which evaluates the English-speaking ability of non-native speakers of English and is administered at Florida State. Students who receive a score of 26 or higher on the speaking section of the Internet-based TOEFL examination meet the University requirements to serve as a teaching assistant; however, some departments may still require that the student take the SPEAK test.
