Florida State University is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to get admission to. The acceptance rate of Florida State University (FSU) is 25.04%. This means that only 25 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
How Competitive are Florida State University Admissions?
- Highly Competitive: Applicants need strong academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
With one of the lowest acceptance rates in the US, you need to be excellent in every area to get selected. However, since the acceptance rate is not below 10%, you still have a chance if your GPA isn't perfect. You can make up for a GPA deficiency by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses. Meeting Florida State University's GPA and standardized test (SAT/ACT) requirements is crucial, as failing to do so may prevent your application from moving forward. These requirements act as automatic filters, so meeting them is vital; failing to do so makes your chance of getting in nearly zero.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Florida State University Admission Requirements
FSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at FSU is 3.7. It means that FSU is very selective in terms of the GPA. (Please note that most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).
With an average GPA of 3.7, FSU requires you to be near the top of your class. You need to score mostly A's in all classes to have good chances of admission. A couple of B's will not hurt you much, but more B's will put you in the lower category of the students. Additionally, you must take AP or IB courses to demonstrate your academic ability. More specifically, your AP and IB courses must be related to the area of your selected course of study. For example, if you are planning a career in engineering or IT, courses related to mathematics, calculus, and physics will help you.
If your GPA is less than 3.7 and higher than 3.4 then you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.3 GPA, to secure admission at FSU. Below this, the chances of admission will be very slim.
Can I Get Into FSU Without SAT Or ACT?: Florida State University requires test (SAT/ACT) scores to determine the merit for admission. It means that students will not be allowed to apply without test scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Florida State University (FSU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Florida State University Average SAT Score: 1309
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Florida State University is 1309 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Florida State University SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1309 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1370 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Florida State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1210, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to FSU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Florida State University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 635 | 590 | 680 |
| SAT Reading | 655 | 620 | 690 |
| SAT Composite | 1309 | 1210 | 1370 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1210 then you are below most of the admitted students at FSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1370 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Florida State University (FSU) with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Florida State University (FSU) are good but the admission staff at FSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Florida State University (FSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at FSU is 29.
Florida State University ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Florida State University Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 29 on the ACT.
Florida State University ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 24 | 28 |
| ACT English | 30 | 26 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 26 | 31 |
Can I get into Florida State University with a 31 ACT?
With a 31 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Florida State University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at Florida State University. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 29.FSU Profile
Name: Florida State University (FSU)
City: Tallahassee
URL: https://www.fsu.edu/
State: Florida
Type: Public
Zip: 32306-1037
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Florida State University
Boost Your Test Scores: Retake the SAT/ACT if needed. Use resources to improve your score.
Focus on Academics: Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses.
Extracurricular Activities: Florida State University values well-rounded students who make meaningful contributions to their communities. Here’s how to showcase your strengths:
- Highlight long-term commitments, and unique accomplishments.
- Leaderships: Demonstrate clear leadership experience. This is not only true for Florida State University but also other schools. If you cannot demonstrate strong leadership qualities, your chances of acceptance will be low. Work on your weak areas, and improve your communication and interpersonal skills. Also, include your work experiences where you were given leadership responsibilities, and write down your achievements and how you were able to contribute as a team leader and team member.
- Community Service: Show how you have influenced change in the community and have a strong desire to do so in the future. Also, if you are planning to apply for Florida State University, participate in relevant activities. Work for social welfare and look for opportunities where you can make an impact. Start with your school or student council. Those having positions like president, secretary generals etc… in students councils have better chances. Network with notable people and develop your social media profile accordingly.
- Passion Projects: Whether it’s starting a club, publishing research, or excelling in the arts, show what sets you apart. Example: If you’ve founded a nonprofit or won a national competition, make sure it’s prominently featured in your application.
- Align your goals with Florida State University’s mission. Carefully read the objectives and mission of Florida State University on their official website and plan accordingly for each specific point. See how well your profile matches their objectives and goals, and work on the areas where you are lacking.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Get letters from professors or employers who know your abilities well. Share your achievements and goals with them for a stronger, more personalized recommendation. If personal statement and recommendations align, your chances of success will be higher.
- Build a Strong Network: Engage with Florida State University Alumni and current students. Ask them how they planned their scholarship journey, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Learn about the key factors behind their success and how they secured their selection.
- Craft Strong Essays: Tell your story authentically and highlight what makes you unique. College Essay is a very important document. Unlike your transcripts, which just show your numbers or grades, the essay reflects your true personality as a human being. Take considerable time to refine and craft your statement of purpose. Here are the detailed guidelines for writing a winning College Essay form our experts.
Does a degree from FSU Worth It?
Getting into FSU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. FSU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at FSU is USD: 60914.47 and unemployment rate is 3.62%.
How much does a degree from FSU Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Florida State University is USD: 23308. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Florida State University is USD: 6450
How can I get a scholarship?
28.24% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 22.08 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to FSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Florida State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist FSU as your choice in the form.
How much a FSU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the FSU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 61675. An average FSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Florida State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Florida State University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1291 | 27 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1259 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1292 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1278 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | University of the Pacific, CA | 1276 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | United States Coast Guard Academy, CT | 1294 | 29 |
| University of Delaware | University of Delaware, DE | 1290 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | University of Central Florida, FL | 1281 | 27 |
| Rollins College | Rollins College, FL | 1265 | 27 |
| Agnes Scott College | Agnes Scott College, GA | 1276 | 28 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Florida State University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Florida State University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1304 | 27 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1316 | 29 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1301 | 29 |
| Covenant College | Covenant College, GA | 1315 | 28 |
| Knox College | Knox College, IL | 1311 | 30 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Florida State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount University | Loyola Marymount University, CA | 1378 | 31 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1379 | 31 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1380 | 32 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1348 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1340 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Area Studies
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Full list of All degree programs offered by Florida State University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.