Decisions
Students who apply to Florida State University for first-year admission will receive one of the following admission decisions:
Early Decision Summer or Fall Admit
If you were admitted to Early Decision for the summer or fall term, you must complete the following steps to secure a spot in our first-year class. Early Decision is binding, meaning admitted students must:
- Withdraw all other college applications
- Submit the enrollment deposit by January 15
- Register for orientation once available
Frequently Asked Questions: Early Decision
Early Decision at Florida State University is an application plan for students who are certain that FSU is their first-choice institution. By applying Early Decision, students are committing to enroll if admitted.
Early Decision is binding, meaning admitted students must:
- Withdraw all other college applications
- Submit the enrollment deposit by January 15
- Register for orientation once available
Students applying Early Decision may still apply to other institutions through non-binding Early Action, Regular Decision, or Rolling Admission, as long as they do not apply to another binding plan and they honor policies at restrictive Early Action schools.
All Early Decision applicants must complete an Early Decision Agreement, signed by the student, a parent/guardian, and a school counselor, confirming their understanding of the binding commitment. Early Decision decisions are released in December.
Early Decision applicants will receive an admissions decision on December 17.
Apply Early Decision if FSU is your clear first choice and you feel that your grades and test scores already represent your strongest work. Because Early Decision is binding, you must be prepared to enroll if admitted and be comfortable with your anticipated financial commitment. Families considering Early Decision are encouraged to use the Net Price Calculator to estimate potential costs and aid eligibility.
You should apply Early Action (FL residents only) or Regular Decision if you are still exploring your college options, are not prepared to meet the October 15 application deadline, plan to take additional standardized tests, or prefer to compare admissions offers, merit scholarships, and financial aid packages before making your final choice. Both Early Action and Regular Decision are non-binding and give you until May 1 to make your college choice.
Other key considerations:
- Students applying to FSU through talent-based programs (Acting BFA, Athletics, Dance, Film, Music, Music Theatre, Stage Management BFA, and Studio Art BFA) or the CARE Summer Bridge Program are not eligible to apply for Early Decision
- Merit scholarship funds are limited, so priority consideration for merit scholarships is given to students applying Early Decision and Early Action
- In some limited cases, students may request to be released from their Early Decision contract for financial reasons or extenuating circumstances. These scenarios are evaluated on a case-by-case basis after discussions with your family, Financial Aid, and the Office of Admissions
| Early Decision | |
| Eligible Applicants: | Domestic Students (No Talent-Based Majors or CARE Summer Bridge) |
| Application Deadline: | October 15 |
| Materials Deadline: | October 22 |
| Additional Test Score Deadline: | December 1 |
| Decision Release Date: | December 17 |
| Decision Type: | Binding |
| Deposit Due Date: | January 15 |
| Early Action | |
| Eligible Applicants: | FL Residents Only |
| Application Deadline: | October 15 |
| Materials Deadline: | October 22 |
| Additional Test Score Deadline: | December 1 |
| Decision Release Date: | December 17 |
| Decision Type: | Non-binding |
| Deposit Due Date: | May 1 |
| Regular Decision | |
| Eligible Applicants: | All Students |
| Application Deadline: | December 1 |
| Materials Deadline: | December 8 |
| Additional Test Score Deadline: | January 1 |
| Decision Release Date: | February 18 |
| Decision Type: | Non-binding |
| Deposit Due Date: | May 1 |
| Rolling | |
| Eligible Applicants: | All Students |
| Application Deadline: | March 1 |
| Materials Deadline: | March 8 |
| Additional Test Score Deadline: | March 8 |
| Decision Release Date: | Rolling basis in April |
| Decision Type: | Non-binding |
| Deposit Due Date: | May 1 |
*Students applying to FSU through talent-based programs (Acting BFA, Athletics, Dance, Film, Music, Music Theatre, Stage Management BFA, and Studio Art BFA), the CARE Summer Bridge Program, or international applicants, are not eligible to apply for Early Decision
Early Decision may appeal to students who want to show their commitment to FSU, focus on one application, and/or receive an earlier decision. Early Decision applicants are reviewed using the same holistic process as all other applicants. You should only apply Early Decision if FSU is your clear first choice and your academic record is strongest based on your 9th–11th grade performance and current ACT/CLT/SAT scores.
Early Decision is only available to domestic students; international applicants should apply through Regular Decision.
Students applying to FSU for talent-based programs (Acting BFA, Athletics, Dance, Film, Music, Music Theatre BFA, Stage Management BFA, and Studio Art) or the CARE Summer Bridge Program are also not eligible to apply for Early Decision. These programs use separate, specialized review processes with varying timelines that do not align with a binding admissions plan.
Admitted Early Action and Early Decision students who have submitted their admissions deposit gain access to orientation when registration opens in mid-January, and students admitted in later rounds will be able to register for orientation after they have submitted their admissions deposit. Housing contracts are available in late February to all admitted students.
To apply Early Decision, eligible students must submit their FSU application through the Common App by October 15, select “Early Decision” as their preferred application plan, and submit all required materials by October 22.
A complete Early Decision application includes:
- Signed Early Decision Agreement
- Self-reported ACT/CLT/SAT test scores
- Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)
- Essay
- Resume/List of activities
- Florida residents should complete the Residency Declaration Form
The Early Decision Agreement must be signed by the student, a parent/guardian, and a school counselor. This form confirms an understanding of the binding nature of Early Decision.
If students plan on submitting additional standardized test scores, they must be provided by December 1 by updating the Self-reported Test Scores form on their Admissions Portal.
Note: If submitting the Common Application in early August, students may experience a delayed confirmation email due to the annual Common App rollout later in the month - this is normal and not a cause for concern.
Students applying early who wish to be considered for need-based financial aid should submit the FAFSA (available on October 1) by December 1. Early Decision and Early Action students who meet this deadline should receive their financial aid package in January. Be sure to submit all required documents, as missing materials may delay your offer.
Families considering Early Decision are encouraged to use the Net Price Calculator to estimate potential costs and aid eligibility.
Yes. Early Decision applicants receive full consideration for admissions merit scholarships, and no separate application is required. Any scholarship awards will be included with the Early Decision admission notification. Scholarships associated with the University Honors Program (such as Presidential Scholars) are released on a later timeline.
Early Decision applicants may apply for the University Honors Program by submitting the Honors Application by December 1. All Honors decisions will be released on February 18.
Yes, students may change their application plan through December 1 if they have met the requirements and deadlines for their desired plan (i.e., Out-of-state students cannot switch into Early Action). Applicants can submit the change request using the Application Update Form on their Admission Portal. If switching to Early Decision from Early Action/Regular Decision, the applicant, a parent/guardian, and a school counselor will also need to complete the Early Decision Agreement.
Early Decision applicants will receive one of these decisions on December 17: Admit, Defer, or Deny
- Admit – You are admitted to FSU for the summer or fall term. Because Early Decision is binding, you must pay your enrollment deposit by January 15 and withdraw all other college applications.
- Defer – Your application will be reviewed again during Regular Decision, thus releasing you from your Early Decision Agreement. Deferred students must complete the Deferral Reply Form to remain under consideration and will receive a final decision on February 18.
- Deny – We are unable to offer you admission to FSU or reconsider you in another application round. We encourage you to reapply in the future after earning an Associate in Arts degree or completing 60+ semester hours.
Students admitted through Early Decision must submit their enrollment deposit by January 15 and withdraw their applications to all other universities to secure their place in the incoming first-year class.
Early Decision is a binding commitment, but in rare and exceptional cases, students may request to be released from the agreement. Release requests are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis and will include the Office of Admissions, Financial Aid, and your family.
The most common reason a student may be released from their Early Decision commitment is a significant change in financial circumstances. If the applicant’s family experiences a financial hardship, such as loss of income, they should contact the Office of Admissions to discuss their options.
If a release from the Early Decision agreement is granted, their acceptance is withdrawn and the applicant cannot be reconsidered for admission in a later, non‑binding round.
Students deferred from Early Decision are released from the binding Early Decision commitment and are no longer required to enroll if admitted. Deferred students are still under active consideration and will receive a decision on February 18. To receive a final decision, deferred applicants must complete the Deferral Reply Form on their Admissions Portal.
If you are admitted in February, applicants will have until May 1 to decide whether to enroll.
Early Action Summer or Fall Admit
If you were admitted for the summer or fall term, you must complete the following steps to secure a spot in our first-year class:
- Claim your FSUID.
- Pay the $200 non-refundable admission deposit by May 1.
- Complete the mandatory orientation registration, select a session, and submit payment.
Seminole Pathways Offer
Students selected by the Office of Admissions to participate in this program will be able to join us on the Tallahassee campus after completing one of the pathways below.
You start your FSU experience in the summer term at the FSU Panama City campus and automatically continue into the fall term. After the spring term, you may choose to continue your education at the FSU Panama City campus or request a transfer to the FSU Tallahassee campus for the summer or fall term. You will need to complete a Campus Location Change Form at the end of the spring semester if transferring to the Tallahassee campus. More information on this pathway is available on the FSU Panama City website.
You start your FSU experience in the summer term by completing an online course offered through International Programs. In addition to successful completion of the online course, you must enroll for the fall term at one of FSU's study abroad centers in London, England; Florence, Italy; Valencia, Spain; or Panama City, Republic of Panama. Following your semester abroad, you would be eligible to join us in Tallahassee in January. To select this option, you must also submit a First Semester Abroad application through the FSU International Programs website. Applicants will also need to pay the application fee for the study abroad application and have or apply for a valid passport. Applications are processed on a rolling, space available basis, so submit your application early. (Note: separate fees apply.)
You start your FSU experience in the summer term by completing an online course offered through International Programs. In addition to successful completion of the online course, you must enroll for the fall & spring terms at one of FSU's study abroad centers in London, England; Florence, Italy; Valencia, Spain; or Panama City, Republic of Panama. Following your year abroad, you would then be eligible to join us in Tallahassee. After you select this option, you must also submit a First Year Abroad application through the FSU International Programs website. Applicants will also need to pay the application fee for the study abroad application and have or apply for a valid passport. Applications are processed on a rolling, space available basis, so submit your application early. (Note: separate fees apply.)
Out-of-state students who successfully complete the First Year Abroad pathway will have the added benefit of receiving an out-of-state tuition waiver for the remainder of their bachelor's degree on the Tallahassee campus. Florida residents can earn a $1,000 scholarship to use toward the FYA program.
Please refer to the FSU Next Program section for details about this program.
FSU Next Program
The FSU Next Program provides an opportunity for students to start their pathway to FSU by taking 12-15 credit hours at Tallahassee State College in the fall. In addition, students will also take a unique, in-person course on the FSU campus. Successful completion of the FSU Next Program in the fall semester will grant students admission to FSU in January.
Visit FSU Next Program for more information.
Defer
Deferred students are still under active consideration, and we request that the following is submitted before we make a final decision:
- Complete the Deferral Reply Form on the applicant's Admissions Portal.
- If available, students should submit an updated STARS Record with first-semester grades.
- If available, students, can self-report new test scores on the Self-Reported Test Scores Form on the Admissions Portal.
- The opportunity to make updates to the list of extracurricular activities, awards, or extenuating circumstances.
Students deferred in Early Decision or Early Action will receive a final decision in February.
Deny
If you are denied admission and still wish to attend FSU, you are encouraged to reapply in the future after earning an Associate in Arts degree or completing 60+ semester hours. We encourage student to explore the Aspire Transfer Program. Tallahassee State College is just steps from FSU's campus, students can live with FSU students in off-campus housing and have the opportunity to participate in FSU activities, all while earning their Associate in Arts degree and prerequisites for their undergraduate program.
Denied students should not reapply for first-year admission. We will consider an appeal only if it reveals new academic or personal information that was not present in your initial admission application. Detailed information about our appeals process may be found here. Appeals will be reviewed at the end of May.
Waitlist
Students offered a space on the waitlist are those we would like to offer admission to FSU, but are unable to due to the limited size of our incoming class. As space becomes available, we will review our waitlist to finalize our first-year class. To accept a place on the waitlist, applicants should complete the Waitlist Reply Form on the applicant's Admissions Portal.
No additional information is required to accept a waitlist offer. However, students may share additional details about why they wish to attend FSU through their Admissions Portal. We will make decisions from the waitlist as early as possible, but students should not expect an update on their admission status until after May 1. Students will be contacted by phone, text, or email with a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions: Waitlist Decisions
Due to the limited size of our incoming class, we are unable to offer admission to every qualified applicant. If space becomes available, we will review our waitlist to finalize our first-year class.
Students cannot request to be on the waitlist. A waitlist offer was extended after a careful review of all aspects of the student’s application.
Students should accept or decline their waitlist offer by February 27 by logging into their Admissions Portal and submitting the Waitlist Offer Reply Form.
We do not know the likelihood of being admitted from the waitlist, and the number of waitlist offers varies each year. We encourage you to consider your options carefully and be aware of the enrollment deadlines at other institutions where you've been admitted.
No. Accepting your place on the waitlist does not commit you to Florida State University. If we offer you admission from the waitlist, you will have the opportunity to decide whether to accept our offer of admission.
Students on the waitlist should not expect an update on their admission status until after May 1. Students will be contacted by phone, text, or email with a final decision.
No. Additional information is not required to complete the review of your application. However, if you would like to share additional details about why you wish to attend FSU, you may submit a "Why FSU" statement or video through your Admissions Portal.
On-campus housing is not a guarantee for admitted students. For more information about the housing application and off-campus options, please visit housing.fsu.edu.
Yes. Students are able to indicate on the Waitlist Reply Form which terms and/or Pathways programs for which they would like to be considered.
No. FSU does not use a ranking system to admit students from the waitlist.
No. Students who have received a final decision, including those admitted through Seminole Pathways or FSU Next, cannot be added to the waitlist for summer or fall consideration.
No. Sending a letter of continued interest is not necessary. If you would like to share additional details about why you wish to attend FSU, you may submit a "Why FSU" statement or video through your Admissions Portal.
Students on the waitlist should not expect an update on their admission status until after May 1. We anticipate final waitlist decisions will be made by July.
You will receive information about registering for orientation if you are admitted from the waitlist. Orientation sessions are offered throughout the summer; however, there may be fewer session dates available after May 1. Course registration happens during orientation, and you would work with an academic advisor then to select classes for your major.
No. Students are not able to appeal the waitlist decision.