Florida State University (FSU) Overview

March 14, 2023
By AdmissionSight

Florida State University (FSU) Overview

Florida State University (FSU) is a public research institution. It was established in 1851 and has become one of Florida’s largest and most respected universities. It offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 16 colleges and schools, including business, engineering, social sciences, education, arts and sciences, law, and medicine.

The university’s campus covers over 1,400 acres. It features a mix of historic and modern buildings and extensive recreational facilities, such as a state-of-the-art fitness center and numerous sports fields and courts. FSU is also home to over 600 student organizations, providing ample opportunities to get involved and make a difference on campus and in the local community.

Florida State University is an outstanding institution of higher learning, providing students with a top-notch education, a supportive community, and a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Where is FSU?

Florida State University (FSU) is located in Tallahassee, Florida, in the southeastern region of the United States. Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, is located in the northern part of the state, near the border with Georgia. FSU’s campus is in the heart of Tallahassee and easily accessible from major highways and airports. The university’s location provides students access to diverse cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities in the region.

Aerial view of Florida State University

FSU’s campus is also within driving distance of some of Florida’s most popular destinations, including the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and several state and national parks. This location allows students to explore Florida’s natural beauty and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and swimming.

Tallahassee itself is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a wide range of cultural and entertainment options. The city is home to several museums, galleries, theaters, music venues, various restaurants, cafes, and shops. The city’s warm climate and welcoming community make it an ideal location for students seeking a dynamic and engaging college experience.

Overall, FSU’s location in Tallahassee provides students with a unique and exciting setting to pursue their academic and personal goals. Whether you are interested in exploring Florida’s natural beauty, immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant culture, or simply enjoying a warm and welcoming community, FSU offers an exceptional college experience in a beautiful and dynamic location.

What is FSU known for?

What is FSU known for? Florida State University provides a variety of academic programs in a variety of subjects. It is well-known for having the highest four-year graduation rate in Florida (78%).

The College of Law is Florida’s top-rated law school, having one of the highest Florida Bar Test pass rates. Psychology, Finance, Criminal Justice, Marketing Management, Biological Sciences, English Language and Literature, Political Science and Government, International Relations and Affairs, Human Development and Family Studies, and Social Sciences are the most popular and highly rated undergraduate major programs at the university.

US News and World Report ranks the university in numerous categories. It is ranked number 55 in National Universities, number 27 in Best Colleges for Veterans, number 54 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, number 54 in Best Value Schools, number 33 in Study Abroad, number 8 in Real Estate, number 3 in Insurance, number 74 in First-Year Experiences, number 19 in Top Public Schools, and number 67 in Nursing.

Florida State University is a national leader in producing Fulbright U.S. Scholars and students. Three FSU faculty scholars and nine student Fulbright Scholars were awarded Fulbright funds for 2022-2023.

For the seventh year, Florida State University has been named a Diversity Champion in higher education by INSIGHT into Diversity magazine. FSU is one of only 16 schools and universities in the country to receive the honor from the magazine, the nation’s largest and oldest publication on diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Florida State University’s ongoing efforts to bring diversity and inclusion to the forefront of the university’s mission have also received national recognition, with the institution receiving INSIGHT Into Diversity’s “Higher Education Excellence in Diversity” (HEED) Award in 2014, 2015, and 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, which annually recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Dawn at Westcott Plaza on the campus of Florida State University

Florida State’s Faculty of Medicine received the Health Professions HEED Award for the sixth year in 2022. FSU was named one of the country’s top ten “Access Improver” universities by the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) for its excellent efforts in assisting and educating historically underserved students.

Is FSU hard to get into?

Is FSU hard to get into? FSU has a competitive admissions process, but it is not the most difficult to get into among public universities in the United States. According to the most recent data, the university’s acceptance rate is around 37%, meaning that approximately one-third of applicants are admitted.

Admission to FSU is based on several factors, including high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), extracurricular activities, and essays. Meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, and applicants should strive to have a solid overall application to increase their chances of admission.

While FSU is not the most selective university, it is still important for prospective students to approach the application process seriously and to give themselves ample time to prepare a strong application. Additionally, some programs and majors within the university may have more competitive admissions processes than others, so it is important to research specific requirements and deadlines for the program of interest.

How to get into FSU?

How to get into FSU? To increase your chances of getting admitted to Florida State University (FSU), here are some steps you can take:

Meet the academic requirements

FSU’s academic requirements include a minimum high school GPA of 4.0 scale and minimum scores on the SAT or ACT standardized tests. Aim to exceed these minimum requirements if possible.

Take challenging courses

Admissions officers look for students who challenge themselves academically. Taking honors, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or dual enrollment courses can demonstrate your ability to handle rigorous coursework.

Participate in extracurricular activities.

FSU values well-rounded applicants who are involved in their communities. Participating in extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, volunteering, or internships can demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, and commitment.

Write a strong essay

The essay portion of the application is an opportunity to showcase your writing skills and express your personality. Be authentic, thoughtful, and well-organized in your essay.

Submit strong letters of recommendation

Ask teachers or other professionals who know you well and can speak to your abilities and character to write letters of recommendation on your behalf.

Apply early

FSU offers early admission deadlines, which can increase your chances of being admitted. Make sure to meet the early deadline if possible.

Highlight your accomplishments

Make sure to include any awards, honors, or achievements you have received in high school or elsewhere in your application. This can demonstrate your skills, dedication, and potential for success.

Attend college fairs and information sessions

Attending events hosted by FSU or visiting the campus can help you learn more about the university and demonstrate your interest in attending.

Consider taking advantage of early admission programs

FSU offers a number of early admission programs, such as the CARE Summer Bridge Program, which provides students with additional support and resources to succeed in college.

Meet with a guidance counselor

Your high school guidance counselor can provide valuable advice and support throughout the application process. Make sure to schedule a meeting to discuss your application and ask any questions you may have.

young student boy smiling proudly and confidently making number one pose triumphantly, feeling like a leader

It is essential to thoroughly research the admissions requirements and deadlines for the specific program or major you are interested in, as these may vary. Remember, the admissions process is competitive, with no admission guarantees. However, by taking these steps and submitting a strong application, you can increase your chances of being admitted to Florida State University.

If you’re set on getting into a world-class college but aren’t sure how to make it happen, we can help! AdmissionSight is a leading college entrance expert with over a decade of experience helping students just like you get into the schools of their dreams.

At AdmissionSight, we focus on offering a wide range of services, all aimed at helping students perfect their applications to catch the attention of admissions officers. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about what we offer.

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