THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
As you begin to think about college, you’ll have a million questions… Which school should I choose? When should I apply? How am I going to pay for all of this?
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to Nole Notes
That’s why we’ve created ’Nole Notes. It’s filled with tips on what to look for in a school, how to apply for financial aid, and information on opportunities that are available at Florida State. We hope you enjoy ’Nole Notes and that you find the information useful as you begin exploring colleges and universities. What’s Inside: Tips for a Successful College Visit The Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing a School Resources for Success at Florida State Let’s Talk Tuition How to Speak Seminole
From the Director…
Keep Your Eyes, Ears, and Options Open This is an exciting time in your life and choosing a college is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. We encourage you to make this experience an adventure – keep an open mind, trust your intuition, and have fun with it! Here are a few tips: • • •
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Keep in mind what’s important to you. courses, majors, and opportunities. Remember, in addition to choosing a college, you are choosing a home. Pay attention to how you feel when you visit campuses and interact with students and faculty.
As you search for the right school, I hope you’ll advantages of a small liberal arts college coupled with the resources of a large research university – a combination that results in unique educational opportunities. Browse through ’Nole Notes, take some time to peruse our website at fsu.edu, and then visit us to experience the campus personally. Good luck in finding the university that’s right for you. If you have any questions about Florida State, please contact us at admissions@admin.fsu.edu. I look forward to seeing you on campus. Sincerely,
Ask lots of questions – make contact with and, if you can, speak with someone in the academic departments which interest you.
Janice V. Finney Director of Admissions
FSU +
FSU is Florida’s ’ Student University •
We welcome students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 130 countries. In fact, most of our student population hails from at least 150 miles.
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We cultural discovery and educational opportunities on a global scale through the Center for Global Engagement, as well as study abroad opportunities available through our International Programs
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We are committed to recognizing, fostering, and rewarding academic excellence as evidenced by the recent opening of the Honors, Scholars, & Fellows House (The House). Centrally located, The House brings together major programs such as Honors, the Office of Undergraduate Research, the Office of National Fellowships, and the Graduate Fellows Society to create a community that supports the success of our highest achievers.
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We cater to every undergraduate by providing academic support on an individual basis through the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE).
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We encourage our students to conduct groundbreaking research right alongside our dedicated faculty, who love to teach and nurture their students.
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We uphold our commitment to diversity. Florida State is in the top among major public research institutions in awarding bachelor’s degrees to African American students. Our College of Medicine boasts a minority enrollment of 25 percent, and the College of Law is ranked in the nation’s top five for Hispanic students.
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We give students every opportunity to pursue their post-graduate goals through the support of our innovative and award-winning Career Center.
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We connect students to service, leadership, and community action through the Center for Leadership and Social Change.
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We support the development of Rhodes, Truman, and Fulbright scholars (just to name a few) through the of our of National Fellowships.
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We provide a complete experience both inside and outside the classroom. The range of campus activities is as diverse as our student population, with over 600 clubs and organizations located right on campus. You can’t help but get involved!
3
Rhodes
Since 2005, Florida State
Scholarships
undergraduates
3
have won more than 126 awards
Truman
Scholarships
4
Pickering
7 Goldwater
Fellowships
56 Fulbright Grants
Scholarships
15
Hollings Scholarships
Do’s and
DO choose your college or university because…
The
Don’ts of Choosing a
School
•
You’ve done your research. You know what’s out there, and your choice is a good fit.
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a full range of academic programs. Lots of majors means lots It of opportunities.
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The price is right. You’ve studied the costs and the financial aid packages.
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The faculty is widely respected. The professors could have gone anywhere.
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You’ve visited a number of colleges, and this feels like home. Trust your instincts.
DON’T choose your college or university because… •
Your girlfriend or boyfriend is going there. Sometimes relationships change once you get to college.
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It’s too close to, or too far from, home. Neither matters.
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Higher tuition buys a better education. Not necessarily.
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It
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It has a winning football team.
a great social life. Don’t they all?
Tips for a Successful College Visit Preparation is the key to a successful college visit. Learn as much as you can about the college beforehand. Many schools post valuable information for prospective students on their websites. Experience a college or university when classes are in session and faculty, staff, and students are available to answer your questions. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Check the local weather ahead of time.
And while you’re on campus, remember to:
Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to allow time for parking, check-in, and restroom breaks. Print out directions from the school’s website before you leave home. Your electronic navigational devices can’t help you secure parking.
View
Grab a bite to eat.
a residence hall or sample showroom. (For the security of all residence hall students, you may not be able to see a student room.)
*
Take photos of your favorite sites on campus.
Shop at the campus bookstore.
Attend a
Relax
sporting event or musical, dance, or theatrical performance.
and do some peoplewatching.
Spend some time in the student union (the hub of student activity). While you are there, pick up a school newspaper.
Visit
the main library.
Check out
To schedule a college visit, go to visit.fsu.edu.
the student recreational facilities.
Meet
with the faculty or staff of your intended major.
Admissions 101 Grownups, as well as classmates, will have lots of advice for you. Some good – some great – and some just plain inaccurate, although certainly well intended. We’ve included a few suggestions to help you through the confusing college application process. •
DO continue to work hard in your senior year by taking challenging college-prep courses and continuing to earn good grades during your junior and senior years. Remember, we’re watching.
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DO take the time to proofread for misspellings and grammatical errors. This makes an admission rep think that you don’t care, or you can’t spell.
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DO follow through to make sure your application and supporting documents have been received well in advance of the deadline.
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DO remember to include your signature and date on all required forms. Failure to do so could slow down the review process of your application.
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DO keep track of important deadlines for admission deposits, housing contracts, aid, and scholarships.
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DO NOT procrastinate. Waiting until the application deadline to apply is a common mistake that will create unnecessary stress on you and your parents, as well as the admission Instead of asking “When is the deadline?” ask the professionals, “When should I apply?”
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DO NOT let Mom or Dad fill out your application. It’s to get advice, but do the work yourself.
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DO NOT use an email address that you and your friends may think is cute, but colleges won’t. In fact, you might want a separate email account just for the application process.
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DO NOT forget to check your email. Colleges will communicate regularly through email, so don’t miss out.
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DO NOT exclude your parents in your college search! You out which colleges will need their involvement to help you will suit your goals, your needs, and your budget. You can’t discount the value of their involvement in your education.
How to Speak College Early Decision? Rolling Admission? FAFSA? FTIC? Sounds like a foreign language, doesn’t it? It’s actually an easy language to master. (Trust us; it really is!)
Major - The subject in which you choose to specialize; a series of related courses taken primarily in your junior and senior years.
Aid Package - Different types of aid combined (possibly including a scholarship, grant, loan, and/or work-study), determined by a college or university financial aid office.
Notification Dates - An admission plan which notifies you of a decision on scheduled dates, based on the date your application and materials were received. Admission does not obligate you to enroll.
Credit Hour - A unit of academic credit which often represents one hour of class time per week for a period of study (semester, quarter, etc.). In order to earn three credit hours, you usually need to spend three hours per week in class for one semester/quarter. Early Action - An admission plan which notifies you of a decision prior to the regular notification date. Admission does not obligate you to enroll. Early Decision - An admission plan which notifies you of a decision prior to the regular notification date and obligates you to enroll. Grants - Awards based on financial need that do not require repayment. Grants are available through the federal government, state agencies, and educational institutions.
Rolling Admission - An admission plan which notifies you of a decision as soon as your application is complete and processed, usually in four to six weeks. Acceptance is not binding. Scholarships - Financial awards based on merit and/or need which you do not have to repay. Wait List - Admission on a space-available basis when you meet minimum entrance requirements. FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The application required for you to be considered for federal student financial aid. It is processed free of charge and used by most colleges and universities. Apply online at fafsa.ed.gov.
enrollment
41,477
undergraduates
45% male
fsu
facts
2,422 minority
93%
29%
‘
Retention Rate
go
NOLES
1 horse named Renegade
1851
32,276
total
faculty
founded
>150
undergraduate majors
six-year graduation rate
75%
How to Apply (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
Start applying to colleges early in your senior year. To apply to Florida State University, simply:
1 2 3 4
Go to admissions.fsu.edu, click on “Apply Online,” complete the application in its entirety, and submit the $30 application fee. (The application will be available on August 1, 2014.)
Ask your guidance school transcript.
to send us your
Make sure we receive your ACT (#0734) and/or SAT (#5219) scores. (Applicants taking the ACT must also submit the ACT writing test.)
Monitor the status of your application 24/7 at admissions.fsu.edu/StatusCheck.
high
Welcome to Tallahassee! Home to the state’s Capitol, two major universities, and an array of museums, attractions, and unique experiences, Tallahassee shares a deep-rooted history and culture with unparalleled nature and outdoor recreation. Stretching along the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee is a place where college town meets cultural center, politics meets performing arts, and history meets nature. Top 10 Things To Do…from our perspective! 1. Walk, bike, or even horseback ride down the St. Marks Trail, a historic 16-mile railroad trail which ends at the Gulf. Once you reach the water, relax at the Riverside Café, and enjoy some delectable stone crab claws or fresh oysters. 2. See the azaleas in bloom or explore a secret garden at Maclay Gardens State Park. Take advantage of the swimming lake and barbeque pits during the summer months. 3. Get an aerial view of Tallahassee from the Observation Deck, located on the 22nd of the Capitol Building. On a clear day, you can get a glimpse of the Gulf of Mexico. 4. Track down your favorite local bites at Food Truck Thursday. Must eats? Chicken and waffles, fried shrimp, and cupcakes! 5. Canoe, kayak, or take a Jungle Boat Cruise down the scenic and clear Wakulla River, fed by one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, and look for seasonal birds, manatees, and alligators.
6. Embrace the high point of Tallahassee’s cultural calendar when you partake in Opening Nights, a performing-arts festival that takes place each spring and spotlights FSU’s commitment to the arts – music, theatre, dance, visual art, and literature. 7. Get down to the Downtown GetDown, held each Friday in the fall, for concerts, food, dancing, and entertainment. 8. Browse through the Museum of Florida History and the Tallahassee Museum collections, ranging from historical artifacts to a variety of wildlife. Interested in seeing something the beaten path? The Tallahassee Automobile and Collectibles Museum showcases over 130 automobiles, including the Batmobile. 9. Experience our local traditions and good old southern hospitality. The Tallahassee area hosts a plethora of festivals, arts and crafts, local cuisine (can you say funnel cakes?), music, and even parades. Check out our Springtime Tallahassee, the Winter Festival, the Watermelon Festival in Monticello, the Thomasville Rose Festival, and the Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola. 10. Bask in the Florida sunshine and cool in the emerald-green waters of St. George Island, just a short drive from Tallahassee. Known for its white-sand beaches, visitors will be transported back to the simpler things of life…camping, biking, shelling, and numerous water sports in the paradise we call “The Forgotten Coast.”
Get Involved. Get Going. Get Fit. Get Away. Give Back. Your primary reason for attending college is to develop your academic and scholarly strengths, but what will you do after class? We encourage you to get involved, get going, get get away, and give back. Here’s a sampling of things to do at FSU:
Get entertained by talented students and faculty when our music, theatre, and dance programs present hundreds of performances each year.
Get acquainted and make new friends by participating in one or several of our campus organizations (we have over 600).
Get experience while developing leadership and management skills in ROTC.
Get going and enjoy kayaking, skiing, and other outdoor adventures at state and national parks with the skilled of Outdoor Pursuits.
Get engaged with students, professors, researchers, and scholars from more than 130 countries through the numerous multicultural activities at the Center for Global Engagement.
Get loud and show your Seminole Spirit as you cheer for our ACC championship athletic teams. Go ‘NOLES! Get away from it all at the FSU Reservation, The "Rez", a mere 4 miles from the campus. Located on beautiful Lake Bradford, this 73-acre facility, with 10 acres, offers canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, swimming, sand volleyball, disc golf, and many other activities. Get involved with every aspect of University life as a Student Government Get the beat when you perform and march to the sounds of the world-renowned Marching Chiefs Band. Get popcorn and gain free admission to independent, foreign, and blockbuster in the Student Life Cinema. Get amazed as you watch the FSU Flying High Circus, one of the oldest all-collegiate aerial circuses in America.
Get competitive at the Rec SportsPlex, one of the largest collegiate recreational facilities in the country. Get fit on the track or racquetball, basketball, volleyball, and squash courts at the Leach Student Recreation Center. You’ll also extensive cardiovascular and strength-training equipment at the Center. Give back to the community through ongoing or onetime service coordinated by the Center for Leadership and Social Change.
Oh The Places You’ll Go… With FSU International Programs, that is!
Imagine the chance to travel abroad — to steep yourself in another culture amidst incomparable academics, a distinguished University faculty, and a supportive in many breathtaking locations worldwide. International Programs (IP) at Florida State, a recognized leader in international education, more than 60 diverse programs and has made this extraordinary experience a reality for our students for over 50 years. Our IP makes it possible for you to spend up to three consecutive semesters in one of over 20 locations, including our four permanent Florida State centers in London, England; Florence, Italy; Panama City, Panama; and Valencia, Spain. Each year, over 1,600 Florida State students spend a semester abroad. They complete coursework which meets their major or minor requirements, undertake internships, and avail themselves of a safe atmosphere in a location among outstanding academic amenities. For detailed information about study abroad opportunities, go to international.fsu.edu.
Study abroad in… Brazil China Costa Rica Croatia Czech Republic Ecuador England France
Israel Italy Peru Republic of Panama Russia Spain Switzerland Turkey
Speak How to
Seminole
Club Stroz – the main library on campus, the Robert Manning Strozier Library (Club Stroz) is known as the “social library.” Club Stroz represents the evolution of the modern college library — a one-stop academic and campus community spot for every Seminole — 7 days a week. It’s the premier location to immerse yourself in your coursework and browse book collections, as well as the place to congregate, snack, satisfy your caffeine fix (home to the nation’s first double-sided Starbucks), and make valuable peer connections.
Garnet and Gold Guys – you’re not a true
Seminole fan until you have your photo taken with the Garnet and Gold Guys! Started in 1998 at the home opener against Duke, two fervent student fans painted themselves in garnet, gold, and glitter and raced around the stands encouraging fans to cheer for the team.
Golden Girls & Co. – FSU’s prestigious dance team that performs at all home basketball games, PowWow, and numerous events throughout the year. Marching Chiefs – the largest collegiate
The Globe – a state-of-the-art facility that
houses the Center for Global and Multicultural Engagement. Designed to promote student interaction among diverse groups within the University community.
marching band in the world; the Marching Chiefs perform at all home football games, select away games, and the annual postseason bowl game.
The Rez – scale the climbing wall, canoe, kayak,
Market Wednesday – every Wednesday during the school year, the Oglesby Union courtyard hosts a combination of local vendors and recognized student organizations.
SLC – the Student Life Cinema (SLC) features
PowWow – the annual homecoming
Suwannee Room – the original dining hall for
pep rally, PowWow takes place the night before the homecoming game and features performances by the FSU Flying High Circus, the FSU cheerleaders, the Golden Girls & Co., the Marching Chiefs, and headlines wellknown entertainers like Kathy Griffin, Jimmy Fallon, and Stephen Colbert. The evening concludes with the coronation of the new Homecoming Chief and Princess.
Rec SportsPlex – this 104-acre facility serves as the perfect place for students to participate in Intramural Sports and other recreational activities. Rec SportsPlex is located on FSU’s southwest campus and has 21 fields with 12 multipurpose fields, four tournament fields, and five softball diamonds.
picnic, swim, enjoy a game of sand volleyball, or play disc golf at our 73-acre facility located on beautiful Lake Bradford.
movies five to six nights a week, FREE for our students. The movies range from newly-released flicks to indie films and documentaries.
the Florida State College for Women. Restored to its original glory in the William Johnston Building, it once again serves as a dining hall for students, offering an extensive buffet, casual seating, TV, and wireless internet service.
Tomahawk Chop – a cheer performed at every Florida State sporting event that unites Seminole fans. Accompanied with the Seminole War Chant, the Tomahawk Chop (The Chop) is a motion involving a repetitious bending of the arm at the elbow, intended to symbolize a tomahawk swinging down.
Noteworthy Alum Sylvia Earle, is a National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence, founder of the Mission Blue Foundation, and was the first female chief scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She has been named Time magazine’s first Hero for the Planet, a Living Legend by the Library of Congress, and a recipient of the TED Prize in 2009. Earle is a pioneer in marine ecosystems research and has led more than 100 expeditions totaling more than 7,000 hours underwater, including an un-tethered walk on the ocean floor in 1979, which broke a record depth of 1,250 feet.
Adam Johnson’s most recent novel, The Orphan Master’s Son, became the 86th book to win the Pulitzer
Prize for Fiction in April 2013. Johnson is also a winner of the Whiting Writers’ Award and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. His previous books are a short story collection,Emporium, and a novel, Parasites Like Us. Johnson has three children and is on the faculty of Stanford University’s creative writing program. Screenwriter Jamie Linden, best known as the writer and co-producer of We Are Marshall, graduated from Florida State in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in media production and marketing. He wrote and co-produced Dear John and wrote and directed 10 Years. Currently he is writing and anticipated to direct The Flight Before Christmas for Paramount Pictures as well as an adaptation of the novel Noggin for LionsGate Films. He also is working on the script for Money Monster for director Jodie Foster and an animated movie for Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Montego Glover is the 2010 Tony Award nominee for the hit musical Memphis and has a thriving career on Broadway and in theatre, television, film, and commercials. She made her Broadway debut in The Color Purple and has made numerous television appearances on The Following, Smash, Golden Boy, The Good Wife, and Law & Order, just to name a few. Montego currently resides in New York City, is a member of the Artists’ Committee for the Kennedy Center Honors, and recently became a PopsEd Ambassador for the New York Pops.
Head of the Class Roy Baumeister – As Francis Eppes Professor of Psychology and head of the department’s social psychology graduate program, Dr. Roy Baumeister has made a career of researching self and identity, emotion, social rejection, and belongingness.
Dean Falk – Hale G. Smith Professor of Anthropology Dr. Dean
Falk is one of the top experts regarding the evolution of the brain and cognition in higher primates.
Jawole Willa Jo Zollar – Choreographer, dance professor, and founding artistic director of a New York dance company, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar is widely respected nationwide for her unique, cultural dance.
Alan Marshall – Current director of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory’s pioneering Ion Cyclotron Resonance Program and chemistry professor, Dr. Alan Marshall is considered a revolutionary researcher in the field of chemical analysis. He was recently inducted into the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Marcus Roberts – Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies, Marcus Roberts, is widely known as one of the preeminent American jazz pianists of his generation. A Florida native who was blinded at age 5 from cataracts and glaucoma, Marcus is a self-taught recording artist and graduate of Florida State.
Resources For Success at Florida State As a high-achieving student, our University Honors Program can provide you with an enriched curriculum. Students will enjoy the ability to take small, honors-only courses and special topic seminars with exceptional researchers and professors. Within the Honors Program is Honors in the Major, in which students complete a thesis project in a major area of study under the guidance of a defense committee. The can help you get involved in research opportunities at Florida State. You will be encouraged to engage in an academic discipline outside the classroom by conducting experiments in a laboratory, working in an archive, conducting or performing an artistic project in a concert hall. Our can help prepare you to compete for the top academic awards and scholarships in the country. Since its inception in 2005, ONF has mentored and assisted some of our most talented students. In the last seven years, our students have won more than 126 nationally competitive awards, including three Rhodes, three Truman, seven Goldwater, and 15 Hollings scholarships; four Pickering fellowships; and 56 Fulbright grants. The Garnet & Gold Scholar Society will encourage you to become a well-rounded citizen during your time at Florida State by helping you develop skills in: Leadership, Service, Internship, International Experience, and Research. Students who complete this program are recognized as Garnet & Gold Scholars upon graduation. Just imagine what you can accomplish at Florida State! To discover other opportunities for undergraduates, take a look at undergrad.fsu.edu.
Let’s Talk Tuition
education
How Am I Going To Pay For All of This? Good question! Given the current economic climate, it’s very important that you and your parents get the most value for your money. As you’ll see when you compare the typical expenses at Florida State to other institutions, we a top-notch education at an cost.
2013-2014 Academic Year Basic Costs FLORIDA RESIDENTS
NON-FLORIDA RESIDENTS
$6,575
$21,741
On-Campus Housing
5,980
5,980
Food (Meal Plan)
3,932
3,932
Books / Supplies
1,000
1,000
$17,487
$32,653
1,680
1,680
Tuition / Fees*
SUBTOTAL Health Insurance** TOTAL
$19,167
$34,333
* Estimated costs cover two semesters (15 hours per semester). ** FSU has a mandatory health insurance policy for new students admitted to the University. The cost represents the annual individual premium for domestic students. (The premium for international students is $1,848.) Costs of meeting this requirement will be included in financial aid considerations. Students who currently have health insurance may show proof of comparable coverage and may not be required to purchase the University policy. Refer to healthcenter.fsu.edu/insurance for additional information.
While the cost of college might look daunting on paper, researching programs and scholarship opportunities in advance of your senior year can begin to eliminate some of the worries of paying for college. (You’ll also score big with your parents!) Below are just a few examples of the many funding options available: The Florida State University awards renewable scholarships to students who have conducted outstanding community service in high school and wish to continue their commitment to service during their college years. You can apply in your senior year; the application and deadline will be posted at thecenter.fsu.edu. students are Through the Southern Scholarship Foundation, awarded scholarships in the form of rent-free housing to live in one of 25 furnished scholarship houses that are adjacent to campus. Information is available at southernscholarship.org. The sponsors the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Awards, given to talented students who use the award money to work on original projects in the summer, both on campus and abroad. Visit onf.fsu.edu for details. sponsors the $1,000 Mentored The Research and Creative Endeavors Awards to help fund students’ research in the fall and summer terms. For more information, visit our.fsu.edu. International Programs numerous scholarships and discounts to students choosing to study in one of more than 20 locations around the world, including our four permanent Florida State centers in London, England; Florence, Italy; Panama City, Panama; and Valencia, Spain. Go to international.fsu.edu/Students/Prospective/College/Scholarships. aspx to learn more. The automatically considers accepted freshmen for merit-based scholarships. Visit admissions.fsu.edu/freshman/finances/ scholarships.cfm for more information. You can learn more about scholarships, as well as federal and state aid programs at Florida State University by visiting financialaid.fsu.edu.
Schedule your visit at visit.fsu.edu. Stay connected with us! FSUAdmissions @FSUAdmissions VisitFSU VisitFloridaState The Florida State University | Office of Admissions 282 Champions Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2400 admissions.fsu.edu
THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY