How to Get Into Florida State (FSU): Acceptance Rate & Strategies

In 2023, Florida State University received over 71,000 applications, the second most in school history. FSU’s rise in popularity has—not coincidentally—also led to a spike in selectivity. For example, in 2005, the FSU acceptance rate was 62%; by 2020, that figure had plummeted to just 32%. Those accepted into the Class of 2027 (keep in mind these numbers are higher than those for “enrolled” students) possessed a mid-50% GPA range of 4.3-4.6 and SAT range of 1310-1430. FSU may have once had a reputation as a football-centric party school, but clearly, these days, this Top-20 public university is only a realistic option for teens with excellent academic credentials.

To assist you in your research, we will touch on the following topics:

• Florida State’s Class of 2027 acceptance rate
• SAT, ACT, GPA, and class rank of enrolled FSU applicants
• Admissions trends from the Class of 2027
• Florida State’s system for evaluating applicants
• A look at the demographics of current Florida State University undergraduates
• The percent of accepted students that attend the Florida State (yield rate)
• Tips for applying to the Florida State
• How to assess whether applying to the Florida State is even worth the $30 application fee (for you)

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

Florida State Acceptance Rate – Class of 2027

Out of more than 71,000 applications for admission into the Seminole Class of 2027, just 17,066 were accepted. As such, the FSU acceptance rate was 23.7% for the Class of 2027. Gaining acceptance into FSU from out-of-state is far more difficult than as a resident of the Sunshine State. In fact, in one recent year, 42% of in-staters were successful compared to just 20% of non-residents.

Florida State Admissions – SAT, ACT, GPA, and Class Rank

Let’s take a detailed look at the credentials of students accepted (different from enrolled) into the Class of 2027. The average SAT was 1370, the ACT average was 31, and the average weighted GPA was 4.4. Additionally. 88% of those admitted placed in the top 10% of their high school class.

The average scores for students that actually go on to enroll are a touch lower. For the Class of 2026, the average SAT was 1300 and the average ACT was 29. The average 2022-23 freshman student possessed a 4.29 weighted GPA and 65% placed in the top decile of their high school class.

Admissions Trends & Notes

• FSU’s number of first-year applications has increased over 150% since 2016.
• 76% of those admitted had no lower than a “B” on their entire high school transcript.
• 22% of admitted students are first-generation.
• The top three areas of study for admitted applicants were business, biology, and engineering.

How Florida State Rates Applicants

• Only one factor at FSU is ranked as “very important” to the admissions process: rigor of high school course load. Four others are viewed as “important”: GPA, test scores, talent/ability, and state residency.
• Straight from the Florida State University admissions office: “This holistic review process confirms that you have graduated from a regionally accredited high school (or the equivalent) with specific academic courses, have a competitive cumulative grade point average based on these courses, and have achieved a competitive ACT or SAT test score. Additional factors include the rigor and quality of the courses and curriculum you have taken while in high school; the strength of your senior schedule; your senior-year math level; the number of sequential years you have had in a world language, the quality of your written essay; and your extracurricular activities.”

FSU Acceptance Rate (Continued)

• It is also worth highlighting that recruited athletes enjoy a huge edge. This is because Florida State takes great pride in their 20 NCAA Division I sports teams that participate in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Overall, more than 650 student-athletes are presently attending the university and approximately 350 of those individuals receive an athletic scholarship.
• For advice about how to stand out on the extracurricular front, check out our previous blog entitled How Many Extracurricular Activities Do I Need for College?

Florida State Demographics

Let’s look at the demographics of current FSU undergrads beginning with geographic place of origin:

• Florida: 80%
• Out-of-State/International: 20%

Students admitted into the Class of 2027 came from all 50 states and 64 Florida counties. Acceptances were offered to students from 614 different high schools within the state of Florida.

The greatest number of international students come from the following countries:

1. Panama
2. Venezuela
3. Brazil
4. China
5. Canada

In terms of ethnic identity, the breakdown is as follows:

• Caucasian/White: 59%
• Asian American: 3%
• Hispanic: 22%
• African American: 9%
• Two or more races: 4%

FSU Acceptance Rate (Continued)

A look at the gender split reveals that university enrolls far more women than men:

• Men: 43%
• Women: 57%

Florida State’s “Yield Rate”

Florida State’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted is 31%. FSU’s yield is typically a bit lower than the University Florida, University of Georgia, or University of Virginia.

Tips for Applying to Florida State

If you plan on joining the 71,000+ Seminole hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

• Florida State does not use interviews as part of their evaluation process.
• Florida State does not consider “demonstrated interest” so you will not be judged on whether or not you made a campus visit, contacted an admissions officer, etc.
• Save some extra time to complete the Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR) required by Florida State. This is essentially a self-reported transcript for grades 9-11.

FSU Acceptance Rate (Continued) 

• Prospective Seminoles can apply through the Common Application or Coalition Application.
• You are required to send official ACT and SAT results to this school (many other schools will let you self-report).
• There are no supplemental essay prompts for FSU. Focus your efforts on perfecting your general Common App Essay.

Florida State University Acceptance Rate – Final Thoughts 

Those with SAT/ACT scores within the mid-50% mark for Florida State University who also have a transcript of almost exclusively A’s and B’s are definitely viable candidates to this terrific public institution. If you live in Florida, you will enjoy an admissions edge over an out-of-state or international applicant. Of course, it goes without saying that all teens applying to a school of FSU’s caliber also need to also have a proper mix of “target” and “safety” schools on their college list. More on creating a balanced college list can be found here.