Thinking about FAU? This guide takes you through the acceptance rate, what FAU looks for, and how to put together a great application – in a straightforward, practical, student-centered way.
Acceptance rate: How selective is FAU?
FAU is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate hovering around 84% in most years. This number can change based on year, entry term (fall, spring, summer), and major.
Programs such as Nursing, several Engineering programs, and the Wilkes Honors College are more selective because of capacity and higher academic standards. You should check the current information on FAU Admissions.
Alright, here’s the real scoop on what FAU wants.
First off, your grades matter. They zero in on your “core GPA” — that’s English, math, science, social studies, and a world language. Not just any classes, either. They want to see you actually challenge yourself. So, APs, IB, dual enrollment, honors — all that good stuff that says “hey, I can keep up with college-level work.” Honestly, if you just coasted through basic classes, you’re not doing yourself any favors.
Testing?
Yep, welcome to Florida. Pretty much every public university here wants SAT or ACT scores. FAU included. Sometimes they’ll superscore, sometimes they don’t — check their site to make sure, because they do love to change their minds.
Coursework should look like you’re prepping for college — 4 years of English, 4 years of math (make sure you hit algebra at least), 3 or 4 lab sciences, 3 social studies, and at least 2 years of the same language. Not rocket science, but don’t slack.
Now, don’t just be a GPA robot. They want to see what you do outside class. Leadership roles, volunteering, a job, stuff connected to your major — all that helps.
Don’t just do it for your resume, though. Find something you actually care about; it’ll show. And your essay? Don’t write some boring “I want to go to college because I like learning.” Make it personal. Be real. Show why FAU fits you, not just why you want to go to college.
For first-year applicants: You’ll need to apply (their app or Common App, dealer’s choice), send your high school transcript (core classes matter most), test scores (don’t wait till the last second), and a personal essay (do it, honestly). Letters of rec? Optional, unless you’re going for a special program. There’s a fee, but your counselor might know how to get around that if you qualify.
Deadlines?
FAU does rolling admissions, but there are “priority” dates for scholarships, housing, and some programs. If you want money or a dorm, apply early. The late crowd gets leftovers.
Transfers:
Keep your college GPA solid and finish any must-have classes, especially if you’re heading for Business, Engineering, or Nursing. FAU wants transcripts from every college you’ve been to. Not enough credits? They might peek at your high school stuff and scores, too. Double-check what your major needs before you apply, or you’ll be playing catch-up.
International students:
Gotta prove you can handle English (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test — pick your poison). Send official transcripts (with English translations if needed), and sometimes they’ll want a credential eval. Once you’re in, you’ll have to show financial documents for your visa.
How to apply?
Pick your term, know your deadlines. Register for the SAT/ACT, maybe retake if you think you can do better. Get your transcripts and crank out your essay early. Apply (FAU or Common App, doesn’t matter), send scores, and then babysit your portal for any missing stuff. File FAFSA as soon as you can — money goes fast.
Scholarships and aid: FAFSA, do it early. Florida kids, check out Bright Futures. FAU’s merit money looks at GPA, course rigor, and test scores, so those priority deadlines really matter.
Want to boost your odds?
Keep your grades up, load up on the toughest classes you can handle, and actually prep for the SAT/ACT. Even a small bump can help. Do stuff that matches your major (future nurse? Volunteer at a clinic. Engineer? Go build a robot or something). If you’re eyeing a tough program, finish prereqs early and get your application in before everyone else.
And please, make your essay sound like you. They want to see your voice, your impact, and how you’ll fit into FAU’s vibe.
Quick Q&A time:
What’s FAU’s acceptance rate? Usually around 84%, but it swings by year, major, and term. Check their site for the latest.
Is FAU test-optional?
Not really. Florida schools pretty much all want SAT or ACT for freshmen – check FAU’s current rules in case they change.
What GPA should you aim for?
No hard cutoff, but a strong core GPA + tough classes will put you in a good spot. Nursing, Engineering, and Honors want higher numbers; no surprise there.
Does FAU superscore SAT/ACT?
Maybe, maybe not. Check their admissions site because, honestly, these policies change more often than my phone background.
Which majors are hardest to get into?
Nursing, some Engineering programs, and the Wilkes Honors College are tougher, mostly because there aren’t a ton of spots and they want the best.
What if your GPA or scores are kinda meh?
Show that you’re trending upward, retake your tests with a plan, really push your major-related experiences, and get your apps in early. Worst case, you can always start at a state college and transfer over after you knock out the prerequisites.
Hope that clears things up a bit. Don’t overthink it — just put your best stuff forward, hit those deadlines, and keep it real. Good luck!
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