FSU Summer rejection —Seeking advice

State Forums
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1

Not at all familiar with college admission routes etc.
My son is a Senior at a Jacksonville college prep school and will be graduating with his IB diploma in May 2020.
He applied for FSU through his HS guidance department and they recommended he apply for the summer 2020 term, which he did.
As for stats, he has a 3.8 weighted GPA in the international baccalaureate program, having already earned 16 or so college credit hours; he scored a 1390 on the SAT; he has earned his Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of America; played lacrosse for three out of his four high school years and kept a part-time job throughout high school. Long story short, great kid who is a fantastic test taker and involved in the community.

Back to my admissions question… as earlier mentioned, he was told to apply for summer term… when the decision came out on Friday, he was not accepted for any term and recommended to attend TCC.

In asking around, after the fact, we were told that if you apply for Fall and do not get in, they will automatically we consider you for summer and other entry routes.
We were also told that if you apply strictly for summer term, that is the only thing they consider you for and if not except it, it is just a full rejection.

In reading on their website, we saw that you cannot reapply once you are rejected, for the same upcoming year.

So,

  1. can we reapply for the fall semester given that he only applied for summer?
  2. looking at the available appeal process, I did go through a divorce last year which qualifies for a family hardship etc. and that is grounds for an appeal… Have you heard of any positive appeal outcomes?
  3. do you have any other possible ideas on getting an opportunity to assist him with the application on a home level and not through the guidance counselor, without using a year of college at TCC?

I understand the application process is rigorous and that his GPA is not stellar by any means. Looking to assist if possible and back away if that is the best route at this time. Thank you for your help!

2

Had your son applied for Fall, the result would have been the same, in my opinion. My guess is that a 3.8 weighted GPA was the issue.

There’s no harm in trying to appeal as they are granted in some cases.

After that, if FSU is his goal, then he should consider a TCC option. Or attend another state college with goals to transfer-in down the road.

was he accepted anywhere else?

3

I agree with GatorDad305 about the 3.8 weighted GPA most likely being the issue.
FSU was very competitive this year. I think last year’s “accepted middle 50%” GPA profile for fall was something like 4.1-4.5, and the average #'s for fall are typically higher than summer. I imagine this year’s numbers could be even higher, since they received over 60,000 apps to fill a class of around 6,000.

You can always call and ask about it; it never hurts to ask.

In the meantime, I would see if he is interested in TCC as a path to FSU. Also, his SAT is very good. Does he have any interest in USF or UCF? UCF has rolling admissions and may still be accepting apps. (I can’t remember if USF is rolling as well; it might be.)

Best of luck to your son!

4

According to FSU admissions office- the middle 50% had a 4.1-4.5, 1290-1410 SAT (29-32ACT) and took 5 1/2 yrs of college prep math. 61,000 applications. Your counselor actually gave you great advice, since summer admissions averages were 3.7-4.3 and a 1190-1300. Even pathways (taking first semester courses at JC and then starting on campus) were on par or higher than his stats. It’s crazy to think, working as hard as he has, but, I think if your son was going to get in, summer was his best option. USF may be a great option for him, I believe he falls at about the 70% mark for USF for test scores (although, USF’s average GPA is a 4.13).