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FIU Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are FIU's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into FIU and build a strong application.

School location: Miami, FL

This school is also known as: Florida International University

Admissions Rate: 63.9%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at FIU is 63.9% . For every 100 applicants, 64 are admitted.

This means the school is moderately selective . The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in. But if you don't, you might be one of the unlucky minority that gets a rejection letter.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

FIU GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 4

The average GPA at FIU is 4 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 4, FIU requires you to be at the top of your class . You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 4, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

FIU SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1159

The average SAT score composite at FIU is a 1159 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes FIU Competitive for SAT test scores.

FIU SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1070, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1240. In other words, a 1070 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1240 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

FIU has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, FIU will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and FIU forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1159, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

FIU ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, FIU likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 24

The average ACT score at FIU is 24. This score makes FIU Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 21, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 26.

Even though FIU likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 21 or below, you'll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 24 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to FIU, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 24.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

FIU considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is moderately selective, strong academic performance will almost guarantee you admission . Scoring a 1240 SAT or a 26 ACT or above will nearly guarantee you admission. Because the school admits 63.9% of all applicants, being far above average raises the admission rate for you to nearly 100%.

If you can achieve a high SAT/ACT score, the rest of your application essentially doesn't matter. You still need to meet the rest of the application requirements, and your GPA shouldn't be too far off from the school average of 4. But you won't need dazzling extracurriculars and breathtaking letters of recommendation to get in. You can get in based on the merits of your score alone.

But if your score is a 1070 SAT or a 21 ACT and below, you have a good chance of being one of the unlucky few to be rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

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Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of FIU here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $30
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes Portfolio or audition recommended for some freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Required
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office March 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 3
• Electives 2

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes Rolling July 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 11200 Miami, FL 33199
• Phone: (305) 348-2000 x2000
• Fax: (305) 348-3648
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

If you want to apply for a merit scholarship, you have be admitted to FIU by November 1 -- so submit your application early! After that, they will send you an invitation to apply to scholarships such as the Presidential, which gives full tuition plus book money. If you have a 4.0 GPA and at least a 2000 SAT or 30 ACT you would be eligible for that particular scholarship. Read more on scholarships and requirements here.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in FIU, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to FIU.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than FIU. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for FIU, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for FIU, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If FIU is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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FIU Admissions Requirements, Fundamentals and Tips

Being the second-largest higher education institution in the state, Florida International University attracts plenty of applicants. Each year, thousands of university hopefuls are reviewed by the Admissions Office who select individuals able to benefit the most from the available online and on-campus programs. If you also want to apply to the university with the high status, read this article to discover key information about the upcoming application season. Here, we will discuss application requirements, deadlines, fees, and acceptance rates among others.

Does FIU Require an Essay?

If you are ready to take the first step on your educational journey, we have great news for you: FIU applicants are not required to submit an admission essay. What does it mean for you as a university hopeful? It means that your chances of being admitted to the institution rest entirely on your SAT or ACT scores, volunteering, awards, and work experience. Furthermore, you won’t have to endure the dreadful admission essay writing process, which is, arguably, the hardest part of the application experience. On average, 50 percent of all applicants are admitted to the institution. Keep reading to find out how to increase your chances of being admitted to FIU.

FIU Essay Prompt

Even though there is no FIU application essay among admissions requirements, you will have to showcase your writing prowess. “How can it be?” you wonder. Well, you will still have to craft an essay for the writing section of the SAT. Prompts for SAT essay differ each year. Nonetheless, they follow the same basic format. The College Board regularly issues sample prompts to help high school students prepare for the test. A sure way to improve your SAT score is to practice the test’s writing section. Select one of the two samples prompts below and try producing a great essay:

• Write an essay in which you explain how the US President Abraham Lincoln builds an argument to convey the spirit of the American national purpose to his audience.
• Write an essay in which you explain how a political theorist Murray Rothbard builds an argument to convince his audience that all services provided by the government can be delivered more efficiently by the private sector.

When writing the essay, keep the following tips in mind:

• Write a clear thesis

By creating a clear and concise central claim, you make it easier for the reader to identify the direction of your essay and understand the methods you employ to convene the claim.

• Write an introduction and a conclusion

Your essay should have both an introduction and a conclusion; otherwise, points will be deducted. The inclusion of opening and closing paragraphs is a mark of writing prowess, which is why this important stage of writing shouldn’t be neglected.

• Use formal language

According to the essay rubric, a highly-scoring essay is characterized by “a highly effective use and command of language.” For this reason, when in doubt, opt for formal language.

• Rely on the information from a prompt and a passage

All the information you need will be provided in a prompt and a passage. Avoid using outside knowledge you might have to support your thesis.

Florida International University Application Deadline and Requirements

First things first, be prepared to pay a $30 fee when submitting your application documents. Given the high status of FIU, it is a negligible sum.

FIU offers a rolling admission, which means that you can provide the documents during the fall, and spring terms. Consider the following application deadlines:

• Spring 2019 – November 15
• Early fall 2019 – March 19
• Fall 2019 – April 15
• Spring 2020 – December 2

Freshmen applicants are expected to satisfy several application requirements:

1.     Submit the SAT or ACT scores

Make sure to submit the scores before the deadline.

2.     Apply for financial aid

If there’s a need, you can file for FAFSA.

3.     Fill out an online application

The application process takes approximately 30 minutes.

4.     Submit high school or university transcripts

Submit official transcripts or documents from non-traditional high school education.

5.     Submit exam scores

If you have AP, CLEP or other scores not reflected in your transcripts, submit them separately.

6.     Send documents confirming your residency status

Those applying to university are required to provide the proof of their Florida residency.

You can check your application status by using a Panther ID you’ll be provided during the application process. Use the ID to access your account here .

Florida International University Majors

To make the choice of your future academic direction easier for you, we’ve compiled the list of the most popular FIU majors for 2017 graduates:

• Business, Management, and Marketing – 29%
• Psychology – 12%
• Communication and Journalism – 7%
• Health Professions – 7%
• Social Sciences – 7%

The average freshmen retention rate is 87%, which is a reliable indicator of student satisfaction with the institution. It means that ones you get in FIU, the chances are that you’ll stay there. However, you have to work hard to get admitted to the university. Specifically, your focus should be on the SAT essay. We can help you prepare for this part of the test by providing you with model essays written by a professional paper writer . They know a great deal about the exam and what it takes to earn a great score.

Check Out Our Services

• Admission Essay
• Writing Services
• Homework Help
• Report Help

Apply This Is It, Your Application

Apply to fiu.

Ready to begin your journey at FIU? Apply today! Before you get started, gather all your documents and information (like personal identification or transcripts) and be prepared to pay a $30 application fee.

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Merit scholarships.

Incoming freshman and transfer students can apply for several FIU and national merit scholarships. These scholarships are awarded for outstanding academic ability, demonstrated by your GPA*, an essay or other achievements. Read below to learn more about the different types of merit scholarships, what they offer, and their requirements. Students should review the Renewal and Appeal policies for future reference.

Deadlines and application process may vary annually. 

*FIU recalculates GPA based on your courses taken. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Dual Enrollment, AICE and Honors courses are all taken into consideration in your FIU weighted GPA. FIU weighted GPA is used for Scholarships as well.

Apply Today

Apply for these scholarships and others on the FIU Scholarship Search. Visit Admissions Scholarships to learn how to apply.

Renewal & Appeal

Students should review the renewal and appeal to maintain their merit scholarship aid.

• 100% Undergraduate tuition and fees, plus a book stipend

Requirements

• Graduating high school senior entering FIU in Early Fall/ Fall 2024
• 4.0 GPA | 1370 SAT or 30 ACT or Top 5% of a Florida Highschool Graduating Class or 98 CLT
• Be a citizen of the United States, a U.S. lawful permanent resident or an international student with intention of receiving the F-1 visa to study in the United States
• Admitted to FIU by November 15, 2023
• Scholarship application closes December 4, 2023

Applicants must have the scores sent directly to FIU when they register for the SAT or ACT so the scores can be received by the university in time for scholarship consideration. October 7, 2023 SAT/September 10, 2023 ACT/October 18, 2023 CLT- are the last test dates that will be considered for the scholarship eligibility; all other supporting credentials and a completed application should already be received by the scholarship application deadline. 

75% Undergraduate tuition and fees, plus a book stipend

• 4.0 GPA | 1280 SAT or 27 ACT or Top 10% of Florida Highschool Graduating Class or 91 CLT

Gold and Blue Scholarships are awarded to entering students by Undergraduate Admissions to recognize outstanding academic performance. Awards are distributed over four years and range from:

• $1,000 to $12,000 for Florida residents
• $4,000 to $24,000 for non-Florida residents

There is no separate application for this scholarship program. Students who apply for admission to FIU for summer or fall terms are automatically considered based on their admission application. Incoming First time in college students are encouraged to apply for admission to FIU by November 1 of their senior year for priority scholarship consideration. Scholarship funding is limited. The Scholarship Committee reviews admitted students until all scholarship funding has been allocated. Scholarship funding for FTICs is usually exhausted by mid-January for the incoming summer and fall classes. The selection process is competitive, as fewer than 30 percent of our freshman students receive an offer.

If we offer you a Gold and Blue scholarship, we will contact you by e-mail and through your application portal. Please note that our merit scholarship review process is not concurrent with offers of admission. Gold and Blue scholarships cannot be stacked with other forms of FIU merit aid. If you apply and are selected for a scholarship of higher value (National Merit, Presidential, Ambassador), you forfeit your Gold and Blue award and can only receive the highest offer.

50% Undergraduate tuition and fees, plus books

• Transfer student entering FIU in Early Fall/Fall 2024
• 60 transferable credit hours or an AA degree
• Admitted to FIU by April 1, 2024
• Scholarship application deadline: April 1, 2024
• Visit FIU Scholarship Search to apply

Varies per student earnings. Freshman RaiseMe Scholarship max earnings is $10,000 for 4 years ($2,500 per year). Transfer RaiseMe Scholarship max earnings is $2,000 for 2 years ($1,000 per year).

 Freshman Requirements

• Graduating high school senior entering FIU in Early Fall/Fall 2024
• Be a citizen of the United States, or a U.S. lawful permanent resident 
• Florida or DC resident
• Completed RaiseMe profile by December 1, 2023
• Follow FIU on Raise.ME
• Visit Raise.Me to apply

Transfer Requirements

• Transfer student entering in Early Fall/Fall 2024
• Must complete AA or AS degree from a Florida Community College by the time of transfer to redeem scholarship earnings
• Minimum Credit-Hours required to earn on RaiseMe - 45
• Florida resident
• Completed RaiseMe profile by April 1, 2024
• Visit Raise.Me to apply 
• Completed high school RaiseMe earnings are not eligible for Transfer students

Are you a National Merit ® Finalist?

Florida Resident National Merit Finalists are funded by the State Benaquisto Award which covers:

Cost of Attendance - Bright Futures - any National Merit Scholarship. On average $9,000 a semester. Awards will vary.

Out of State

Out of State National Merit Finalists Students are funded by FIU.

• 100% on campus housing with meal plan

Academic Benefits Include

• Guaranteed admission to the Honors College
• Access to the Honors College Early Assurance Programs for the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and FIU College of Law
• Priority registration when choosing classes
• Guaranteed research opportunities and mentorship
• Selected by the National Merit ® Corporation as a National Merit Finalist
• Selecting FIU as your #1 choice university on the National Merit Scholarship corporation website prior to May 1, 2024
• Admitted to FIU prior to November 15, 2023
• Complete an Ambassador Merit or Presidential Merit Scholarship Application

If you are a National Merit Semi-Finalist and want to visit campus or ask for more information about FIU, please email admissions at [email protected] to learn more!

For more information about the award, visit FIU National Merit® Scholarship | Admissions | Florida International University .

FIU College Board Recognition Program Scholarships

• $1,000 meal plan stipend per semester
• 4.0 weighted HS GPA as re-calculated by FIU
• Students who qualify for Presidential/Ambassador scholarships
• 1370 SAT Score or 30 ACT or Top 5% of a Florida Highschool Graduating Class
• African American Recognition
• Hispanic Recognition
• Indigenous Recognition
• Rural and Small Town Recognition
• Commit to FIU by May 1, 2024 if admitted for Early Fall and May 15, 2024 if admitted for Fall 2024 
• Complete an Ambassador Merit or Presidential Merit Scholarship Application to compete for the award
• Upload your Recognition Certificate from College Board

We're happy to guide students on the right path to finding the scholarship that is right for them.

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First year core.

Part of the Writing and Rhetoric Program , the first-year writing sequence teaches rhetorical concepts, skills, and strategies to help students communicate effectively both in and beyond the academy. Our first-year courses follow outcome guidelines adopted by the National Council of Writing Program Administrators. Click here for a complete list of national outcomes.

ENC 1101 and ENC 1102 fulfill half the Core Curriculum Gordon Rule writing requirement. To earn credit for these courses, students must earn a C or better.  For students needing introductory writing instruction before embarking on the first-year sequence, ENC 1930 provides foundational instruction while introducing the expectations of university-level writing.

ENC 1101, the first of FIU's two-course writing sequence, introduces students to the writing, reading, and critical thinking skills required for college writing. Course materials and writing projects introduce rhetorical concepts and invite students to consider themselves as writers inside and outside the classroom. Students will read and analyze professional nonfiction texts to understand how experienced writers develop and present ideas through writing. They will complete four major writing projects for a variety of audiences and purposes. Three of these projects (800-1,800 words in length) will be written in a multi-draft writing process, while a fourth project will offer students practice in timed writing contexts.

By the end of ENC 1101, students will:

• Respond in writing to various rhetorical purposes and address the needs of various audiences;
• Develop their ideas through a recursive process of writing, revision, and editing;
• Display appropriate format, structure and stylistic choices to meet audience needs and to satisfy their rhetorical purpose;
• Develop an effective thesis and support it with reasons and evidence;
• Interact with complex texts, explore alternative perspectives, and articulate and support their own perspective in response;
• Incorporate sourced materials into their own work through effective use of quotation, summary, paraphrase   and   citation using MLA or   other appropriate style manual ;
• Exhibit appropriate syntax, punctuation, and spelling;
• Develop a rhetorical vocabulary for understanding and talking about writing.
• Major Writing Projects with Learning Outcomes
• Instructors should choose three major writing projects along with teaching a unit on writing under pressure. The final capstone project should stem from the Analyzing and Synthesizing
• Ideas chapter of the text.

The corresponding writing project would be a strong response or rhetorical analysis. Instructors are encouraged to spend more time with low-stakes writing projects during the first theoretical/introductory chapters of the text to ensure that students are grasping important rhetorical concepts. At the end of the unit, students should:

• Demonstrate familiarity with/understanding of rhetorical concepts including rhetorical situation, rhetorical purpose/aim, audience, rhetorical appeals, genre,   angle   of vision; reading against the grain;
• Recognize the rhetorical strategies and stylistic choices made by experienced communicators;
• Read and summarize another writer's argument succinctly;
• Articulate a clear perspective on the way the assigned text works rhetorically;
• Purposefully incorporate quotations, summary, and paraphrase using attributive tags, quotation marks, and appropriate citation style;
• Employ revision and editing strategies appropriate to the audience and purpose.
• Literacy Narrative or Visual Analysis For the second project, instructors choose a narrative or a visual analysis.

At the end of the unit, students should:

• Produce a final written project that indicates a clear rhetorical purpose and that is appropriate for a diverse audience of peers;
• Use conventions of open-form prose;
• Show engagement with issues of language, literacy, rhetoric, or cultures;
• Apply knowledge of the following persuasive appeals and rhetorical concepts: ethos, pathos, logos,   angle   of vision;
• Use specific language (descriptive, figurative, with attention paid to word choice);
• Produce a final draft that shows evidence of a thoughtful writing process, including invention, revision, and proof-reading;
• Use syntax, punctuation, and spelling effectively in service of rhetorical purpose.
• Produce a clearly organized analysis that indicates   understanding   of the persuasive effects of images and that discusses   angle   of vision, compositional features, rhetorical choices, audience appeals, and cultural assumptions.
• Continue to show evidence of “reading with and against the grain”;
• Craft an introduction that hooks the reader;
• Revise and edit to achieve a clear rhetorical purpose and to meet audience needs.

The ENC 1101 capstone project focuses on analyzing and synthesizing ideas from at least two complex texts. At the end of the unit, students should:

• Interact with a group of texts, explore alternative perspectives, and present a new perspective of their own;
• Summarize multiple complex texts indicating   understanding   of the authors’ arguments and rhetorical strategies;
• Develop a focused thesis that indicates their analysis and synthesis of assigned readings to arrive at their own perspective;
• Use textual evidence effectively to support claims;
• Cite sources appropriately using MLA or other assigned style manual;
• Demonstrate their ability to adapt their writing processes to an abbreviated time frame;
• Analyze an essay exam question to understand what the question is looking for by recognizing cues and by interpreting and responding to key terms;
• Produce a written document, written under   time   constraint, that responds effectively to the prompt and that exhibits a clear thesis, coherent organization, and content appropriate to the question.
• Lunsford, Andrea. The Everyday Writer. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s. Customized for Florida International University.
• Ramage, John, John Bean   and   June Johnson. The Allyn and Bacon Guide to Writing. New York: Pearson, 2012. Customized for Florida International University. Fifth Edition.

ENC 1102 expands upon the writing and rhetorical skills learned in ENC 1101 by placing additional emphasis on argument and researched writing. Through a deeper focus on research, writers will hone their abilities to locate, evaluate, and document sources, and to incorporate them smoothly and responsibly into their own writing. Students will learn about primary and secondary research, employing the research methods that best fit their chosen rhetorical purpose and audience. The course reviews rhetorical concepts covered in ENC 1101 to ensure that students leave first-year writing with a rhetorical understanding and vocabulary that will assist them in other writing contexts. It then takes students through an extended research process. Through structured invention activities, students generate ideas for their final project early in the term.   Ideally   students will thoroughly research their primary topic throughout the term, producing thoughtful and engaging researched arguments that respond to research questions that engage students and their chosen audiences. Course work consists of four major projects (1,000-2,000 words in length).

By the end of ENC 1102, students will:

• Write to achieve varying purposes and to engage different audiences;
• Understand the structure of closed-form arguments (including   claim , reasons, evidence, counter-argument, and underlying assumptions);
• Employ effective persuasive appeals;
• Generate research questions that lead to meaningful inquiry;
• Show knowledge of conventions of academic research, including the ability to locate, evaluate, and document sources and to incorporate sources effectively into their work;
• Further their rhetorical vocabulary for understanding and talking about writing, becoming more adept at understanding and employing rhetorical concepts taught in ENC 1101 and learning new concepts related to research and argumentation.
• Understand the complexities of academic plagiarism.
• Major Writing Projects with Unit Learning Outcomes
• Instructors should choose three major writing projects along with a research proposal.
• Complete a writing project with the purpose of convincing their reader of the feasibility of their proposed research project;
• Define an area of interest appropriate for extended research;
• Define a problematic, significant and interesting question which will be explored and refined in the research;
• Demonstrate that adequate resources are available for the topic;
• Identify an audience or discipline appropriate for the topic;
• Develop a plan for effectively managing, organizing and conducting a research project.

Instructors assign either an exploratory narrative or an annotated bibliography with   critical   preface. At the end of the unit, students should:

• Show a promising start to their capstone extended writing project, engaging with sources related to their research question and illustrating a feasible approach to research;
• Pose a timely research question that is likely to engage a chosen audience;
• Conduct relevant research (taking detailed notes while rhetorically locating, evaluating and analyzing sources);
• Choose sources purposefully and reflectively, rather than randomly;
• Effectively summarize, analyze, and synthesize the ideas of others;
• Read sources with attention to their rhetorical context;
• Employ dialectic thinking using thesis, antithesis, and synthesis;
• Demonstrate engagement with sources and wrestling with ideas to explore the research question;
• Document the evolution of the writer’s thinking by recounting the research process and subsequent analysis;
• Employ editing strategies appropriate to the audience and purpose to cultivate a convincing scholarly ethos.

Instructors assign either an analysis of field research data or an informative essay. At the end of the unit, students should:

• Write with a primary rhetorical purpose to inform;
• Respond to the needs of   chosen   or assigned audience;
• Demonstrate engagement with focused and meaningful research questions;
• Demonstrate rhetorically-effective use of primary research (interview, observation, survey questionnaire, or a combination of the three);
• Cite primary sources correctly in appropriate citation style;
• Effectively incorporate research materials into the document;

Instructors assign a classical argument or a proposal to solve a problem. At the end of the unit, students should:

• Produce a thoughtful, logically structured, and well-researched argument;
• Show evidence of engagement with a timely topic and research question;
• Use secondary sources that are effective for the chosen audience and rhetorical purpose;
• Document secondary research (both in-text and in Works Cited) correctly according to a specified citation style;
• Use appropriately summary, paraphrase, and direct quotations to support and develop claims;
• Employ rhetorical appeals effectively;
• Produce a final draft that shows evidence of a thoughtful writing process, including invention, revision, and editing;
• Use syntax, punctuation, and spelling effectively in service of rhetorical purpose and to support the writer’s ethos.

Additionally, proposals should:

• Employ rhetorical appeals effectively to create   presence   for the problem;
• Describe the problem in ways that appeal to the interests and values of the audience;
• Write a well-designed argument justifying a workable solution to the problem;
• Address counterargument by discussing alternatives, rationale, and outcomes;
• Employ an effective document design using appropriate layout, clear headings, and visuals;
• Use conventions of the discipline and/or decision-making group your project addresses;
• Employ editing strategies appropriate to the audience and purpose.
• Ramage, John, John Bean   and   June Johnson. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing. New York: Pearson, 2012. Customized for Florida International University. Fifth Edition.

ENC 1930 introduces the expectations of university-level writing. Students complete four writing projects in multiple genres and for a variety of purposes and audiences. Instruction emphasizes critical reading and provides a context for the writing process that focuses on grammar/mechanics, sentence structure, and paragraph development. At least three writing projects will engage the complete writing process, from invention through composing multiple drafts. Writing projects are approximately 1,000 words. This course does not fulfill core curriculum requirements, and is used as a precursor to ENC 1101.

By the end of ENC 1930, students will:

• Write with a particular purpose to develop a central idea with supporting details;
• Develop a rhetorical vocabulary and apply persuasive strategies appropriate for a specific purpose, audience, and genre;
• Read and compose in various genres to understand how genre conventions are shaped by readers’ and writers’ practices and purposes;
• Begin developing the ability to adapt conventions such as format, structure, document design, and style for the chosen genre and rhetorical context;
• Understand writing as a means to discover and reconsider ideas;
• Develop flexible strategies for reading, composing, reviewing, collaborating, revising, rewriting, and editing;
• Learn to give and to act on productive feedback to works in progress;
• Reflect on your developing identity as a writer and your composing processes;
• Produce focused and logically organized paragraphs and writing projects;
• Use rhetorically effective college-level spelling, grammar, mechanics, and word choice for the target audience.
• Choices, A Writing Guide with Readings, 5th Edition. Mangelsdorf, Kate; Posey, Evelyn. Bedford/St. Martins, ISBN: 978-0-312-61140-8
• Everyday Writing, Glau, Gregory R.; De Duttagupta, Chitralekha. Pearson. ISBN: 978-0-205-73659-1
• Ideas & Aims, Taylor, Tim; Copeland, Linda. Pearson ISBN: 9780321956033

Cayce Wicks Assistant Teaching Professor; Coordinator for Student Success in the [...]   305-348-2229   [email protected]  DM 466A

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Scholarships.

Scholarships help you graduate from FIU with your degree and with little to no debt. Scholarships are usually merit-based financial aid (awarded based on your grades and achievements) but some may have need-based requirements as well. Apply to as many scholarships as you can and apply early to increase your chance of being awarded.

Find Scholarships

With the FIU scholarship search tool, admitted students can search for scholarships by requirement, create a profile and track their scholarship awards all in one place. As soon as you apply to FIU and received a Panther ID, you can log in with your FIU username and password to apply.

FIU Scholarship Search

First Year Students

Merit scholarships are very competitive. Students must prove a record of high academic achievement to qualify to apply. The following are the top merit scholarships for incoming first year students:

• Presidential Premier - Students with 4.0 GPA and 1370 SAT / or 30 ACT. Awards 100% tuition and fees plus a book stipend.
• Ambassador Premier - Students with 4.0 GPA and 1280 SAT or 27 ACT. Awards 75% tuition and fees plus a book stipend.
• National Merit - Students who qualify for Presidential/Ambassador scholarships and are selected as a finalist. Awards full tuition, fees, room and board, up to the cost of attendance as published by the Office of Student Financials.
• FIU Collegeboard National Recognition Programs (African American, Hispanic, Indigenous, or Rural and Small Town Recognition) - Students who qualify for Presidential/Ambassador scholarships and are selected as a finalist. Awards full tuition, stipend for books and $1000 stipend towards meal plan each semester.

Application Requirements

• Be a newly admitted FIU first year student
• Meet academic eligibility listed above
• Submit 2 letters of recommendation
• Write an essay response to a prompt

Visit the FIU Scholarship Search for applications, deadlines, requirements and award notifications for these scholarships and others. FIU sends notification of scholarship awards by email. Note : scholarships are removed once the deadline has passed.

Visit OneStop for Scholarship Renewal and Appeal . Students may only receive 1 merit scholarship. Apply to the scholarship for which you meet the minimum requirements. Students can "stack" a merit scholarship with any federal funds or private scholarships, including Florida Bright Futures and Florida Pre-paid. Merit scholarships cover tuition for the terms stipulated in the scholarship. They do not apply to graduate credits of any accelerated program.

* Applicants must have the scores sent directly to FIU when they register for the SAT or ACT so the scores can be received by the university in time for scholarship consideration. October 7, 2023 SAT/September 10, 2023 ACT- are the last test dates that will be considered for the scholarship eligibility; all other supporting credentials and a completed application should already be received by the scholarship application deadline.

Visit OneStop for more information on Bright Futures Scholarship, First Generation Scholarship and others.

Visit Student Affairs for scholarships offered by FIU student programming groups like Multicultural Programs and Services.

Merit scholarships are very competitive. Students must prove a record of high academic achievement to qualify. When filling out an application for admission be sure to accurately reflect the coursework you have completed. The following are the top merit scholarships for incoming transfers:

• Transfer Academic Achievement
• Be a newly admitted FIU transfer student
• Have earned a 3.8 GPA and 60 transferrable credit hours

Visit OneStop for Scholarship Renewal and Appeal . Students may only receive 1 merit scholarship. Apply to the scholarship for which you meet the minimum requirements. Students can "stack" a merit scholarship with any federal funds or private scholarships, including Florida Bright Futures and Florida Pre-paid. Merit scholarships cover tuition for the terms stipulated in the scholarship. They do not apply to graduate credits of any accelerated program.

Visit Veteran and Military Affairs for state scholarships offered to students for their military service.

Visit Transfer & Transition Services for scholarships based on your degree.

Graduate Student Scholarships

Your department or program may offer scholarships to a select number of students. Find scholarships through the FIU Scholarship Search . The FIU Office of Scholarships helps students find and complete applications for many FIU scholarships as well as others not offered by the university. Competition for scholarships is high among grad school students, so working with the Office of Scholarships to improve your application can help give you a competitive edge.

Information regarding additional forms of funding, including assistantships and fellowships, can be found on the University Graduate School’s Funding Page.

More Scholarships

Raise.Me is a micro-scholarship program for high school students. Sign up for Raise.Me and you could earn scholarships for achievements like participating in extracurricular activities and getting good grades. You could earn up to $2,500 per academic year.

Join Raise.Me

Requirements

• Must be a Florida or DC resident
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must have at least a 3.2 as calculated when student enters grades in Raise.Me (GPA is verified by FIU)
• May not be stacked with other FIU premier scholarships, Gold and Blue Achievement Award or a National Scholarships.

Most undocumented students do not qualify for federal financial aid, state scholarship programs or state-funded university scholarships. But there are still private scholarships you can earn. Speak with your advocate about financial aid opportunities. Learn more about financial aid for undocumented students .

Scholarships :

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund
• Scholarship America Dream Award
• TheDream.US

Students with documented disabilities can visit the Disability Resource Center for course load accommodations and to apply for scholarships. You must be an enrolled FIU student to apply.

Excellence elevated: FIU earns Florida’s highest public university designation

By Alexandra Pecharich

June 28, 2024 at 9:40am

With a roar heard from Miami to Tallahassee, FIU cheered the news of its distinction as a Preeminent State Research University .

The Florida Board of Governors has recognized FIU as a top-performing institution of higher education among the 12 public universities in the state.

“It's very exciting,” President Kenneth A. Jessell said, “and everyone had a part in making this happen.”

The new title puts FIU in the same category as the University of Florida, Florida State University and the University of South Florida.

Notably, the State University System of Florida, which the Board of Governors oversees, has been named the No. 1 system within the United States by U.S. News and World Report. FIU is now the youngest top university within the top system.

“We are in a class with three other equally extraordinary universities, two of them more than 100 years older than FIU,” said FIU Board of Trustees Chair Roger Tovar ’92, MAcc ’94, a two-time alumnus.

“To see our rise not only gratifies me and the others who serve alongside me as volunteer leaders, but it reminds us that everything we do must support the graduating of young people who go on to contribute to our community, the region and the state. This makes Florida ever-better, ever-stronger as our graduates provide a great return on investment to our state.”

The designation comes with an additional $25 million annually from the state, which the university plans to invest in recruiting and retaining top faculty and students. 

Serving the needs of students

To earn the distinction, the university had to meet the highest of standards, including a dozen benchmarks related to student success and faculty research. FIU previously fell just one requirement short but now has fulfilled the final criterion: It recorded a four-year graduation rate of nearly 65%. Nationally, the four-year graduation rate for students attending public colleges and universities is 33.3%, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

That FIU would accomplish the outstanding requisite was never a question, say leaders. Rather, the university took an evidence-based approach to help undergraduates attain their academic goals and cross the finish line.

“Every student counts,” Jessell said. 

“We knew if we focused on what is important, everything would fall into place. This has been a very intentional endeavor by our faculty and our support staff.”

Jessell cited improvements such as more-responsive advising; the revamping of all-important prerequisite courses to take into account technology advances and new teaching methods; the active involvement of professors; and the awarding of relatively small “completion grants” to students whose financial need to work longer hours in their final semester might otherwise derail timely graduation.

“I’m excited about the future,” added Jessell, who gave credit to every area of the university. He also made clear that the continued commitment of all employees would remain key to maintaining the vaulted status. “This is not the end of the work,” he said, “but the beginning of the journey.”

Finding solutions to the most-pressing problems

In the arena of faculty research – a critical piece to earning preeminence – FIU has for years seen its funding and productivity grow exponentially.

The university’s research expenditures for the past five years have together totaled more than $1 billion. Much of that has supported the university’s core research pillars of environment/environmental resilience, health/health disparities and technology.

“Recognition as a Preeminent State Research University is a testament to FIU’s dedication to attacking problems, especially those associated with environmental resilience, in truly transdisciplinary ways,” said Todd Crowl, a professor of biology and the director of the Institute of Environment. “Working across disciplines is the only way we can truly address the issues and . . . work with our communities to effect the changes needed to ensure our long-term health, wealth and happiness. 

“We have and will continue to use the latest science, technology and socio-economic information necessary to address the most pressing issues facing Floridians, the U.S. and the world. We have indeed become one of the premiere universities globally in terms of understanding and addressing environmental resilience and sustainability.”

Students play a vital role in investigative work, added Associate Dean of Research Rita Teutonico. “FIU has made it a hallmark of its mission to address real-world problems affecting its communities and to empower students to be fearless about developing solutions,” she said.

“Achieving the status of preeminence will allow FIU to attract and retain dynamic research faculty who will provide the expertise and leadership needed to mentor the next generation of innovators. The preeminent designation will increase the research opportunities available for both students and faculty and enhance future research success and recognition.”

Offering a world-class education

FIU’s recognized research prowess combined with its record of graduating students into well-paying jobs with little or no debt has increasingly resonated with prospective students. In the fall of 2023, the number of those enrolling in college for the first time set a university record. And this fall, the incoming class is projected to be even larger. In both years, the academic credentials of entering students – another measure considered for preeminence – hit new highs.

“We’ve become an institution of first choice,” said P rovost, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer  Elizabeth M. Béjar.

“Students can live in Miami and get a world-class education. You have a top public research university right here.”

Student body president Francesca Casanova called inclusion among Florida’s leading universities a reputational gamechanger. “We’re competing now in a different bracket,” she said of the university’s ability to attract the most talented students.

“It used to be that going to FIU was no big deal, Now it’s, ‘I’m going to FIU. It is a big deal.”

The Personal Statement Topics Ivy League Hopefuls Should Avoid

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A compelling personal statement is a critical component of an Ivy League application, as it offers students the unique opportunity to showcase their personality, experiences, and aspirations. Kickstarting the writing process in the summer can give students a critical advantage in the admissions process, allowing them more time to brainstorm, edit, and polish standout essays. However, as students begin drafting their essays this summer, they should bear in mind that selecting the right topic is crucial to writing a successful essay. Particularly for students with Ivy League aspirations, submitting an essay that is cliche, unoriginal, or inauthentic can make the difference between standing out to admissions officers or blending into the sea of other applicants.

As ambitious students embark on the college application process, here are the personal statement topics they should avoid:

1. The Trauma Dump

Many students overcome significant hurdles by the time they begin the college application process, and some assume that the grisliest and most traumatic stories will attract attention and sympathy from admissions committees. While vulnerability can be powerful, sharing overly personal or sensitive information can make readers uncomfortable and shift focus away from a student’s unique strengths. Students should embrace authenticity and be honest about the struggles they have faced on their path to college, while still recognizing that the personal statement is a professional piece of writing, not a diary entry. Students should first consider why they want to share a particular tragic or traumatic experience and how that story might lend insight into the kind of student and community member they will be on campus. As a general rule, if the story will truly enrich the admissions committee’s understanding of their candidacy, students should thoughtfully include it; if it is a means of proving that they are more deserving or seeking to engender pity, students should consider selecting a different topic. Students should adopt a similar, critical approach as they write about difficult or sensitive topics in their supplemental essays, excluding unnecessary detail and focusing on how the experience shaped who they are today.

2. The Travelogue

Travel experiences can be enriching, but essays that merely recount a trip to a foreign country without deeper reflection often fall flat. Additionally, travel stories can often unintentionally convey white saviorism , particularly if students are recounting experiences from their charity work or mission trips in a foreign place. If a student does wish to write about an experience from their travels, they should prioritize depth not breadth—the personal statement is not the place to detail an entire itinerary or document every aspect of a trip. Instead, students should focus on one specific and meaningful experience from their travels with vivid detail and creative storytelling, expounding on how the event changed their worldview, instilled new values, or inspired their future goals.

3. The Superhero Narrative

Ivy League and other top colleges are looking for students who are introspective and teachable—no applicant is perfect (admissions officers know this!). Therefore, it’s crucial that students be aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and open about the areas in which they hope to grow. They should avoid grandiose narratives in which they cast themselves as flawless heroes. While students should seek to put their best foot forward, depicting themselves as protagonists who single-handedly resolve complex issues can make them appear exaggerated and lacking in humility. For instance, rather than telling the story about being the sole onlooker to stand up for a peer being bullied at the lunch table, perhaps a student could share about an experience that emboldened them to advocate for themselves and others. Doing so will add dimension and dynamism to their essay, rather than convey a static story of heroism.

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Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, 4. the plan for world peace.

Similarly, many students feel compelled to declare their intention to solve global issues like world hunger or climate change. While noble, these proclamations can come across as unrealistic and insincere, and they can distract from the tangible achievements and experiences that a student brings to the table. Instead, applicants should focus on demonstrable steps they’ve taken or plan to take within their local community to enact positive change, demonstrating their commitment and practical approach to making a difference. For instance, instead of stating a desire to eradicate poverty, students could describe their extended involvement in a local charity and how it has helped them to discover their values and actualize their passions.

5. The Sports Story

While sports can teach valuable lessons, essays that focus solely on athletic achievements or the importance of a particular game can be overdone and lack depth. Admissions officers have read countless essays about students scoring the winning goal, dealing with the hardship of an injury, or learning teamwork from sports. Students should keep in mind that the personal essay should relay a story that only they can tell—perhaps a student has a particularly unique story about bringing competitive pickleball to their high school and uniting unlikely friend groups or starting a community initiative to repair and donate golf gear for students who couldn’t otherwise afford to play. However, if their sports-related essay could have been written by any high school point guard or soccer team captain, it’s time to brainstorm new ideas.

6. The Pick-Me Monologue

Students may feel the need to list their accomplishments and standout qualities in an effort to appear impressive to Ivy League admissions officers. This removes any depth, introspection, and creativity from a student’s essay and flattens their experiences to line items on a resume. Admissions officers already have students’ Activities Lists and resumes; the personal statement should add texture and dimension to their applications, revealing aspects of their character, values and voice not otherwise obvious through the quantitative aspects of their applications. Instead of listing all of their extracurricular involvements, students should identify a particularly meaningful encounter or event they experienced through one of the activities that matters most to them, and reflect on the ways in which their participation impacted their development as a student and person.

7. The Pandemic Sob Story

The Covid-19 pandemic was a traumatic and formative experience for many students, and it is therefore understandable that applicants draw inspiration from these transformative years as they choose their essay topics. However, while the pandemic affected individuals differently, an essay about the difficulties faced during this time will likely come across as unoriginal and generic. Admissions officers have likely read hundreds of essays about remote learning challenges, social isolation, and the general disruptions caused by Covid-19. These narratives can start to blend together, making it difficult for any single essay to stand out. Instead of centering the essay on the pandemic's challenges, students should consider how they adapted, grew, or made a positive impact during this time. For example, rather than writing about the difficulties of remote learning, a student could describe how they created a virtual study group to support classmates struggling with online classes. Similarly, an applicant might write about developing a new skill such as coding or painting during lockdown and how this pursuit has influenced their academic or career goals. Focusing on resilience, innovation, and personal development can make for a more compelling narrative.

Crafting a standout personal statement requires dedicated time, careful thought, and honest reflection. The most impactful essays are those that toe the lines between vulnerability and professionalism, introspection and action, championing one’s strengths and acknowledging weaknesses. Starting early and striving to avoid overused and unoriginal topics will level up a student’s essay and increase their chances of standing out.

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