Mar 18, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admissions



Admissions Center: Phone: 863-874-4474

Email: admissions@floridapoly.edu

Web: https://floridapoly.edu/

Application for Admission

All interested applicants should complete the Florida Polytechnic University ” Admissions Application” online at https://floridapoly.edu/admissions/ and submit the $30 (in U.S. Currency), non-refundable application fee. Upon the applicant’s request, the University will waive the application fee if the Application provides documentation of a received fee waiver from the College Board or the American College Testing Program. Students should apply by the deadlines provided on the Office of Admissions website: https://floridapoly.edu/admissions/ For more information see FPU-2.006.

Questions concerning admission requirements and applications can be forwarded toadmissions@floridapoly.edu. Applications for admission can be submitted up to one year prior to the start of the term desired. Applications will open August 1st for the Fall and Spring of 2019. The application deadlines are April 1st for the Fall Semester (July 15th for transfer students), and November 1 for the Spring Semester. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to admit students after the published deadline on a space available basis. The priority deadline for most financial assistance and scholarships is January 1st.

The 2019-2020 Catalog outlines minimum requirements to be considered for admission, which is competitive. The satisfaction of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Conversely, Florida Department of Education policy allows the University to admit students to any semester as exceptions to the minimum requirements. The Office of Admissions is responsible for the admission of all undergraduate students under this exception policy.

First Time in College Students (FTIC) applying for admissions are required to complete the Self- reported Student Academic Record (SSAR). All FTIC students are required to submit official ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admission.  To be considered official, supporting admissions documents must be received directly from the issuing institution or testing agency. First Time in College Students are required to complete the Admissions Essay portion of the application and at least one letter of recommendation is strongly encouraged.

Admissions notifications will begin on October 15th for those applicants who have submitted a completed application by October 1st. Students who apply after October 1st will be notified of their decision approximately two weeks after their application has been completed.

Note: Furnishing false or fraudulent statements in connection with an application for admission or residency affidavit may result in disciplinary action, denial of admission, loss of financial aid, and invalidation of credits or degrees earned.

Admissions Categories

Students may submit applications to the University for one of the following categories:

  1. Freshman (First-Time-In-College: FTIC)
  2. Dual Enrollment/Early Admit
  3. Transfer
  4. Second Bachelor’s Degree
  5. Graduate
  6. Non-Degree Seeking

For additional information regarding the admission requirements please review FPU-2.001, FPU-2.002, FPU-2.005 and FPU-2.006.

Freshman Applicants

Any FTIC student who meets Florida Board of Governors regulation for minimum admission requirements is encouraged to submit an application. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. An applicant’s total high school record (including grades, test scores, educational objective, quality of courses complete, and personal achievements and honors) will be considered in the selection process. The University reaffirms its Equal Educational Opportunity (EEO) commitments and seeks to increase diversity among the student body.  For additional information see FPU-2.003.

Dual Enrollment

Dual Enrollment is for students who desire to dual enroll on a part-time basis, taking one or two courses, while completing their high school course work. Students must submit an application for admission by the published application deadline date, as well as the following items:

  • Official copy of high school transcript(s)
  • Official copy of SAT or ACT exam results

If determined to be academically admissible, the student will need to submit a signed letter from the high school administration and parent or guardian specifically listing the course/courses the student is eligible to take at Florida Poly. All letters are required prior to course registration.
For additional information see FPU-2.0021AP.

High School Diploma

Freshmen who are applying for admission to the University are required to have a standard high school diploma from a Florida public or regionally accredited high school, or its equivalent.

Entrance Examination Scores & Requirements

All FTIC applicants for admission must submit test scores from the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT. All applicants must have earned a minimum number of high school academic units (year-long courses that are not remedial in nature) to be considered for admission. A grade point average (GPA) will be computed only on academic courses. Plus (+) and minus (-) will not be included in the high school GPA recalculation. Grades in International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), honors and dual enrollment courses will be given additional weight in the computation of the academic GPA.The high school academic unit requirements are as follows:

Academic Unit Requirements

For freshman applicants earning a high school diploma, the following college preparatory academic units (year-long courses or equivalents) normally offered in grades nine through twelve are required by Florida BOG regulation 6.002:

  • Four units of English (three of which must have included substantial writing);

  • Four units of mathematics (Algebra I and above);

  • Three units of natural sciences (two of which must have included substantial laboratory requirements);

  • Three units of social sciences (history, civics, political science, economics, sociology, psychology and geography);

  • Two units of the same foreign language; and two additional units of academic electives.

For additional information see the BOG regulation page.

Applicant Eligibility

An FTIC student may be admitted if he/she has a high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale as calculated by the University, and presents official SAT  and/or ACT Writing scores. The writing section is not required for the ACT and/or SAT.

As stated in Florida Board of Governors Regulation 6.002, an SAT or ACT is required of all State University System FTIC applicants. Students with a high school GPA of 2.5-2.99 on a 4.00 scale as calculated by the university must obtain the following minimum scores in all three sections of either the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT.

Writing as outlined below:

SAT Critical Reading >= 460 or ACT Reading >= 19

SAT Mathematics >= 460 or ACT Mathematics >= 19

Florida Polytechnic University reserves the right under Florida BOG regulation (6.002) to establish admission criteria that exceeds Florida BOG minimums.

Admission to the University is limited by space availability. The degree of competition for space depends on the number and qualifications of those who apply for admission. To increase the chance of admission, high school students should present credentials that are stronger than the minimum requirements for consideration as listed above. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number that the University is able to enroll, a waiting list will be established.

A student applying for admission who does not meet established requirements may bring to the University other important attributes or special talents and may be admitted if, upon appeal and in the judgment of the Admissions Committee, the student can be expected to do successful academic work.

The University will provide appropriate advising for each student admitted under this alternative. For additional information see the BOG regulation page.

Home-schooled Applicants

Home-schooled applicants should submit a home-schooled transcript that includes a list of all coursework (both completed and in progress), showing final grades and units earned for each course completed. A brief description of the methods used for evaluation should accompany the home-schooled transcript. If home-schooled applicants previously attended another school, or completed courses through the Florida Virtual School or dual enrollment at a local college or university, official transcripts are required, and those courses should also be reflected on the home-schooled transcript. SAT and/or ACT results must also be submitted.

Transfer Applicants

Florida Polytechnic University welcomes transfer applications to the university. Students should apply online at floridapoly.edu and arrange to have official transcripts sent from all colleges attended. The Office of Admissions computes a grade point average (GPA) for each institution attended, as well as a cumulative GPA on all college courses attempted. This computation does recognize plus or minus grades and only recognizes grade forgiveness when it is used as part of an awarded statewide articulated Associate in Science (AS) degree or an Associate in Arts (AA) degree from a Florida public institution. Students who have not received an AA, AS or higher will be required to meet freshman admission requirements to be considered for admission.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and be in good standing as a degree-seeking student at the last institution attended to be considered for admission to Florida Polytechnic University.

Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Transfer students are required to complete at least 30 hours in residence at Florida Polytechnic University to earn a bachelor’s degree. In addition, students must complete 30 hours in residence at Florida Polytechnic University to be eligible to receive baccalaureate honors recognition at the time of graduation. For additional information see FPU-2.004.

International Students

Florida Polytechnic University is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Applicants are classified as international if they are not United States citizens, dual citizens, or permanent residents, and if they are applying for an F-1 student. International students may apply to study in any degree program or major for which the University has been granted authorization by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Department of State to enroll international students.

International students must meet admission criteria at the level of entrance for the program to which they apply, as well as the following:

1. International students must have all credentials and admission information submitted to the Office of Admissions prior to the published deadline on the Admissions website for international students. Students whose applications are not completed by these respective dates (all elements of the application process including submission of required documents, transcripts and evaluations, test scores and application fee, etc.) may be changed to the next fall or spring term for admission.

2. For academic work completed at non-U.S. institutions, a credential evaluation is required for all undergraduate and graduate programs. All coursework required for an admissions decision must be evaluated by an international evaluation agency.  Agency recommendations are listed on the University’s international admission website. All documents submitted become the property of Florida Polytechnic University and cannot be returned or forwarded. A course by course evaluation is required for any college courses taken and is recommended for high school equivalency unless a GPA is included in the evaluation. If so, then a document by document evaluation will suffice. Students need to request that the agency send the results directly by mail to the Office of Admissions as an official document.

3. International students currently attending any institution in the United States must submit a visa clearance form issued by Florida Polytechnic University to be completed by their current school designating Florida Polytechnic University as their transfer institution and confirming their status.

4. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency in accordance with University policy, and will be required to submit satisfactory evidence to demonstrate English proficiency based on the following options:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores unless the country of origin uses English as the official language.
  • A minimum score of 173 is required on the computerized TOEFL, 61 on the Internet-based TOEFL, and 500 on the paper-based TOEFL.
  • Completion of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System, www.IELTS.org) with a minimum score of 6.
  • A score of 77 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
  • Receipt of an Associate of Arts (AA) degree from a Florida public institution

5. The applicant must file a Financial Statement confirming availability of specific funds to finance the first year of study before the University issues the appropriate documents for obtaining a visa. The Financial Statement cannot be more than 6 months old, prior to the beginning of the term for which the applicant has submitted their application.

  • A student must be a US citizen or eligible noncitizen to receive federal student aid.

6. No international student in F-1 non-immigrant status shall be permitted to register, or continue enrollment, without demonstrating that the student has adequate medical insurance coverage for illness and accidental injury and which meets the minimum requirements set forth in FPU-2.005 and the Board of Governors Regulation 6.009.

7. International students are subject to the same University policies and procedures that apply to all students, such as admission, enrollment, immunization, etc. Additionally, international students are obligated to follow and comply with the laws and regulations set by the United States Department of State, United States Department of Homeland Security and/or the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, which may determine the student’s eligibility for enrollment, residency status, limitations on credit hours or semesters of study, limitations on enrollment of distance learning courses and length of presence in the U.S.

Second Bachelor’s Degree Applicants

Second Bachelor’s Degree applications are processed by the Office of Admissions. Guidelines for which office students should make application to are outlined as follows:

Graduates from other regionally-accredited four-year U.S. institutions who apply for admission to work toward a second undergraduate degree must meet the regular requirements of the University (as defined in the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” section of the Catalog). Students must meet all transfer GPA requirements. Note: If a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four year U.S. institution includes credit from a non-regionally accredited institution, the credit from the non-regionally accredited institution may not be included as transfer credit. This would result in the transfer of less than the total number of credit hours awarded within the baccalaureate degree.

Readmission of Withdrawn Students

Any student who has previously been enrolled in courses at Florida Polytechnic University and has been administratively withdrawn or has withdrew from the university must reapply to the University for admission. Students applying for readmission will be evaluated on current admissions requirements. Readmission applications can be completed through the online application at https://floridapoly.edu

Graduate Admissions

Master’s Degree Program Admission Requirements:

Admission decisions are based on consideration of the applicant’s academic records, letter of interest, and letters of recommendation. The following are the admission requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Applied Sciences, or a closely related discipline from a regionally accredited university
  • A minimum GPA of 2.7 in the last 60-semester credits attempted
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) may be required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.25.
  • A letter of interest
  • Two letters of recommendation

For additional information see FPU-2.008.

Appeal of Admissions Decision

An applicant who is denied admission to the University may, within ten (10) days of the date of the written notification of denial of admission, appeal the decision to the Admissions Appeals Committee by sending a written appeal and supporting documentation to the Office of Admissions.  

An applicant admitted to the University but denied admission to a limited access program may also appeal the denied admission to the specific program appeals committee by sending a written appeal and supporting documentation to the Office of Admissions. The applicant’s supporting documentation may include reasons why reconsideration is warranted and should highlight extenuating circumstances and/or appropriate alternative evidence of academic achievement, ability, motivation and responsibility that indicates the applicant’s potential for success at Florida Polytechnic University.

The committee will meet approximately every four weeks, as necessary, to consider appeals. The committee will review the appeal, make a decision, and send a written notice of the decision to the applicant within 10 days of the decision.

Required Prior to Enrollment

All students are required to do the following prior to enrollment:

  • Complete the Florida Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes
  • Complete the Enrollment Acknowledgment Form
  • Complete and submit the Mandatory Immunization Form
  • Complete and submit the Mandatory Medical History Form
  • Provide Final Transcripts
  • Submit any Accelerated Mechanism Credit
  • Attend New Student Orientation
Florida Residency Declaration for Tuition Purposes

All students are required to complete the declaration form regardless of Florida Residency status. Students who are not eligible for Florida Residency must select that they are a Non-Florida Resident. Those students who are eligible to will need to meet the criteria.

A Florida “resident for tuition purposes” is a person who has, or a dependent person whose parent or legal guardian has, established and maintained legal residency in Florida for at least twelve (12) consecutive months preceding the first day of classes of the term for which Florida residency is sought.

  • Residence in Florida must be a bona fide domicile rather than for the purpose of maintaining a residence incident to enrollment at an institution of higher education.

  • To qualify as a Florida resident for tuition purposes, you must be a U.S. citizen, a foreign national in a non immigrant visa classification that grants you the legal ability to establish a bona fide domicile in the United States, a permanent resident alien, parolee, asylee, Cuban-Haitian entrant, legal alien granted indefinite stay, or other qualified alien as defined under federal law. Other persons not meeting the twelve-month legal residence requirements may be classified as Florida residents for tuition purposes only if they fall within one of the limited special categories authorized by the Florida Legislature pursuant to section 1009.21, Florida Statutes (see “Qualification by Exception” below). All other persons are ineligible for classification as a Florida “resident for tuition purposes.”

  • Living in or attending school in Florida will not, in itself, establish legal residence. Students who depend upon out-of-state parents for support are presumed to be legal residents of the same state as their parents.

  • Residency for tuition purposes requires the establishment of legal ties to the state of Florida. A student must verify that the student has broken ties to other states if the student or, in the case of a dependent student, his or her parent has moved from another state.

The Florida Residency Declaration can be completed in the Application Portal after a student has committed to attending Florida Polytechnic University. The Application Portal can be found here: https://floridapoly.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/

Enrollment Acknowledgment & Other Forms

All students are required to complete this form prior to beginning classes at the university. By signing and completing this form students understand their fiscal, academic, and conduct responsibilities. The student will also understand important information in regards to university use of student information, and any important enrollment information. The student must also complete and submit the Mandatory Immunization Form and the Mandatory Medical History Form.

Final Transcripts

All Final High School Transcripts are required for First Time in College Students, as well as transfer students entering the university without an Associate in Arts/Associate in Science or Bachelor’s degree. Final High School Transcripts may also be required to meet the Foreign Language requirement to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree from the university.

All official college transcripts are required from all college or universities previously attended for both transfer and graduate students. Students who have taken Dual Enrollment courses will need to submit an official transcript from the college or university where the credit was awarded.

 All final supporting documents must be received by the Office of Admissions no later than six (6) days after the first day of classes.

Those enrolled students who have not submitted official completed records by the deadline will be placed on administrative hold. Students with these incomplete records will not be permitted to register for a future term until all official transcripts and other required documentation have been received. If, upon review of final transcripts, student records are not satisfactory, they may be placed on academic probation or have their admission status revoked. For more information relating to the acceptance of coursework from prior institutions see the Transfer of Coursework section under Academic Information.

Accelerated Mechanism Credit

Applicants must submit official score reports for credit earned from each appropriate testing agency (e.g., AICE, AP, CLEP, or IB. All tests taken are required to be sent regardless of score or awarding credit.)

New Student Orientation

All first-time undergraduate degree-seeking students are required to attend orientation prior to enrollment. Orientation information is mailed or e-mailed to all incoming FTIC and transfer students.  Information regarding orientation may also be viewed on the website at https://floridapoly.edu/admissions/orientation/