Application Opens on August 1, 2023

Minimum Requirements and Eligibility for Admission to the 2024 Summer Bridge Program

The CARE Summer Bridge Program (SBP) provides a comprehensive program designed to ease the transition from high school to college while building a strong academic foundation. Applicants selected to participate in SBP will be first-generation college students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds who have demonstrated a strong desire to succeed. The CARE Summer Bridge Program is open to Florida residents who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

CARE Summer Bridge Program Requirements

• Must be a first-generation college student.
• Demonstrate strong evidence of possessing FSU’s core values of Vires (strength), Artes (skill) and Mores (character).
• Complete all the minimum academic courses as required by the state of Florida.
• Qualify for the Pell Grant as determined by the FAFSA and supporting financial documentation for both aid years.
• Meet Florida residency requirements.

Ready to Apply?

The application and all supporting documents must be received by the established FSU admissions deadlines for a decision. Log in to the Application Status Check regularly at admissions.fsu.edu/StatusCheck to monitor the status of your application.

1. Apply online at admissions.fsu.edu/undergradapp.
2. Create your Self-reported Student Academic Record (SSAR) at admissions.fsu.edu/freshman/ssar using your official high school transcript. To learn more about the SSAR, view our FAQ and how-to videos at admissions.fsu.edu/freshman/ssar/videos.
3. Complete the following items on the Application Status Check (admissions.fsu.edu/StatusCheck) by the priority or final deadline:
   • Self-report all ACT and/or SAT test scores.
   • Link your SSAR by copying the 32-character code from your SSAR account.
   • Complete the supplemental CARE application.
   • Choose one essay question found at admissions.fsu.edu/freshman/#essay, and upload your essay.
   • Upload one résumé.
   • Complete the Residency Declaration for tuition purposes form found at admissions.fsu.edu/residency.
4. Complete both the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) fafsa.gov. The 2023–2024 FAFSA is currently available so you can submit it now. We need the 2023-2024 by one of the FSU admissions deadlines – October 15, December 1 or March 1. Once the 2024–2025 FAFSA becomes available you are encouraged to complete it as soon as possible. We encourage students to use the Data-Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA when available.

— Contact the academic department directly if you plan to major in dance, film (animation or production), music, or theatre.

Check regularly at admissions.fsu.edu/StatusCheck to monitor the status of your application.

CARE Short Answer Essay Prompts 

• CARE applicants must complete all CARE short answer responses. Each response is limited to 300 words each. Please be sure to answer the questions completely.
  1. Difficult life challenges can disrupt the academic journey of a student. Please identify a time when you overcame adversity and share strategies that supported you on your personal and/or educational journey.
  2. CARE provides students with a strong network of support and engagement opportunities while at FSU. Please share how CARE and Summer Bridge Program will be a benefit to you in accomplishing your collegiate goals.

A completed application requires the following items:

• FSU Admissions Application
• Completed Self-Reported Student Academic Record (SSAR)
• Submit application fee OR approved application fee waiver
• Remember, the CARE Summer Bridge Program (Supplemental) Application is on the Status Check! The application will only be displayed if you are eligible for CARE (based on the information in your FSU application).
• Completed all CARE short answer responses from above (each response is limited to 300 words each).
• Self-report all SAT and/or ACT test scores
• Complete both the 2023-2024 AND 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Academic Profile of 2023 Admitted CARE Summer Bridge Students

The academic profile of the middle 50% of freshmen accepted to CARE Summer Bridge in 2020 was the following:

	Average	Range
High School Core GPA	4.00	3.7 – 4.2
SAT	1120	1040 – 1200
ACT	22.5	20 – 25

Additional Selection Information

Florida State University and the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) are committed to providing access to higher education for educationally and economically disadvantaged students.  The CARE Admissions Committee only reviews applications that are complete, containing all required attachments.  Please note that acceptance is based on a variety of factors, which include (but are not limited to) academic performance, test scores, and short answer responses.  Meeting minimum academic measures does not guarantee admission into CARE.  Decisions by the CARE Committee are based on a variety of factors including academic performance, test scores, student short answer responses, educational history, family income, socioeconomic background, and family educational level. All students admitted to CARE must be eligible for the Pell Grant during summer and fall/spring terms.

Tips on Submitting Your Application

• Remember, the CARE Summer Bridge Program (Supplemental) Application is on the Status Check! The application will only be displayed if you are eligible for CARE (based on the information in your FSU application).
• Test early and as many times as it takes to get higher scores!
• If you are testing for the SAT or ACT at a later date, you can indicate that on the application!
• The 2023-2024 FAFSA is available now and you should do it immediately to be considered for CARE.
• Don’t forget to complete the Self-Reported Student Academic Record (SSAR) and link it to the FSU application!
• Proofread your short answer responses before submitting.  Your written responses weigh heavily into the decision of the CARE Admissions Committee.
• Before submitting, you will be able to review your application for accuracy.
• Meeting minimum academic requirements for CARE does not guarantee admission into CARE.