fsu honors essay examples

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 5 tips for writing an incredible fsu essay.

College Essays

Florida State University, or FSU, is a top-100 school and ranked number three in Florida Colleges . With a 25 percent acceptance rating , they’re considered to be a competitive school. That means you’ll need to impress them in your application, and a well-written FSU essay is one great way to go about it!

This guide will walk you through the FSU essay, including whether or not writing one is the right choice for you.

Feature image: Ayzmo /Wikimedia Commons

What Should You Know About the FSU Application Essay?

Unlike many schools, FSU’s essay is optional. You can apply using the Coalition or Common Application, or even FSU’s own app—the Coalition and FSU apps have the same prompts, whereas the Common app has its own set.

Whether you should use the Coalition, Common, or FSU-specific application depends on a few different variables. What application system do the other schools that you’re applying to use? Because these applications can be sent to multiple schools, you can use whatever one is most convenient.

If you’re not sure, read up on the pros and cons of each to help you make a decision. If you’re still not sure, you can always use FSU’s unique application.

FSU only requires one essay. You have five prompts to choose from if you’re using the FSU or Coalition Application, and seven to choose from if you’re using the Common Application. Regardless of what prompt you choose, your essay should be under 600 words.

If you're thinking about writing an FSU essay, you probably should.

Should You Write an FSU Essay?

Because FSU’s essays are optional, it’s natural to ask whether you should write one at all. You’re likely writing tons of essays for other applications, and maybe you just want a bit of a break from the whole process.

However, if you’re given the opportunity to expand on your application in an essay, it’s usually in your best interest to take it. Before you start, do some brainstorming about what aspects of yourself could use some fleshing out in your application. If you have an interest that hasn’t been covered elsewhere or an experience you want to share that will help make you a more appealing candidate for FSU, definitely write the essay—it’s your best opportunity to showcase that side of you, and those personal details are exactly what FSU wants to see.

I f you’re struggling to think of something to cover in the supplemental essay, spend some time brainstorming and looking through all of the available prompts . If you’re offered a place to write an essay, it’s best to take it, unless you truly feel that you have nothing to expand upon. If that’s the case, consider why that is—you may find that there’s an essay topic there, too!

Essentially, you should be writing an essay for this section, even if it’s optional. Taking this opportunity to expand on your application both demonstrates your commitment and shows your multiple facets. It won’t be the sole determining factor in your application, but if you have the opportunity to up your chances, do it!

A fresh notebook is one great way to get your brain in gear to write.

What Are the FSU Essay Prompts?

FSU’s essay prompts are determined by which application you choose to use— Coalition, Common, or FSU’s own application . If you choose the Coalition or FSU application, you have five prompts to choose from, and if you choose the Common Application you’ll have seven. You only need to write one essay, so choose whichever prompt resonates with you most strongly.

Because these are the same prompts used in the standard application formats, follow the guidelines for either the Coalition Application or the Common Application depending on which prompt you choose. Do feel free to get more specific than you would if the essay was going to every school, however—if you’re only sending it to FSU, tying your essay to something specific about the college can demonstrate that you’re more serious about attending!

Coalition Application/FSU Essay Prompts

• Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
• Describe a time when you made a meaningful contribution to others in which the greater good was your focus. Discuss the challenges and rewards of making your contribution.
• Has there been a time when you've had a long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the challenge affect your beliefs?
• What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What's the best part? What advice would you give a younger sibling or friend (assuming they would listen to you)?
• Submit an essay on a topic of your choice.

Common Application Essay Prompts

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Having a plan from the start will help you write a better FSU essay.

5 Key FSU Essay Tips

As with all college essays, having a plan before you start is the best way to ace FSU’s supplemental essay. Don’t just jump in and hope for the best—start early, give yourself plenty of time to revise, and polish your essay as best you can to impress the admissions office with your achievements and individuality.

Remember everything you learned in school about brainstorming and outlining? Now’s the time to put it into action. If you brainstorm and outline a few different options to find the one that works best for you and that makes you feel the proudest of it, you’ll save yourself some time. A strong outline is the first step to a strong essay, and you won’t be losing hours and hours of work if you decide midway through that a prompt isn’t working for you.

Once you’ve settled on a topic and you have a firm idea of how you want to write it, it’s time to draft. Don’t worry about making your first draft perfect—nobody has to see it but you! Get your ideas out first, set them aside, and return to them after a few days to polish them into a state where you’re comfortable letting others see them.

#3: Seek Feedback

Now comes the hard part—letting other people give you feedback. Choose a few people you trust to give you honest and helpful advice on your essay, not just those who are going to tell you it looks great. When you receive feedback, don’t feel like it’s a personal attack or that you need to make every change people suggest—often, you can find a middle ground between readers not understanding what you meant and maintaining your own voice and writing style.

Revising is one of the most important steps in crafting a great essay. All that feedback you got in the previous step will help guide your next draft, giving you a roadmap to work from. Make notes on your draft, add and delete things, and read the whole thing aloud to make sure it flows well. Once you’re satisfied, put it away!

#5: Let It Rest

Letting your draft rest for a bit gives you some time to forget what you’ve written and come back to it with fresh eyes. When you read your essay for the first time in a while, you can start to see any errors that have crept in or any inconsistencies in your logic. Now that you’ve already gotten feedback and revised your essay, you can clean these last bits up and have an essay you’re really proud of!

What's Next?

If you're applying to FSU, you want to be sure that your standardized test scores are up to snuff. Whether you're taking the ACT or SAT , our guides will help you figure out where you are and where you need to be.

Part of college searching is figuring out what colleges you can afford and how much financial aid you'll need to cover. With our guide to FSU's tuition and financial aid , all your bases are covered!

Not sure if FSU is for you? Check out this list of other schools in Florida to find the college that suits you best.

Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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FSU Foundation

The university honors program, student success initiatives.

As the oldest four-year Honors Program in the state of Florida, the Florida State University Honors Program (UHP) offers students a vibrant academic experience with the support of faculty, staff, and advisors whose mission is to nurture individual growth and promote meaningful connections. Participation in this rigorous academic program encourages student-scholars to challenge, inspire, and collaborate with one another to become influential thought-leaders and informed global citizens during their time as students and beyond.

In addition to providing a cutting-edge interdisciplinary curriculum taught by dedicated faculty, the University Honors Program facilitates student community through carefully designed co-curricular and extra-curricular events. These experiences foster critical thinking as a foundation for academic success and future leadership. Our University Honors students and alumni develop into campus influencers, receive recognition for earning national and international awards, and volunteer in the local and global community, in turn bringing distinction to Florida State University.

With your support, the University Honors Program plans to increase access to each impactful event, expand the scope and diversity of speakers and experiences, and equip students with financial support to engage in learning opportunities throughout the U.S. and around the world. To learn more about the University Honors Program, please visit University Honors Program (fsu.edu) . 

FSU awards honors medallions to more than 300 Spring 2023 graduates

Published May 23, 2023

Florida State University awarded honors medallions to 331 high-achieving graduates during a ceremony May 1 at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.

The FSU Honors Program supports the efforts and talents of the university’s most intellectually curious students with the potential, dedication and drive to create change.

Continue reading

FSU awards honors medallions to fall 2022 graduates

Tallahassee Democrat, Published December 16, 2022

Florida State University awarded honors medallions to 68 high-achieving graduates during a Dec. 6 ceremony in the Alumni Center Ballroom.

The FSU Honors Program supports the efforts and talents of the university’s most intellectually curious students who have the potential, dedication and drive for creating change.

FSU names Paulette Curtis associate dean of Undergraduate Studies, director of Honors Program

Published: August 19, 2022

Paulette G. Curtis, an experienced Harvard University-educated scholar and administrator with a record of serving undergraduate students and building honors and other academic programs at top-tier universities, has been named associate dean of Undergraduate Studies and director of the Honors Program at Florida State University.

Curtis, now a visiting scholar at Tulane University, will succeed Annette Schwabe, who has returned to a faculty role at FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, and Interim Honors Program Director Craig Filar. Curtis starts her new role Sept. 16.

Florida State University

FSU | Honors Portal

Honors Portal

Lorum Ipsum Dolor Sit Amet

• Honors Portal Home
• Honor Program Site
• University Honors
• Honors in the Major
• Student Resources
• Alumni and Friends

Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House The Honors Program 127 Honors Way, Suite 2003 Tallahassee, Fl 32306-1234

Contact Honors (850) 644-1841 Honors.fsu.edu Email Webmaster

Important Resources Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement Office of National Fellowships Office of Research

Welcome to the application page for the Honors Program at Florida State University.

To apply to the Honors Program, make sure to read and follow everything below as it contains important information. The Lateral Application is for students in their first year at FSU.  To apply please follow the directions below: 1.) Click the log-in button in the top right corner and select "Sign in with FSUID" 2.) After logging into your account, you must click the "View programs" to access the application 3.) After finishing all questions, you will see a mark as complete box. Once you click that box, the submit button with appear. Applications are not reviewed unless you hit submit! Transfer students and students still in high school should not use this application to apply for honors.  If you have any questions or problems, please email the Honors Program at [email protected] .

Florida State University

FSU | Writing Resources

Writing Resources

The English Department

• Reading-Writing Center

The Writing Center |   We work best when we work with others.

The Florida State University Reading-Writing Center (RWC) is an inclusive resource for FSU students of all majors, programs, and backgrounds. Whether you are working on a paper or larger writing project, the RWC-DS can assist you during any stage of your work process.

In the RWC, our consultants act as practice audiences for ideas and projects. Here are some of the ways we can work with you:  

• You are working on a research essay that calls for using scholarly articles and synthesizing sources.
• You are writing a personal statement for different graduate programs.
• You are writing a piece of fiction, creative nonfiction, and/or poetry and would like feedback.
• You are putting together a conference article or research presentation.
• You are revising a thesis or dissertation section.

Whether in person or online, we're committed to providing sessions that help you to express your ideas in academics and beyond. 

Schedule a Meeting

The Writing Center is open for in-person and Zoom meetings.  If you have not used the writing center before, learn how to make an appointment .

631 University Way

Located in the English department on the second floor (room 222) , our main writing center holds sessions Monday through Friday.

Please note: the Williams building is  NOT  the William-Johnston building! This location is on the east side of campus near Westcott Fountain between Dodd Hall and Diffenbaugh Building. 

143 Honors Way

The RWC has a satellite location in the Johnston (William-Johnston) building on the ground floor platform area Monday through Friday.

The Johnston location is in the center of campus next to Landis Green and the Honors College. Look for the large writing center sign across from the main staircase in the lobby.

116 Honors Way

Looking for later times? The RWC is in Strozier library Monday through Thursday from 5-8pm. We are located on the first floor near the circulation desk.

Look for the writing center signs on the small kidney bean tables, in-between the computers and lounge area. Can't find us? Visit the circulation desk for assistance.

Make Your Appointment Here

You can view a map of our campus locations here .

Hours of Operation

Spring 2024 (jan. 16 - april 26).

We offer in-person and Zoom appointments across all locations. Please note our operating hours are in Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Writing Center @ Williams (English Building, Room 222)

Writing Center @ Johnston (Ground Floor Platform Area)

Writing Center @ Strozier (Near Circulation)

To make an appointment or to see our availability, go to  fsu.mywconline.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Reading-Writing Center (RWC)? 

The Reading-Writing Center is a writing resource for FSU students of all majors, programs, and backgrounds. In the RWC, consultants act as practice audiences for ideas and writing projects. 

What projects can I work on at the RWC?

The RWC welcomes all writing projects. We work with students on writing such as critical essays, research papers, theses and dissertation drafts, creative writing, and professional job documents. When you schedule a meeting, our consultants will discuss your writing goals and areas of focus (brainstorming, organization, formatting, etc.) with you. 

Who can I work with and how can they help me?

Our consultants are undergraduate and graduate students. Read their bios and learn more about their specialty areas: https://wr.english.fsu.edu/Reading-Writing-Center/Meet-the-Staff  

Whether the session is in-person or online, our consultants can work with students on any stage of the writing process from brainstorming to revising. They can work with you as you develop ideas or revise aspects of your writing, but please note that consultants cannot line edit for students. Our goal is to work with students and offer strategies or approaches for their writing projects. 

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring a laptop or have two paper copies of your writing ready at the start of the consultation. If you are working on a draft or have written ideas, you can upload the file(s) to your appointment form. 

How do I make an appointment? 

If you haven't used our service before, register for an account here .

Log in at fsu.mywconline.com , select a schedule, and make an appointment by selecting an available time. You will receive an email confirmation indicating your appointment has been made. You can log back into the system at any time to change or cancel your appointment.

What if I need to cancel my appointment? 

If you can’t attend your in-person or Zoom meeting, please cancel your appointment at https://fsu.mywconline.com . 

There is no penalty for a cancellation. However, if you miss your meeting and don't cancel, we will mark you as a no-show. After three no-shows, your account will automatically be deactivated until you contact the RWC Director ( [email protected] ). 

Will the RWC proofread or edit my work? 

The RWC will not proofread or line edit for students. Instead, a consultant will work with you to learn skills and strategies that will help you proofread and edit more effectively. 

If you are a graduate student who needs assistance with Electronic Thesis & Dissertation (ETD) formatting, please consult the Graduate School’s formatting guidelines.

Do I need to bring a draft to my session? 

No. You are not required to bring any writing to the RWC. Consultants can assist you at any stage of the writing process including the early idea stages. Simply make an appointment and note brainstorming as one of your goals in the form. 

What is the Digital Studio (DS)? 

The Digital Studio is a learning facility for digital and multimedia projects. Consultants in the DS can help students with digital projects such as websites, video editing, or layout design.

Digital Studio computers all have access to the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere). For more information, visit: https://wr.english.fsu.edu/digital-studio-home . 

I am an undergraduate. How can I get more involved in the Reading-Writing Center and Digital Studio? Do I need to be an English major? 

The RWC hires undergraduate interns from any major who have taken ENC 3493: Peer Tutoring in the Reading-Writing Center and Digital Studio. This prerequisite course explores how learners approach writing and why these approaches are highly individualized. ENC 3493 is an experiential learning course that includes observation and co-consulting with current RWC consultants.  

Stay in Touch

[email protected]  |  @fsurwc         .

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Undergraduate honors theses.

• Research Repository Home
• About the Research Repository
• Submit to the Repository
• Contact Repository Team

The Honors in the Major program provides students with the opportunity to learn from faculty members who are experts in their field. While many students conduct traditional research, the program also supports the creative endeavors of those students in majors such as Creative Writing, Dance, Film, Music, Studio Art, and Theatre. Upon successful completion and defense of honors thesis, students will graduate "with honors" in their major, a distinction that is announced during the commencement exercises and is cited in students' official transcripts.

This is the permanent archive of theses written for graduation requirements in the Honors in the Major Program at Florida State University.

Florida State University | FSU

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Want to see your chances of admission at Florida State University | FSU?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

This school does not require essays or the essay prompts are not available yet.

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Our application review process is a holistic and selective process, where no single criterion guarantees admission. Our holistic review process is centered on three of our institutional core values— Vires, Artes, Mores .

The first torch, Vires , is strength . Our focus in this area is rigor, grades, and courses taken while in high school. Each applicant is evaluated based upon the performance within the context of the student's academic environment.

Transcripts - GPA - Course Rigor - High School Profile

The second torch, Artes , is skill . We want to see how students use their out-of-classroom time, whether through sports, clubs, organizations, family responsibilities, employment, or other achievements.

Resume - Academic and Non-academic Involvement

The third torch, Mores , is character . We are taking the information students have shared with us to learn who they are, any formative experiences they may have had, and what their life goals may be.

Essay - Resume - High School and Neighborhood Context

Additional consideration will also be given to applicants applying to the CARE Summer Bridge Program, as well as exceptionally talented visual and performing artists and athletes.

Fall 2024 Admitted Student Profile

Academic Core GPA *

Summer 2024 Admitted Student Profile

High school courses.

Our focus in this area is rigor, grades, and courses taken while in high school. Each applicant is evaluated based upon the performance within the context of the student's academic environment and coursework available at their high school.

The Florida Board of Governors sets the minimum eligibility requirements in the State University System (SUS). Satisfying these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to Florida State University. Admission is selective, and admitted students typically exceed the minimum requirements.

Minimum Courses Required

English (4), Math (4), Natural Science (3), Social Science (3), World Language (2 sequential)

Average Courses Completed

by 2023 Accepted Students

Test Score Information

Requiring a test score for admissions consideration is not an institutional choice. FSU, along with Florida's 11 other public universities, is subject to Florida Board of Governors admissions regulation 6.002 which requires first-year students seeking admission to submit a test score.

When evaluating students for admission, we use the highest earned ACT, CLT and SAT sub scores to calculate the highest ACT, CLT and/or SAT total score (a process known as "super scoring").

In May 2023, the Classic Learning Initiatives, Inc. published The Concordance Relationship Between the Classic Learning Test (CLT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) , establishing a concordance table between the CLT and the SAT.

FSU does not accept self-reported test scores from the Common App. Students should self-report their test scores on the Application Status Check using the Self-reported Test Scores form.

At least one test score must be submitted before the application deadline, but additional tests may be considered if provided by the test score deadline:

How-to: Self-Report Your Test Scores to Florida State University

Essay & Resume

The essay and resume provide another opportunity to learn more about you.

The essay, a required component of the application, should be no longer than 650 words, and may be uploaded after the application has been submitted. Please choose a topic from the list below:

Application Essay Prompts

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

The resume should be no longer than two pages, and may be uploaded after the application has been submitted. It should include a list of activities such as (but not limited to) service work, employment, family contributions such as caring for siblings or sick relatives, and extracurricular and summer activities.

Please allow 3-4 business days for us to pull your essay and resume/activities if you submitted your application through the Common App.

Schoolhouse.world certifications

Schoolhouse.world is a free, globally available platform founded by Sal Khan of Khan Academy. Students can show subject mastery and tutor other students in courses including calculus, computer science, and statistics. Applicants to Florida State University can submit Schoolhouse.world certifications as an optional supplement to their application.

While these certifications do not fulfill official requirements like transcripts, they do help us better understand your academic preparedness and fit for Florida State University.

If you have certifications from Schoolhouse.world that you would like to share with us, please send us a copy of your Schoolhouse Portfolio to [email protected] with the subject line, "Schoolhouse.world Portfolio".

Earning both a High School Diploma and an Associate in Arts (AA) degree

A high school student earning both the standard high school diploma and an Associate in Arts (AA) degree through dual enrollment from the Florida College System or the State University System of Florida must apply to FSU as a first-year student. Applicants must adhere to the first-year admission deadlines. In addition, applicants may be subject to additional major deadlines/requirements. Carefully review all major requirements at Academic Program Guide .

Those students who are receiving an AA degree but do not meet the admissions requirements under the Florida Board of Governors Admission Regulation 6.002, may be considered for admission under Florida Board of Governors Admission Regulation 6.005. Students admitted under this regulation are first-time-in-college (FTIC) students although they are not required to submit test scores. However, they should meet the requirements for their selected major as listed in FSU's Academic Program Guide . If admitted, they must submit a $200 enrollment deposit, attend a first-year orientation session, and are eligible to apply for on-campus housing. Admitted students without a test score are not eligible to be considered for first-year merit scholarships from the Office of Admissions. Students considered for admission under FL BOG 6.005 will be required to submit all official college transcript(s) for evaluation prior to an admission offer being made; they must also provide a final official college transcript displaying the A.A. before enrolling at FSU. Any FTIC student admitted under this regulation must immediately notify the Office of Admissions if they will not receive their degree. All first-year students admitted under this regulation who do not receive the Associate in Arts degree will have their offer of admission revoked.

Home Education and GED Information

Florida State University considers applications from students who participated in a Home-Education program, or who have earned a GED. Home-Education applicants must complete the SSAR, while students earning a GED must submit official GED results along with an official, partial high school transcript. In addition, all applicants must submit at least one ACT, CLT and/or SAT test score by the application deadline to be considered for admission. First-Year admission is a holistic and selective process, and no single criterion guarantees admission to our university.

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Florida State University

FSU | Honors, Scholars and Fellows House

Honors, Scholars and Fellows House

Welcome to the Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House

Discover all the information you need regarding our undergraduate and graduate programs.

Program for Instructional Excellence

To learn more about the Program for Instructional Excellence (PIE), please click the link below: 

The Office of National Fellowships

Our office helps students to pursue opportunities for enrichment by providing information and support throughout the fellowship application process.

• Fellows Society

To learn more about Florida State University's graduate fellowship society, please click the link below:

The CRE is leading a growing movement to involve FSU students in the highest levels of academic engagement, helping students take advantage of the very best a major research university like FSU has to offer.

The Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards

The Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards (OGFA) helps FSU graduate students identify and apply for competitive and prestigious external funding opportunities. To learn more, click the link below:

The Honors Program

The Florida State University Honors Program provides a holistic developmental environment for intellectually curious students through enriching experiences both within and outside of the classroom. We offer a multitude of academic, leadership, and community engagement opportunities to develop students who are scholars and lifelong learners. 

Friends of HSF

Our mission is to enhance the undergraduate programs in HSF and enrich the lives of students through financial and professional support. Friends of HSF is comprised of alumni and friends of the FSU Honors Program, Office of National Fellowships (ONF), and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE). 

Undergraduate Programs in HSF

• Honors Program
• National Fellowships
• Center for Undergraduate Research & Academic Engagement
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Graduate Programs in HSF

• Graduate Fellowships and Awards

View All Events

HSF Mission

The Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House serves as a beautiful and tangible monument to Florida State's mission of promoting a sense of community among our very brightest, most hard-working students and providing them support as they reach new levels of success. The house creates an environment in which students are encouraged to share creative ideas; build lasting relationships; discover new ways of thinking; and utilize programs, academic services, and mentorship opportunities like never before.

The house is located in the heart of campus, facing Landis Green, so that students in the honors and fellows programs can strengthen the intellectual exchange among themselves while sharing their achievements and dedication to the entire University community. 

Honors, Scholars, & Fellows House

Fall/Spring Hours

Sunday CLOSED Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM – 9 PM Friday 7:30 AM – 5 PM Saturday CLOSED

Spring Break Hours

Monday through Friday 7:30 AM – 5 PM Saturday, Sunday CLOSED

Summer Hours

Monday through Friday 8 AM – 5 PM Saturday, Sunday CLOSED

Click here to see it on the campus map.

Between Cawthon Hall and the Johnston Building

Florida State University

FSU | Office of Faculty Development and Advancement

Office of Faculty Development and Advancement

• Academic Resources

Academic Honor Policy

Legacy Sort 8 Legacy Priority 0

The Academic Honor Policy is an integral part of the FSU academic environment. The policy outlines the University's expectations for students' academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty throughout the process. New students are introduced to the Academic Honor Policy at Orientation and pledge to uphold it at New Student Convocation. In surveys, students have indicated that the strength of an individual instructor's message about the importance of academic integrity is the strongest deterrent to violating the Academic Honor Policy. Thus, instructors should remind students of their obligations under the policy and fully communicate their expectations to students. If an instructor encounters academic dishonesty, they should follow the procedures detailed below to resolve the alleged violation in a timely manner while protecting the personal and educational rights of the student.

Click here for the Academic Honor Policy - PDF file (Aug. 2022)*

Effective Fall 2022: This policy and each of its provisions only apply to cases managed on or after August 22, 2022.

*(Approved by Faculty Senate, Student Senate, and Board of Trustees 2005, 2010, 2014, & 2022)

ICAI Integrity Matters Blog: https://academicintegrity.org/resources/blog

Special Instructions for Panama City Campus (PDF)

Republic of Panama Campus

Current Academic Honor Policy Statistics (PDF)

• Flowchart of Academic Honor Policy process (PDF)
• Allegation Discussion Guide for Faculty (PDF)
• Unauthorized Collaboration on Facebook (PDF)
• Sample Academic Honor Policy Statement for Syllabi
• Academic Integrity at FSU: Faculty Orientation  (PPT)
• Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
• Academic Integrity & Artificial intelligence (PDF)
• Effective Writing Habits for Students
• Academic Honor Policy Hearing Advising
• Facebook and Cheating (PDF)
• Honorlock Checklist (PDF)
• Avoiding Plagiarism Guide (PDF)

Teaching Assistants

• Academic Integrity at FSU: Faculty Orientation (PPT)

AI–Detection Tools

https://www.zerogpt.com

https://writer.com/ai-content-detector

https://contentatscale.ai/ai-content-detector

https://gptzero.me

*These resources are not endorsed by FDA or FSU; they are provided as potential tools for investigating the origins of text. These detectors should always be used in conjunction with student–instructor dialogue and evaluation of students' general subject mastery. Refer to the "Allegation Discussion Guide for Faculty" for more information.

No detection tools for identifying AI-generated text are endorsed by FDA or FSU. If an instructor decides to use such detectors, then they are advised to use multiple detectors (not a single tool in isolation). Best practices for assessing the origins of text remain the same: Timely student–instructor dialogue and evaluation of students' comprehension/mastery regarding assignment submissions. Refer to the "Allegation Discussion Guide for Faculty" (PDF) for more information.

"A Letter to My Students" (PDF)

Advice from students to faculty members

Use Turnitin (PDF) to encourage students' intellectual honesty

Understand copyright law ( TEACH Act ) and how it affects online instruction

Please send all forms to the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement . Note: open files in Adobe Acrobat before filling in form, otherwise, details will not be saved!

• Student–Instructor Resolution Form (PDF)
• Disputing the Sanction Form (PDF)
• Academic Honor Policy Hearing Referral Form (PDF)

Available in alternative format upon request.

Instructors: Please have students' FSUIDs and/or EMPLIDs ready prior to emailing (preferably) or calling the office. Thank you.

Faculty Assistance   Mr. Joshua Morgan   Ms. Katie-Dean Moore   [email protected]

Teaching Assistants   Mr. Joshua Morgan   Ms. Katie-Dean Moore   [email protected]

Student Assistance  Please visit Academic Honor Policy Hearing Advising

• Academic Leadership Toolkit
• Administrative Tool for Deans
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• College and Department Bylaws
• Current Administrators
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• Faculty Expertise and Advancement System
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• Faculty Honors and Awards
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• Faculty Project Planner
• FDA Newsletter
• FDA Policies
• FSU Constitution

Florida Board of Governors Statement of Free Expression

The State University System of Florida and its twelve public postsecondary institutions adopt this Statement on Free Expression to support and encourage full and open discourse and the robust exchange of ideas and perspectives on our respective campuses... Read the full statement : State University System Free Expression Statement

© Office of the Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement  211 Westcott Building, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1480 | Campus Mail Code: 1480 

  Phone: 850-644-6876   Fax: 850-644-3375   Email: [email protected]   Email: [email protected] for departmental approval submissions   Website Questions/Broken Links

Florida State University

FSU | University Honors Program

University Honors Program

Division of Undergraduate Studies

Signature Courses are a central feature of the Honors Program. Small, interactive courses intersect multiple thematic and interdisciplinary boundaries providing students opportunities to engages topics creatively. 

Honors signature courses

Exclusive, interdisciplinary, inquiry-based courses. Sample courses include:

HISTORIC LANDSCAPES, IMAGINED WORLDS: ANCIENT HISTORY THROUGH GAMING

Explore how the history of the ancient world is represented in tabletop and video games. Debut your own game during a playtesting event.

TRUTH, JUSTICE, AND THE AMERICAN WAY? ETHICS, RELIGION, AND SUPERHEROES

Examine the historical development of ethical norms in the United States through the lens of superhero mythology.

MAPPING THE MIDDLE AGES

Study the medieval period's rich cross-cultural trade, travel and scholarship. Think about where our assumptions about the past come from and why it matters.

GLOBAL URBANIZATION

Learn about the development of cities and the diversity that exists within them -- how cities adapt to cultural and demographic backgrounds within populations. 

UpComing Honors Courses 

Honors course sections.

Honors-dedicated sections of courses taught across the university

Honors-Augmented Courses

A course section taught outside the Honors Program with a portion of seats and additional content reserved for Honors students

Individual Honors-Augmented Contracted Course

3000- to 4000-level non-Honors course with additional contracted requirements to earn Honors credit. May contract up to two courses.

Honors Directed Individual Study contracted Course

Directed Individual Study course in major with additional contracted requirements to earn Honors credit.

Graduate Classes

5000-level or above letter graded courses. May earn up to six credit hours toward Honors points.

Honors in the Major Thesis Work

Thesis course work for Honors in the Major. May earn up to six credit hours toward Honors points.

Honors Contract guidelines and application can be found on the Honors Contract page.

• 1-800-552-4723

FSU’s Admissions Director explains the college essay

If your student is a rising high school senior, now is the perfect time to start working on that college essay. Many students find the essay challenging because it’s not the academic exercise they’re accustomed to. To do it well, they must discover an authentic, personal voice—and that can feel quite vulnerable.

Hege Ferguson, Director of Admissions of Florida State University, says she never loses sight of that.

“Behind every application, there is a young person who put their time and effort into sharing a part of themselves,” she said. “We have a responsibility to treat each one of their applications with much respect and humility and recognition that that is not an easy thing to do.”

“The most important thing is the academic performance of the student from 9th through 11th grade: the courses they took, the rigor, the grades they earned; the AP, honors, dual enrollment classes,” she said, adding that admissions officers will check that the rigor continues with senior year classes. “What subjects did the student immerse themselves into?”

Admissions officers also look at test scores (the ACT or SAT) and extracurriculars throughout high school, as well as employment (including its duration), internships, summer jobs and responsibilities at home.

“The value of the essay will depend on all of these other factors,” she said. “So if you have an outstanding student with high grades, rigorous curriculum, leadership, etc., there’s not a lot of emphasis on the essay because they have a lot of those factors that are indicators of good success in college.”

The essay does not matter much for the top 25 percent of applicants or the bottom 25 percent, she said. That middle 50 percent is where the essay ends up having the most weight.

“The essay is an opportunity to learn about the student beyond what we can already see on the transcript and test scores and extracurriculars. It lets them lend their voice to who they are,” she said, adding that sometimes a parent or student who is not accepted will call her office to ask why. “They will say, ‘But you don’t know me.’ And I say, ‘What did you share about yourself? Did you share what you wanted us to know about you?’ ”

Ferguson painted a picture of how a student could maximize their essay’s impact. A student whose transition to high school is rough—with a 9th grade GPA reflecting that—could use the essay to talk about that difficult transition and how they overcame it.

Want more advice about the essay? Lance Bergman, a college resource adviser at Pine View School in Sarasota, shares his tips here . Good luck!

“Last year, a young man was on the bubble, with a few wobbles with his academic grades, so I dove into his essay,” she said. “And I learned that he was homeless. He was living out of his car and sleeping on friends’ couches. He had a really traumatic home situation. For him to, one, share that, took a lot of courage. But it also put a lot of perspective on what I was seeing. And then you look at his curriculum and you marvel with what he was able to accomplish.”

Ferguson also shared some basic pointers.

• Yes, good grammar and punctuation matter, because students will do a lot of writing in college and she needs to believe they will be up for that rigor.
• Start the application process early, and follow all directions closely.
• Because email is the primary method of communication, consider getting an email address just for college applications, and be meticulously organized about each college’s requirements and deadlines.
• Finally, if you’re applying to multiple colleges (and you probably are), be sure to swap out names for the proper institution.

“That sounds so simple, but every year I get essays that have that another school’s name in there,” she said. “What it says to me is that you didn’t take the time to look over the information before you hit that send button, so maybe I’m feeling like I’m not as high on your list as I would like to be.”

Contrary to what many think, Ferguson said her focus is on trying to admit students. She also wants to admit a student body that reflects the state and its diversity. Last year, she received close to 64,000 applications for an admission class of about 6,000.

“I have the opportunity every year to read applications from these fantastic students who are just resilient, forward thinking, innovative – they’re just a really cool group of people,” she said.

“I get to see the world through their eyes and feel blessed to be part of their journey.”

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FSU Honors Admission?

Hi there! I’m a rising senior in high school and I was wondering ballpark if anybody knew if my dream of FSU Honors is a reality or a far-reach. By graduation I will have taken 19 Honors Classes, 4 AP Classes, 4 passed exams AP hopefully, and 5 Dual Enrollment Classes. My current SAT score is 1940 old and 1390 new. My ACT score is 30. I want to major in Political Sciences and have above average experience in politics. Any help would be highly appreciated! Thanks for reading!

You should have a good chance of getting into the Honors Program.

@saxlady thank you!

According to the FSU website:

Also, it is impossible to get to a 4.7 W from a 3.8 UW GPA with 19 honors classes and 9 AP classes using FSU’s calculation methodology of +0.5 for an honors class and +1.0 for AP

@CaucAsianDad Sorry my wording was off I have a definite 4.7 weighted GPA and a 3.8 roughly unweighted GPA. And in my school it’s +1.0 for honors and +1.5 for AP

What your school does isn’t what FSU does. As mentioned above it’s 0.5 weight for Honors and 1.0 weight for AP.

You’ll want to recalculate your GPA to see where you stand.

You should be fine, but the overinflated GPA because your school does things differently can give you a false sense of security.

@Pasbal @CaucAsianDad ok just talked to my guidance counselor and my unweighted is 3.7

Based on the info you supplied above, I would estimate your FSU weighted GPA around a 4.3.

If you don’t get into the honors program as a freshman you can apply for lateral admission! I just got accepted, all you have to do is answer a few short questions in an application. They consider your answers and your first semester grades, so if you do well you’ll have a good chance of being accepted

@aaaammy123 when did you apply for the honors college and how long did it take to get an answer? Also how were u notified? Thanks!

Information from the Honors Program staff is that to be in the honors college, you basically have to have a University Freshman Scholar. To receive the University Freshman Scholarship requires a 30 ACT and a 4.0 FSU Weighted GPA in only core academic courses.

@rev mom… What if your gpa is like a 3.97?

Sorry @soyunchico but I didn’t ask that question.

Sorry I’m replying so late. I didn’t apply as a freshman, I only filled out the lateral application and was notified a day after final grades were posted.

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Florida State University

FSU | The Graduate School

Main navigation Pulldown

The graduate school.

• Academics & Research
• Thesis, Treatise, and Dissertation

Templates & Formatting Assistance

Formatting templates.

Manuscript Clearance provides templates for both Word and LaTeX into which students can type their text directly and that are formatted according to FSU requirements. The main elements in the three templates are the same, but the layout of the Table of Contents is different. You can select a Table of Contents that lists only the main section headings (which is all The Graduate School requires) or one that also lists subheadings, either numbered or unnumbered. 

Please note that these templates are created with general formatting requirements. Specific items such as chapter titles, the number of chapters you include and the content of those chapters is not dictated by The Graduate School.

Word Templates for FSU's ETDs

Latex template for fsu's etds.

This template is for use by students who prefer to use LaTeX for their manuscript. Manuscript Clearance staff are unable to assist with issues arising in LaTeX, but students are encouraged to review the User Guide and other materials in the Help section of the following website. 

Click here to visit the LaTeX ETD template website.

Formatting assistance.

Manuscript Clearance also provides a number of step-by-step instructions to assist students with common formatting issues. Please review the topics in the list below for assistance.

Fsu honors program essay examples

Fsu honors program essay examples - intro.

For the Common Application, you can choose from the Common App prompts. Located just west of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a suburban public university that hosts over 41, students on its campus. If you choose to discuss a community service activity, make sure you differentiate your experience by highlighting your motivations and your emotions during the experience rather than describing simply the activity you participated in. Using too much of the essay for a description of the conundrum will render it ineffective in answering the latter two parts of the question. Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Prompt 1 Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

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Fsu honors program essay examples not However, rather than discussing the trip as a whole, it would be more effective to focus on a particular moment or problem that you encountered during the trip. This allows the editing process to filter for the essence of the writing, instead of trying to add more content, thereby ensuring the fluency of the writing. The purpose of the essay is to help the admissions committee learn more about you as a person.

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Build the rest of the essay around how you fsu honors program essay examples them to perceive you, and dedicate more than half of the writing to demonstrating that main point through various anecdotes, not general statements.

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Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

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Extracurriculars.

A Great Pitt Honors College Essay Example

What’s covered:, essay example – changing the world , where to get your pitt essay edited.

The University of Pittsburgh is a large public university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that is known for its great academics. The David C. Frederick Honors College at Pitt offers even more opportunities to a select group of talented students. Given the highly selective nature of the Pitt Honors College, you need to have strong essays to help your application stand out and gain admission. In this post, we’ll share a real essay a student submitted to the University of Pittsburgh Honors College, and outline its strengths and areas of improvement. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Pitt essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Prompt: If you could change anything in the world, what would it be? Explain why and how you would change it. (No word count given)

While growing up, I was constantly reminded about my health. When I would rant about my trivial problems, my mother would respond with: “the most important thing is you are healthy.” As a young and naive child, this response irritated me. I never understood the blessing of good health until I was diagnosed with migraines. Every month I was met with throbbing headaches that made me lose all sensation and control of my body.

On one New Year’s Eve, I went to visit family friends with my father and sister. The flashing lights on the television and little sleep triggered a migraine attack. Without my mother present, everyone was unfamiliar with my frightening symptoms. Out of panic, they decided to call an ambulance. That one simple call and visit resulted in a one-year battle with our insurance company. For months on end, my mother argued against the unfair and hurtful statements the insurance listed as reasons for their refusal of payment. These endless calls brought about extreme stress and frustration, but we did not have the means to pay. There was no other option but to keep on fighting.

This was my first memorable experience with healthcare and its failures. From that day forward, I associated care with payment. I became worried about affording medical treatment at an early age. And so, if I had the power to change the world, I would make healthcare more affordable. Every individual deserves to be treated without the worry of a costly bill.

While I realize that affordable healthcare is a point of debate in our nation, I maintain my stance that it is a human right. I also understand that it will take years to put into place, but this does not discourage me. I can help start the change. With Pitt Honors, I will be exposed to interactive research, a matched mentor, and personalized co-curricular activities. I will be able to become a skilled nurse with critical thinking abilities. With the development of leadership skills, I plan to make a difference. Whether it be taking a high position role at a no-cost clinic or shaping healthcare reforms, I know Pitt Honors College will help me achieve my dream. Whether it be taking a high position role at a no-cost clinic or shaping healthcare reforms, I plan to make a difference.

What the Essay Did Well

Something that makes this essay strong is how it takes time to tell a story and build an understanding for the author before we even learn what they would change about the world. The essay begins by introducing the idea of health, but because we aren’t told what they want to change yet, we are compelled to keep reading. Then, the anecdote helps us appreciate the personal connection this student has to affordable healthcare. They take the time to fully flesh out the context needed to answer the why aspect of the prompt, while at the same time building suspense for the what .

Additionally, this student went above and beyond the prompt by connecting it back to Pitt. They weren’t explicitly asked to discuss how an education from the Pitt Honors Program would help them change the world, but by including this paragraph it demonstrates genuine interest in the school. If an essay can prove that you can only accomplish your goals — especially such impressive ones like changing the world — by taking advantage of unique opportunities at that specific school, then admissions officers might feel they are denying you the chance to reach your full potential by not accepting you.

What Could Be Improved

The area that could use the most improvement in this essay is the last paragraph dedicated to Pitt. Although it’s great that this student took the extra step to include how attending the Honors College will allow them to achieve their goals, the paragraph is a bit vague. To improve it, there should be more specific details, about classes, programs, professors, etc, to show that they have done their research and think taking advantage of these offerings are the only way to change the world. 

For example, the essay says, “With the development of leadership skills, I plan to make a difference.” This sentence would be far stronger if the student mentioned a specific club or volunteer program they want to be a part of and how emerging as a leader in that experience would help them become a leader in the medical field. Or, they mention the Honors College will expose them to research and match them with a mentor, but they don’t elaborate on this. 

The entire paragraph could have just been dedicated to one specific professor whose research aligns with affordable healthcare and what this student hopes to learn from them. Having a more focused and detailed approach to why you want to attend a college will always make for a stronger essay than briefly touching on general opportunities offered at most schools. 

Do you want feedback on your Pitt essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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