Freshman Applicants

Step 1 – Submit an Application for Admission

Freshman applicants have two ways to apply:

1)      NSU Shark Select Application, or

2)      The Common Application 

A non-refundable $50 application fee is required either application.

Instructions

Complete and submit the NSU Shark Select Application or the Common Application (choose one or the other). NSU has an optional essay. Applicants who choose to submit an essay will choose one of the five prompts provided on the Common Application or an original writing sample of their choice if using the NSU Shark Select Application. 

Step 2 – Official Transcripts and Recommendations

Your counselor can submit your transcript and recommendation either electronically through Naviance, SendEDU or the Common Application. One counselor or teacher recommendation is required. Additional recommendations are optional. If documents are not submitted electronically, they can also be mailed to Nova Southeastern University at:

Home School Education Students
Send Verification of Compliance and Completion of Home Education Program, to include:

• Copy of teacher’s evaluation or district confirmation, or
• Verification of a passing score on the state student assessment test (FSA - Florida), administered by a certified teacher

For more information on AP and IB courses, please visit Transfer Evaluation Services for Undergraduate Students.

Step 3 – Submit SAT/ACT Scores

Submit your self-reported or official SAT or ACT score(s). Official test score reports should be reported directly from the testing agency.  

• SAT Code 5514
• ACT Code 6706

Step 4 – Complete the School Report (Common Application only)

The School Report should be completed by your college or guidance counselor and is available on the Common Application website. Please have your counselor submit this report with your official transcripts and your school profile.

Step 5 - Additional Recommendations

One letter of recommendation from a teacher is required, but you may submit up to a total of three letters. The letter can be found and completed online through the Common Application Teacher Evaluation form. In addition, you can submit the letter(s) in the supplemental items area of the NSU Shark Select Application. Paper letters of recommendation may be mailed to:

Nova Southeastern University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
3301 College Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314

Fall Application Options - Fall 2019 Application Now Open

EARLY DECISION - priority date: November 1
Early Decision is a binding decision plan and may be appropriate for students who are committed to attending Nova Southeastern University if they are admitted.  If the student is admitted to NSU, s/he must immediately withdraw applications to all other colleges and universities.

• To apply Early Decision, students must submit the Common Application or the NSU Shark Select Application and all additional required materials by November 1; admission decisions will be released starting October 22 and will continue on a rolling basis as applications are completed and reviewed by the Admissions Committee.  Admitted students must pay their enrollment deposit by January 15.
• Students applying Early Decision should submit their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) no later than November 1. The FAFSA will be available beginning October 1.  Financial aid awards for admitted Early Decision students who have a completed FAFSA will be released in early November.  Early Decision is our early, binding application option for applicants who are committed to attending NSU, if admitted. 

EARLY ACTION - priority date: November 1
Early Action is a non-binding decision plan. It is appropriate for students who are seriously considering Nova Southeastern University but are not ready to commit to attendance.

• To apply Early Action, students must submit the Common Application or the NSU Shark Select Application and all additional required materials by November 1; admission decisions will be released starting October 22 and will continue on a rolling basis as applications are completed and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Admitted students must make a final decision about attending and pay their enrollment deposit by May 1.

REGULAR DECISION - priority date: February 1
Regular Decision is a non-binding decision plan and is the final deadline to apply for admission.

• To apply Regular Decision, students must submit the Common Application or the NSU Shark Select Application and all additional required materials by February 1; admission decisions will be released starting October 22 and will continue on a rolling basis as applications are completed and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Admitted students must make a final decision about attending and pay their enrollment deposit by May 1.

Applying for need-based Financial Aid:

Please submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for need-based financial assistance.  The FAFSA opened on October 1.  Please visit fafsa.ed.gov, to learn more.  

NSU anticipates releasing aid packages beginning in early November for admitted Fall 2019 students with completed FAFSA applications.

*NSU superscores both the SAT and the ACT.  We will combine the best math and critical reading scores from the old SAT or the best math and reading/writing from the new redesigned SAT.  Old SAT and new redesigned SAT scores will not be mixed.  For the ACT, the best individual subscores will be combined for an overall composite superscore.  You are encouraged to report all official scores for either the SAT or ACT so that NSU has your highest scores achieved on record.

Dual Admission is a premier academic program offering students the opportunity to reserve a future seat in one of NSU’s graduate or professional programs while earning their bachelor’s degree.  Applicants for all Dual Admissions programs must complete an interview on campus during a Shark Preview weekend.  To be considered for Dual Admission please submit your application for admission as described above AND submit the following:

1. Supplemental Premier Program application

Priority Date:

The Priority Date to submit the required supplemental application is February 1. We encourage all students interested in the Dual Admission Program to apply early in the start of their high school senior year to meet all necessary deadlines.

Razor’s Edge Scholars Program is a premier academic and co-curricular program named after the NSU mascot, Razor the Shark.  With six tracks to choose from in Global, Leadership, Research, Shark Cage (Business), Shark Talent (Performing/Visual Arts), or Shark Teach, this unique program combines curricular and co-curricular experiences intended to build upon the talents and interests of each student.  Applicants for any Razor’s Edge program must complete an interview on campus during a Shark Preview weekend.  To be considered for a Razor’s Edge program please submit your application for admission as described above AND submit the following:

1. Supplemental Premier Program application 

Priority Date:

The Priority Date to submit the required supplemental application is February 1. All candidates submitting completed applications by the deadline will be considered.