Freshman Applicants

Step 1 – Submit Application for Admission

Freshman applicants have two ways to apply:

1)      NSU Shark Select Application, or

2)      The Common Application

A nonrefundable $50 application fee is required either application.

Note: NSU has an optional essay. You can choose one of the five prompts provided on the Common Application or an original writing sample of your choice if using the NSU Shark Select Application. 

Step 2 – Request Submission of Official Transcripts

Your counselor can submit your transcript and recommendation either electronically through Naviance, SendEDU or the Common Application. If documents are not submitted electronically, they can also be mailed to:

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

Step 3 – Choose Whether to Submit Test Scores

Due to testing challenges related to COVID-19, undergraduate applicants for the 2021-22 admission cycle may choose to have their application reviewed for admission with or without the submission of SAT or ACT scores.

Test scores will not be considered for admission if the applicant chooses to apply as test optional.

Applicants who choose to have their application reviewed with test scores can self-report SAT and/or ACT score(s) on the application for admission. Upon enrollment to NSU, official test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency.

• SAT Code 5514
• ACT Code 6706

Refer to our undergraduate admission test-optional policy FAQs for more information.

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 - Submit Letter(s) of Recommendation

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

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

Fall Application Options

EARLY DECISION - priority date: November 1, 2020
Early Decision is a binding decision plan and may be appropriate if you are committed to attending Nova Southeastern University. If admitted to NSU, you must immediately withdraw applications to all other colleges and universities.

• All required materials must be received by November 1, and if admitted, you must submit your enrollment deposit by January 15, 2021.
• You should also submit your 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 December.

EARLY ACTION - priority date: November 1, 2020
Early Action is a non-binding decision plan, which provides priority admission consideration to Nova Southeastern University, and is appropriate if you are seriously considering NSU but are not ready to commit to attendance.

• If admitted, you have until May 1, 2021 to submit your enrollment deposit, which serves as your commitment to attend NSU.

REGULAR DECISION - priority date: February 1, 2021
Regular Decision is a non-binding decision plan and is the final deadline to apply for admission.

• If admitted, you have until May 1, 2021 to submit your enrollment deposit, which serves as your commitment to attend NSU.

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 for the 2021-22 academic year opens October 1. Please visit fafsa.ed.gov, to learn more.  

NSU anticipates releasing aid packages beginning in early December for admitted Fall 2021 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. For the ACT, the best individual subscores will be combined for an overall composite superscore. You are encouraged to report all 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 Admission programs must submit SAT and/or ACT scores and complete an interview 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: February 1, 2021

Razor’s Edge Scholars is a premier academic and co-curricular program named after NSU's mascot, Razor the Shark. With five tracks to choose from in Global, Leadership, Research, Shark Talent (Performing/Visual Arts), or Shark Teach (Education), 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 Scholars program must complete an interview during a Shark Preview Weekend. 
To be considered for a Razor’s Edge Scholars program please submit your application for admission as described above AND submit the following:

1. Supplemental Premier Program application 

Priority Date: February 1, 2021