OVERVIEW OF NSU
Family Resource Guide
Students attending college for the first time after graduating from high school are considered 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:
For information on AP and IB courses, please visit Transfer Evaluation Services for Undergraduate Students.
Step 3 – Submit Test Scores
Submit your self-reported or official SAT or ACT score(s). Official test score reports should be reported directly from the testing agency.
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: Extended to November 15, 2019 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.
EARLY ACTION - priority date: Extended to November 15, 2019 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.
REGULAR DECISION - priority date: Extended to March 1, 2020 Regular Decision is a non-binding decision plan and is the final deadline to apply for admission.
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 2020-21 academic year opened October 1, 2019. Please visit fafsa.ed.gov, to learn more.
NSU anticipates releasing aid packages beginning in early December for admitted Fall 2020 students with completed FAFSA applications.
SAT *
Mid-range: 1070-1280 (Combined)
*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 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:
Priority Date: February 1, 2020
Razor’s Edge Scholars is a premier academic and co-curricular program named after NSU's 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 (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 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:
At Nova Southeastern University, we recognize the challenges students, families and educators have experienced and continue to face due to earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding. As families and schools are working toward recovery, we want to support students and educators during the admissions application process who have been affected by these disasters.First, NSU will be flexible on application priority dates should you need additional time to complete and submit your application for admission and all supporting documents, such as transcripts and test scores. You may receive priority date reminders from us, but please know that we will work with you on an individual basis to accommodate your situation.Second, NSU will not require the guidance counselor recommendation or any other letter of recommendation, should it be difficult for an affected student to obtain it. Students should feel free to submit recommendations, but if unable to do so, the Admissions Committee will proceed with application review and the student will receive equitable consideration.Third, if paying the application fee poses a significant financial hardship, an affected student may contact the NSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions to request a fee waiver.