Admission

Admission Policy

The general purpose of this policy is to set forth the standards for admission to Flagler College. Flagler serves a predominately full-time student body and seeks to enroll students who can benefit from the type of educational experience the College offers.

Because of the College’s unique mission and its distinctive characteristics, some students may benefit more from an educational experience at Flagler than others may. It is desirable, therefore, that the College follow admission standards and procedures designed to select from among the applicants those students most likely to succeed academically, to contribute significantly to the student life program a Flagler, and to become graduates of the College.

Flagler College fully complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The College is an equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic, in its admission, treatment, access to, or employment in, its programs or activities.

The College evaluates applicants individually, and determines admission on academic preparation, scholastic aptitude, and personal qualities.

Primary consideration consists of the applicant’s previous academic record, including the quality of course selection, grades, consistency of academic performance, and standardized test scores (if submitted). Other factors taken into consideration may include the student’s motivation, initiative, maturity, seriousness of purpose, intended field of study, and leadership potential.

Admission Procedures

A student may submit an application beginning August 1 after the completion of their junior year in high school. However, the College recommends students wait until the fall of their senior year before submitting an application. First year or transfers students may apply for admission to the fall or spring terms.

First year applicants are required to submit the following:

1. Completed online application, including personal essay
2. Application fee of $50 (non-refundable) or fee waiver
3. Self-reported high school transcript
4. Secondary School Report (Academic recommendation letter)
5. Official test scores from either the SAT or the ACT (optional)*

*Under our test-optional policy, first-year students may submit test scores if they feel the results accurately reflect their personal academic ability, but are not required to do so if their scores do not align with their demonstrated academic strength in the classroom. First year students have the opportunity to select a test-optional admissions review within the Flagler application or through the Common Application member screen. If a student applies for the test-optional review, and we already have scores on file for that student, we will be sure to delete the scores from our system to honor their request.

Please note that homeschooled students cannot select the test-optional path.

If you feel as though you meet our expectations as a driven student with personal integrity, but know your scores do not adequately reflect your abilities, you may opt out of this section of the application.

If, on the other hand, you think your standardized test results accurately reflect your potential, you may submit SAT and/or ACT scores using the following school codes:

SAT – 5235
ACT – 0772

Admission Requirements for First Year Applicants

For first year applicants, the high school record is the most important factor in determining admission to the College. The admission process takes into consideration the pattern and quality of course selection, grades, an essay, secondary school recommendation, participation in extracurricular activities, and, if applicable, standardized test scores.* Although a campus visit is not required as a part of the admission process, it is highly recommended.

First year applicants must complete a minimum of 16 units in grades 9 through 12. While a prescribed course of study is not required, prospective students are advised to take four years of English, four years of mathematics (to include Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry), three years of science (one laboratory science), and four years of social studies and academic electives. The College will calculate a core GPA taking into consideration a college-preparatory schedule. Applicants should realize that the aforementioned courses represent the minimum preparation, and but not necessarily considered satisfactory or recommended preparation for college-level work in every undergraduate area of study.

* The College welcomes test results from students who believes scores will add significant value to their application, but does not require applicants to submit SAT and/or ACT scores. Regardless, each applicant will undergo a holistic evaluation based on academic merit (coursework), extracurricular involvement, personal values, talent, and character.

Candidates who wish to submit official score reports may do so electronically using the following codes: SAT 5235; ACT 0772.

Secondary School Report (Recommendation)

The Secondary School Report (Recommendation) plays a significant role in the admission process.

The report should be both an academic and personal evaluation of the applicant. However, it may be a compilation of observations by one of the student’s high school teachers and/or guidance/college counselor attesting to the applicant’s abilities and character.

The application moves to the Director of Admissions for a final decision after the Office of Admissions receives and evaluates all items pertinent to the application.

In some instances, the Director of Admissions may request additional information to supplement a student’s application. As such, the Committee will defer action until the new criteria is met. For example, the Office of Admissions may request seventh semester grades or ask for additional recommendations.

Transfer applicants are required to submit the following:

1. Completed online application, including personal essay
2. Official transcript of high school record (if applicant has earned less than 24 semester hours of credit)
3. Official transcript from each college or university previously attended
4. Official ACT and/or SAT scores*

*At the discretion of the Admissions Transfer Coordinator.

Admission Requirements for Transfer Students

A transfer student is defined as a student who has completed high school and post-secondary coursework at a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants transferring from another institution must be in good standing with a satisfactory grade point average for all coursework attempted, and must be eligible to return to the institution last attended. However, applicants with a cumulative transfer GPA of 2.0 or less are strongly encouraged to complete coursework at a regionally accredited institution and work towards raising their overall transfer GPA.

Transfer applicants from four-year institutions may receive a maximum of 75 semester hours of credit awarded. Applicants transferring from junior or community colleges will receive no more than 64 semester hours of credit toward the completion of degree requirements at Flagler. Generally, recipients of the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree gain admission at the junior level.

Applicants who transfer from senior institutions must complete the last 45 semester hours at Flagler, not including departmentally required internships.

Please note the College may impose minimum testing requirements for some majors*. The transfer coordinator will notify applicants if official test scores are required.

*The College strongly recommends a minimum 500 on the Math section of the SAT, or a minimum 21 on the Math section of the ACT, for students interested in Coastal Environmental Science or Finance.

Generally, students receive transfer credits for courses in which they earned a letter grade of “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better from regionally accredited institutions. Students who have successfully completed the requirements for an A.A. degree may transfer up to three courses where they earned a “D” grade, provided the total number of transfer credits does not exceed 64 semester hours.

The Registrar will determine the amount of transfer credit and advanced standing allowed by the College. In some instances, however, the Registrar may consult with the school dean prior to awarding transfer credits.

Transfer students are responsible for submitting all official transcripts, CLEP, IB, AICE, and/or AP score reports. Additionally, they must confirm their level of advanced standing prior to registering for classes at Flagler. The Registrar will not consider quality points earned for transfer credits when computing a student’s Flagler grade point average.

 International applicants are required to submit the following:

1. Completed online application, including personal essay
2. Application fee of $50 (non-refundable)
3. Official high school/secondary school transcripts or leaving certificates
4. Proof of English proficiency*
5. International Form

*Submit one: SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, or passing scores in English on the GCE, GCSE, IGCSE, BGCSE, CXC, CAPE or IB examinations.

As stated above, the application fee must accompany all applications for admission. The fee covers the cost of processing the application and is neither refundable nor applicable to other fees. Responses on the application form and on related materials must be complete and accurate. Submitting false or misleading statements may result in denial of admission or cancellation of registration to Flagler College.

International Students

Flagler College welcomes international students and understands the crucial role these students play in globalizing our college campus. The college is authorized under deferral law to enroll non-immigrant alien students and welcomes applications from international students. Since correspondence for admission can be extensive and time-consuming, it is strongly recommended that international students initiate application procedure well in advance of the start of the semester in which the student plans to enter. Our student body is currently made up of over 5% international students from 50 countries.

Students from other countries must submit transcripts of all secondary and university work attempted and all Leaving Certificate or Certificates of Completion. Flagler College must have English translation certified as being true and correct by either the United States Consulate or Educational Ministry in the student’s native country. International students seeking advanced standing for completed coursework must have transcripts professionally evaluated.

In addition to meeting the regular admission requirements, all applicants from other countries whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This can be accomplished by submitting any of the following – SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, or passing scores in English on the GCE, GCSE, IGCSE, BGCSE, CXC, CAPE, or IB examinations. Official scores must be submitted with the applications for admission. Students who are not proficient in English and whose records are not indicative of successful academic performance will not be admitted.

Upon admission, international students must demonstrate proof of financial responsibility by submitting payment for the first semester tuition, fees, health insurance, and, if required to live on campus, rooms and meals. An I-20 form will be issued only after the student has been admitted as a full-time student and has submitted the required fees and bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds to cover the subsequent term. 

It is the responsibility of the student to attend all orientation sessions related to immigration check-ins and to adhere to government guidelines to maintain their visa status. The International Center is able to answer any questions regarding immigration, social/daily life, OPT etc.

Master of Arts Graduate Program Admission Requirements:

See Education, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, MA .

Early Decision Plan

In the selection process, the Admissions Committee gives preference to students who have selected Flagler as their first choice college. To identify these students, the College has developed an Early Decision Plan for first year and transfers applying for the fall semester.

The Early Decision Plan is a voluntary option for applicants to declare Flagler as their first choice college. Students who elect to apply under this option understand that their application will receive preferential evaluation ahead of those who choose to apply under the College’s Regular Decision Plan.

The deadline to submit an application under the Early Decision Plan is November 1, with written, formal notification arriving via mail on or before December 15.

Those accepted under the College’s Early Decision Plan are required to submit an advance $200 deposit, along with the official Enrollment Confirmation Form, by January 15. The deposit is nonrefundable and forfeited if the student does not enroll. However, students who enroll will receive a $200 credit applicable to the spring semester tuition balance.

In addition, students living in a College residence hall must submit a $200 room reservation deposit with the Application for Student Housing. The room deposit is nonrefundable and forfeited if the student does not enroll. Upon enrollment, the deposit applies toward the spring semester housing balance.

Students living on campus should submit one payment for $400 to cover both the advance deposit and the room reservation deposit.

Students admitted under the Early Decision Plan are required to withdraw applications submitted to other colleges and to confirm their decision to attend Flagler by January 15.

Regular Decision Plan

For students unable to make the commitments required under the Early Decision Plan, the College offers a Regular Decision Plan. The deadline to apply is March 1.

Regular Decision applicants receive offers of admission via mail after the Early Decision applicants. Most Candidates with completed applications will receive formal notifications of admission on or before March 31. Some students, however, may continue receive formal offers after March 31, pending space.

Those accepted under the College’s Regular Decision Plan are required to submit an advance $200 deposit, along with the official Enrollment Confirmation Form, by May 1. The deposit is nonrefundable and forfeited if the student does not enroll. However, students who enroll will receive a $200 credit applicable to the spring semester tuition balance.

In addition, students living in a College residence hall must submit a $200 room reservation deposit with the Application for Student Housing. The room deposit is nonrefundable and forfeited if the student does not enroll. Upon enrollment, the deposit applies toward the spring semester housing balance.  The deposit is nonrefundable if the student does not attend in the spring semester.

Students living on campus should submit one payment for $400 to cover both the advance deposit and the room reservation deposit.

Deadlines for submitting deposits are as follows:

Fall Semester: May 1
Spring Semester: December 1

Students who fail to meet the deposit deadline may lose their spot in the class and replaced by a candidate on the waiting list.

Early Admission

The College may accept a limited number of students who have completed three years of secondary school and wish to enter college prior to graduation. A candidate for early admission must have at least 13 units and superior grades in college preparatory subjects.

Additionally, the candidate must submit either superior scores from the SAT or the ACT. Letters of recommendation should attest to the candidate’s character, emotional and social maturity, and readiness for college-level work. Students applying for early admission should understand that the aforementioned factors represent minimum requirements. Admission to Flagler after only three years of secondary school is generally discouraged and highly competitive. Arrangements for the awarding of a high school diploma are the student’s responsibility.

Admission to Spring Semester

For students applying for the spring semester, the Office of Admissions begins notifying applicants on a rolling basis after the fall class has closed, but continues admitting students until the class fills. Space for the January semester can be quite limited. We strongly advise students desiring on-campus housing to complete their applications early.

Entrance Examinations

If applicable, students submitting test results must submit the official test score report (ACT or SAT). In addition to using the results to evaluate applicants for admission, the scores factor into course selection and placement. Applicants will receive no more than 45 semester hours of advanced standing based on AP, AICE, CAPE, CLEP and/or IB tests.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Students who have participated in the Advanced Placement Program may be eligible for transfer credit or advanced placement at Flagler College. Course credit is generally granted for each AP examination passed with a score of 3, 4, or 5 in courses comparable to Flagler courses and appropriate to the degree program.

Students must submit official score reports of the AP examinations. The Registrar awards transferable credit at their discretion; students should not assume that credit is awarded automatically. Applicants should consult with the Office of Admissions to determine level of placement and/or the amount of credit typically granted for AP coursework.

Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE)

Flagler College will award AICE transfer credit for examination scores of A, B, C, D, or E.

Students are required to forward official AICE examination results to the Office of Admissions. Applicants should consult with the Office of Admissions to determine level of placement and/or the amount of credit typically granted for AICE examinations.

Cambridge International Advanced Level Examinations (A levels)

Flagler College considers Cambridge International Advanced Level Examination (A-level) credentials for transfer credit or advanced placement. The College reviews and evaluates A-level examinations results on an individual basis in the context of the student’s proposed area of study. The amount of credit and placement are subject to approval by the appropriate academic department. Course credit is generally granted for each A-level examination passed with a grade of A, B or C.

Students are required to forward A-level examination results to the Office of Admissions. The Registrar awards transferable credit at their discretion; students should not assume that credit is awarded automatically. Applicants should consult with the Office of Admissions to determine level of placement and/or the amount of credit typically granted for A-level examinations.

Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)

Flagler College considers Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination credentials for transfer credit or advanced placement. The College reviews and evaluates CAPE examinations results on an individual basis in the context of the student’s proposed area of study. The amount of credit and placement are subject to approval by the appropriate academic department. Course credit is generally granted for each CAPE examination passed with a grade of I, II or III where two CAPE units have been earned.

Students are required to forward CAPE examination result sheets to the Office of Admissions. The Registrar awards transferable credit at their discretion; students should not assume that credit is awarded automatically. Students should consult with the Office of Admissions or the Office of the Registrar to determine the level of placement or the amount of credit typically granted for CAPE examinations.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Individuals seeking admission with advanced standing may submit the results of the General Examinations offered by the College Level Examination Program. Applicants achieving scores of at least 50 on the General Examinations will receive six semester hours of credit for each of the following areas: College Composition and College Composition Modular, Humanities, Social Sciences and History, College Mathematics, Natural Sciences. Students do not receive credit for CLEP Subject Examination. Furthermore, advanced standing based on CLEP scores will only be awarded prior to the student’s initial enrollment at Flagler College.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Flagler College considers IB Higher and Lower Level credentials for possible transfer credit. The College reviews and evaluates IB courses on an individual basis in the context of a student’s proposed area of study. The amount of credit and placement are subject to approval by the appropriate academic department. Course credit is generally granted for each examination passed with a score of 4, 5, 6 or 7.

Students are required to forward IB transcripts to the Office of Admissions. The Registrar awards transferable credit at their discretion; students should not assume that credit is awarded automatically.

Students should consult with the Office of Admissions or the Office of the Registrar to determine the level of placement or the amount of credit typically granted for IB examinations. See the charts below to reference score requirements.

Advanced Placement (AP) Examination Credit

Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Examination Credit

Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Examination Credit

International Baccalaureate (IB) Examination Credit

Transfer of Credits

Applicants transferring from another institution must be in good standing and must be eligible to return to the institution last attended. Transfer applicants from four-year institutions may receive a maximum of 75 semester hours of credit awarded. Generally, recipients of the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree gain admission at the junior level. Applicants transferring from junior or community colleges will receive no more than 64 semester hours of credit toward the completion of degree requirements at Flagler.

Generally, students receive transfer credits for courses in which they earned a letter grade of “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better from regionally accredited institutions. Grades, however, are nontransferable. As such, the Registrar will not consider quality points earned for transfer credits when computing a student’s Flagler grade point average. Students who have successfully completed the requirements for an A.A. degree may transfer up to three courses where they earned a “D” grade, provided the total number of transfer credits does not exceed 64 semester hours.

In accordance with the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) Articulation Agreement, Flagler College, as a member of ICUF, provides some basic guarantees to transfer students who have earned an A.A. degree from any member institution of the State of Florida public university system. This guarantee includes the transfer of 60 credits applicable toward the awarding of the baccalaureate degree and completion of the general education requirements at Flagler College.

Credit Appeals Process

Upon completion of the credit review processes, the Office of the Registrar will notify students of the decision. A student wishing to challenge course credits deemed ineligible for credit must file a written appeal with the Dean of Academic Life for reconsideration. The Dean of Academic Life will notify the student of the results of the review within ten business days of receipt of the appeal. The Dean of Academic Life will notify the Office of the Registrar of any official changes for official processing.

A student dissatisfied with the results of the appeal may submit a written appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty for a final review. The Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty provides dated acknowledgement of receipt of the appeal to the student. Within ten business days of receipt of the appeal, the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty will notify the student of the results of the review. Meanwhile, the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty will notify the Office of the Registrar of any changes for official processing.

Military Training and Education Transfer Credit Policy

Students should forward all documentation of prior learning to the Office of Admissions, who then sends the information to the Registrar for evaluation. Flagler College (St. Augustine campus) may award up to 15 hours of academic credit for military training, education, or experience. The College may additionally award four (4) hours of service credit for documented military service or past service with an honorable, general, or entry-level (uncharacterized) discharge. If awarded, these four (4) hours shall apply to elective requirements only.

A maximum of 15 academic credit hours and 4 service credit hours are applicable toward general education and elective requirements. With the concurrence of the appropriate school dean, academic credit is applicable toward courses in the major field of study.

Appropriate parties of any or all of the following documents shall base the decision to award credit upon review:

1. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Form DD-214)
2. Joint Service Transcript (JST) American Council on Education (ACE) college credit recommendation
3. Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) transcript
4. U.S. Armed Forces Institute (ISAFI) transcript
5. The Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services
6. Other service school or military academy transcripts

Students with Disabilities

The Disability Resource Center provides information and assistance to students who have qualifying disabilities and are in need of reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to education as intended by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Services are varied depending on individual needs and include counseling and referrals, classroom accommodations, test accommodations, special registration, the services of a scribe, note-taker, interpreter, reader, and the use of specialized equipment and adaptive technology.

Any student wishing to receive services/accommodations at Flagler College must first register with the Disability Resource Center.  Specific documentation of a disability, from a qualified professional, is required. To ensure timely services, requests for accommodations should be made prior to the beginning of each semester; however a student may initiate the registration process at any time.

All students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the DRC as soon as possible after acceptance to make arrangements for academic accommodations.

It is the student’s responsibility to inform the Disability Resource Center about his or her disability and to provide documentation by a qualified professional that validates the student’s eligibility for academic accommodations.  Contact DRC for specific documentation requirements.

The provision of reasonable accommodations and services will be based upon an assessment of the impact of the student’s disabilities on his or her academic performance.  Therefore, it is in the student’s best interest to provide recent and appropriate documentation relevant to the learning environment.  If data provided is insufficient or outdated, the College reserves the right to request additional and/or updated information.

Once appropriate documentation of the disability has been received in the Disability Resource Center and the student has signed a release which permits notification of the disability, the Director of the Disability Resource Center will assist the student in procuring the services of qualified interpreters, note-takers, and readers, if needed. The Director may also assist in providing the student with accessible texts and modified examination procedures.  Personal aids, such as prescription eyeglasses, hearing aids and tape recorders, will not be furnished by the College. Additional information regarding disability services may be found in The Student Handbook and at www.flagler.edu/student-support-services/disability-services/.

Readmission

Former students, including those suspended or dismissed, seeking readmission to the College must petition the Office of the Registrar in writing. The request for readmission must include reasons for leaving Flagler and for wanting to return. All requests must include current contact information and the semester for which readmission is being requested. See Academic Information  for more information.

Agreements

Those applying to Flagler agree that: Attendance at Flagler is a privilege granted solely by the College. The student is subject to dismissal for the submission of false or misleading information.

The College reserves the right of final decision relative to course requirements for any degree program offered by the College and the content of individual courses. The College also reserves the right to modify requirements for admission at any time.

Students enrolled by the College will comply with all college rules and with local, state, and federal laws. Students will abide by college disciplinary policies and procedures. The College reserves the right to suspend or expel students for violations of the rules. In such cases, tuition and fees paid to the College is nonrefundable.  

Flagler College reserves the right to dismiss, suspend, or require the withdrawal of a student(s) for reasons it deems contrary to the best interest of the College. 

Visiting the Campus

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to schedule a visit to Flagler College to attend an information session and tour the campus.

On weekdays, Admissions counselors conduct group information sessions, and student ambassadors lead campus tours. Prospective students are encouraged to schedule visits while the College is in session and students are on campus. It is best to avoid vacation and final examination periods because students are away from campus (see College Calendar ), although visits may be scheduled throughout the year.

Please visit us online at www.flagler.edu/visit at least three weeks in advance to schedule a mutually convenient time to learn more about our campus. The Office of Admissions is open on weekdays only from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located in Hanke Hall (63 Cordova Street) in the heart of downtown St. Augustine.