The admissions requirements vary by program and are described in greater detail in the following paragraphs. In all cases, Full Sail retains sole discretion regarding offers of admission and the rescission or expiration of prior invitations to enroll. Completing all listed requirements, processes, and submissions establishes eligibility to enroll, but does not guarantee admission.
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
Applicants must submit the following to be considered for admission:
- Application for Admission—Applicants must submit the completed application and fulfill all the requirements therein.
- Admissions Interview—Applicants must complete an admissions interview.
- Documentation of High School Graduation. Full Sail requires that all applicants have completed high school and received a standard high school diploma. The University defines a Standard High School diploma using the Florida Department of Education standards at www.fldoe.org. Applicants must provide documentation of high school completion prior to starting a program. Acceptable forms of documentation include: high school diploma, General Educational Development (GED) passing test scores and/or the GED diploma, other equivalent, state-approved diploma examination scores, or documentation of an earned associate or higher-level degree from an accredited postsecondary educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Confirmation the student is at least 16 years of age [or beyond the minimum age of compulsory high school attendance] at the time of enrollment. Because Full Sail’s programs are designed to prepare students for the employment market, undergraduate applicants generally must be at least 16 [or beyond the minimum age of compulsory high school attendance] at the time of enrollment. Students younger than 16, who have satisfied all other admissions prerequisites and wish to apply to Full Sail, must submit a request to the Director of Student Affairs demonstrating additional academic achievements, performance on standardized tests, employability at the time of graduation, and/or other characteristics to support the application for admission and confirm program readiness. The GED must be approved by a State Department of Education to be considered.
NOTE: GED TESTS CANNOT BE TAKEN ONLINE AND CAN ONLY BE TAKEN AT AN OFFICIAL TESTING CENTER.
Full Sail may request additional documentation to verify the successful completion of high school (such as, but not limited to, student transcripts) and/or to assess the preparation provided by the issuing institution. In all cases, Full Sail retains the sole discretion to determine whether or not the secondary training completed by the applicant is sufficient to satisfy the high school graduation admission requirement.
- Government Issued Photo Identification—Applicants must submit a government issued photo ID. The following are examples of photo identification that are accepted by the university:
- Copy of a Valid State Issued Driver’s License
- Copy of a Valid State Issued Identification Card
- Copy of a Valid Passport
NOTE: COPIES OF MILITARY IDENTIFICATION CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
- Complete the Technology Assessment Applicants must achieve a score of 70 or higher to be admitted to the program of study.
- Language Proficiency—If primary language is not English, verification of language proficiency is required. All required documentation that is not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
- Domestic/United States applicants with international/foreign transcripts will need those transcripts to be translated and evaluated by a 3rd party.
Computer Animation and Game Art Degree Program applicants must provide evidence of artistic skill. Evidence of artistic skill can be demonstrated by: (1) providing two or more examples of the applicant’s artwork, or (2) by providing academic transcripts indicating successful completion of appropriate art coursework, with a grade of a B or higher. Appropriate coursework is determined by Education, but a foundation of sketching, sculpting, and painting are important for the animation industry and are essential in developing the 3D artist.
If an applicant chooses to submit artwork to fulfill this requirement, note that any art submission is used only for evaluation purposes and will not be used by the University beyond determining the artistic ability of applicants who apply.
Game Development Associate of Science applicants must demonstrate knowledge of Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry. Applicants must complete a Math Self-Evaluation to enter the Game Development Associate of Science degree program.
Interactive Technology Bachelor of Science Completion program with a concentration in Game Design applicants must demonstrate knowledge of Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry. Applicants must obtain a satisfactory score on a Skills Assessment Test to enter the Interactive Technology Bachelor of Science Completion program with a concentration in Game Design. A Skills Assessment Test covering mathematical concepts will be administered during the enrollment process to determine eligibility for this program.
The potential paths are listed below.
| SCORE | OUTCOME |
|---|---|
|
70 |
Applicant will be admitted into the degree program |
|
69-30 |
Applicant will be placed in a mandatory preparatory math course |
|
0-29 |
Applicant must complete a mandatory non-credit preparatory course or the applicant will not be admitted into the program |
Game Development Bachelor of Science; Computer Science Associate, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science Completion; and Simulation and Visualization Associate and Bachelor of Science program applicants must demonstrate knowledge of Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, and Calculus. Introductory programming classes are also highly recommended.
Applicants to programs that require demonstrated knowledge of mathematics may satisfy this requirement in one of the following ways: (1) provide transcripts that indicate successful completion (B or higher) in previous coursework or (2) complete a Math Self-Evaluation and obtain a satisfactory score on a Skills Assessment Test to enter the Game Development Bachelor of Science; Computer Science Associate, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science Completion; and Simulation and Visualization Associate and Bachelor of Science programs. For applicants who choose to meet this requirement by taking a mathematics assessment, a Skills Assessment Test covering advanced mathematical concepts will be administered during the enrollment process to determine the path of each applicant.
The potential paths are listed below.
| SCORE | OUTCOME |
|---|---|
|
73 |
Applicant will be admitted into the degree program |
|
72-30 |
Applicant will be placed in a mandatory preparatory math course(s) |
|
29-0 |
Applicant must complete a mandatory non-credit preparatory course or the applicant will not be admitted into the program |
Music Production Degree Program applicants must provide evidence of prior music experience through a background survey. Applicants that do not have sufficient musical training will be scheduled into one additional course to ensure an appropriate level of prerequisite knowledge. The preparatory course is free of charge.
Creative Writing, BFA Degree Program applicants’ career objectives will be considered when an admission decision is made.
Completion Programs & Concentration
Applicants for Completion Programs & Concentrations must meet all of the University’s admission requirements (see Requirements for Admission section) and:
- Documentation of Earned Associate’s or Higher-Level Degree—Applicants must provide documentation of their earned associate’s or higher-level degree from an accredited postsecondary educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The degree must be related to the educational program objectives of the baccalaureate degree completion program. Documentation must be received prior to starting. For related degrees earned at institutions other than Full Sail, applicants may also be required to take prerequisite courses before beginning the completion program.
Online Admissions
Applicants to online-only degree programs will be required to complete a technology assessment. The assessment will determine whether students have the skills, competencies, and access to technology necessary to succeed in a distance education environment prior to their enrollment in the program or course of study.
Once enrolled into a program, students will complete the orientation module. The module explains the best practices for conducting online learning, overall operation of the online platform, procedures for troubleshooting problems and contacting the technical support team, and general school policy as it applies to the online format.
Applicants to online degree programs are required to have access to a reliable computer or tablet capable of running multimedia applications and navigating media rich websites. Applicants are also required to have access to a reliable high-speed Internet connection.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
Graduate School applicants must possess one of the following to be eligible:
- A Full Sail Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
-
A baccalaureate or higher level degree from another accredited postsecondary educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Degree held must be of similar scope and subject matter as to prepare applicants for the educational program objectives of the Graduate School Degree Program, with a transfer academic average of 2.0. Applicants who meet these criteria will be considered for admission pending an evaluation of a copy of official transcripts. Transcripts are required to include graduation date, final GPA and degree earned. Documentation of high school graduation or GED is not required.
- Complete the Technology Assessment. Applicants must achieve a score of 70 or higher to be admitted to the program of study.
Computer Science and Game Design Master of Science Program applicants must possess a baccalaureate or higher level degree from an accredited postsecondary educational institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Degree held must be of similar scope and subject matter as to prepare applicants for the educational program objectives of the program, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Applicants who meet these criteria will be considered for admission pending an evaluation of a copy of official transcripts. Transcripts are required to include graduation date, final GPA, and degree earned.
Computer Science Master of Science Program applicants must demonstrate knowledge of Algebra II, Discrete Math, Probability, Statistics, Programming, and Data Structures. An Advanced Programming and Math Assessment covering advanced mathematical and programming concepts will be administered during the enrollment process to determine entrance into the program. Applicants must obtain a satisfactory score of 70 on the Advanced Programming and Math Assessment to enter these programs.
Game Design Master of Science Program applicants should have extensive academic coursework in Computer Animation, Game Art, Game Design, Game Development, Mobile Development, or Computer Science. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Game Design Master of Science curriculum before applying to ensure they have acquired the requisite skills in order to be successful in the program.
Creative Writing, MFA applicants must be employed in a creative, content-producing position or a field that requires narrative design or editorial input such as film and television, games, digital or print media, or corporate environments that require copywriting or copyediting.
International Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
International applicants must meet all of the University’s admissions requirements (see requirements for Admissions section). In addition, International applicants must meet the following requirements in order to be considered for admissions:
- Language Proficiency* - Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate the required level of language proficiency by providing documentation of one of the following:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- Paper and pencil test: minimum score accepted is 550
- Computer-based test; minimum score accepted is 213
- New internet-based test; minimum score accepted is 79
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- The minimum required score is 6
- Accuplacer
- Achievement of appropriate official scores from certified independent online based English Language assessment test (Accuplacer) Additional language proficiency exams may be accepted. Contact your admissions representative for more information.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- Financial Guarantee - for those seeking a visa for a campus-based program, a financial guarantee must be provided to verify available funding for tuition and related expenses for the first academic term of the chosen degree program.
- Documentation of High School Graduation - Full Sail requires that all applicants who have completed high school at a foreign institution must provide official documentation to the International Department to determine U.S. equivalency.
- Foreign School Credentials - must be submitted to an outside evaluation service for determination of U.S. equivalency. Please contact your Admissions Representative or an International Liaison for recommended evaluation services.
- English Translation - any documentation not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
- Obtain Visa - applicants for a campus-based degree program are required to obtain the proper visa in order to study full time. (not required for online-based degree programs)
- Complete the Technology Assessment Applicants must achieve a score of 70 or higher to be admitted to the program of study.
NOTE: REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION APPLY EQUALLY TO ALL APPLICANTS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, DISABILITY, AGE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR MARITAL STATUS.
*INTENSIVE ENGLISH APPLICANTS ONLY: A LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO PLACEMENT IN THE IE CERTIFICATE.
International applicants must meet all of the University’s admissions requirements (see requirements for Admissions section). In addition, college transcripts must be submitted to an outside evaluation service for determination of U.S. Bachelor equivalency. Please contact the International Department for recommended evaluation services.
Admissions Application Process
The Admissions Department is prepared to assist with completing the application process. To apply:
- Complete an interview with your Admissions Representative.
- Complete the Application for Admission.
- Submit $75 registration fee.
Once all documents are completed and submitted, applicants will be notified in writing of admission decision. The registration fee and deposit(s) are credited to the cost of tuition but are not covered by financial aid. All deposits are fully refundable
Transfer Credit
Credit for Previous Education
Students with previous postsecondary education may request credit for previous education.
Transfer Credit
Those seeking transfer credit from another accredited postsecondary school while attending Full Sail must submit a copy of official transcripts to the Document Management Team. To receive transfer credit, students must have successfully completed courses similar in scope and content to Full Sail courses. The submission of a copy of official college transcripts must occur within the first two weeks of attendance at Full Sail.
For those classes that begin the first week in a degree program, a copy of official college transcripts must be received before class begins. The right to receive transfer credit for a course is only granted for successful completion of prior education in subjects that have received a grade of C or better. Transfer credits are awarded based on courses already completed and recommendations to attend courses at other institutions cannot be provided. Acceptance of transfer credit may change a student’s eligibility for certain types of financial aid. All credits will be automatically applied to the end of the student’s academic program, unless specification not to transfer some or all of the credits is received.
Full Sail may request additional documentation to verify and/or assess the preparation provided by the issuing institution. In all cases, Full Sail retains the sole discretion to determine the transferability of credits.
Procedure:
- Upload a copy of official transcripts through Launch (the student portal).
- Transcripts will be reviewed by the Document Management Team.
- Applicants will be notified of transfer credit approval or denial prior to their expected start date.
To determine the cost and transferability of credits, contact Full Sail’s Admissions Department.
Credit by Examination
Undergraduate, campus-based students are eligible for credit by examination (CE) to earn credit toward graduation. Undergraduate campus students who have work experience or who cannot provide a college transcript prior to the deadline for submission, may take a CE test in each course for which credit is being sought and must obtain a score of 75 percent or better in order to receive credit. CE tests must occur within the first two weeks of attendance at Full Sail. For those classes that begin the first week, the test must be taken before the course begins. A minimum of 25 percent of an undergraduate degree program’s semester hours or equivalent must be taken to receive a degree from Full Sail University. Matriculation agreements with other postsecondary institutions or universities are handled on an individual basis and may negate the usual testing procedure.
CE tests can only be taken one time. There is no fee to take the exam, but it must be scheduled through Enrollment or the Student Success Department prior to the beginning of a course. If a student starts a course, they are no longer eligible to take the CE test for that course.
Graduate, online students who have at least five years of management and/or leadership experience may be eligible for credit by examination. For the following graduate degree programs: Business Intelligence Master of Science, Entertainment Business Master of Science, or Digital Marketing Master of Science, a maximum of five courses may be considered for credit by examination. Prospective students will be asked to submit their undergraduate transcript, a résumé, and a letter of intent to qualify for credit by examination. The final decision to allow CE tests rests with the Program Director of the graduate degree program. Not all courses in these programs are eligible for credit by examination. Students must achieve a score of 85 percent or better in order to receive credit. A majority of the credits required for a graduate degree program must be completed at Full Sail University.
Credit for Military Education and Training
Students who have completed Military Courses or Military Experience can submit a copy of their Joint Service Transcript (Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) or Community College of the Air Force transcript to the Document Management Team. Consideration for the possibility of awarding credit will also be given for any course or experience that has an ACE credit recommendation. Please be aware that the credit recommended by ACE does not guarantee the awarding of Full Sail University credit for that course or experience.
Active military students should audit and review their military transcripts periodically (every 6 months if on active duty) for updates and modifications. Speak with your academic advisor if there have been updates.
Transferability of Credit
Questions regarding matriculation should be directed to the institution at which continued education is being sought. The transferability of credit from Full Sail to another institution is at the discretion of the accepting institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits will be accepted by another college.
Individual Courses
Some courses may be taken on an individual basis. A $200 deposit for each individual course must be included with the application. The balance of tuition is due on or before the first day of class. Individual course students are not eligible for financial aid.
Most individual courses have prerequisites. Acceptance into a course is determined by the respective Program Director and/or the Director of Student Affairs. Contact an Admissions Representative for more information.
Full Sail Prepaid Tuition Program
Full Sail offers a Prepaid Tuition Program to applicants who have not yet graduated from high school. This plan allows early applicants to secure a future Full Sail education at current tuition prices.
Tuition pre-payment is only available to applicants who:
- have not completed high school,
- apply for the pre-payment plan,
- begin the pre-payment plan prior to completing high school,
- upon acceptance of the pre-payment plan, pay the tuition either in a lump sum or begin making equal monthly installments,
- start a Full Sail education by December 31 of their high school graduation year, and
- pay the tuition in full prior to the first day of class.
Seven and one-half percent simple interest will be charged for the on-going tuition balance each year. Should the plan be canceled at any time, a full refund will be made within 30 days. Interest will not be paid on money deposited with Full Sail. Financial aid, for those who qualify, is available for living expenses to those participating in the Prepaid Tuition Program.