Getting Started at FSW

TODAY'S TOP TIPS
- The application deadline for the Spring 2023 term was November 28th. If you applied after this date, there may not be sufficient time for your application to be processed and for you to complete the enrollment process prior to the start of classes on January 9th. Applicants should be prepared to defer their application to the Summer 2023 or Fall 2023 term.
- To avoid having your courses dropped for non-payment for Spring Mini-B, you’ll need to be sure you have financial aid authorized and/or payment made before the drop for non-payment date (February 16). If you have not completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or received a financial aid offer yet, you can pay online while you complete your FAFSA and wait for your financial aid to be processed. You can view your financial aid offer and account balance in your Portal.
Want More Tips? Check these out:
Application FAQs • Residency FAQs • Application Status FAQs • New Student Information
Are You Ready to ELEVATE?
Welcome to Florida SouthWestern State College! We are a team of educators and student support staff driven by one mission: to elevate your opportunities in life!
So it's time to elevate your expectations of what a state college can do for you!
You are already a very savvy student! You have figured out you do not have to overpay for the same classes offered by all Florida colleges and universities. That kind of critical thinking makes you Florida SouthWestern State College material.
You are:
- a scholar who wants a degree for about half the cost of a state university
- a hard worker who wants to elevate their career through career certification
- a student who needs classes at convenient locations close to home and work at times that fit your busy schedule
- a student who wants to be more than just a number and to have a personal relationship with your professors
So, let's get started!
To become the next member of the BUCS family, just select the type of student that best describes you below to submit your admissions application! Don't forget to check out all the ways we can help you afford college (such as completing the FAFSA and applying for FSW scholarships!) so you can become one of the 70% of our students that graduate debt free!
It's Time to Elevate Your Expectations and Elevate Your Opportunities at FSW!
Learn even more about why we're the perfect college for you at www.fsw.edu/explore.
What Type of Student Are You?
We know you are Buccaneer material, we just need to know a little bit more so we can guide you through your next steps.
Questions about how to apply? Visit our Application FAQ!
Application FAQ
Click your question for the answer!
- What are the application deadlines?
- I just applied. What do I do next?
- How long will it take to process my application?
- Where can I get a promo code and what is it?
- I completed dual enrollment credits at FSW but want to take classes at FSW after I graduate. What do I do?
- I applied for a certain term/start date, but now I want to start at a different time. What do I do?
- What do I do if I can't find my high school (or if I was home-schooled or earned a GED) on the application?
- How do I reset or change my password for my application?
- I just received my student ID in an email from FSW. What does that mean?
This FAQ is related to completing your application for admission to FSW. Please see resources for these other topics: Checking Your Application Status In-State Tuition (Florida Residency) New Students
What are the application deadlines?
Application deadlines can be found on the Official College Calendar:
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I just applied. What do I do next?
International, bachelor's, and dual enrollment applicants have different requirements before being accepted. For most applicants, the next step is to submit high school transcripts. It is also important to keep an eye on your email for next steps emails from FSW.
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How long will it take to process my application?
International, bachelor's, and dual enrollment applicants have different requirements before being accepted. Generally, you will be admitted (accepted) 5 - 7 business days after we receive your high school transcript (as well as your application and any applicable application fee).
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Where can I get a promo code and what is it?
Promo codes are used to discount the application fee and are provided through special FSW events and promotions. General promo codes for our applications do not exist and cannot be found on our website or by searching the internet. Graduating high school seniors may be eligible for a national application fee waiver program. Veterans might also qualify for a promo code. Click here for more information.
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I completed dual enrollment credits at FSW but want to take courses at FSW after I graduate high school. What do I do?
You will need to apply to FSW, but we'll waive your application fee! Just select the "AA/AS, Readmit" application when you apply.
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I applied for a certain term/start date, but now I want to start at a different time. What do I do?
If you applied within the last year and want to start classes in a different term than the one for which you applied (e.g. you submitted an application to begin in fall but now plan to begin in spring or summer), all you need to do is log back into your Applicant Portal and select the application you wish to update and click "Request Deferral to a Different Term" and select the term in which you would like to start.
If your application was submitted more than 1 year ago, you will have to submit a new application, but we'll waive your application fee! Just select the "AA/AS, Readmit" application when you apply.
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What do I do if I can't find my high school (or if I was home-schooled or earned a GED) on the application?
Try the following if you cannot find your high school on the application:
- Use United States for the Country
- Use Florida for the state
- Click Search
- Select the entry that best describes your high school (these options will appear at the top of the list): GED, Homeschool, Non-Florida High School, or Other Florida High School
- Press Select
Important note: if you do not press "Select," your high school information will not save.
I'm having trouble navigating the admissions application, what can I do?
Review this helpful video about navigating the online admissions application. Still have questions? Contact your Admissions Counselor.
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How do I reset or change my password for my application?
If you have forgotten your password:
- Click "Forgot Password?" on the login screen
- Provide the email address you used to create your account
- An email will be sent to you with a link to reset your password from FSW Admissions
- Click the link and reset your password

I just received my student ID number in an email from FSW. What does that mean?
The email with your student ID # means that we have begun to process your application. You should now use the student ID # in all communications with the college so we can easily locate your information. You will not be able to use your student ID # to access your FSW Student Portal until you are accepted to the college. To be accepted, usually your next step is to submit your high school transcripts. Dual enrollment applicants receive their Student ID # with their acceptance email.
See more about checking your application status and next steps emails from FSW.
See more about submitting your high school transcript.