The Summer Bridge Program

The CARE Summer Bridge Program is an alternative admission program for
first-generation college students, and students who are disadvantaged
by economic, cultural or educational circumstances. This high school to
college bridge program is designed to help ease students’ adjustment
to college life and build a foundation for academic success. Students
will be required to apply for financial aid, and those with financial
need will have 100% of their need for the summer term met from non-loan
sources. Students who do not qualify for financial aid may participate
in the program at regular summer-term rates on a limited, first come,
first-served basis.
How Do I Qualify?
To be eligible for participation, a student is REQUIRED
to:
- Be a first-generation college student (i.e., neither parent has a
4-year college degree), and a member of a low-income
family.
- Complete and submit the Florida
State University application.
- Complete and submit the C.A.R.E.
Summer Bridge Program application.
- Be a Florida resident (note: parent/legal guardian establishes
residency).
- Be a first-time college student, who has earned less than 12 college
credits after high school graduation (This does not
apply to dual enrollment credits, rather to those earned while enrolled
at a two or four-year higher education institution).
- Have a minimum cumulative weighted grade point average of 2.50
as calculated by the FSU Office of Admissions to be considered for the
C.A.R.E. Summer Bridge Program.
- Have a minimum total SAT score of 1330; OR a composite score of 19
on the ACT.
Note: Offer of admission will be rescinded should the final high school
transcripts reflect failing grades and/or missing credits.
If you would like to be considered for admission to Florida State University through CARE, you must:
• Apply online at www.admissions.fsu.edu/.
• Submit the $30 application fee or SAT or ACT fee waiver.
• Submit official high school and all post-secondary transcripts (dual enrollment).
• Submit official ACT (#0734) and/or SAT (#5219) scores from each test.
• Submit the residency statement.
• Submit the CARE application.
• Submit a copy of the 2007 tax return or other proof of income.
• Submit the 2008-2009 FAFSA.
• Submit two letters of support (one should be from your high school counselor).
• Submit a statement indicating why you would like to participate in CARE.
For full consideration, all documents should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than January 21, 2009. The University reserves the right to close CARE admission earlier, if warranted by enrollment limitations and the number of applications received.
What Does the Program Offer?
Academic Support Services
Students receive assistance in establishing and refining study
and test-taking skills through workshops, study halls, tutoring sessions,
and special classes.
Campus Survival Skills
Students are introduced to various campus and student support services,
and will learn effective techniques for time management, money management,
registration, selecting majors, realistic course loads, personal safety
and security, and other challenges that may exist in the campus environment.
Counseling/Advising
Students are assigned to academic and peer advisors who will guide them
through their early transition into the university. Program participants
will receive their academic advising by CARE until they complete liberal
studies requirements and enter a major program of study.
Social/Cultural Orientation
Students are exposed to the rich cultural diversity that characterizes
the university community, and are introduced to a variety of social, service
and leadership opportunities and options available to them on campus and
in the local community.
Advocacy and Support Services
CARE staff will continue to support and advocate on behalf of Summer Bridge
Program participants as needed while they complete their undergraduate
education. The CARE office is available as a surrogate “home base”
for many students who are leaving home and becoming independent for the
first time in their lives.
How Do I Benefit as a Program Participant?
Students admitted to FSU through the CARE Summer Bridge Program will
participate in a seven-week program in which they will:
- Live in campus housing with other participants, staff and upper class
students who will serve as counselors and guides during the summer
- Receive comprehensive orientation to campus and academic requirements
- Take institutional placement tests (if needed)
- Take freshman level or preparatory level classes of up to 7 credit
hours (based on placement or college entrance test scores)
- Get to meet key university faculty, staff and administrators
When student participants return in the fall, they are adjusted to
student life and well acquainted with the campus and important university
personnel. In addition, they have developed good study habits and
time management skills.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Prospective students should submit a CARE Summer Bridge Program application
at the same time they apply for admission to the university. Both applications
should be sent directly to the FSU Office of Admissions. It is strongly
recommended that students apply as early as possible during the fall term
of their senior year in high school. The application deadline
is January 21, 2009.
Students participating in the 2008 CARE Summer Bridge Program need to
submit the 2008 Participation Agreement and the 2008-2009
FAFSA which awards financial aid for the CARE Summer Bridge
Program.
Questions or comments? Would you like to request additional
information?
Please contact: FSU CARE
c/o Summer Bridge Program
Tallahassee, Fl 32306-2450
(850) 644-9699 care@admin.fsu.edu
To download CARE Summer Bridge Program Application (needs
Adobe Acrobat Reader):
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