APPLYING TO NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY AS A FIRST-TIME STUDENT

If you’re planning to attend college for the first time after graduating from high school, you’re considered a freshman applicant at Nova Southeastern University.

You’ll find all the steps you need to take to successfully apply to NSU below—and if you run into any questions, a dedicated admissions counselor is available to help guide you through the admissions process.

Dates and Deadlines

November 1

Early Decision & Early Action Admission

Extended to March 15

Regular Decision Admission

Extended to March 15

Premier Programs

Admissions Process

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply to NSU.

Applying to Nova Southeastern University is quick and easy whether you choose to apply with our Shark Select Application or the Common App.

Either way, the essay is optional. You can choose one of the five Common App prompts or provide an original writing sample of your choice if you’re using the Shark Select Application.

Please note that a nonrefundable $50 fee is required for either application.

Specialty Applications
If you’re interested in pursuing a nursing degree, visit the nursing admissions page for additional requirements.

If you're interested in pursing the following health care sciences degrees, please apply using the Shark Select Transfer Application and visit the admissions links below for additional requirements. 

Bachelor of Health Science
B.S. in Cardiovascular Sonography
B.S. in Medical Sonography
B.S. in Respiratory Therapy (First-Professional)
B.S. in Respiratory Therapy (Post-Professional)

 

Questions? Browse FAQ's


Submit Application for Admission

Freshman applicants may apply using our streamlined NSU Shark Select Application or the Common App.

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 App Teacher Evaluation form, or you can submit the letter(s) in the supplemental items area of the NSU Shark Select Application.

Letters of recommendation may be emailed to your admissions counselor (preferred) or mailed to:

Enrollment Processing Services
Nova Southeastern University
P.O. Box 299000
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33329

Request Submission of Official Transcripts

Your guidance counselor will need to submit your transcripts and recommendation. They can do so electronically through Naviance, SENDedu or the Common App, by email at electronictransript@nova.edu, or by mail using the address above. If you’re applying with the Common App, your counselor should also complete the School Report and submit it with your transcripts and school profile.

For more detailed instructions, see the Resources for Guidance Counselors page.

If you’re curious about how AP and IB credits transfer, visit Transfer Evaluation Services for Undergraduate Students.

Homeschool Education Students

Send Verification of Compliance and Completion of Home Education Program. It should include a copy of a teacher’s evaluation or district confirmation, or verification of a passing score on the state student assessment test (FSA - Florida), administered by a certified teacher.

Submit Test Scores

Undergraduate applicants for the 2023-24 admission cycle may choose to have their application reviewed for admission with or without the submission of SAT, ACT, or CLT scores.

Test-Optional FAQ's

Applicants who choose to have their application reviewed with test scores can self-report SAT, ACT, and/or CLT score(s) on the application for admission. Upon enrollment to NSU, official test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency using the following information:

SAT Code: 5514
ACT Code: 6706

NSU superscores both the SAT, ACT, and CLT, so if you take the exam more than once, you must submit all of your test scores to ensure we have your best and highest composite scores on record. NSU currently considers only the critical reading and math scores for the SAT. For the ACT, NSU does not utilize the optional writing section.

CLT Concordance Report

Freshman Class Profile

A-/B+

Average Weighted
High School GPA

1100 -1340

Mid-Range SAT
Superscore
(Combined)

23-30

Mid-Range ACT
Superscore (Composite)

17,800

Number of Applicants

52%

Florida Residents

39%

Out of State

9%

International

2,050

Number Enrolled

Premier Program Application Process

NSU’s Premier Programs are ideal for motivated students—those who want to work at an accelerated pace so they can get out and make positive changes in their careers and communities even sooner.

You can apply for just about any combination of the following Premier Programs:

  • Dual Admission
  • The Fischler Academy of Education
  • Huizenga Business Innovation Academy
  • Razor’s Edge Scholars

Explore Premier Programs

Apply for Admission

Use the Shark Select Application or the Common App to apply to Nova Southeastern University, following the steps above.

Submit a Supplemental Application

Complete the supplemental Premier Programs Application.

Interview During Shark Preview

If you’re admitted to NSU and submit the supplemental application, you will be invited via email to choose which Shark Preview Weekend works for your schedule.

The Undergraduate Admissions office is located next to the Welcome Center on the first floor of the William and Norma Horvitz Administration Building, on NSU's Ft. Lauderdale-Davie campus in Davie, Florida. Click here for a map.

Phone: (954) 262-8000 or Toll-Free: 800-338-4723

Fax: (954) 262-3811

If you would like to schedule a visit for your group, please email admissions@nova.edu.

Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday
8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Select Saturdays
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.