Apply for the CARE Summer Bridge Program: Your Pathway to FSU Success

The application for the Florida State University (FSU) CARE Summer Bridge Program opens on August 1, 2024, offering a transformative opportunity for eligible students. This program is meticulously designed to support first-generation college students, particularly those who are also Pell Grant recipients, in their transition from high school to the rigor and excitement of university life. By building a robust academic and social foundation, the CARE Summer Bridge Program sets participants on a trajectory for collegiate success at FSU. If you’re a Florida resident, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and eager to excel in higher education, learning how to Apply For The Care Program could be your first step towards achieving your academic dreams.

Is the CARE Summer Bridge Program Right for You? Key Eligibility Factors

To determine if you should apply for the CARE program, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria. The CARE Summer Bridge Program targets specific student profiles to ensure focused support and resources are effectively allocated. Here are the core requirements you need to meet:

• First-Generation College Student Status: This means that neither of your parents has completed a bachelor’s degree. Importantly, even if you have siblings who are currently in college, you are still considered a first-generation student under this definition at FSU.
• Pell Grant Eligibility: The Pell Grant is a form of financial aid awarded by the U.S. federal government to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Eligibility is primarily determined by your family’s income, as assessed through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To ascertain your Pell Grant eligibility for the program, you must complete both the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 FAFSA forms.
• Alignment with FSU Core Values: Applicants should demonstrate an understanding and embodiment of Florida State University’s core values: Vires (strength), Artes (skill), and Mores (character). These values represent the foundational principles of the FSU community and reflect the qualities sought in successful CARE program participants.
• Florida Residency and Academic Requirements: Applicants must meet the established residency requirements for the state of Florida and have completed the minimum academic coursework mandated by the state for university admission.

Steps to Apply for the CARE Program: Application Requirements

Ready to apply for the CARE program and embark on this enriching pre-college experience? A completed application involves several key components, all designed to provide the CARE Admissions Committee with a comprehensive understanding of your potential and your fit for the program. Ensure you adhere to the FSU admissions deadlines to be considered. Regularly monitor your Application Status Check portal at admissions.fsu.edu/StatusCheck for updates and to access the CARE Summer Bridge Program supplemental application.

Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need to submit to apply for the CARE program successfully:

• FSU Admissions Application: You must first complete the general Florida State University Admissions Application.
• Self-Reported Student Academic Record (SSAR): Accurately complete and submit your SSAR, detailing your academic history.
• Application Fee or Fee Waiver: Submit the required application fee or, if eligible, an approved application fee waiver.
• CARE Summer Bridge Program (Supplemental) Application: Crucially, after submitting your FSU application and being deemed eligible for CARE based on your initial application data, the CARE supplemental application will appear in your Status Check portal. This is where you officially apply for the CARE program.
• Short Answer Essay Responses: Within the supplemental CARE application, you will find required short answer essay prompts. These essays are vital for the admissions committee to understand your experiences and aspirations. Each response is limited to 300 words. The prompts are:
  1. Describe a time you overcame a significant life challenge and the strategies that helped you through it, focusing on personal and/or educational aspects.
  2. Explain how you believe the CARE Summer Bridge Program and the broader CARE support network at FSU will assist you in achieving your college goals.
• Self-Reported SAT and/or ACT Test Scores: Report your SAT and/or ACT scores. FSU allows for self-reporting of scores.
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Complete both the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 FAFSA applications. This is essential for Pell Grant verification and CARE program eligibility.

Tips for a Strong CARE Program Application

While meeting the minimum requirements is necessary to apply for the CARE program, admission is competitive. The CARE Admissions Committee undertakes a holistic review of each complete application. Acceptance is based on a range of factors, going beyond just academic metrics. Here are some tips to strengthen your application:

• Start Early and Monitor Deadlines: Begin your application process well in advance of the FSU admissions deadlines. Keep a close watch on the deadlines and ensure all materials are submitted on time.
• Maximize Test Scores: If you have the opportunity to retake the SAT or ACT, consider doing so to improve your scores. Higher test scores can enhance your application. You can indicate on your application if you are planning to take a test in the future.
• Prioritize the FAFSA: Complete and submit your 2024-2025 FAFSA immediately, as it is currently available. Timely FAFSA submission is crucial for CARE consideration.
• Link Your SSAR: Don’t forget to complete your Self-Reported Student Academic Record (SSAR) and link it to your FSU application in the designated portal.
• Craft Compelling Essays: Your short answer essay responses carry significant weight in the CARE Admissions Committee’s decision. Proofread carefully and ensure your essays are well-written, thoughtful, and genuinely reflect your experiences, resilience, and aspirations. These essays are your opportunity to showcase your character and potential beyond grades and scores.
• Review Your Application Thoroughly: Before final submission, meticulously review your entire application for accuracy and completeness.

Admission to the Summer Bridge Program is not guaranteed by merely meeting minimum academic standards. The CARE Admissions Committee makes decisions based on a comprehensive assessment including academic history, test results, essay responses, educational background, family income, socioeconomic factors, and parental education levels. Pell Grant eligibility for both the summer and the subsequent fall/spring terms is a mandatory condition for all admitted Summer Bridge students. By diligently preparing and presenting a strong application, you can significantly increase your chances to apply for the CARE program and gain access to this invaluable opportunity to thrive at Florida State University.