First-Time-in-College Students

First-Time-in-College (FTIC) Students

Admission may be granted to any individual who has:

• Graduated with a standard high school diploma or International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma from a secondary school (including a Florida public or accredited private school), or an out-of-state school, in accordance with Florida Statutes.

• Earned a General Education Development (GED) diploma through any state Department of Education or the military (as long as the test was administered in the English language).

• Completed a Home Education Program pursuant to the requirements of Florida Statutes 1002.41 and 1003.43. The student must submit a Homeschool Affidavit signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Note: Some additional high school diploma types qualify for college admission under the Florida state guidelines. Information on other high school diploma completion codes is available through the Admission and Registrar’s Office (863.297.1000).

Polk State offers a robust First-Year Experience Program for incoming students. Upon application, the student is advised to follow the admission checklist found on the College website’s Admission Steps page. These steps include: 1) completing the online Orientation, 2) attending a pre-advising session to register for classes, 3) attending the First Flight Freshmen Welcome, and 4) working with a Student Success Advisor for degree planning. Any student who is attending college for the first time since his or her high school graduation must complete these steps, even if the student has previously been dual enrolled at the College. 

A student seeking an Associate in Arts degree is required to take the First-Year Seminar course (SLS 1122) discussed in the Pre-Advising session. This course is generally taken in the student’s first semester. Information about this course is available on the Polk State College website.