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, accredited private), 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 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 required to complete the Welcome to Polk State College Tutorial in the Canvas learning management system (www.canvas.polk.edu/courses/36538) and then schedule an appointment with the assigned Student Success Coach. The Success Coach is able to remove holds and assist the individual with registering for classes. 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 coaching session. This course is generally taken in the student’s first semester. Information about the First-Year-Seminar is available on the Polk State College website.