Skip to main content

Golden Scholars

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Golden Scholars bridge program participants arrive on campus?

Golden Scholars move into the residence halls on Friday, June 19, 2020, before Summer B classes begin. Classes begin Monday, June 22, 2020 and end Friday, July 31, 2020.

When do I pick my classes?

Students will meet with their assigned academic advisor and select their classes during Freshman Orientation.

Do I have to be an exploratory student?

Yes, all Golden Scholars begin their undergraduate studies as exploratory in order to learn about all the major options here at FIU. Scholars will engage in workshops, success coaching sessions, and academic advising meetings to determine what major will work best for them.

Do I have to reside on campus?

Yes, residing on campus during the summer is mandatory, as this is a residential program.

Do I have to reside on campus during the fall and spring terms?

Students may reside on or off campus after the summer term of entry is complete. If students wish to reside on campus, they must submit their housing agreement to the Housing Office for placement. Students must also review their yearly FAFSA awards to determine the cost of residing on campus. More information can be found at housing.fiu.edu.

If I take the SAT and/or ACT again and meet the criteria for general admission, do I still have to participate in the Golden Scholars bridge program?

All requests to be reconsidered for the admission after submitting must be submitted in writing to the Office of Student Access & Success as well as the Office of Admissions. Please be advised that admission consideration into any term outside of the Golden Scholars bridge program, is solely determined by the Office of Admissions.

I was admitted into the Golden Scholars bridge program and my admission letter states I am “conditionally admitted.” What does that mean?

Students are conditionally admitted into the university through the Golden Scholars bridge program and must fulfill ALL of the program’s contract requirements in order to transition into the fall term. Students that do not fulfill ALL the requirements of the program, will not transition into the fall term and will be placed in the Connect4Success Pathway Program.

I was admitted through the general admissions process but would like to be considered for admission via the Golden Scholars Bridge Program. Am I eligible to participate?

Yes, students admitted to the university through another pathway may still participate in the Golden Scholars Bridge Program. However, in order to be considered for the program, students must submit a separate Golden Scholars application and be willing to change their entry term to the summer, if necessary. Once the completed application has been received, students will be reviewed for participation in the Golden Scholars Bridge Program.

If I do not meet the minimum testing or GPA requirements, can I still apply to the program?

Students who do not meet the program’s target academic profile are still encouraged to apply and will be reviewed by the Golden Scholars committee on a case-by-case basis.

What classes will I take and will they count towards my degree?

Students will enroll in up to seven credits during the summer. All class schedules will be verified and approved by academic advisors, as student coursework may vary according to each student’s level of college readiness.

Am I eligible for financial aid and how can I apply?

The Office of Financial Aid will consider all FAFSA applications and will award based on the FAFSA information provided by the student. Students can submit an online application at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students may all visit www.onestop.fiu.edu/financial-aid.

I was admitted as a Golden Scholars, but my FAFSA determined that I am not eligible for Pell grant funding. Will the Golden Scholars Bridge Program provide me with assistance for the Summer Term?

Students that are not eligible for Pell grant funding may be required to cover a portion of their cost of attendance based on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and other FAFSA related information. Participants may have other funding sources, (Florida Pre-Paid, Scholarships, etc.), to help supplement their cost of attendance for the Summer Term. Participants are encouraged to communicate with their parents or legal guardians regarding these options to decide if participating in the program is the best option for them.

If I do not complete my FAFSA application and submit all FAFSA related documentation as requested by the OneStop office, will I still be able to participate in the program?

Students who fail to submit a complete FAFSA application and all FAFSA related documentation will be required to cover all of their expenses for the Summer Term. Students must continue to monitor their my.fiu.edu student portals for daily updates regarding their FAFSA.

Does the Golden Scholars Bridge Program provide Financial Aid or scholarships to help with the cost of attendance for the summer term?

During the summer term, the cost of attendance for each Golden Scholars Bridge Program participant will vary based on each participant’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and other FAFSA related information. Any financial aid that is awarded will be applied towards any outstanding balance related to the cost of attendance for the Summer term. It is important that all students submit their 2018 – 2019 and 2019 – 2020 FAFSA applications before January 31, 2019. Students must also check their to-do lists on their my.fiu.edu student portal for any financial aid documentation requests/updates.

Will the Golden Scholars Bridge Program cover all my expenses for the summer term?

In addition to any financial aid, scholarships, and other funding students may receive to assist with their costs of attendance for the summer, students may be eligible for additional assistance based on their FAFSA and other FAFSA related information. Priority will be given to Pell eligible students. This assistance may include, but is not limited to, housing, meals, tuition, and books. Students must select the meal plan recommended by the Housing Office. Any changes will be the responsibility of the student.

Does the Golden Scholars bridge program provide Financial Aid or scholarships to help with the cost of attendance for the fall term?

The Golden Scholars bridge program does not provide financial support for the fall and spring terms as in the summer. However, students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA as well as apply for scholarships. More information regarding scholarships can be found at www.scholarships.fiu.edu, or the Multicultural Programs and Services website.

Are all students who apply to the Golden Scholars bridge program accepted?

The Golden Scholars bridge program is by invitation only. If you do not receive an invitation to participate, you may still be considered for admission through one of FIU’s other undergraduate pathways. Please visit admissions.fiu.edu for more information and requirements.

If I do not submit my Golden Scholars bridge program agreement, am I still admitted?

Students who have been extended an invitation to participate in the Golden Scholars bridge program must submit their agreement in order to secure their place for the summer. Any students that declines the invitation or does not submit their agreement by the date specified on the agreement, will not be allowed to participate.

If I do not submit my agreement by the date specified, am I still admitted?

If the Golden Scholars bridge program agreement is not submitted by the date specified, the agreement will be nullified.

If I do not fulfill all of the Golden Scholars bridge program requirements, will I remain a student at FIU?

Students admitted to FIU through the Golden Scholars pathway who do not fulfill all the requirements of the program will be placed in the Connect4Success Program at one of Florida’s state colleges (e.g.: Miami Dade College, Broward College, Palm Beach State College, Florida Keys Community College) and must receive their associate’s degree before transferring back to FIU. Students may visit https://transfer.fiu.edu/connect4success for more information about the Connect4Success program.

Students admitted to FIU through any other first-year pathway (for which Golden Scholars was not a condition of their admission) and do not fulfill all the requirements of the summer bridge program, will be dismissed from the Golden Scholars program but retain their standing as an FIU undergraduate student.

If you can’t find your answers above, feel free to email us at gsbp@fiu.edu. You can also contact us at (305) 348-3445. We’ll always make sure to put you in contact with the right person in order to help you succeed.