The Pre-Collegiate Advising and Transition Hub (PATH), housed within Advising First, is a pilot program designed to support current sophomore and junior high school students pursuing college credits through accelerated credit options (e.g., dual enrollment, AP, IB, AICE or CLEP) as they prepare for a successful transition to college. Through academic advising, guidance and educational programming, PATH empowers students to make informed decisions about their academic futures.
Note: While participation in this program does not offer or guarantee admission to FSU or any other institution, PATH encourages students to think critically about developing their student profile and provides insight into what students can consider as they prepare for their college experience.
Why PATH Matters
Early access to advising and accurate information is critical to student success. PATH plays a vital role in helping students:
- Build awareness of policies and requirements to make confident, strategic choices
- Maximize the benefits of accelerated credit opportunities
- Navigate the major exploration and selection process with confidence
- Begin their college journey prepared, informed and empowered
By providing college readiness support, PATH strengthens academic outcomes and promotes a smoother, more equitable transition into higher education.
What We Offer
PATH provides virtual workshops and individualized advising experiences that support students in:
- Major exploration and decision-making
- Academic planning and college readiness
- Knowledge and skills building needed to succeed as an accelerated student in college
PATH equips students and families with clear, accessible guidance on Florida's accelerated credit opportunities and guides students in aligning their high school coursework and academic plans with long-term college and career aspirations, ensuring that academic decisions are both strategic and informed.
Our Approach
PATH is grounded in a proactive, developmental advising model that prioritizes early intervention and informed decision-making. By connecting students and families with accurate information and personalized support, the program helps reduce uncertainty and positions students for a strong start in college. PATH helps pre-collegiate students explore majors, understand accelerated credit opportunities, and navigate the complexities of the transition from high school to higher education.
Program Eligibility
To be eligible for the PATH pilot program, students must:
- Be a Florida resident currently enrolled in a Florida high school
- Have a current academic standing of sophomore or junior
- Have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Have an ACT, CLT, and/or SAT scores by the application due date, or
- Have successfully earned college credit through an accelerated credit program (AP, IB, AICE, Dual Enrollment, and/or CLEP)
Please note that this pilot program has limited space, and not all students who apply will be selected.
Apply Now!
To prepare for application submission, please have the following items ready:
- Unofficial high school and college transcripts reflecting earned dual enrollment credit (if applicable)
- Unofficial test scores for ACT, CLT, and/or SAT or any accelerated programs (AP, IB, AICE and/or CLEP)
- Email address of your school counselor
Important Dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Sept. 1, 2026 | Applications Open |
| Nov. 1, 2026 | Applications Close |
| Dec. 11, 2026 | Application Decision Notices Sent |
Next Steps
Received an invitation to participate? Here is what you need to do next to secure your spot:
- Confirm Your Participation. Review your decision notice and formally acknowledge your acceptance by the specified deadline to secure your spot in the program.
- Monitor Your Email. Once you confirm your participation, keep a close eye on your inbox. The PATH team will send a welcome letter with important program details.
- Save the Dates. Your welcome communication will include everything you need to know about upcoming orientation and workshop details.
Our Team
Ruby Taylor
Program Manager/Associate Director, Advising First
Bret Keating
Academic Program Specialist
Kian Mapp
Academic Program Specialist
Questions?
If you have questions or would like to know more about the program, you may reach us at UGS-PATH@fsu.edu.