Academic Programs Catalog

The application deadline for undergraduate applications varies by start term (Fall – May 1st / Spring – December 15th / Summer – April 15th) (early action, non-binding – November 1; regular admission – April 1; see admissions.msu.edu for term deadlines. In recent years, the number of qualified first-year student applicants has exceeded available spaces. Those persons who qualify for admission after having completed the eleventh grade fill the first-year students’ class initially. For fullest consideration, apply as early as possible during senior year of high school.

If a person applies for admission to an undergraduate program at Michigan State University for a specific semester and is accepted but chooses not to enroll for that semester and the application has not been canceled, the applicant may extend their offer of admission up to a period of one year (a maximum of two consecutive terms, see admissions.msu.edu for term deadlines).  If, after one year, the person still has not enrolled at Michigan State, a new application for admission must be submitted. University financial aid is not allowed to be carried over, unless otherwise stated in writing.

Admission to Michigan State University is open to all candidates based on academic performance and the availability of space in the desired academic program, and without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, political persuasion, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, height, weight, veteran status, age, or (in the case of U.S. citizens) financial need.

If you are a high school senior applying for entrance as a first-year student, you should:

1. Apply online.
   1. Complete the online application including your essay. The application fee is required at the time you submit the online application. Payment must be made using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, or online check or ACH. Refer to Costs section of this catalog. Application fee waivers are available online. International applicants are not eligible for application fee waivers. 
   2. Submit your essay electronically in your application for admission. You should only answer one question.
   3. Have your ACT or SAT scores sent to Michigan State University by the testing agency, if you wish to be considered for admission with a test score. The ACT code is 2032; the SAT code is 1465.
   4. If you are applying test-optional a standardized test score is not required for admission consideration or merit review for admissions scholarships.

If you have had some college-level education after high school graduation and are applying as a transfer student, you should:

1. Apply online.
   1. Complete the online application including your essay. The application fee is required at the time you submit the online application. Payment must be made using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, or by online check or ACH. Refer to Costs section of this catalog. Application fee waivers are available online for eligible students. International applicants are not eligible for application fee waivers.
   2. After your application is received, please submit official transcripts from all institutions you have attended
   3. Upon admission, all transfer students are required to submit additional official transcripts for course work not yet completed.
   4. Applicants who have accumulated fewer than 24 transferable credits must also submit an official high school transcript and standardized test scores. (submission of test scores is optional)
   5. All transfer applicants who are planning to use federal financial aid must submit an official high school transcript.