Freshmen Application Instructions

Admission to Michigan State University is competitive. Submit your application early in your senior year. Interested students should submit an online application for admission. Decisions are typically made eight to 12 weeks after all application materials are received. (Please note that an initial admissions decision may be a "withhold" decision, in which a student is asked to provide more information to the Office of Admissions.)

Application Submission Instructions

  • Complete the application for admission online.
  • Prepare your required personal statement.
  • Pay the $50 nonrefundable application fee using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or an electronic check (online applications only). Application fee waivers (PDF*) are available online or from your high school. International applicants are not able to use fee waivers.
  • Have your official high school transcript(s) sent electronicially to MSU by your high school.
  • Have your ACT or SAT scores sent directly to MSU by the testing agency. The ACT code is 2032; the SAT code is 1465. You are required to submit the writing portion of the test. For more information about having your scores sent from the testing agency, visit ACT or SAT online.
  • MSU does NOT require letters of recommendation as part of the application for admission.

Application Validity

Applications are valid for one year beyond the semester of submission. It is not necessary to submit a new application form or application fee during this period. To be considered for an alternate semester, contact the Office of Admissions before your application expires.

Home School Applicants

In recent years, Michigan State University has experienced growth in applications from home school students. MSU welcomes home school applicants and reviews each application using the same admission criteria used for traditional high school students. Home school students are required to submit all of the application materials listed above, including standardized test scores, a personal statement, and a transcript. It is understood that the transcript of a home school student may be different than that of a traditional high school student. Regardless of the format, a transcript should include all 9th- to 12th-grade courses (including those in progress) and the time frame of each course (year and semester). In addition, an assessment of performance (a letter grade, percentage, etc.) is needed. Occasionally applicants are asked to submit additional information describing curriculum or texts used. For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions .

College Achievement Admissions Program (CAAP)

The College Achievement Admissions Program is an alternative admissions procedure for students who, due to their economic, cultural, or educational backgrounds or environments, need special supportive services in order to realize their academic potential. If you believe your circumstances warrant consideration for CAAP, check with your high school guidance counselor.

College Achievement Admissions Program (CAAP) application form PDF*

*Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to read PDF documents.