After you have reserved your place in the incoming class at Michigan State University, you must prepare for enrollment by completing the items that pertain to your specific admission situation.
Some of the items—such as completing placement exams and submitting immunization forms—are required. Other items—such as applying for financial aid and registering with disability services at MSU—are optional or only for specific situations. To prepare for enrollment at MSU, thoroughly review the information at each of the links below.
Complete by June 1
Most incoming transfer students are required to take the Math Placement Assessment prior to meeting with their academic adviser during their New Student Orientation (NSO) experience. Students seeking to improve their score may retake the assessment a second or third time with a four-week waiting period between assessments.
Some students may be exempt based on SAT math and/or ACT math test scores. You may complete this form to find out if you are required to complete the Math Placement Assessment.
Complete by June 1
If you have studied a foreign language and are interested in continuing this course of study (and are not bringing in AP, IB Higher Level (HL) or transferable credit), you must complete the relevant language test. The test results will determine an appropriate starting level for college language study, based on your proficiency in reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and listening. It is suggested students take the placement exam even if they do not plan to immediately enroll in foreign language courses.
Foreign language placement tests in French, German and Spanish are available. Transfer students starting in the fall should complete the applicable tests by June 1. Students who have studied languages for which no placement test is offered should consult a representative of the appropriate language department during or after NSO to determine suitable placement.
Complete as soon as possible, must be accepted and finalized by mid-July
If you require financial assistance, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online as soon as possible after October 1 of the year before you plan to enroll. FAFSA evaluates eligibility for need-based aid, including federal loans, and gives students access to need-based grants, scholarships, loans and work-study.
MSU does not have a separate financial aid application; however, aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted based upon receipt of the FAFSA. After MSU has received and processed your FAFSA, you will be able to view your financial aid package in MSU's secure student information system.
Complete by early August
Incoming transfer students should upload a photo to be used on their student ID card, known as the Spartan Card. This should be done by early August.
Complete within two weeks of admission recommended and no later than June 1
If you have a disability that substantially limits a life activity and would like to request a disability-related accommodation to participate in MSU programs, you should register with RCPD. Self-identification is voluntary and confidential.
Should you require special accommodations during your New Student Orientation (NSO), requests should be made by contacting the RCPD at least two weeks prior to your orientation date.
To expedite the accommodation process, please let the RCPD know if you have a physical, sensory, cognitive or psychological disability via secure and confidential web registration. You will need to have activated your MSU NetID in order to register. If you encounter problems registering online, call 517-884-RCPD. Once your request is received, an RCPD specialist will contact you to schedule a confidential assessment of your needs.
Complete by June 1
Michigan State University requires all entering undergraduate students to complete an Immunization Self-Report. Failure to complete this form may affect your ability to attend MSU. In order to submit the Immunization Self-Report, you will need to have activated your MSU NetID and password.
If you will be under 18 years of age when you begin attending Michigan State University, you must also have a parent or guardian sign the Consent Form for Medical Treatment of Students Under Age 18. This allows for treatment at Olin Health Center or by the MSU Health Team.
Optional
If you are an incoming domestic transfer student, you are not required to be covered by the MSU health insurance plan. However, you are eligible to voluntarily enroll in the MSU health insurance plan if you wish to do so.
If you are a graduate assistant, medical student or international student, you are required to be covered by adequate health insurance and you will automatically be enrolled in the MSU health insurance plan. If you can demonstrate that you have other coverage meeting the waiver criteria, you may apply for a waiver, unless you are an international student. Most international students do not have the option to waive the MSU health insurance. However, the University recognizes that, due to the novel coronavirus, many international students may remain outside the U.S. for the fall semester. If you are an international student and you fall into this situation, you may be allowed to waive the MSU health insurance for the fall semester.
Optional
For security purposes, students are cautioned never to share their MSU NetID and password with anyone. However, we realize that some students may want the option to easily share information in their Student Information System account with parents, guardians or spouses. For this purpose, students can create guest accounts and grant guests access to view and pay their bill, view financial aid information, view IRS 1098-T data and view MSU charges and credits.
Continue to the next step:
Attend orientation