Information for counselors

Information for counselors

Thank you for your professional partnership with MSU’s Office of Admissions. We strive to provide you and your students with useful information about Michigan State University’s admissions process.

Admission Review Process

The counseling staff in the Office of Admissions reviews each application for admission on a variety of components, with special emphasis on:

High school preparation

  • Strength of high school curriculum (see recommendations below)
  • Recalculated GPA using only core academic courses (English, mathematics, physical and biological sciences, social studies and foreign language)
  • Academic performance trend beginning in ninth grade

ACT or SAT test scores

  • Highest composite ACT score or highest combined SAT score if more than one score is reported
  • Writing scores are recommended but not required

Personal information

  • Essay
  • Activities, leadership evidence, community service, and special talents as indicated by the student

High School Preparation

MSU recommends that students include a majority of core academic courses in their schedules each semester throughout high school, including three such courses each semester during their senior year. In addition, MSU encourages students to select honors, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses when possible.

Any student considering attending Michigan State as a freshman should pursue a strong college preparatory curriculum. At a minimum this includes:

  • Four years of English (composition and literature)
  • Three years of mathematics (two years of algebra, one year of geometry)
  • Three years of social studies (history, anthropology, economics, geography, government, political science, psychology or sociology)
  • Two years of science (biology, chemistry, physics or earth science)
  • Two years of a single foreign language

Applications showing a lack in one of these areas will still be considered; however, a less rigorous curriculum will put these applications at a disadvantage.

Detailed suggestions for students in grades eight through 12 are available in MSU's College Planning Guide. 

Promoting the Publics

Michigan's 15 public universities cordially invite high school counselors to the 18th annual Promoting the Publics conference. This showcase is designed for high school counselors and career center coordinators and features valuable information on all 15 public universities in Michigan, as well as a college/resource fair.

Promoting the Publics will be hosted virtually this year. More information, including dates and times, is coming soon.