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.

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As an adviser of prospective MSU students, we encourage you to sign up to receive updates on MSU admissions and invites to counselor-specific events.

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Resources

Application dates and deadlines
MSU college planning guide
Dual enrollment
2022 Michigan State University viewbook

Connect with an MSU admissions counselor

Our admissions counselors are ready to connect with you and answer any questions you or your students may have. To reach out to an MSU admissions counselor, please visit our contact page.

Are you working with a student who is interested in MSU? They can contact our office directly or complete our inquiry form.

Admissions review process

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

High school preparation

• Strength of high school curriculum (see recommendations at the bottom of this page)
• 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

Test optional

• MSU is test optional, which means that freshman applicants have the option to apply without submitting an ACT or SAT score. Students that would like to submit an ACT or SAT score will be asked to self-report their scores on the application.
• International students are not required to submit an ACT or SAT score, but must still meet English language proficiency requirements.

Personal information

• Essay
• Activities, leadership evidence, community service and special talents as indicated by the student
• Community impact question: opportunity for students to provide additional information not reflected in the application, including explaining how individual, family or community disruptions (such as COVID-19 and natural disasters) have affected their academic records or educational experiences

Official transcripts

• Official transcripts must be sent directly from the high school to MSU, either through U.S. mail or the following online services.

Fall 2022 first-year profile*

• Entering class: 9,676
• High school GPA: 3.5-4.0
• Composite ACT: 23-29
• Total SAT: 1130-1350

*middle 50% of enrolled first-year students

Cost and aid

All admitted students are automatically considered for scholarships from MSU. From 2021-22, $2.2 billion was offered in financial aid to students. Explore our scholarships and financial aid options. 

In-state first-year students

• Tuition and fees (12-18 credits per semester): $15,436
• Room and board (double room/silver meal plan): $10,990

Total for two semesters: $26,426

Non-Michigan first-year students

• Tuition and fees (12-18 credits per semester): $42,022
• Room and board (double room/silver meal plan): $10,990

Total for two semesters: $53,012

International students may have additional fees and expenses. For more information, review our detailed costs.

Visit options

MSU offers in-person campus visits that include a guided walking tour for prospective students and their families, as well as a short presentation with an overview of the admissions process and the university as a whole. Please review the latest campus visitor guidelines. In addition to in-person campus visits, there are virtual event options for prospective first-year and transfer students. Explore all these options and more on the visit page.

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 take honors, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses when possible.

Any student considering attending Michigan State as a first-year student 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 that are lacking in one of these areas will still be considered; however, a less rigorous curriculum may put these applications at a disadvantage for admission.

Detailed recommendations for students in grades eight through 12 are available in MSU's college planning guide.