Admission Requirements and Deadlines - Freshman Admission (2023)

For many of our incoming students, their first semester in college will be right after their final semester of high school. If this describes you, then you will need to meet our selection index and high school course requirements.

If you have a high school cumulative GPA of 3.00+, congratulations! You are guaranteed admission, as long as you have taken our required high school courses. This means you don’t need to send us an ACT or SAT test score for admission purposes. However, you may consider sending test scores to possibly qualify for freshman scholarships.

Just a little short of the GPA requirement? We would be happy to consider you based on other achievements.

What's the selection index?

It may soundconfusing, but the selection index helpsdetermine your potential for success at Missouri State. Check out the chart below:

Class Rank Percentile GPA
(on a 4.00 scale)
ACT Composite or ACT Superscore SAT Total or SAT Superscore Total
56 or above 3.00 or above Test score optional Test score optional
48 to 55 2.85 to 2.99 21 1060
40 to 47 2.63 to 2.84 22 1100
34 to 39 2.50 to 2.62 23 1130
Below 34 Below 2.50 Not admissible

How do I use this chart?

  • Use whichever is higher to determine where you fall on the scale. For example, if you have a class rank percentile of 40 and a 2.90 GPA, you will follow the line based on your GPA.

    If your school does not rank, we will only focus on your GPA. You might also have both a weighted and an unweighted GPA. We will consider you based on whichever is higher.

  • Just move your finger across the line you identified in the previous step. So, if you have a class rank percentile of 40 and a 2.90 GPA, then you would need an ACT composite or superscore of 21+ OR an SAT total or superscore total of 1060+.

    You heard us right – if you send us multiple test scores, we’ll provide you with a superscore. This can work to your advantage, especially if you’re a few points shy of getting the scholarship that you’re after.

I don’t meet the selection index. Are there alternatives?

We understand that grades and test scores are only part of the picture. Please review our freshman admission alternatives to learn about options open to you.

Sometimes, we have to make tough decisions. Denying your admission might be one of them. If this happens to you, there is always the option to apply to our open admission campus in West Plains. Thanks to cooperative programs, you can transfer back to the main Springfield campus with ease. Find out more by visiting WP.MissouriState.edu or calling 417-255-7955.

Do I have the required high school courses?

Most students don’t have any trouble with this part. But it’s a good idea to double-check what you’ve completed and what you still need to do before you graduate. You can review Missouri State’s course requirements below:

  • Counts: English or language arts, literature, speech, debate, journalism (if writing intensive)
    ​​​​​​​Does not count: student publications, broadcast media, theater

  • Note: All math units must be at the college preparatory level.
    ​​​​​​​Counts: algebra I, geometry, algebra II, trigonometry, pre-calculus, math analysis
    Does not count: computer math/programming, pre-algebra, general math, consumer math, business math

  • Counts: world history, American history, American government, state/regional history, principles of democracy, civics, psychology, sociology, economics, political science, geography
    ​​​​​​​Does not count: family relations, human development, consumer education, personal finance

  • Note: One unit must be a laboratory course.
    ​​​​​​​Counts: biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, botany, zoology, integrated science, physical science, earth science, environmental science
    Does not count: general science, consumer science

  • Counts: art, music (band, orchestra, choir, music appreciation or music theory), dance, drama, theatre appreciation
    ​​​​​​​Does not count: speech, debate, mass media, arts and crafts

  • Additional elective credit to bring total to 24 units (required of Missouri high school graduates). Three units must be selected from any of the following areas: foreign language, math, english, social studies, science, or computer science. Two units of a foreign language are encouraged. Unacceptable courses include physical education, accounting, family studies, keyboarding, vocational courses.

Submit your application!

We make it easy to apply — it's FREE and only takes about 15 minutes.

  • Apply to Missouri State now

Admission Requirements and Deadlines - Freshman Admission (1)

I’m not a traditional freshman. What are my requirements?

Our students come to us from all different places, bringing energy and a little unexpectedness to our campus. Check out the admission guidelines that apply to you.

  • Do you have 24 or more transferable credit hours post-high school and a cumulative GPA of 2.00+? Congratulations! You will be guaranteed admission. But maybe you’ve only spent a semester or two in college and earned fewer than 24 transferable credit hours. In that case, you will need to meet our freshman admission requirements. Learn more about our transfer admission requirements.

  • Before you share your hard work and dedication with us, just be aware that the freshman requirements apply to you. Also note that the admissions office will need a transcript including your courses, GPA and graduation date. Find out more by accessing the admission policy for homeschooled students.

  • Are you coming from a different country to attend college? If you’re ready to join our culturally competent campus, you will be admitted through the International Services office. Refer to the international student undergraduate admission policy for details.

  • Way to get a head start on your degree! But have you earned 24 or more college credit hours post-high school graduation? If the answer is “no,” then you will still need to meet the freshman admission requirements.

  • Our AdultStudent Servicesstaff would be happy to help you come back to school. If this will be your first time attending college, you will need to meet the same requirements as incoming freshmen. However, if you graduated from high school 3+ years ago, we won’t hold you to these requirements.

  • If you take the General Educational Development (GED)or the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), we will consider you for admission based on two things: your exam score and ACT or SAT score. As a bonus, you won’t need to send us the latter if you have a GED score of 644+ or a HiSET score of 63+. Refer to our admission policy for high school equivalency studentsfor details.

Dates to put on your calendar

Date Deadline
October
December
  • Dec. 1 —Presidential Scholarship application deadline
  • Dec. 1 —Inclusive Excellence Scholarship application deadline
  • Early housing priority deadline
February
  • Feb. 1 — Inclusive Excellence Scholarship application deadline
  • Feb. 1 — Financial aid and scholarship priority deadline
  • Early housing assignments become available
  • Feb. 1 — SOAR (Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration) registration opens
March
  • Mar.1 — Complete the Foundation Annual Scholarship Application by March 1 for the following academic year.
May
  • May 1 — National Day of Decision; let us know your choice.
  • May 1 — Reserve your spot in our incoming class! Complete the "Reply to Offer of Admission" form via yourapplication status portal. Then pay the$150 enrollment deposit.
June, July, August
  • Attend SOAR (Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration)
August
  • Aug.19–21- Welcome Weekend
  • Aug.22- Classes begin

Questions?

We're here to help! Contact the Office of Admissions at Admissions@MissouriState.eduor 417-836-5517.

You are also welcome (and encouraged!) to connect with your admissions representative.Think of this person as your go-to guide for all things Missouri State, from navigating the college search to tips for your first day of classes.

FAQs

What is the word limit for the CUNY essay? ›

A personal essay of at least 250 words is part of the application process. Unless a currently enrolled CUNY student, to submit your application, you must pay a $70 non-refundable processing fee.

What GPA do you need to get into Texas A&M 2023? ›

With a GPA of 3.68 out of 4.0 (90-92%), Texas A&M requires students to be above average in high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes.

Should you submit college applications before the deadline? ›

You should submit your applications to your selected colleges when they are complete and before the deadlines – in fact, the earlier the better. Here I am referring to the actual “application” itself – separate from the transcript, recommendation letters and SAT/ACT scores.

How long does Baylor take to respond? ›

Decisions are generally communicated within 4 to 6 weeks after a completed application is submitted. Note: Applications received after the stated deadlines are reviewed on a space- available basis. Consideration for admission to Baylor is highly competitive.

Is it bad to go over college essay word limit? ›

If you go substantially past the word limit, you risk having your essay cut off by an online application form or having the admissions officer just not finish it. And if you're too far under the word limit, you may not be elaborating enough.

Can you go over 650 words in college essay? ›

Do not go over the maximum word count. If there isn't a preferred word count, submit an essay that's under 650 words, according to the college application platform Common App, which works with over 900 colleges in the US [1]. Admissions officers are looking for well-written essays that follow directions.

What GPA is required for Harvard? ›

The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.

What is the lowest GPA for A&M? ›

Undergraduate Admission Requirements
  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA on a 4.0 scale;
  • Minimum 30 academic, college-level transferable semester hours. ...
  • Must be eligible to return to all previously attended colleges or universities.

Can I get into A&M with a 2.0 GPA? ›

Therefore, to be fully accepted into Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, one must have a Composite Predictive Index (CPI) score of 18 or higher. The CPI score is a combination of the high school grade point average (GPA) and ACT/SAT scores. The GPA, however, cannot be lower than a 2.0.

Do colleges care if you submit last minute? ›

It is fairly common for the last hour or so before a deadline to be the busiest. Try to get the application submitted hours or days in advance in case there is an issue. Late applications are at the mercy of the admissions office. Some colleges widely accept late applications.

Do colleges care when you apply? ›

colleges normally start to read applications at the same day for regular decision applicants. unless you are apply early decision, no benefit to submit ahead of the deadline.

Do colleges care if you apply late? ›

Colleges tend to have different deadlines for applications, but they may still accept your application. If you know in advance that you won't finish in time, reach out to an admissions officer to see what can be done. It's still worth it to apply because your application just might be accepted.

What GPA does Baylor look at? ›

Baylor University's GPA Requirements

You must try to achieve the highest score possible in your high school. The GPA that Baylor requires for shortlisting candidates is 3.74. With a 3.74 GPA, you need to be a topper in class or a top ranker.

What is a failing grade at Baylor? ›

Grading Policies
Grade/ SymbolGrade Points
D+1.33
D1.00
D-.67
F0.00
16 more rows

What GPA does Baylor look for? ›

With a GPA of 3.72, Baylor requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes.

Is 800 words too much for a college essay? ›

The primary essay for your college application, often called a personal statement, is typically around 400-600 words. The Common App personal statement — which is used as the primary application essay by more than 800 colleges — must be 250-650 words.

Is 700 words a lot for a college essay? ›

Many schools set a word count or page limit for college essays and personal statements. If the program that you're applying to doesn't have a limit, you'll want your essay to be around 500-700 words. Either way, you should keep your essay concise, while at the same time fully explaining your main points.

Should you use all 650 words? ›

Most admissions officers have stated that, while they will read all essays in their entirety, they are less inclined to feel that essays over 650 accomplish what they set out to do. In short: any of the prompts can and should be answered in 650 words or fewer.

How many paragraphs should a college essay be? ›

There is no set number of paragraphs in a college admissions essay. College admissions essays can diverge from the traditional five-paragraph essay structure that you learned in English class. Just make sure to stay under the specified word count.

What are the 7 Common App essay prompts? ›

Tackling the Common App Essay Prompts
  • Prompt #1: Share your story.
  • Prompt #2: Learning from obstacles.
  • Prompt #3: Challenging a belief.
  • Prompt #4: Solving a problem.
  • Prompt #5: Personal growth.
  • Prompt #6: What captivates you?
  • Prompt #7: Topic of your choice.
  • Describe a person you admire.

What is the lowest GPA Harvard has accepted? ›

You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application.

What is the lowest GPA accepted to Yale? ›

What is the minimum GPA required for admission? We do not set a minimum GPA, nor do we attempt to re-weight GPA's to any standard other than what a school provides. An applicant's complete secondary school transcript (not just the GPA or class rank, if they are provided) is evaluated during the admissions process.

What is the highest GPA ever? ›

Normally, you would expect the highest score to be the 'perfect' 4.0 score, however, there are several things that a student can do to receive an even higher score. For example, one student actually managed to get a 10.03 GPA score. He did this by taking 17 advanced classes at his school, which awarded him many points.

What GPA is required for Texas Tech? ›

The GPA requirements for Texas Tech are between 3.5 and 4.0.

You will need a high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top half of your class in order to get into Tech. If your GPA is lower than suggested at the time you apply, you may have to perform above average on your standardized tests.

What is the lowest best GPA? ›

Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there's a chance that college admission is possible, it's not likely at more than a few institutions.

What GPA do you need to get into Stanford? ›

GPA Requirements

Stanford University does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admissions. However, admitted students typically have very high GPAs, ranging from 3.8 to 4.0, with an average GPA of 3.9. The university also recommends students take 5 classes in each of their semesters.

What's the most difficult college to get into? ›

Niche, a ranking and review site, recently published its list of the “2023 Hardest Colleges to Get Into.” Using data from the U.S. Department of Education on various colleges' acceptance rates and SAT/ACT scores, they found, unsurprisingly, Harvard University to be the most difficult college to get into.

Do colleges look at weighted or unweighted GPA? ›

Colleges will look at either weighted or unweighted GPAs in your application. They do tend to prefer weighted, because it gives more information about the difficulty of your classes, but don't worry if your school uses an unweighted scale.

What happens if my GPA is lower than 2.0 college? ›

When a student's cumulative GPA drops below 2.0, the institution can put them on academic probation. Academic probation means students risk losing financial aid and even being dropped from college. Low grades are a warning sign that students need to make changes quickly to continue their education.

Do colleges look at your schedule? ›

Colleges prefer students to have academic rigor in their schedules. Academic rigor includes more challenging classes like AP or dual-credit courses. Many students shy away from rigorous classes because they're afraid it will hurt their GPA. However, most colleges will balance GPA with rigor.

How long does it take for a college to accept or reject you? ›

The average turnaround time for an admissions decision for schools with rolling admissions is four to six weeks, though in some cases students might have to wait longer. For regular decision candidates, the wait is more like eight to 12 weeks. Students handle that waiting period differently, experts say.

Can colleges see what day you apply? ›

For the most part, the answer to this question is: no. College admissions officers don't have secret meetings to gossip about which of the incoming freshmen applied to their schools. They are much too busy reviewing applications for that.

What will make colleges not accept you? ›

Here are seven common reasons why college applications get rejected, according to some experts:
  • Failure to meet high GPA or test score standards.
  • Insufficient academic rigor.
  • Lack of demonstrated interest.
  • Application essay errors.
  • Poor fit.
  • Academic integrity concerns.
  • Competition.
Sep 13, 2022

What do colleges look at to accept you? ›

Good grades, a challenging high school curriculum, standardized test scores, extracurriculars, and a strong essay are a few key factors admissions officers assess. Each university may emphasize different elements of the application process.

What do colleges look at the most in applications? ›

Courses and Grades

A student's grades in college-preparatory classes remain the most significant factor in college admission decisions. Highly selective colleges look for students who: Complete core academic requirements.

What month is too late to apply for college? ›

For applicants that plan to start school in the Fall term, the deadline for regular application usually lies around December to January of the same year. However, it can be as early as November or as late as March.

Does submitting your application ahead of the deadline improve your chances? ›

Timing and application strategy are key in selective admissions, and applying in the early round can improve the chances of getting an acceptance letter – but only if students are ready.

What happens if you miss the deadline to accept a college offer? ›

Yes, even if you miss the priority deadline, there is still a chance you can get accepted at a school with rolling admissions. While you have a better chance of admission if you submit your application materials before the deadline, as long as there are still seats open in the class, you have a chance of acceptance.

What GPA do you need to get into rice? ›

You should also have a 4.12 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Rice University, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.

What GPA do you need to get into Yale? ›

GPA Requirements

Yale University does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admissions. However, admitted students typically have very high GPAs, ranging from 3.8 to 4.0, with an average GPA of 3.9.

What major is Baylor known for? ›

The most popular majors at Baylor University include: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Communication, General; Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other; Accounting; Finance, General; Psychology, General; Marketing/Marketing Management, General; Political Science and ...

What is the most failed grade? ›

F - this is a failing grade.

What GPA is a failed class? ›

At most colleges, a final grade below 60% qualifies as a failing grade. Depending on your college's GPA scale, that can mean anything below a 1.0 or 0.7 GPA counts as a failed class.

What is the most failing grade? ›

Grades A–F in the United States

However, there are some schools that consider a C the lowest passing grade, so the general standard is that anything below a 60% or 70% is failing, depending on the grading scale. In college and universities, a D is considered to be an unsatisfactory passing grade.

What GPA does Harvard require? ›

The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.

What GPA is Dean's List Baylor? ›

To be named to the Dean's List, a student must have earned a minimum semester grade point average of 3.70 with no grade lower than a "C" while being enrolled in at least 12 graded semester hours.

What is Baylor middle 50% SAT? ›

Learn more about class placement requirements below. For reference, the score range for the middle fifty percent of entering first-year students in 2021 was: 1170 - 1350 with a mean score of 1258 for the SAT.

Can a college essay be more than 600 words? ›

Most college application portals specify a word count range for your essay, and you should stay within 10% of the upper limit. If no word count is specified, we advise keeping your essay between 400 and 600 words. You should aim to stay under the specified limit to show you can follow directions and write concisely.

Is 1200 words too long for a college essay? ›

This article provides general guidelines for the length of different types of essays. Since there are several essay types, it is crucial to understand the length required of your assignment. On average, an essay should be at least 700 to 1,200 words. It shouldn't be too long or too short.

Is 1,000 words too much for college essay? ›

Overall, it's best to stay within the word count limit or range — it's provided for a reason! Writing too much will likely result in your essay being cut off, and writing too little may cause readers to think that you aren't truly interested in their school. If no range is given, remember to stick to 400-600 words.

Is 700 words too much for a college essay? ›

Firstly, many colleges don't provide any specific instruction regarding the word count of your essay. Therefore, it may be stressful if you are applying to such a college since this leaves you with so many options. Having said that, a good thumb of rule is to restrict your essay to a 500-700 word limit.

Is it okay if my college essay is short? ›

For all college admission essays, it's best to come as close to the maximum as you can, as long as you're not filling space with meaningless sentences. For the Common App, I would recommend a bare minimum of 500 words, about 75 percent of the maximum.

What happens if I go over word count? ›

Library Support: Plagiarism and Good Academic Practice

In short, should the work be over the word count, how far it goes is taken into consideration and brings the overall mark down. For those assignments which are pass/fail, going over the word count can result in a fail grade.

How long should it take to write a 500 word college essay? ›

Quick Answer: For an average typer working on an easy project, it takes about 30 minutes to write 500 words. For them to complete a difficult project, it can take up to 5 hours to write 500 words.

How long should a 9th grade essay be? ›

Essay: Essay should be between 7 and 8 pages in length, double spaced in 12-point times new roman font.

How long is a normal essay for a college class? ›

Essay length guidelines
Type of essayAverage word count range
College admission essay200–650 words
Undergraduate college essay1500–5000 words
Graduate school admission essay500–1000 words
Graduate school essay2500–6000 words
1 more row
Jan 28, 2019

How do you shorten a college essay? ›

10 Tips to Trim Your College Essay
  1. Eliminate adverbs. ...
  2. Use adjectives sparingly. ...
  3. Omit unnecessary transition words. ...
  4. Replace helping (auxiliary) verbs and use a stronger verb.
  5. Turn some nouns into verbs.
  6. Turn a passive sentence into an active sentence.
  7. Use contractions.
  8. Eliminate most of your thats.
Sep 25, 2021

What is the limit for college essay? ›

The Common App specifies the word limit required for each essay. Even though this has changed over the years–from 650 to 500 words in the past–the current Common App essay word count is somewhere between 250 to 650 words.

How many words is a common college essay? ›

The Common App essay word count range is 250-650 words. But just how long should your statement be? Admissions Blog advises aiming for around 500 words.

How many words does the average college student write? ›

At a university, students typically need to write somewhere between 2000 and 4000 words. Yet, essay length may increase significantly if you're asked to write lab reports or extensive research-based essays. For a final dissertation, your essay word count could exceed 8,000 words.

How long should it take to write a college essay? ›

While timelines will differ depending on the student, plan on spending at least 1–3 weeks brainstorming and writing the first draft of your college admissions essay, and at least 2–4 weeks revising across multiple drafts.

References

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