Undergraduate Admissions

How to Apply

How to Apply: The Basics

Whether you're planning to attend college for the first time or transferring from another institution, we're excited that you're considering St. Cloud State. If you are ready to explore your passions, challenge yourself and take advantage of an exemplary education, we invite you to apply for admission.

 

Step One:
Complete an online application or download and complete a paper application and return it by mail by the appropriate deadline. Make sure to familiarize yourself with our deadlines in order to guarantee admission and scholarship consideration.  And remember – it's always best to apply early!

Step Two:
Put in a request with your high school counseling office to send an official transcript to SCSU.

If you’re transferring from another institution (or completed college-level coursework while in high school), review our  transfer transcript information.

Step Three:
We are completely test optional, so the submission of an ACT or SAT score report is up to you! While it’s not required to complete your application file, you are welcome to submit one if you feel it will enhance your admission and/or scholarship consideration. (Check out our merit-based scholarships!) 

Step Four:
Great news – we no longer require an application fee to complete your application file! Applying to SCSU is free all day, every day.

 

What we look for

For students with no college level credit completed upon HS graduation, you are GUARANTEED ADMISSION if:

  • You have a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) 

Students may also be admitted based on a thorough evaluation of each candidate. In our evaluation, we consider GPA, curriculum and other academic indicators. Extra-curricular activities may also be considered, and personal statements and recommendations, which are optional, may be considered if you opt to submit them.

 

Recommended College Preparation Standards:

  • English: 4 years.
  • Mathematics: 3 years. Requires two years of algebra and one year of geometry.
  • Science: 3 years. At least one course must be in a biological science and one in physical science. All courses should include laboratory experiences. Examples of appropriate courses are anatomy and physiology, biology, botany, zoology, astronomy, earth science, chemistry, physics, physical science and geology.
  • Social Studies: 3 years. At least one course or its equivalent in US history and one in geography are required.
  • World Language: 2 years of the same language. Any language, including American Sign Language (ASL) is acceptable.
  • World Culture or The Arts: 1 year. World Culture courses are non-language courses which teach about other cultures, provide a global perspective, and foster an understanding of other cultures. Appropriate art courses include music, drama, survey, and visual arts courses.

Placement for coursework is required for all students. Placement for courses is determined by a variety of assessments including but not limited to Accuplacer, ALEKS PPL, ACT, SAT, MCA, High School GPA, and previous Collegelevel coursework. 

Application Deadlines

International Undergraduate Applications Deadlines


Deadlines for best consideration

Fall
July 1
If you are OUTSIDE the U.S.
July 15
If you are INSIDE the U.S.
Spring
Nov. 1
If you are OUTSIDE the U.S.
Dec. 1
If you are INSIDE the U.S.
Apply Now!

Domestic Student Application Timelines

New, first year students and transfer students may enroll at the beginning of any term. Applications are accepted and acted upon until the enrollment class is full.

Fall
Sept. 1
Applications open for review
March 1
Students admitted prior to March 1 will automatically be considered for academic scholarship awards. If eligible, they will be notified in their acceptance letter and will receive a Presidential Scholarship contract in the mail. This contract should be returned by May 1
March 31
Foundation-Sponsored scholarships deadline
May 1
Preferred admission deadline
Spring
Continuous
Applications open for review
Jan. 7
Preferred admission deadline
Apply Now!

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