Admission Requirements and Deadlines

 

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+ and will complete our required high school courses by graduation, then congratulations — you are guaranteed automatic admission! 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.

Don't meet these requirements? No need to panic we have alternative admission options.

What's the selection index?

It may sound confusing, but the selection index helps determine 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
Not required 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?

What if I'm not offered admission?

When making admissions decisions, we want to make sure that you are ready to succeed at Missouri State. If we don’t think MSU is the best place for you right now, we won’t be able to offer you admission. You do have options, including applying to our open admissions campus in West Plains, MO. 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?

Your high school courses prepare you to succeed at Missouri State. It's a good idea to work with your school counselor to make sure you are on track to meet these requirements by graduation. We understand that not every student will take all these courses. If that's you, don't worry we have alternative admission options here, too.

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.

Dates to put on your calendar

Date Deadline
October
November
December
January
  • Spring 2025 students attend SOAR
  • Jan. 13 – Spring 2025 classes begin.
February
March
April
  • Fall 2025 early housing assignments become available.
May
  • Summer 2025 students attend SOAR
  • May 1 — Reserve your spot in the Summer or Fall 2025 incoming class! Complete the "Reply to Offer of Admission" form via your application status portal. Then pay or defer the $150 enrollment deposit.
June, July, August
  • June 2 – Summer 2025 classes begin.
  • Fall 2025 students attend SOAR
August

Questions?

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

You are also welcome (and encouraged!) to connect with your admission counselor. 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.