Applying & Enrolling

Once you have a list of schools you want to attend, it's time to apply. Follow these tips for a smooth application process.

Start early.
The summer before or early in the fall of your high school senior year, contact schools that interest you. You don't want to find out you didn't get into a school when it's too late to apply to others.

Phone numbers and Web sites for Minnesota schools can be found on ISEEK.

Make sure you understand all of the school's admission requirements, like grades or college test (ACT or SAT) requirements.

Choose several schools.
Apply to 4-6 different schools. It's good to have options in case your first choice falls through. If the application fee presents a financial hardship, ask if you can have the fee waived.

Apply.
Create a checklist of the steps each school requires for admission. Ask for help from your parents or career counselor to organize your lists. Keep all of your school information in one place.

Most schools have application deadlines. Be sure to pay attention to these deadlines. Many private college deadlines are early — often in January or February for priority status — while state colleges and universities welcome admission applications throughout the year.

For specific information, inquire at the admissions office at each school. See below for details about Minnesota applications.

Read your mail.
Check your response mail from schools immediately. A letter might contain directions for admittance or steps you need to follow to receive housing or financial aid. School letters usually include important deadlines. Ask your parents or career counselor for help, if needed.

Minnesota Applications

State colleges and universities. A single application form can be used at any of the 32 state colleges and universities in Minnesota. A $20 nonrefundable application fee must be included with each application. Applications can be found with your high school career counselor, at any state college or university, or online at www.mnscu.edu.

Private colleges, universities and career colleges. For private institutions, you’ll need to contact each location individually for applications. Most require a nonrefundable application fee of $20 to $50. You can also visit the Minnesota Private Colleges Council Web site (www.mnprivatecolleges.com) or the Minnesota Career College Association site (www.mncareercolleges.org) for information and links.

University of Minnesota. Go online (www.umn.edu) to request an application. Application fees at the University of Minnesota range from $25 to $45, depending on the campus.