The Basics
Doing your homework and planning ahead will help you—and your son or daughter—with the college application process. And understanding the basics will help. Whether this is your first student off to college, or you’re a pro at packing storage bins and milk crates, here are some helpful tips to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Getting In – Admissions 101
1. Apply – it’s free online! Our online application is the easiest—and fastest—way for your student to apply to Michigan Tech. The high school guidance counselor will need to complete the High School Counselor Information Page and send an official copy of your student's high school transcript showing grades through the junior year. To be official, the transcript must be sent directly from the high school to the admissions office. We'll also need official ACT and/or SAT scores—either sent directly from the testing agency or included on the official high school transcript.
Additional application materials are required for students applying for admission into the following degree programs: Audio Production and Technology, Sound Design, Theatre and Electronic Media Performance, and Theatre and Entertainment Technology.
Priority consideration for admission and financial aid is given to students who apply by January 15.
2. Receive the admissions decision – we won’t make your student wait long. Only two or three weeks once their file is complete. Decisions are mailed starting in mid-September of the senior year. Students applying for admission into Audio Production and Technology, Sound Design, Theatre and Electronic Media Performance, or Theatre and Entertainment Technology will be notified of their admission decision after November 20.
3. Housing – first-year students are required to live on campus for one year. Students need to submit two forms, the Residence Hall Application and Contract. Housing assignments are made based on the date the housing forms are received…sooner is much better than later. This isn’t a commitment to attend, and no deposit is required. If the student cancels their enrollment, their request for housing is also cancelled.
4. Enrollment Deposit – it’s due May 1 and is needed to receive orientation information, a fall class schedule, and housing assignment. The deposit is fully refundable as long as the student contacts Michigan Tech by May 1 to cancel their enrollment.
Paying the Bills – Financial Aid 101
Scholarships – Accepted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. No separate application is required. Scholarships are awarded beginning January 15. One exception is the Leading Scholars Award for seniors in high school. Applications are due by October 15 and students must be accepted for admission by this date to be eligible for the award.
Financial Aid – apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Start this process after January 1 and complete it by March 1. Awards are made starting in mid-March. To help the process go smoothly, check out details on the FAFSA process.
If you want to be even more prepared, here’s a great presentation on What Parents Need to Know that will walk you through the financial aid process.
