Apply

Applying is the first step to becoming a college student! Applications will vary as each college is different- some will take you just a few minutes to apply while others may take up to an hour. It's important to take applications seriously, no matter which school you are applying to. Make sure you are aware of application deadlines and plan accordingly.

Admissions representatives will take every part of your application into consideration. While GPAs and test scores are important, your extracurriculars and essays are too! Be sure to put yourself out there and don't sell yourself short- brag about all of your accomplishments and involvement in high school!

Continue below for links to helpful resources and FAQs about applying.

3 Steps to apply:

1. Complete the college's application or the Common Application

2. Send your high school transcript

3. Send your SAT Score (many schools accept your score listed on your official transcript, but some require it be sent directly from College Board)

Click on the top left button to filter colleges by type. Click on colleges to visit their website!

Applications for the next academic year begin to open in August or September. Some colleges have deadlines while others accept applications on a rolling basis. We recommend that students have all of their applications in by December!

We recommend students apply for 3-5 colleges (you can apply for more if you wish).

At least one of those should be a "safety school "- a college that you know you will for sure be accepted in to and that is a good financial decision such as a community college.

At least one (or more) should be a "match school" - a college you are fairly certain that you will be accepted into based on GPA and SAT score. The college should offer programs that interest you and the campus should also spark your interest.

Additionally, we suggest applying to one "reach school "- a college that may require a slightly higher GPA and/or SAT score. If you are able to write a strong essay and show a lot of potential as a student you may be accepted. You never know until you try!

See chart at the bottom of the page for average GPA and test scores for Michigan Colleges.

Yes, typically you can get the fee waived if you receive free or reduced lunch. Your college adviser or school counselor can help you fill out a college's fee waiver application.

During Michigan College Month (October) many colleges will offer waiver fees to all students. It never hurts to call and ask the admissions office as well!

The Common Application is one application students can complete and submit to a variety of colleges. Although, not all Michigan Colleges accept the Common Application.

The Common Application may save you time depending on how many colleges you want to apply to accept the Common App. For example, if only 1 out of the 5 colleges you want to apply to accepts the Common Application, it may be better to fill out each schools' individual application. If you decide only to apply to 3 schools, it may save you time to fill out the 3 individual applications.

These colleges in Michigan colleges accept the Common Application:

Albion College

Alma College

Calvin College

Hillsdale College

Hope College

Kalamazoo College

Kettering University

Lawrence Tech

Michigan State University

Northwood University

Olivet College

Spring Arbor

University of Detroit Mercy

University of Michigan*

University of Michigan- Flint

Wayne State University

Western Michigan University*

* Students who are applying the the University of Michigan and/or Western Michigan University must use the Common Application. These Universities do not have their own applications.

Click here to view our step by step Common Application Guide!