First-Year Admission Alternatives

Op5.01-1 First-Year Admission Alternatives

Policy statement

As a selective admission institution, Missouri State University seeks to admit students with demonstrated potential for academic success. We recognize that some students have potential for success not clearly evident through standard measures of class rank, grade point average, and test scores. The following admission alternatives are available to students who do not meet the required high school core curriculum and selection index requirements as described in the first-year admission requirements policy.

Holistic review

If you do not meet our selection index requirement your application will be reviewed holistically by the Office of Admissions. You are encouraged to send a writing sample, a resume, and/or letters of recommendation to support your application. Students who do not meet the selection index requirement and are not approved through the holistic review process may be given further consideration by the Vice President for Enrollment Management or their designee upon the recommendation of a member of the University faculty or staff.

Summer session admission

You may be accepted for summer session admission if your application shows promise but your academic record suggests you may need additional support to succeed at Missouri State University. If you accept admission under this option, you will be required to participate in a program administered by our Academic Advising and Transfer Center that will enhance your foundation for academic success. You will be expected to fulfill specific requirements of that program during the summer session to be eligible to enroll for the following fall semester.

Transfer admission

If you choose to begin at another college or university and earn 24 or more hours of transferable credit (completed after high school graduation) with at least a 2.00 grade point average, you will qualify for admission in accordance with our transfer admission policy.

The Missouri State University system includes an open admission campus in West Plains. Students who do not qualify for admission to the Springfield Campus may begin at the West Plains Campus, which offers programs that enable students to transfer seamlessly to Springfield. For information on the West Plains Campus, please visit WP.MissouriState.edu or call 417-255-7955.