In general, applicants should submit official copies of external exam scores, as well as official copies of internal grades. We generally advise applicants to submit secondary school (high school) official transcripts for grades 9 through 12, in order to ensure prompt processing.

British System

If you are currently in upper secondary school:

• Certified copy of the International/General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE or GCSE) exam board results – plus, grades listed for five academic subjects, including English, mathematics and science
• Certified copy of the General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary (AS) exam board results
• If your AS or A-level courses are in progress, please submit predicted AS or A level exam board results
• Official copies of internal, upper secondary school transcripts showing grades received, courses in progress, etc.

If you completed upper secondary school:

• Certified copy of the International/General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE or GCSE) exam board results – plus, grades listed for five academic subjects, including English, mathematics and science
• Certified copy of the General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary (AS) exam board results and/or certified copy of the General Certificate of Education, Advanced Level (A-levels) exam board results
• Official copies of internal, upper secondary school transcripts showing grades received
  

International Baccalaureate (IB)

If you are currently in upper secondary school:

• Official transcripts for grades 9, 10 and 11, and the latest available transcript for grade 12 (IB Diploma Programme) in a sealed, stamped envelope.

If you completed upper secondary school:

• Official transcripts for grades 9-12 (including official copies of IB certificate and IB diploma), in a sealed, stamped envelope.

US System

If you attended a school that follows a U.S. curriculum, please use these guidelines.

If you are currently in upper secondary school:

• Certified copy of transcripts for grades 9, 10, 11 and, if possible, latest available for 12.
  

If you completed upper secondary school:

• Certified copy of transcripts for grades 9, 10, 11 and 12, indicating that a high school diploma has been awarded.
  

Note: If you completed AP exams, please send official copies of your scores.

International applicants must submit one of the following English Proficiency Test Scores:

• TOEFL iBT: Score of 79 with no subscore below 17
• IELTS Academic: Score of 6.5 or higher
• SAT: Evidence-based reading and writing score of 510 or higher 
• ACT: Subscore of 18 or higher on the English section 
• AP English Language: Score of 4 or higher
• PTE Academic: Minimum score of 53; minimum subscore requirement of 48

MSU is test optional, which means that prospective freshman students have the opportunity to apply for admission without submitting an ACT or SAT score.

Students will indicate on the application whether they would like SAT or ACT exam scores included in their evaluation. 

• Freshman applicants who would like to have test scores considered will have the ability to self-report scores on the application. 
• Admitted students who chose to apply with self-reported test scores will be required to provide official test results to the university before they can enroll.
•  ACT or SAT scores should be sent directly to MSU by the testing agency. 
• The writing portion is recommended, but not required.

If you anticipate the completion of any college-level course work prior to attending MSU, it is recommended that you indicate this on your application to let us know.

As part of the undergraduate application for admission, each applicant is required to submit one essay (minimum 250 words, maximum 650 words) from the list of prompts. The essay may be considered as a positive factor to enhance admissibility, as well as for scholarship consideration.

Here are the essay prompts for the 2022 application for admission:

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

MSU does not require letters of recommendation as part of the application for admission. Doing so may also delay your application process.

Freshman admission is based on:

• Your academic performance in high school
• The strength and quality of your curriculum
• Recent trends in your academic performance
• Your class rank
• Your ACT or SAT results — however, please note that MSU is test optional and prospective students have the option to apply to MSU without submitting an ACT or SAT score.
• Your leadership, talents, conduct and diversity of experience