Apply as a Freshman
Applying for college can seem hard. In a weird year like this, it is way more stressful. But we’re here to help. Read on for more information.
Two options to apply
Because things have been so different, you have two options to apply for Fall 2021.
Refer to our traditional, published admission requirements to see if your existing ACT or SAT score will automatically admit you to Mizzou. If it does, you should go ahead and apply with a test score.
If you’ve been unable to test or your current test score doesn’t meet our published admission standards, you can apply test-optional and be reviewed holistically. This means we will look at your high school transcript and supplemental documents that you submit (a personal statement and resume). You’ll upload these documents through your Application Status Page regardless if you apply through our website or the Common App.
Applying test-optional now still gives you the option to convert with a test score later. However, if you apply with a test score now and receive a decision, you are no longer able to apply test-optional.
When to apply
Most enrollment steps have deadlines. So even though you can apply for admission anytime, applying by Nov. 15 ensures you can qualify for maximum scholarship opportunities and complete enrollment steps as they become available.
Your get-to-Mizzou guidebook
Right after you submit your application for admission, you’ll get access to your personalized Application Status Page. This will be your guidebook.
You’ll check it often (at least every week) to see the status of required documents (transcript, test score, personal statement, and resume), how to apply for general and departmental scholarships, and any competitive scholarship applications you qualify for.
After you’re admitted, you’ll complete your next steps towards enrollment here, too. These steps include accepting your admission, paying the enrollment fee, completing the housing process, and registering for Summer Welcome (orientation).
Enhance your application
Throughout your senior year, you are welcome to enhance your application by:
- Sending new test scores if and when they become available. Higher test scores could increase your scholarship opportunities. And a new score – even if lower – will never negatively impact your file or your financial aid. We’re also accepting Superscores directly from ACT and will calculate them for SAT takers.
- Sending updated transcripts.
- Sending additional materials that will help us get to know you better as a student.
Maximize Scholarships
To maximize your scholarship opportunities, apply by Nov. 15. This ensures you can meet the priority deadline for departmental and general scholarships as well as deadlines for all competitive scholarships. Plan ahead, though, especially for competitive scholarships. Many require essays and/or letters of recommendation.
We will award automatic scholarships through July. You can continue to submit test scores through the June and July test dates.
Uncertain or changing financial situations
Be sure to file the FAFSA annually, including the year before you start college. It is available on Oct. 1 each year. Use the IRS data-retrieval tool to make filling it out simpler and less time-consuming. You must complete it by our Jan. 1 deadline.
The 2021 FAFSA will look at your family’s financial information from tax year 2019. We completely understand that situations have changed for many people since then. Our Financial Aid office has a team dedicated to reviewing these changing situations, which we call “Special Circumstances.” If your family’s income has drastically changed since 2019, you can start a conversation with your financial aid advisor after you receive your financial aid offer in mid-March.
Honors College for test-optional students
Test-optional students will be reviewed holistically for admission to the Honors College. Students who are eligible to apply will see the Honors College Application on their Application Status Page. The deadline to apply for Honors is Feb. 1.
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