Early Application for Michigan State?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Michigan State University
1

I’ve been told by everyone that I know to apply early application to Michigan State because it will increase my chances to get in. As of right now, I have a 1250 SAT score/1600 (570 math and 680 CR/W). I’m a little confused by the website’s description of the middle 50% SAT scores (it only gives the old ones? It reads, “Total SAT (Critical Reading and Math): 1040-1210 (old SAT format).”), but since the 1250 converts to a 26 ACT, I’m assuming that I’m right in the middle of their 50th percentile. I also have a 3.886 GPA, which is just at the top of the middle 50th percentile range (the range for the 2015)

I did get a 25 ACT when I took it, but I didn’t send those scores in because they were not what I wanted (I got a 25 first try with no studying). I did, however, just retake the ACT today and felt much much better about my work (especially in math, because I’ll be applying to MSU for mechanical engineering). On my practice math ACT tests that I took, I was consistently getting 29’s on that subject, and I never have any issues with the English portions (so let’s all hope that I did that well on this one :)) ) Science was a little sketchy, but I feel that I did better than last time.

I’m taking 3 AP’s this year (Literature, Calculus, Physics) and have a small upwards trend in my grades-- small because I’ve always gotten good grades, so there isn’t much to improve upon unless I took AP classes, which I am now. I have pretty good extracurriculars, so that isn’t necessarily an issue. I am also female applying to the engineering school, and I’ve heard that can help a little bit.

With all of this said, is applying early in my best interest, or will my middle 50% SAT score move me to the bottom of the pool? I’ve seen online that you should only apply ED and other early-type apps if you have all above average scores and GPA for the school, otherwise you’ll probably be looked over and possibly rejected. Other people say that early application will, in contrast, increase my chances. Can someone give me insight into this please??

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First, relax. You are an excellent MSU candidate. MSU is not only an excellend school but relatively easy to be admitted to (an unusual combination), admitting over 60% of applicants. If you get a 28, both your GPA and ACT will be in the 75th percentile, a good match for you.

3.886 UW an excellent GPA, and certainly good enough for MSU scholarship consideration. Your ACT scores should be back in mid October. Make sure that you listed MSU on your school reports, if not you can still add MSU if you did not via the on-line system during the next few days.

I would go ahead and apply now. Scholarship deadline is Nov 1 so check into any that might need applications. See the text below from the MSU web site. Let the adcom know that you re-took the ACT.

“Admission decisions for undergraduate applicants are typically made within eight to 12 weeks after all application materials are received. A complete application includes the application for admission as well as official transcripts and standardized test scores. An initial admissions decision may be a “withhold” decision, in which a student is asked to provide more information to the Office of Admissions.”

MSU will use your current SAT for evaluation and the new score when it arrives. Good luck!

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Thank you!! :slight_smile: and yes I did make sure to list MSU. I will be retaking the SAT on October 1st also, so will they withhold their decision until that comes in as well, or will they more than likely use my new ACT and the first SAT score?