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Freshmen

At SVSU, we celebrate, advocate for, and support our Cardinals in everything they want to accomplish. We invite you to explore all that SVSU has to offer and look forward to helping you discover how Saginaw Valley State University fits you best.  Everything you need to know can be found here.

Apply Today!

If you need further guidance beyond what you find on this page, please contact us at our office email (admissions@svsu.edu) or call/text (989-342-1033).  Our Office of Admissions is open for business in person to answer all of your questions. Have a great year! 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Simply fill out this form to get in contact with your personal admissions representative. We look forward to speaking with you soon! 

  • Students with a 2.75 cumulative high school GPA will receive automatic admission to SVSU.
  • Students below a 2.75 cumulative high school GPA will be reviewed using other criteria. We may ask you to submit additional documents as needed after your application is submitted.
  • Once we have all requested documents on file, it typically only takes about two weeks for you to receive an admission decision.
  • Upon your graduation, we will require a final high school transcript with your graduation date printed on it, and/or a copy of your diploma.

  • All we need beyond an application is your official high school transcript. They can be sent directly to Saginaw Valley State University through Parchment.
  • Parchment isn’t the only electronic service to utilize. We also accept transcripts from: National Student Clearinghouse, eScript, SCOIR, & Credentials.
  • Official transcripts can be emailed by your High School Counselor. Email to transcripts@svsu.edu or faxed to (989) 790-0180.  

  • SVSU does not use test scores for admission or the majority of our scholarships. However, we still encourage students to send their SAT/ACT scores because we use them for placement into your first year English and math courses so that we can put you in the classes that are right for you.
  • If you do not have/send your test scores, you should schedule placement testing with our Testing Center. If you do not send your scores or take a placement test, you will be place in remedial course work for reading, writing and math.

How do I send my scores to SVSU?

  • Request your scores via the ACT testing site or CollegeBoard Website. SVSU's SAT code is 1766 and ACT is 2057.
  • There is a fee associated with sending your scores directly from ACT or CollegeBoard, however, you can download your score report as a PDF file and email it directly to admissions at transcripts@svsu.edu  

  • SVSU has moved to test-optional admission.
  • Test-optional admission at SVSU means that you do not need to submit a SAT/ACT score to be considered for admission or scholarships. Sending in a test score will never disadvantage you for admission or scholarships.
  • We highly recommend you send us a copy of your SAT/ACT score to add to your admission file. Having those scores will help us build a class schedule for you during your first semester at SVSU. If you do not provide a test score, you will either be required to take our basic skills testing at SVSU prior to orientation or you will automatically be placed in the lowest remedial couse-work in english and math subjects. Some private scholarships may also require a test score for consideration.
  • Depending on your GPA, you may be required to participate in our College Transition Program to ensure a successful transition from high school to college. If you choose to send in an SAT/ACT, it may allow you to “test out” of this freshman year program.
  • You do not need to indicate on your application for admission whether you plan to send SVSU a score or not. 
  • SAT/ACT scores can be added to your file at any time and can either be sent officially through CollegeBoard.org or ACT.org. Unofficial score reports with your full name clearly identified on the report can also be emailed to transcripts@svsu.edu.

  • There is NO application fee!  Click here to apply for free today.
  • SVSU’s application opens on July 1 for the following year. The best time to apply is between your Junior & Senior year.
  • Our “Rolling Admission” means that we will accept your application at any time during the year as long as you have completed at least six semesters of high school.
  • All we need beyond your application is your official high school transcript! They can be sent directly to Saginaw Valley State University or requested through Parchment. You can always ask your counselor for help.

  • After your application has been reviewed, you will receive an admissions decision letter in the mail. Admitted students will want to make sure to keep your letter safe because it will include your SVSU student ID number and your SVSU email/username.
  • Admitted students will also want to check out our Next Steps website to see step-by-step instructions on how to activate your account, finance your education, register for orientation, and more!

  • SVSU has worked hard to create multiple options for you and your family to explore our campus! We are still offering individual on-campus tours in a safe and secure manner.  Click here to schedule your on-campus visit today!
  • If you’d rather meet with an admissions representative virtually, you can schedule a one-on-one appointment. Click here to check out our visit page and sign up today!  We look forward to meeting you soon!

  • Click here to see what scholarships you may be awarded! 
  • Our simple Cost Quiz has made it easier than ever to estimate how much it may cost you to attend SVSU. Check it out!
  • SVSU has the lowest 4-year tuition in the State of Michigan!  Click here to review our costs.   
  • SVSU encourages every student to complete the FAFSA during their senior year. For freshman applicants of 2024-25, the FAFSA will be opening in December and students can submit their FAFSA here.  Once completed and a student is admitted to SVSU, financial aid offer letters from SVSU are mailed out beginning in March.  Add SVSU’s school code:  002314.

  • SVSU offers over 100 different academic programs so there is something for everyone! 
  • If you’re undecided about your major, don’t worry.  There is plenty of time to explore your interests and find out where your future path will take you. If you want an Admissions Representative to help you with this process, please contact us at admissions@svsu.edu.
  • If you have specific questions about a major or minor, go right to the source! Our  “Ask the Experts” page will help you get in contact with a faculty member from your area of interest.  Click here to connect with someone in your department of interest.    

  • You can receive transfer credit for approved exams/coursework toward your degree at SVSU.
  • Click here to review our AP, IB and CLEP credit policies.
  • If you have taken dual-enrollment courses at another institution while attending high school, click here to see how your credits will transfer.  Courses need at least a C- letter grade or a 2.0 numeric grade on a 4.0 scale. 
  • Click here to access our dual enrollment information.

  • SVSU welcomes students who have been enrolled in an Early or Middle College program.
  • If you have completed courses in an Early or Middle College program prior to graduating with a high school diploma, you will still be considered an incoming freshman, even if you are completing Grade 13.
  • You may be granted upperclassman status based on the number of credits you are transferring in, but you will still be designated as an incoming freshman completing your first bachelor’s degree. 
  • As an incoming freshman, you will still be eligible for freshman academic scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
  • You will be placed in freshman student housing, which is ranked #1 in the nation!  Please contact the Housing Operations Office at housing@svsu.edu or (989) 964-4255 to discuss your specific situation.
  • Early Middle College Brochure

  • View this map of Michigan to find your personal SVSU admissions representative assigned to your specific county.

           Admissions Representative Map by County (478KB)

  • If you are from outside of the state of Michigan, please contact your personal admissions representative, Melinda Grashuis, at magrashu@svsu.edu.  

 


  • If you have completed your GED, please have your official score report sent directly to the SVSU Office of Admissions, along with any ACT/SAT results if you have them. If you have never taken the ACT/SAT, you will be required to successfully complete SVSU's Basic Skills Exams in order to gain admission to the University. 
  • Please schedule an appointment with our Admissions Representative John Metiva by emailing jwmetiva@svsu.edu or calling 989-702-2093.

Yes! To apply for the Honors Program, you must have a GPA of 3.9 or higher. The Honors Program encourages you to develop life-long qualities, like curiosity and engagement, by giving you access to research, travel and service experiences. You will participate in classes to help you develop a thesis project in your program of study to be presented at the end of your senior year. Honor’s housing is also offered to students admitted into the program. You can read more information about the program at svsu.edu/honorsprogram.


Absolutely. SVSU has programs of distinction based in academics, leadership, service, study abroad, and more. You can explore programs such as Garber Cardinal Business Edge, Global Foundation Scholars, and more at svsu.edu/programsofdistinction.


SVSU offers freshman direct admission entry to select professional programs in Nursing and Occupational Therapy. If you have a deep sense of purpose, strong academic credentials, and dedication to a specific profession, a direct admission program will allow you, as a new incoming freshmen, the opportunity to start immediately in your major. Our programs offer high quality instruction and hands-on skills-based training to provide you with the resources you need to pursue your passion right from the beginning of your freshman year. For details on the requirements for admission, please visit svsu.edu/directadmit.


students playing SOAR orientation game

CONTACT US.






Office of Admissions
178 Wickes Hall, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710
admissions@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4200