High School Counselors

• Students go here to get in touch with a personal admissions representative.  

• SVSU has transitioned to a test-optional admission process. 
• Students with a 2.75 and higher cumulative high school GPA will receive automatic admission to SVSU. 
• Students with a 2.749 and lower cumulative high school GPA will be reviewed using other criteria. Students may be asked to submit additional documents as needed once their application is submitted.

• SVSU has moved to test-optional admission process.
• Test-optional admission at SVSU means that students do not need to submit a SAT/ACT score to be considered for admission or scholarships.  Sending in a test score will never disadvantage a student for admission or scholarships.
• We still encourage students to send a copy of their SAT/ACT score. Having those scores will help us build a class schedule for them their first semester at SVSU.  Some private scholarships may also require a test score for consideration.
• Depending on a student’s GPA, they may be required to participate in our College Transition Program to ensure a successful transition from high school to college. If a student chooses to send in an SAT/ACT, it may allow them to “test out” of this freshman year program.  
• Students do not need to indicate on the application whether they plan to send SVSU a score or not. 

• SVSU’s application opens on July 1 for the following year. The best time for students to apply is between junior & senior year. However, our “Rolling Admission” means that we will accept applications at any time throughout the year. As long as students have completed at least six semesters of coursework, we will consider them for admission. 
• Click here to access our application.
• There is NO application fee. Students can apply for free!

• All we need beyond an application is your student’s official high school transcript. They can be sent directly to Saginaw Valley State University or requested 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 to transcripts@svsu.edu.  

• Once we have all the documents we need, it typically only takes about two weeks for your student to receive an admission decision.
• After the student’s application has been reviewed, they will receive an admissions decision letter in the mail. Admitted students will receive their SVSU student ID number and SVSU email/username on their admission letter.
• Admitted students will also want to check out our Next Steps website to see step-by-step instructions on how to activate their account, finance their education, register for orientation, and more!
• Final admission is dependent upon a review of final high school transcripts with a posted graduation date.

• SVSU has worked hard to create multiple options for students and their families to explore our campus! We are still offering individual on-campus tours in a safe and secure manner. Click here to help students schedule their on-campus visit today!
• If students would rather meet with an admissions representative virtually, they can schedule a one-on-one appointment. Click here to check out our visit page and sign up today!

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

          Interactive SVSU Admissions Representative Map             

• If you are from outside the state of Michigan, please contact your personal admissions representative, Claire Dushane, at cedushan@svsu.edu. 

• SVSU offers over 100 different academic programs so there is something for everyone! 
• NEW this year: Students can declare their Major in Environmental Science and we have broken down our Biology major into 4 categories to better guide students to their desired career outcome.
• Students who are undecided can contact an Admissions Representative for guidance at admissions@svsu.edu.

• Click here to see what scholarships your students may be awarded! Academic scholarships are automatically awarded based on high school GPA (no test required!). Weighted GPA will be used if it is available on the high school transcripts.
• For incoming freshman, the donor funded scholarship application opens November 1 each year. The deadline for priority consideration is February 1 and the final deadline is April 15. Click here to apply.
• Our simple Cost Calculator has made it easier than ever to estimate how much it may cost students to attend SVSU. Share this helpful tool with your students! 
• SVSU has the lowest 4-year tuition in the State of Michigan!  Click here to review 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 welcomes students who have prior credits earned through AP, IB, CLEP, or dual enrollment. Students can receive transfer credit for approved exams/coursework towards their degree at SVSU.
• Click here to review our AP, IB and CLEP credit policies.
• If your students have taken dual-enrollment courses at another institution, they can check out our transfer equivalency page to see how 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 a student completed courses in an Early or Middle College program prior to graduating with a high school diploma, they will still be considered an incoming freshman, even if they are completing Grade 13. This means these students will still be eligible for freshman academic scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
• Check out our transfer equivalency page to see how credits will transfer. Courses need a C- or higher to transfer.
• Students 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 

Yes! To apply for the Fall Honors Program, your student must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. The Honors Program encourages academically gifted students to develop life-long qualities, like curiosity and engagement, by giving them access to research, travel and service experiences. Students will participate in classes to help them develop a thesis project in their program of study to be presented at the end of their 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. Your student 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 your students have a deep sense of purpose, strong academic credentials, and dedication to a specific profession, a direct admission program will allow them, as new incoming freshman, the opportunity to start immediately in their major. Our programs offer high quality instruction and hands-on skills-based training to provide students with the resources they need to pursue their passions right from the beginning of their freshman year. For details on the requirements for admission, please visit svsu.edu/directadmit.

Students are invited to compete for the President’s Scholarship if they have a GPA of 3.95 or above. The competition involves a timed, written essay. The President’s Scholarship covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees. Like our other academic awards, it is renewable for all four years of college. Students must apply by December 1^st for full consideration. Recipients of this award will also qualify for our $1,500 renewable Valley Housing Scholarship.

Not always. In the past few years, 2 out of every 3 Saginaw Valley students received need-based aid from SVSU. In many instances, the amount was as much as or more than the student would have received in TIP funding at a community college.