Junior Year Planning

Junior year is a perfect time to start (or continue) your college search. Identify what interests you. Research colleges and what they have to offer. Schedule a campus tour.

Students at Discover NDSU event

Junior Year Checklist

Start Exploring

  • Identify what's most important to you in choosing a school. Is it size? Location? Areas of study offered? Cost? Make a list and start a filing system to keep track of information you've gathered.
  • Request information, explore academic programs, and review information about costs, scholarships, and involvement opportunities.
  • Meet with admission representatives during college fairs and high school visits in your area.

Review Admission Criteria

  • Make sure you're taking the following high school classes. NDSU also recommends a 2.75+ cumulative high school GPA.
  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of math (Algebra I or above)
  • 3 years of lab science
  • 3 years of social science
  • 1 additional unit from any category above or world language (including foreign languages, Native American languages or American Sign Language)

Schedule a campus visit

  • Get a personalized look at NDSU with a weekday visit
  • Explore campus during a Saturday visit or specialty event
  • Join us at a Discover NDSU event in October or a special Junior Visit Day in the spring to get an introductory feel for campus

Research scholarships and financial aid

  • Start researching scholarship and financial aid opportunities
  • Many academic scholarships are available in addition to state and federal financial aid programs

Resources for High School Juniors

Senior Year Planning

Senior year is the time to continue researching college choices and completing required steps. Submit your application for admission. Once admitted, complete other forms such as the housing application, file the FAFSA and apply for scholarships. Schedule a campus visit - even if you've visited previously, visiting in your senior year is a great way to see something new.

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Senior Year Checklist

Schedule a campus visit

  • Get a personalized look at NDSU with a weekday visit
  • Explore campus during a weekend visit or specialty event
  • Join us at a Discover NDSU event to get a comprehensive feel for campus
  • Attend an Admitted Student Day in April, designed exclusively for new incoming students

Apply for admission

  • The application opens early August
  • It's FREE to apply and there are no essay or test score requirements
  • You'll hear back within approximately 2-3 weeks on average

Apply for housing

  • The housing application opens early October
  • No deadline, but you need to be admitted prior to completing the housing contract
  • Hall placement is based on the date the application and $100 room-reservation fee are received

Apply for scholarships and submit the FAFSA

  • The scholarship application opens early October
  • Apply for scholarships early to be considered in early rounds of awarding
  • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal and state financial aid programs
  • MN residents may qualify for a reduced tuition rate through the reciprocity agreement. The 2027-28 reciprocity application is expected to open in February. You must submit the application to be considered for the lower rate.

Update your information

  • As information changes, make sure NDSU has your most current email, phone and mailing address
  • Contact the Admission Office to make changes and ensure you're receiving important updates on next steps, dates and deadlines

Let us know your plans

  • As you finalize college plans, let us know if you plan to attend NDSU
  • Watch your email for additional details on how to make your commitment to NDSU
  • Make arrangements to have your final high school and college transcript(s) sent in May/June once you've completed all coursework

Register for classes

  • In May/June, meet one-on-one with an academic adviser who will assist you in selecting classes for your first semester
  • Watch your email for additional details

Attend summer orientation

  • Attend a one-day session in June or July where you'll connect with other future Bison
  • Get your last-minute questions answered

Resources for High School Seniors

The Information You Need

Request More Information

Answer a few questions and get your customized info packet mailed out to you.

Request Information
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Your Herd Awaits!

As you you continue your college search and plan for what comes next, we're here to help you prepare and navigate. Contact our office and let us know how we can help you become a Future Bison. We'd love to connect!

Connect with Admission

Admission

Email: ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu Phone: (701) 231-8643 Campus location: Ceres Hall 114 Contact Page Manager