Freshman Application Process
To apply for admission as a first-year student at Mizzou, follow these steps. Select each step for details, and read further down the page for advice and more options.
Complete our online application starting Aug. 1 and pay the application fee. Mizzou has a rolling admissions process, which means you can receive a decision as early as two weeks after you’ve submitted all your application materials. You can choose to submit test scores or complete a test-optional application. Find more details about test-optional admission below.
Request that your high school send your official transcripts directly to Mizzou. If your high school does not offer electronic exchange, have them mail a hard copy to: MU Office of Admissions, 230 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211.
If you choose to have your test scores considered with your application, request that your official scores be sent directly from the testing service using Mizzou’s school code.
- ACT: use code 2382
- SAT (administered by The College Board): use code 006875
Two Options to Apply
Refer to our traditional admission requirements to see if your existing ACT or SAT score qualifies you for automatic admission. If it does, you should go ahead and apply with a test score.
If you’ve been unable to test or your current score doesn’t meet our admission standards, you can apply test-optional and be reviewed holistically. This means we will look at your high school transcript and three short essays included in your application.
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.
Learn more about Test-Optional Admission
When to Apply
While applications for the following academic year open on August 1. We recommend applying by Nov. 15 of your senior year. 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.
Enhance Your Application
Throughout your senior year, you are welcome to enhance your application with:
- New test scores. We accept Superscores directly from ACT and will calculate them for SAT takers. Higher test scores could increase your scholarship opportunities, and a new score – even if it’s lower – will never negatively impact your file or your financial aid.
- Updated transcripts
- Additional materials. Letters of recommendation are not required, but we accept them as supplemental materials.
Maximize Scholarships
To meet the priority deadline for departmental and general scholarships, as well as deadlines for all competitive scholarships, apply by Nov. 15. Plan ahead — 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 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually, regardless of your family’s financial situation. The FAFSA form becomes available in the fall of each year, and we’ll remind you to submit it once you’ve applied to Mizzou. Complete the FAFSA by Mizzou’s priority deadline of February 1 each year to maximize your financial aid offer.
Learn more about financial aid