Admitted Student Checklist
Congratulations on Your Admission
This website is intended for students who have been admitted to NDSU. Get ready for your first semester by reviewing and completing the steps outlined below. If you need help or have questions, contact an admission staff member for assistance.
1. Set up your ND University System and Bison Login accounts
If you haven’t already done so, set up your ND University System (Campus Connection) account and your Bison Login. To set up these accounts, you’ll need your student ID number, which was included in your admission letter.
2. Apply for financial aid and scholarships
80 percent of NDSU students receive more than $120 million in federal, state, private and institutional financial aid. All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid and scholarships.
Financial Aid priority deadline
We’ve extended the FAFSA priority deadline to March 1. To apply for federal student aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form at studentaid.gov/fafsa. While NDSU's FAFSA priority deadline is March 1 to ensure you receive your award offer early, it can be submitted at any time. Once the FAFSA form has been submitted, your financial aid award offer will be mailed and emailed to you beginning in May. Award offers will continue to be sent on an ongoing basis to those who submit the FAFSA after March 1.
First-Year Student scholarships
We’ve modified our scholarship deadlines to account for the delayed availability of the FAFSA application. NDSU will accept scholarship applications through March 1, 2024. Scholarship offers will be sent on a rolling basis with most offers being sent in May. More information on first-year scholarships can be found online here.
All scholarship recipients must officially accept or decline awards by logging into the NDSU Scholarship Portal by June 1.
Transfer Student scholarships
The deadline to apply for scholarships is April 1, 2024, for fall transfer students. Scholarship offers are sent in mid-April. More information on transfer scholarships can be found online here.
Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver
The deadline to apply for the Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver is April 1, 2024. For consideration, applicants must also submit their FAFSA free of errors by March 15, 2024.
3. Make housing selections
All first-year students and transfer students starting within one year of high school graduation, are guaranteed housing through our On-Campus Living Requirement. Other transfer students may elect to live on campus, and have several housing options from which to choose. You must apply for housing to receive an assigned hall and room. Visit Residence Life’s website to apply and check out the latest information on roommate selection, room assignments and the move-in process.
4. Make it official - Commit to NDSU
Watch your email and mail for additional information on how to officially let us know if you plan to attend NDSU. Excited to share your plans now? Download the latest social media graphics below and share with your friends and family.
Deadlines to make it official:
- First-Year Students: June 1 (extended from May 1)
- Transfer Students: August 1
5. Prepare for Class Registration and On-Campus Orientation
Once you make it official by committing to NDSU (step 4), complete the required Pre-Registration Steps outlined below to prepare for class registration and orientation. Click on the appropriate link below for more information on how to complete these steps:
First-Year Students
Transfer Students
6. Connect with your counselor
Your admission counselor is here to assist you through every step. Connect with your counselor to ask questions or review your next steps to becoming a Bison.
7. Have your final document(s) sent to NDSU
Final Transcripts
First-Year Students
All first-year students must have their high school send an official high school transcript including all final grades and graduation date to NDSU no later than July 1. Official college transcripts must also be sent directly from the college or university by July 1, showing all final grades. This includes any PSEO, Dual Credit, or College in the Schools (CIS) coursework attempted during high school. Failure to provide all final transcripts will negatively impact class registration and financial aid disbursement.
Transfer Students
All transfer students must have their college(s) send official transcripts showing all final grades or in-progress coursework no later than August 1. Transcripts must be official and sent directly from each issuing institution. Failure to provide all final transcripts will negatively impact class registration and financial aid disbursement.
ACT/SAT Test Scores
While ACT/SAT scores are not required for admission, NDSU will still consider test scores for placement into math and English courses. Additionally, students who are awarded a scholarship based on a self-reported test score are required to submit official ACT/SAT scores to NDSU no later than February 1.
Advanced Placement (AP) Scores
To receive college credit or placement for AP exams, AP Score Reports should be sent directly from College Board to NDSU. To order AP score reports, visit collegeboard.org. The code for NDSU is 6474.
Learn more about how to send your final documents here.
8. Submit your immunization records
NDSU has immunization requirements for enrolled students for MMR and Meningitis ACWY. All documentation must be sent to Student Health Service. More information on these requirements can be found on the Student Health Service website including how to submit your records and resources for finding your records. Please note there are some exemptions to this policy in accordance with SBHE Policy 506.1, such as students enrolling in online-only programs. To see if you qualify for an exemption, please contact Student Health Service at 701-231-7331 or via email at ndsu.immunizations@happy0734.com.
Deadlines to submit your immunization records are as follows depending on the semester you start at NDSU:
- Fall Semester: August 1
- Spring Semester: January 1
- Summer Semester: May 1
9. Complete a Minnesota reciprocity application
Minnesota residents may qualify for a reduced tuition rate. Students are eligible for tuition comparable to resident tuition. Students who graduate from a Minnesota high school and enroll at NDSU within 12 months automatically qualify for reciprocity. No paperwork is necessary. If you plan to attend NDSU more than 12 months following high school graduation, through the MN Office of Higher Education. You should also apply if you were homeschooled or if you are a transfer student.
When I toured campus, I fell in love with how pretty it is. I could see myself making friends, joining clubs and growing as a person here at NDSU.
My experience at NDSU has been amazing. I joined a few organizations, which have helped me make so many new friends and connections. It has made campus seem smaller and it’s nice to run into a familiar face.
My favorite thing about NDSU is the amount of events and opportunities to meet people and make new friends.
My advice to new students is to try to meet as many new people as you can at the beginning of your NDSU journey. I have learned to socialize more and after awhile it became easier to meet new people.
EMMA STUBER
Hometown: Moorhead
Majors: Elementary Education and Human Development and Family Science
Connect and Celebrate on Social Media
Download and post special social media graphics to show your commitment to NDSU.
Engage with other incoming students on ZeeMee!
Profile graphics:
Story graphics:
Cover graphics:
Need help or have questions?
Please email us at ndsu.admission@happy0734.com or call 1-800-488-NDSU or (701) 231-8643.