Admission Requirements

We are seeking highly motivated students who are well rounded academically and socially, and who are committed to contributing to the campus community.  If that sounds like you, we'd love to receive your application!

Admission Checklist

1. Completed Plymouth State University application.
2. Official copies of all transcripts with a minimum of first quarter grades, or GED (be sure to include your six-digit high school CEEB code number; ask your guidance counselor if you are unsure.)
3. A well-written essay on one of the subjects listed on the application
4. Payment of the application fee ($35)
5. One academic recommendation
6. Testing scores (SAT or ACT with Writing Section)

Deciding Factors

(in order of importance but not limited to)

• Academic record
• Activities
• Essay/SAT or ACT scores
• Recommendation

High School Preparation

The majority of applicants present the following high school profile:

• Three years of mathematics (algebra I & II, geometry)
• Three years of social studies
• Three years of science (one with a lab)
• Four years of college-preparatory English
• Two years of a foreign language (recommended)

Standardized Test Policy

Plymouth State University will require all high school graduates to submit results from the new SAT-I (which includes the required essay) or the ACT (with the optional essay). The first administration of the new SAT was in March 2005 and the ACT in February 2005. Scores will be used in the following manner for the Fall admission cycle:

• The essay portion of the new SAT-I or ACT with optional essay will not be used for admissions decisions during the first 2-3 admissions cycles until we determine what correlation exists between the essay score and academic success during the first year of college at PSU.
• Only the math and critical reading portions of the new SAT and/or core five sub-scores of the ACT will aid in our determination of admissions eligibility, eligibility for merit scholarships and/or admission to the University’s Honors Program.

Students may take the current version of the SAT-I or ACT as juniors, but will still be required to submit results of the new SAT-I or ACT with optional essay. If students have taken the old version of the SAT, those scores will not be used in the admissions process to determine admissibility or scholarship eligibility.

Recent high school graduates applying to PSU for the fall semester are required to submit SAT test results taken while they were in high school; these applicants are not required to take the new SAT with essay. 

Home-Schooled Students

In lieu of a high school transcript, home-schooled students should submit an outline of academic studies (this may include reading lists, course syllabi, writing samples or work portfolio) and, if available, a satisfactory secondary school equivalency certificate or home school diploma.

Selective Requirements

The Art Department and the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance have selective requirements with a separate admission process into their department.

Transfer Students

If you have ever been enrolled in any post-secondary schooling, even if you took only one course or did not complete a semester, you will be considered a transfer applicant. Review additional information for transfer application requirements and credit transferal.

International Students

An applicant who currently has an F-1 visa, or who intends to apply for one, should see our information for international students.