Students: Application Process: Application Action Plan

Application Action Plan

This action plan will help you navigate the admissions process for the college or university of your choice. The plan also will help you navigate the resources available to you as you go through the application process.

1. Write the application dates and deadlines on a calendar. Admissions Information provides access to admissions websites for colleges and universities in Minnesota.

2. Familiarize yourself with the transfer contacts and policies at the college or university of your choice. Transfer Websites provide you with specific transfer information for the college or university to which you are applying.

3. Use the links in the Catalogs, Admissions Information, and Admissions Testing Information sections to find out about required assessment and admissions tests, and new and transfer student orientation dates.

4. Calculate your GPA at the new institution for the grades you earned at your current institution(s). This calculation will help you determine if you have the minimum grades needed for admission. If not, find out what other program options you might have with this GPA.

   Learn more information about GPA requirements and calculation:

   • Notes about GPA
   • Depending on where you are in the process, GPA requirements may be different for admission to the college, for special admission requirements for a program, or for a major.
   • Some colleges include pre-college courses and repeat courses in GPA and others may not include them. Consult with a transfer specialist for specifics.
   • Sample GPA calculation tables

   Courses Completed	Letter Grade	Grade Points	# of Credits	Total Grade Points
   ENGL 1100	A	4.0	3	4.0 x 3 = 12
   BIOL 1200	B	3.0	4	3.0 x 4 = 12
   PSYCH 1611	B	3.0	3	3.0 x 3 = 9
   MATH 1030	C	2.0	3	2.0 x 3 = 6
   PHYS 1101	F	0.0	4	0.0 x 4 = 12
   Totals			17	39

   GPA = 39 grade points -:- 17 credits = 2.29
   (Note: A "D" grade, not included above, is 1.0)

   Convert Quarter Credits to Semester Credits:
   Quarter Credits	Semester Credits
   1	.67
   1.5	1.0
   2	1.33
   3	2.0
   4	2.67
   4.5	3.0
   5	3.34
   6	4.0
   7	4.67
   7.5	5.0

   • Attempt to improve your GPA by repeating courses for which you received poor grades.

     • Notes about repeating courses
     • Repeating a course does not guarantee you will receive a better grade.
     • You must have a lot of self-control and discipline to do better in a course the second time around. Be prepared to put more effort into the course than you did the first time.
     • When a course is repeated, some colleges or universities count the most recent grade, some count the better grade and some average both grades together.
     • Check your new institution's policy on grade acceptance and repeating courses by calling or e-mailing the transfer specialist. Some schools do not accept F grades, so repeating may not be an issue.

     • Order official transcripts from each college you attended and have them sent to your new institution by the application deadline. Also get unofficial copies for you to use when meeting with your transfer specialist, counselor, advisor, or faculty member.

       • An official transcript...
       • Has the institution's seal and is sent directly from the your current institution to the receiving institution, OR
       • Has the institution's seal and is put in a sealed envelope. You take or mail it unopened to the receiving institution.

     • Complete your application, pay application fees, and provide other required information on time. Find out if an additional application is required for your specific program. Admissions Information offers deadlines for colleges and universities in Minnesota. Note: A deadline may require that you have a complete file (application, transcript, etc.) at the institution, not just the application form.

     • Read all information you receive from your college or university. These documents and e-mail messages often contain your admission status, transfer credits, and program.

     • Visit your new campus in person and online at least once before classes start so you know about parking, transportation, classroom locations, and how to get a library card. Access college and university websites on the Admissions Information page.

     • Plan for the next steps in the admissions and transfer processes.

     • Next steps
     • View the Financial Aid section for general financial aid and scholarship information, a glossary of financial aid terms, and access to financial aid resources at colleges and universities.
     • View the Student Services section for information about registration, counseling and advising, disability services, and more.
     • Always Keep in Mind
     • Speak with a transfer specialist if you have any questions or concerns as you help students.
     • Have students keep all course syllabi and outlines in a safe, accessible place. They may need them to transfer credits or if they return to college after absences.
     • Encourage students to get involved at their new institutions by attending orientations and joining clubs to make new friends.
     • Colleges and universities have an appeal process if students are not satisfied with transfer decisions. Direct students to the appeal process on your website, in your catalog, or have them contact the registrar for more information. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities provide an appeal process at the college or university and at the system level.

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