Think Outside The Ordinary

BlogCats icon Test Optional

The Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education has ended the requirement that students provide ACT or SAT test scores for admission to its campuses. This change is effective immediately and for the foreseeable future. If you have ACT or SAT test scores, please submit them.  These scores can be used in place of a supplemental assessment administered through MSU to determine math and English placement. 

 

The Leader's Edge application is a streamlined program for rising seniors that is quick and simple! This program allows students to complete the admissions application early. The Leader’s Edge application is very similar to our regular MSU application, but we save students’ time and energy by pre-populating the information that we already have in a student’s file.

This opportunity is sent to students who we feel would make great additions to Montana State University, have expressed an interest in Montana State University, and also an interest in an environment similar to what Bozeman has to offer through our outdoor recreation and community atmosphere.

The Leader’s Edge application is non-binding. Please note that if a Leader’s Edge student completes the regular online application, they will automatically be given the benefits of the Leader’s Edge program. The advantages of completing the Leader’s Edge application include:

  • No Essay Requirement
  • No Counselor Recommendation
  • A Two-Week Admission Decision (non-binding)
  • Scholarship consideration - check our scholarship website for more information.

There is no cost difference between the Leader's Edge Application and our online application. Leader’s Edge students must submit the $38 application fee for admissions consideration. Once students apply and have their test scores sent to MSU, we can proceed with scholarship consideration.

While we recommend that students submit their Leader’s Edge Application before the priority deadline for early processing, we will accept the application at any point. We operate on a rolling admissions basis so when we do receive your Leader’s Edge Application, you will receive your admission decision within two weeks.

To learn more about incoming admission requirements, please visit our freshman undergraduate admission requirements page.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Leader’s Edge application is not binding.

No, Leader’s Edge students are required to submit a $38 application fee for their application to be considered. You may pay your application fee online.

This opportunity is sent to students who we feel would make great additions to Montana State University, have expressed an interest in MSU, and also an interest in an environment similar to what Bozeman has to offer through our outdoor recreation and community atmosphere.

MSU is currently setting scholarship parameters and requirements for fall 2021. Check out our scholarship website for more information!

No, the Leader’s Edge application gives students priority scholarship consideration but it does not guarantee a scholarship offer.

While we recommend that students submit their Leader’s Edge Application before the priority deadline for early processing, we will accept the application at any point. We operate on a rolling admissions basis so students can expect to receive an admission decision within about two weeks of applying.

Once we receive a student’s Leader’s Edge application, self-reported GPA,  and the $38 application fee, we can process their application. MSU has a two-week decision process which means students should hear back within 14 business days.

The Leader’s Edge application is very similar to our regular MSU application, but we save students’ time and energy by pre-populating the information that we already have in a student’s file.

If a Leader’s Edge student completes the regular online application, they will automatically be given the benefits of the Leader’s Edge program

Students may send updated ACT or SAT scores to MSU at any time. The highest composite score set on file is always used for scholarship consideration. We encourage students to apply earlier in their senior year, and send new test scores to us as they become available.

 


get info Want more information about MSU? We're here to help.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! You can email our staff at admissions@montana.edu, or call us Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm MT at 1-888-MSU-CATS.