Leader's Edge Information
Think Outside The Ordinary
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.
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.
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.
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.