Ensure you're prepared for the application process — keep track of deadlines and anticipate next steps.
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JULY
August
- Northwest offers test-optional admission and scholarships, but if you plan to maximize your scholarship opportunities by taking the ACT or SAT, register soon. Learn more: www.act.org and www.collegeboard.org
- Begin searching for outside scholarship opportunities.
September
- Schedule a visit with Northwest's Campus Visit Coordinator by calling 660.562.1562 or registering online. You might be interested in attending one of our many on-campus visit days.
- See a Northwest representative at your high school or a college fair in your surrounding area. Check our admissions representatives' schedules to see when someone will be in your area.
October
- Review and apply for Northwest Missouri State University's competitive scholarships.
- Scholarships automatically awarded based on your GPA and ACT/SAT scores when you apply to Northwest are listed here.
November
December
- Complete the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov. Students can begin filling out the FAFSA on Dec. 1 and list the Northwest code 002496. (Be sure to file by March 1 at the latest to be considered for state programs; FAFSA must be processed by March 1.) Here's how to get started.
- Apply for admission and scholarships if you haven't already done so.
January
- Log in to CatPAWS to meet potential roommates and lock-in roommate matches beginning Jan. 15.
February
- Students can register for Summer Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) beginning Feb. 15 in CatPAWS.
MArch
April
- Students who completed their housing application from Nov. 2 to Dec. 15 will select their room from Apr. 3 to 4 in CatPAWS.
- Students who completed their housing application on or after Dec. 16 to Jan. 27, 2025, will select their room from Apr. 7 to 8 in CatPAWS.
- Students who completed their housing application on Jan. 28, 2025, will select their room on Apr. 9 in CatPAWS.
- For students who completed their housing application on Jan. 29 and beyond, room selection is open to all students in CatPAWS on Apr. 10.
May
- Submit your grade reports if you took Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes.
- Graduate from high school.
- Have your high school counselor forward your final transcript to the Office of Admissions.
- If you took college or dual credit in high school, have an official transcript sent to Northwest from the college/university where the credit was taken.
- Deadline to qualify for limited edition Bearcat Box (students must complete and select housing and sign up for SOAR to qualify.)
June
- Attend SOAR.
- Please select a SOAR date from the following options: June 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13, 14 or July 24, 25, or 26.
- Submit final, official high school and dual credit transcripts to Northwest’s Office of Admissions.
- Check your Northwest email frequently.
- Review and accept financial aid.
- Contact your roommate to discuss what items you will each bring.
July
- Complete the Health History Form (for domestic students).
- Attend SOAR.
- Please select a SOAR date from the following options: July 24, 25, or 26.
- Watch for your first billing statement at the end of July.
August
- If you took college or dual credit in high school, have an official transcript sent to Northwest from the college/university where the credit was taken.
- Attend Advantage.
- Move into your residence hall room. (Move-in day is Aug. 21, 2025)
- Begin classes!