Enrollment Timeline for First-year Students

Ensure you're prepared for the application process — keep track of deadlines and anticipate next steps.

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.

Schedule a visit with Northwest's Campus Visit Coordinator by calling 800.633.1175 or registering online. You might be interested in attending one of our many on-campus visit days.
Apply for admission.
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.

Apply for admission if you haven't already done so.
Complete the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov. Students can begin filling out the FAFSA on January 1 and list the Northwest code 002496. (Be sure to file by April 1 at the latest to be considered for state programs; FAFSA must be processed by April 1.) Here's how to get started.
- *The priority deadline for the 2024-25 aid year is being extended to April 1, 2024.
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.

Submit your housing application beginning Nov. 1
- (Compare university housing options.)
After completing your housing application, an email will be sent to you to enter the My College Roomie site to get to know other new Bearcats.
Visit campus! Consider attending the Accepted Student Visit Day for Fall, Nov. 11.
Search and apply for private scholarships.

Search and apply for private scholarships.
Apply for admission and scholarships if you haven't already done so.
Log in to My College Roomie to meet potential roommates on Dec. 1 and make matches on Feb. 1. The invitation will be emailed.

Search and apply for private scholarships.
Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/fafsa (NW Code: 002496)
Apply for student housing if you haven't yet. (Compare university housing options.)
Select your room beginning April 1. (see chart for details)
Submit the Standard Scholarship Application by April 1
- Please note only for the 2024-25 aid year, this submission deadline is being extended to April 1, 2024.

If you haven't already, apply for federal financial assistance by completing the FAFSA with the help of your family's federal tax returns online at studentaid.gov. We can help get you started.
Schedule a campus visit to Northwest or attend Admitted Student Day!
Continue applying for private scholarships.
Students can begin to select roommates within My College Roomie.
Apply for student housing and select your room if you haven't already.
Submit the Standard Scholarship Application by April 1.
- Please note only for the 2024-25 aid year, this submission deadline is being extended to April 1, 2024.

Apply for student housing and select your room if you haven't already.
Register for Summer Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) beginning March 1. Students can register in CatPAWS.
Respond to any request from Northwest to verify information submitted on the FAFSA application.

If you have been admitted, register for SOAR.
Watch your email for instructions on when you can select your residence hall and room.
Submit the Standard Scholarship Application by April 1.
- Please note only for the 2024-25 aid year, this submission deadline is being extended to April 1, 2024.
Complete the Health History Form (for domestic students).

Submit your grade reports if you took Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes.
Register for SOAR if you haven't already.
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.)

Attend SOAR.
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.

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. 22, 2024)
Begin classes!