For School Counselors
We know you're busy. We also know you play an essential role in helping students explore colleges and find their best fit. That's why we've put together this step-by-step guide to CMU, from application to their first day on campus.
Still have questions? Contact us - we're here to help.
Lead with confidence
Others talk. We do. Our students graduate with hands-on experience in the lab, onstage, in the studio, research with professors, internships, and participating in professional conferences across the country. They build an impressive résumé with real-world credentials before they graduate.
Admissions criteria and applying to CMU
We're looking for students who show success in several rigorous subjects in high school. We also consider how a student’s grades have changed over time. We strongly recommend that students complete four years of English, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, and history and social sciences. Find everything you need to know — dates, deadlines, how to submit materials, our test option policy — to help your students complete their applications successfully.
P.S. We're test optional, which means students can still earn admission and a Maroon and Gold Merit Recognition Scholarship based on GPA alone. Students always receive the highest possible award, so if they've taken or re-taken the SAT or ACT, we recommend sending them in anyways. They might be able to earn a higher scholarship!
Cost and financial aid
Time and money are valuable. So is a degree from CMU. That's why we keep our tuition low. In fact, we've had the smallest overall percentage tuition increase of any public school in Michigan over the last 10 years. Plus, all U.S. residents will get in-state tuition and most of our students receive some type of financial aid or scholarship, bringing the cost down as much as 100 percent.
Testing for college credit
We believe in giving credit where credit is due. Students who do well on the following exams may be able to earn college credit or test out of certain course requirements at CMU:
- AP exams
- General Education competency exams
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level examinations
Honors Program
Our Honors Program offers exceptional opportunities to motivated, high-achieving students. To apply for the program as an incoming freshman, students compete in an essay contest to win one of our prestigious Centralis scholarships.