The next steps
We've outlined all your student's next steps below. They can access everything through their student portal, using the same username and password they created for their app.
You will need your student's login information to access their portal. We understand it's a busy time for your student. Click below to make the process easier.
Let's get 'em here
Step 1: Submit the deposit
Is your student looking forward to registering for orientation, signing up for classes and registering for housing? These are the next steps that your student can complete once their deposit is submitted.
Your student’s $200 enrollment reservation deposit lets us know they’re coming so we can save their spot in the incoming class. It is not binding.
For students starting Fall 2024
Your deposit is refundable if you request a refund before June 1
For students starting Spring 2024
Your deposit is refundable if you request a refund before Dec. 1
Step 2: Set up a CMU account
Next, your student will need to set up their CMU account which includes a new cmich.edu email. Have your student use the “New CMU Account PIN” found at the bottom of their congratulations letter (they can also find it under the “Next Steps” section after logging in to the portal) to get started.
They’ll need it for almost everything, including:
- Creating a student email account, where we’ll be sending important information.
- Registering for classes.
- Applying for housing.
- Viewing and accepting a financial aid package.
- Logging in to Scholarship Universe, where they can explore more scholarship opportunities.
- Receiving a student ID card.
Step 3: Schedule your orientation
For students starting Fall 2024
Orientation registration opens in February. Orientation dates are held from April to June.
At orientation your student will learn about life at CMU and most importantly, sign up for their classes. Spots are first-come, first-served, so it’s best to do this as soon as possible.
Orientation is for you too! You’ll hear from current CMU students and staff and have the chance to ask questions about your student’s time here.
To reserve an orientation date, your student must have first submitted the $200 enrollment reservation deposit. We also suggest having your student set up their CMU account, because we will be emailing important information to their cmich email address.
For students starting in Spring 2024
Orientation registration opens in August. Orientation dates are held from October to January.
Step 4: Apply for housing
For students starting in Fall 2024.
The housing process is now open. After your student's enrollment reservation deposit is processed, we’ll email them our Residential Community Living Guide to their cmich.edu email address. This will help guide your student through the housing process, including picking a meal plan, selecting residence hall preferences and finding a roommate.
All first- and second-year students are required to live on campus, unless they qualify for an exemption.
Once your student has set up a CMU account, they’ll use that username and password to log into the housing process.
For students starting in Spring 2024.
The housing process opens in October.
Other reminders
Send final transcript
We recommend having your student submit official transcripts submitted as soon as they can after high school graduation.
Have your student’s high school counselor email their final transcripts to apply@cmich.edu or order them through Parchment.
Encourage your student to have all official transcripts sent to us before registering for courses. That way, all their earned credit will be applied in advance.
Complete the FAFSA
If you and your student haven’t already, don’t forget to complete the recently opened Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
FAFSA is the only way to qualify for some of the $120 billion the U.S. Department of Education awards in federal grants, loans and work study aid. CMU’s school code is 002243. Even if you don’t plan on taking out loans, we strongly encourage you to complete the FAFSA.
Plus, Michigan high schools students could earn up to $27,500 over five years ($5,500 a year) as a full-time student at CMU with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. Just have your student mark CMU as their first-choice school on their FAFSA.
Michigan residents with adjusted gross income and assets less than $65,000 are eligible to attend CMU tuition-free with the CMU Tuition Advantage. No extra application; FAFSA determines eligibility!
Plan to complete your student's FAFSA as soon as possible. We'll use that information to calculate their scholarship and aid offer.
Check out our blog on FAFSA!
Check out more scholarships
Students looking for more scholarships can check out Scholarship Universe!
Students can answer a few questions and Scholarship Universe will help connect them with donor-based internal (CMU) scholarship opportunities which may qualify for. Find even more opportunities with Scholarship Universe - Gold, which connects students to external opportunities (outside CMU).