Direct Admissions

Direct Admissions offers all high school students in Austin (Austin High School, Austin Alternative Learning Center, and Austin Online Academy) a look at postsecondary options after graduation. Early in the school year, qualifying seniors will receive communication from their high school and the Office of Higher Education detailing the Minnesota colleges and universities they are already admitted to. Students must then complete free applications for their chosen institutions, as all application fees are waived under the Direct Admissions program.

The partnership with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education believes that all students are college material. Direct Admissions eliminate uncertainty about acceptance by providing students with a letter from participating colleges and universities granting conditional or guaranteed admission.

Although many colleges and universities in the Direct Admission program do not mandate ACT or SAT scores, students should consult their preferred institutions' websites for testing policies. Some institutions may still request ACT or SAT scores if needed.

Over 50 Minnesota colleges and universities are participating in the Direct Admissions program, including a full range of community, technical, tribal, public, and private institutions.  Click here for a complete list of participating colleges and universities.

If students are interested in postsecondary institutions that are not on their personalized list, they will want to follow the standard application process for the schools they are interested in.

Direct Admissions informs you of institutions committed to admitting you, but your child must still complete an admission application. The application process is free for Direct Admission schools. We'll guide students on applying after receiving their award letter in the Fall of their Senior year.