Proactive Admissions
You're Accepted!
The South Dakota Department of Education is reaching out to qualifying South Dakota high school students in the fall of their senior year to alert them that they have already met criteria for guaranteed general acceptance into the state’s six public universities and four technical colleges.
What is guaranteed general acceptance?
Guaranteed general acceptance is automatic eligibility for admission into any of South Dakota’s six public universities and four technical colleges, based on South Dakota Assessment results in English language arts (ELA) and math and/or ACT scores.
South Dakota students who earn a Level 3 or 4 on the English language arts and math portions of the 11th grade South Dakota Assessment and/or an ACT composite score of 18 or higher (South Dakota School of Mines & Technology requires 18 in English; 20 in math) earn guaranteed general acceptance into the South Dakota public university or technical college of their choice.
What do students need to do after earning guaranteed general acceptance?
Students must complete their application for admission, pay the application fee and submit their official high school transcript to the school(s) of their choice by Dec. 1 of their senior year in order to take advantage of guaranteed general acceptance. After Dec. 1, students may still apply, but their acceptance is no longer guaranteed. Students must also graduate high school the school year in which they are granted guaranteed general acceptance.
NOTE: Students are encouraged to talk to their school counselor or principal about the College Preparation Campaign. Student application fees are waived from October 3 - November 30, 2022!
Students should also be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://fafsa.ed.gov/. Millions of students each year take advantage of financial aid opportunities that help cover the cost of their education. The FAFSA becomes available Oct. 1 each year.
What does “general” acceptance mean?
General acceptance means a student is accepted into the university or technical college. Some programs of study may have additional requirements. Students should contact their school(s) of choice to determine if their program of interest has additional requirements.
Questions? Contact Shannon Malone with the Department of Education at 605-773-4681.
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