Admission - Undergraduate

 School of Mines will automatically accept for admission students who:

School of Mines will review and consider for acceptance students who meet BOR requirements

All applicants not meeting the admission requirements listed above will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. The committee considers high school curriculum (special consideration is given to math and science coursework), grades, and test scores.

South Dakota Board of Regents Minimum Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

1. Baccalaureate Degree Admissions for High School Graduates

Non-Traditional Students

For purposes of admission, a degree seeking student who has attained the age of 24 and has not previously attended any post-secondary institution is classified as a non-traditional student. Non-traditional students who are high school graduates or have completed the general equivalency diploma (GED) and can demonstrate college algebra readiness will be admitted.

It is the policy of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology to recognize that there is a great diversity in the background and goals of non-traditional students seeking college admissions. Each individual is evaluated for admission to the School of Mines based on the minimum admission requirements as prescribed by the Board of Regents and who demonstrate college algebra readiness. Additional consideration will be given to non-traditional students who do not meet the BOR undergraduate admission requirements.

Non-traditional students who are high school graduates and meet the BOR minimum requirements and demonstrate college algebra readiness will be admitted.

Non-High School Graduates

An applicant for baccalaureate or associates admissions who is not a high school graduate must: Be 18 years or older to meet the compulsory school attendance requirement in South Dakota; and  completed the general equivalency diploma (GED) with the following minimum test scores: The total cumulative standard test scores for all five tests items must total 2250 with no standard test score below 410 or complete the High School Equivalency test (HiSET) and obtain a minimum score on each of the five subsections; OR complete  the Test Assessing Secondary Completion  (TASC) and obtain a minimum score of 500 on each of the five subtest categories.

Regents Scholars

South Dakota high school graduates completing the following high school courses with no final grade below a “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and an average grade of “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) shall be designated as Regents Scholars and shall be eligible to receive a Regents Scholar Diploma upon request by a high school administrator to the Department of Education and Cultural Affairs. High school graduates designated as Regents Scholars automatically are admitted to all six public universities. (Regent Scholars still need to submit the admission application.)

• 4 units of English: Courses with major emphasis upon grammar, composition, or literary analysis; one year of debate instruction may be included to meet this requirement.
• 4 units of algebra or higher mathematics: algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or other advanced mathematics including accelerated or honors mathematics (algebra) provided at the eighth grade level; not included are arithmetic, business, consumer or general mathematics, or other similar courses.
• 4 units of science including 3 units of approved laboratory science: Courses in biology, chemistry, or physics in which at least one (1) regular laboratory period is scheduled each week. Accelerated or honors science (biology, physics, or chemistry) provided in the eighth grade shall be accepted. Qualifying physical science or earth science courses (with lab) shall be decided on a case-by-case basis.
• 3 units of social studies: History, economics, sociology, geography, government-including U.S. and South Dakota, American Problems, and so on.
• 2 units of a modern (including American Sign Language) or classical language
• 1 unit of fine arts: Effective fall 2002 for students graduating from South Dakota high schools in: Art, theatre, or music appreciation, analysis, or performance.
• 1/2 unit of computer science: Students will have basic keyboarding skills and have had experience in using computer word processing, database and spreadsheet packages, and in using the Internet or other wide-area networks.

Readmission Procedures

A student who has interrupted attendance by three (3) or more semesters must submit an application for readmission and pay the application fee. Any student not under academic or disciplinary suspension will be automatically readmitted.

Undergraduate Transfer Admission

1. Transfers to Baccalaureate Programs
   Students under twenty-four (24) years of age transferring into baccalaureate degree programs with fewer than twenty-four (24) transfer credit hours must meet the baccalaureate degree admission requirements. Students with twenty-four (24) or more transfer credit hours with a GPA of at least 2.75 and proof of college algebra readiness are automatically accepted into baccalaureate degree programs. Transfer students with GPAs less than 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the SDSM&T Admissions Committee.  Transfer applicants with a cumulative college GPA below 2.0 will not be admitted degree-seeking.  If students are applying for federal financial aid, they must meet federal guidelines for transfer students.
2. Students who Transfer to Associate Programs
   Students who are under the age of twenty four (24) at the start of the term and who are transferring into associate degree programs with fewer than 12 transfer credits hours must meet the associate degree admissions requirements.  Students with 12 or more transfer credit hours with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 may transfer into associates degree programs. Specific degree programs may include additional admissions requirements.
3. Students from Accredited Colleges or Universities
   Students may be accepted by transfer from other non Regental universities outside of the SD system: preferential consideration shall be given to applicants from institution which are accredited by their respective regional accrediting association. Advanced standing shall be allowed within the framework of existing rules in each college.  (Refer to BOR policy 2:5, Transfer of Credit)
4. Students from Non-Accredited Colleges
   A university is not required to accept credits from a non-accredited college or university. The university may admit the applicant on a provisional basis and provide a means for the evaluation of some or all of the credits. Credits from colleges or universities which are not accredited by a regional accrediting association may be considered for transfer subject to all other provisions in BOR Policy 2:5 and any conditions for validation which may be prescribed by the accepting institution.
5. Former Students
   A student returning to the institution or a student who has attended another higher education institution in the Board of Regents system is required to pay the application fee and, he or she must also submit an application for readmission and other required documents if he or she has interrupted attendance by two (2) or more semesters. A former student shall be considered as a transfer student if he or she has attended another institution during the period of interruption of attendance.
6. Suspended Students
   A transfer applicant under academic suspension from the last college attended shall not be considered for admission during the period of suspension or, if suspended for an indefinite period, until one (1) semester has passed since the last date of attendance at the previous school. A system transfer student must first be reinstated to their previous institution prior to seeking admission to the School of Mines.
7. Disciplined Students
   A transfer applicant under disciplinary suspension shall not be considered for admission until a clearance and a statement of the reason for suspension is filed from the previous institution. The university shall take into account the fact of the previous suspension in considering the application.

Special (Non-degree Seeking) Students

A prospective student at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology who wishes to be classified as a special student must complete the Application for Non-degree Seeking Students. Non-degree seeking students are ineligible for all federal financial aid programs, including the GI Bill. Non-degree seeking students must submit an official copy of their previous college transcript(s) if necessary to verify prerequisites.

Dual Enrollment of High School Students

A high school student wishing to take courses at School of Mines should begin by contacting the Admissions Office at School of Mines and then the Principal’s Office or Guidance Office at the high school he or she currently attends to receive the high school’s approval to participate. This approval should accompany the School of Mines Admissions Application. Please refer to the legislative SDCL 13-28-37, enacted by the South Dakota Legislature in 1990. This bill states the following: “Postsecondary enrollment-Responsibility for cost-Failing grade eliminates eligibility. Any student in grades ten, eleven and twelve may apply to an institution of higher education or a postsecondary vocational education institution as a special student in a course or courses offered at the institution of higher education or postsecondary vocational education institution. The student shall obtain the school district’s approval of the post-secondary course or courses prior to enrolling. If approved, the student shall receive full credit toward high school graduation as well as post-secondary credit for each postsecondary course. The resident school district may pay all or part of the tuition and fees for a course approved for credit toward high school graduation in accordance with this section. The student is responsible for any tuition and fees not paid by the resident school district and for any other costs involved with attending a postsecondary institution. If a failing grade is received in a postsecondary course under this section, the student receiving the failure is no longer eligible to enroll for post-secondary courses under this section.”

Additional Admissions Policies and Practices

Institutions authorized by the Board of Regents to offer graduate study programs may admit students selected according to regulations established by each faculty. A graduate student will be defined as one who has been accepted into a graduate school.

All entering students seeking an associate or baccalaureate degree must provide valid Enhanced ACT scores or must take the ACCUPLACER examination in the areas of writing skills, mathematics, and reading. All non-degree seeking students enrolling in English and mathematics courses must provide Enhanced ACT scores or must take the ACCUPLACER examination in the areas of writing skills and mathematics.

Students transferring within the South Dakota Board of Regents system will be allowed to transfer their placement test scores and continue their sequence of courses in English and/or mathematics.

The placement process will be consistent for all Regental institutions.

Applications and Procedures

The law recognizes that special circumstances may preclude ability to demonstrate compliance as detailed above. Those students for whom vaccination presents a threat to health/well-being and those who adhere to a religious doctrine that opposes immunizations may petition for a permanent exemption or temporary waiver as appropriate. Forms are available at: http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/studentlife/forms. Please note: the statute does not allow for philosophical objections.

Freshman Checklist

• Submit application for admission.
• Enclose non-refundable application fee with application for admission ($20.00).
• ACT or SAT I scores must be on file in the Admissions Office.
• Applicants must arrange to have an official copy of their high school transcript forwarded to the Office of Admissions (501 E. Saint Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701) after their junior year is complete and grades have been recorded. A final transcript will also be necessary in order to verify final class rank, graduation, and satisfaction of the minimum course requirements for admission to South Dakota Public Higher Education Institutions.
• Prospective freshmen desiring scholarship consideration must be accepted for admission and have completed the scholarship application prior to January 15.

Transfer Checklist

• Application for admission.
• Non-refundable application fee of $20.00.
• An official transcript from each postsecondary institution attended. (Sent by the institution attended directly to the Office of Admissions via postal deliver at:  501 E. Saint Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701 or approved electronic third-party vendor at:  etranscripts@sdsmt.edu.
• All applicants must submit a high school transcript, or other proof of graduation from high school; or, if not a high school graduate, they must submit copies of their high school equivalency/GED scores.
• Applicants younger than twenty-one (21) who have completed less than 24 semester credits of college work must submit official copies of SAT I or ACT scores in addition to the above documents.

Applicants who will be less than 21 years of age at the beginning of the semester for which they are applying for admission, and who have completed less than 24 credit hours of college coursework must also meet freshman admission requirements.

Transfer applicants will be notified of their admission status at School of Mines shortly after all of the above documents have been submitted.

Undergraduate International Student Admissions

To be considered for undergraduate admission, international applicants must meet the following criteria. See Application Requirements below for details.

1. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 2.75 at both the secondary (high school) and post-secondary (college) education levels.
2. Applicants must be proficient in English; please review details about our English requirements.
3. Applicants must provide an acceptable SAT or ACT score. Math sub-scores should be a minimum of 570 on the SAT or 25 on the ACT.  

Application Requirements

The following items are necessary before a request for admission can be processed. If admitted, the form I-20 is usually necessary for admission to the United States for college attendance. The REQUIRED items for admission are listed below.

1. Completed online application and the State of South Dakota application fee of $20.00. (Your application will not be processed until the $20.00 fee is paid.)
2. Academic credentials (translated into English).  This includes high school transcripts and transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions attended.
   • OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
     • For a transcript to be considered official, it must be sent directly from the issuing institution to our university. 
     • All copied documents must be certified by an official school or government seal as originals or certified photocopies. 
     • ALL documents must be in a sealed envelope with university or government agency stamping across the seal. 
     • If you are attending an institution in the US and they have the official documents, they may send certified copies of these documents to us in the same manner.
     • All documents become the property of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.
3. English proficiency - This is usually the TOEFL or IELTS; please review details about our English requirements.
4. SAT or ACT scores - Math sub-scores should be a minimum of 570 on the SAT or 25 on the ACT. If the SAT or ACT is not readily available in your country, alternatives will be considered. Scores must be sent directly from the issuing organization.  The website for SAT is:  http://sat.collegeboard.org/home and the website for ACT is: http://www.actstudent.org/.

SD Mines ACT code:  3922 
SD Mines SAT code:  6652

5. Evaluation of your academic credentials. An academic department may require submission of academic credentials to an independent credential evaluation service, the charge for which will be paid by the student. SDSM&T only accepts credential evaluations from specified organizations. Those organizations are World Education Services (WES) at http://www.wes.org/ or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) at https://www.ece.org/. If you use WES, order a course by course report. If you use ECE, order a catalog match report. If you are a transfer student and want your transcripts evaluated for transfer credit, order a catalog match report from ECE, or a course by course report from WES.

Financial information documenting ability to pay. 

If you are admitted, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) requires that a US college or university issuing form I-20 or DS-2019 establish that the person to whom the form is issued is able to pay all educational and incidental expenses (see requirements). The I-20 or DS-2019 form will not be issued without appropriate financial documents. Financial information is not required for admission.

Deadlines

To be considered for merit-based scholarships, you must be ADMITTED by January 15 and complete the scholarship application. The online scholarship application will be available beginning November 1 and is due by January 15. You must be accepted for admission to SD Mines prior to completing the scholarship application. 

SD Mines does not have a specific deadline for admission. However, all international applicants should submit their documents at least three months prior to the start of the semester they plan to enroll.  This will allow time to apply for the appropriate visa and to make travel arrangements.

Electronic University Consortium

In fall 2000, the Electronic University Consortium (EUC) came online at: www.WorldClassEducation.org. The EUC provides a single connection point for distance education offerings from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, as well as our sister institutions South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, Dakota State University, Northern State University, and Black Hills State University. Students from throughout the world are able to register for and participate in classes offered via the Internet from any of these institutions. Courses offered by two-way interactive video and by correspondence are also listed on the EUC.

Current Reduced Tuition Programs for Non-Residents

The current non-resident tuition rate is 150 percent of the resident rate: $149.70 per credit hour compared to $99.80. For more information, contact the Cashier’s Office at (605) 394-2372 or e-mail cashier@sdsmt.edu.

Reduced tuition is available for non-resident first-time freshmen, new transfers, and international students. Those undergraduate students will qualify for a rate of 150 percent of what residents pay. Students already enrolled in the public university system prior to summer 2006 will not be eligible for the new non-resident rate. Tuition assistance is also available to National Guard members, ROTC cadets, South Dakota State Employees, certain elementary and secondary school teachers and vocational instructors, and persons 65 years of age or older. Graduate students who hold a state contract for an assistantship or fellowship may also be entitled to special reduced tuition and should contact the Graduate Education Office at (605) 394-1206. For current tuition information see the website: www.sdsmt.edu.

Minnesota Reciprocity

Students from Minnesota can currently come to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology at a comparable rate to Minnesota resident tuition under the Minnesota Reciprocity agreement. To apply, or for more information: www.sdbor.edu/policy/5_FinanceBusiness/documents/5-5-1.pdf.

Western Undergraduate Exchange Program (WUE)

The WUE tuition rate is 150 percent of the resident rate: $367.20 per credit hour compared to $244.80. For more information, contact the Cashier’s Office at (605) 394-2372 or e-mail cashier@sdsmt.edu.

The reduced tuition rate is available for non-resident first-time freshmen and new transfers from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Students already enrolled in the public university system prior to summer 2016 will not be eligible for the WUE rate. For more information: http://wiche.edu/wue.

Hardrocker Heritage Award

Nonresident freshman and transfer students who have at least one parent or legal guardian who earned a degree from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology qualify to receive tuition and fees at the in-state rate. Currently enrolled students who are not eligible for this program. To apply, or for more information: http://www.sdsmt.edu/Admissions/Financial-Aid-and-Scholarships/Hardrocker-Heritage-Award/

Other Reduced Tuition Programs

Tuition assistance is also available to National Guard members, ROTC cadets, South Dakota State Employees, certain elementary and secondary school teachers and vocational instructors, and persons 65 years of age or older. Graduate students who hold a state contract for an assistantship or fellowship may also be entitled to special reduced tuition and should contact the Graduate Education Office at (605) 394-1206. For current tuition information see the website: www.sdsmt.edu.

Resident and Nonresident Classification of Students

Purposes of Classification

Each person who applies for admission to a university shall be classified as a resident or a nonresident for admissions and tuition and fees purposes (See Policy 2:3 Admissions and Policy 5:5 Tuition and Fees).

Information, Burden of Establishing Residency, Reclassification

1. The decision shall be based upon information provided by the student and all other relevant information.
2. The institution is authorized to require such written documents, affidavits, verifications, or other evidence as are deemed necessary to establish the residence of the student, including proof of emancipation, adoption, or appointment of a guardian.
3. Students have the burden of establishing residency by clear and convincing evidence.
4. Students may appeal the original classification decision by written petition to a reviewing body appointed by the chief executive officer of the institution within thirty (30) days after registration for that semester. The recommendation of the reviewing body shall be submitted to the chief executive officer for a decision. The decision of the chief executive officer shall be final, but students who have been classified as nonresidents retain full rights to petition the executive director of the South Dakota Board of Regents for reclassification after they have remained in South Dakota continuously for 12 months.
5. After twelve (12) months continuous presence in South Dakota, students who were initially classified as nonresidents may petition for reclassification.
6. Petitions for reclassification shall be filed with the Executive Director, who shall act upon them. The Executive Director shall report his disposition of such petitions to the Board at its regularly scheduled meetings. These reports shall be summarized in a manner consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
7. If a petition for reclassification is granted, the reduced tuition rate shall become effective with the first semester or session following the date on which the petition is granted. Students who fail to request resident status prior to a particular semester or session or to pursue a timely appeal shall be deemed to have waived any claim for reduced tuition for that semester or session.
8. A student or prospective student who knowingly provides false information or refuses to provide or conceals information for the purpose of improperly achieving resident student status is subject to the full range of penalties, including expulsion, provided for by the Board of Regents.

Establishing Bona Fide Residency

For tuition purposes, residence means the place where a person has a permanent home, at which the person remains when not called elsewhere for labor, studies or other special or temporary purposes, and to which the person returns at times of repose. It is the place a person has voluntarily fixed as the person’s permanent habitation with intent to remain in such place for an indefinite period. A person, at any one time, has but one residence and a residence is not lost until another is gained.

1. The residence of an un-emancipated person younger than twenty-one (21) years of age follows that of the parents or of a legal guardian who has actual custody of the person or administers the property of the person. In the case of divorce or separation, if either parent meets the residence requirements, the person shall be considered a resident.
   
   Students who enter the state for the predominant purpose of attending a Board institution and who are under the custody of a guardian in fact, that is, a person who has been designated in writing by the students’ parents or legal guardian to serve as their attorney in fact for purposes related to the individual unemancipated student’s affairs, may file a residency petition with the Board at the time of admission.
2. A person shall A person shall be classified as a resident student if the person has continuously resided in South Dakota for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first scheduled day of classes of the semester or other session in which the individual registers in the Regental system; except that unemancipated students whose parents established their residence in South Dakota for reasons not predominantly related to qualifying their children for reduced tuition, may be classified as residents, notwithstanding the fact that they have not resided in South Dakota for the requisite 12 months prior to the first scheduled day of classes.
   
   If it appears that the parents of a person properly classified as a resident student under the provisions of this section have removed their residence from South Dakota, the person shall be reclassified to the status of nonresident unless the parents have been residents for the 12 months immediately preceding such removal. However, no such reclassification is effective until the beginning of a semester next following the removal.
3. Physical presence in South Dakota for the predominant purpose of attending an institution of higher education controlled by the Board does not count in determining the 12-month period of residence. Absence from South Dakota to pursue postsecondary education does not deprive a person of resident student status.
4. A person once properly classified as a resident student shall be deemed to remain a resident student so long as remaining continuously enrolled in the Regental system until the person’s degree shall have been earned, subject to the provisions of (B) above.
5. International students whose visas permit them to establish domiciles in the United States or its territories or protectorates may qualify for resident tuition in the same manner as United States citizens.

Factors to Be Considered When Determining Whether Students Have Entered South Dakota for the Predominant Purpose of Attending a Public University

1. The following factors shall be considered relevant in evaluating a requested change in a student’s nonresident status and in evaluating whether the person’s physical presence in South Dakota is for the predominant purpose of attending an institution of higher education controlled by the Board:
   • The residence of an un-emancipated student’s parents or guardians;
   • The site of the source of the student’s income;
   • To whom a student pays taxes, including property taxes;
   • The state in which a student’s automobile is registered;
   • The state issuing the student’s driver’s license;
   • Where the student is registered to vote;
   • The marriage of the student to a resident of South Dakota;
   • Ownership of property in South Dakota and outside of South Dakota;
   • The residence claimed by the student on loan application, federal income tax returns, and other documents;
   • Admission to a licensed profession in South Dakota;
   • Membership in civic, community, and other organizations in South Dakota or elsewhere; and
   • The facts and documents pertaining to the person’s past and existing status as a student.
2. The existence of one or more of these factors does not require a finding of resident student status, nor does the nonexistence of one or more require a finding of nonresident student status. All factors shall be considered in combination, and resident student status may not result from the doing of acts which are required or routinely done by sojourners in testate or which are merely auxiliary to the fulfillment of educational purposes.
3. The fact that a person pays taxes and votes in the state does not in itself establish residence.
4. Students who do not meet the requirements of this policy may still be classified as residents if their situation presents unusual circumstances and their classification is within the general scope of this policy.

Retention of Residence While in Military Service

In determining the residence status for tuition purposes, it is presumed that persons in military service who list South Dakota as their “home of record” and who, immediately upon release, return to South Dakota to enter college shall be classified as residents.