High School Through Alternative Means

Missouri State University-West Plains seeks and welcomes applications from all qualified students, including students who have chosen to complete high school course work through alternative means. The two most common alternative means are: 1) completing a home-school curriculum that is the equivalent of a high-school diploma; and 2) earning a high-school diploma from a private school that has not received accreditation from the state or a regional accrediting association. Students who are 17 years of age or older and have completed high school by one these means may apply as degree-seeking students.

Students are encouraged to apply for admission early in order to complete all steps in the enrollment process and to allow time for any financial aid to be processed. Students should refer to the appropriate sections of the catalog for program admission requirements, including specific application deadlines. You may apply up to one year prior to the beginning of the semester for which you plan to enroll.

Applications are accepted up to the beginning of each semester; however, registration priority is given to early applicants.  Students beginning the process late may not be able to accomplish the full enrollment process (application, orientation, register) before the first day of the semester and may need to wait to enroll for a subsequent semester.

If seeking financial aid, complete the FAFSA and scholarship application and submit any required supporting documents as early as possible to allow time for processing prior to the first day of the semester.

To apply for admission:

  • Submit an Application for Admission
  • Provide a high-school transcript from the high school or correspondence program vendor or documents from the parent required by Missouri State Statue 167.031 including courses/credits completed and date of completion, including the name of each class, the semester in which each class was taken, the amount of credit the class is worth and the grade received in each class. Additionally, we recommend that a cumulative GPA be included with each transcript.
  • Request a HiSET® or GED transcript be sent to the office of admissions directly from the state department of education in the capital city of the state in which tested
    • Missouri HiSET® and GED transcripts are accessible by the University directly from the department of education and do not require applicant request
  • Request official college transcript(s) if you are have or are currently taking any courses for college credit be sent to the office of admissions

Missouri State University-West Plains does not require certain tests such as ACT for admission. To help ensure students are placed in courses in which they will be successful, however, students must take either the ACT or ACCUPLACER test to determine placement in classes that have a math or reading prerequisite. A student's placement in English courses will be determined by a self-evaluation of the student's writing skills. Contact the Testing Center at 417-255-7943 for information.

Application information

New to college

Applying to study in the U.S. on a student visa

Taking courses for personal interest or a visiting student

Earn college credit in high school

Attended another college or university

Attended Missouri State University-West Plains

Home-school or private-school graduates