To Families of Prospective Students,

Welcome to Michigan State University College of Engineering!

As your student begins their college search, you may have many questions and concerns. This very important and personal decision will have much impact on their academic, professional, and extracurricular life. While many aspects of that decision will involve you (Can we afford it? Can we afford not to? Are you sure you want to major in.....?), the decision to succeed in college and pursue a future career path ultimately becomes the responsibility of your student. At MSU, and in the College of Engineering, we have many resources to help your student make these important decisions.

In selecting a college, there may be many considerations -- what programs are offered, ability to change majors, location, cost, and yes, even rankings. My best advice is to:

• Make a personal visit to all schools that appear to fit your student’s interests. There are many good engineering programs, but each has its own "flavors", things they emphasize and take pride in. Ours include professional advising, over 30 engineering student organizations, many opportunities to study abroad, an emphasis on living-learning programs, undergraduate courses taught by faculty, and for qualified students, opportunities to engage in research.
• Ask what companies visit campus to recruit graduates.
• Walk around and speak to students as well as administrators. Ask your student to imagine living and learning on the MSU campus and eventually becoming a lifelong member of the Spartan family. Does that feel right?

Apply early. Most scholarships need no separate application. All applicants are automatically considered, but we need your application and records on file.

When you visit our College of Engineering, you will have the opportunity to meet with our Assistant to the Dean for Recruiting, Scholarships and K-12 Outreach and/or an academic advisor, and speak with a student guide while taking a building tour. Please share your questions and comments with us.

Here are links to important resources for you:

• Visit the College of Engineering
• College of Engineering Careers Center
• Spartan Family Connections
• MSU Office of Financial Aid - Parent Resources

Helping YOU make great choices!

Amanda G. Idema, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies
College of Engineering
Michigan State University
C101 Wilson Hall
East Lansing, MI 48825
(517) 355-5128 
Email: agidema@msu.edu
MSU Engineering Undergraduate Studies