How to Apply

All summer applications should be initiated in the GATE application system by May 10, 2024

Extended Academic Year Programs Application deadline: July 12, 2024

Please view the details of the two application deadlines at https://gifted.msu.edu/about/faqs

All GATE program applications are completed online at:

https://gateway.gifted.msu.edu/

*Please note: The application must be complete and the $75 application fee must be paid BEFORE any information is shared or reviewed on your application.

To view the GATE how to apply video, click here

Overview of Application Process

There are 5 required steps to apply for GATE programs. Those applying for a need-based scholarship, see step 6 below.

  1. Register in the GATEway Application System

    1. New users need to register an account by entering an email address and creating a password.

    2. For families with multiple students applying: A parent can Register one account and create multiple Student Profiles within that account (see next step). In other words, you will be able to manage applications for multiple students using the same login email.

    3. The Dashboard: Upon logging in to GATEway you will see your Dashboard page. The Dashboard will provide you with all of the options you need to complete your application. All of the steps below can be accessed from the Dashboard in sequence. For example, you need to complete #2, before #3 becomes available.

  2. Create New Student Profile(s)

    1. You will enter personal details and contact information for each student who is applying.

    2. This step is completed only the first time you register, although you may edit/update your information in the Student Profile at any time.

    3. Each subsequent year you will be prompted to review and update your Student Profile to make sure your information is up to date.

    4. If you should change your email during your GATE tenure, you will need to create a new profile.

  3. Create Application

    1. Select the program you wish to apply for and fill out the information requested in the program application.

    2. All programs require a Teacher Recommendation. You will be asked to enter the name and school email address of one of your teachers who teaches the same subject area as the program you are applying for. View the Teacher Recommendation page for more details.

    3. All programs require students to write a short essay. You can view the essay questions before applying. 

    4. Once you click the verify button, you will not be able to edit your program application.

  4. Upload Documents

    1. After verifying a program application, you will see a “To-Do” list (underneath your program you are applying to on the Dashboard page), which will tell you the Documents you are required to upload.

    2. Click each link in the To-Do list to upload each document.

    3. After you upload each document, the item will be automatically removed from your “To-Do” list.

  5. Pay the application fee 

    1. After you verify your application, your “To-Do” list (underneath your program you are applying to on the Dashboard page) will tell you to pay the application fee.

  6. Need based scholarships (if qualified)

    1. Within each program application, you will be asked if you want to apply for a need based scholarship. If you answer “Yes”, a separate need based scholarship application will appear on your Dashboard.

    2. Because scholarship funding is limited, families are granted one award per lifetime. Families may apply more than once, but priority is given to students who have not received an award previously. This policy is subject to change.

    3. If your student is approved for a need based scholarship in Year 1 of an Academic Year program, they do not need to submit another application for Year 2.

    4. Please see the need based scholarship policy to determine if you are qualified.