We can't wait to welcome you to the Alma College campus.
The most important next steps to becoming a Scot are listed below. Keep in mind, there will be other items to complete along the way, but we will post those as reminders in your portal. Contact us with any questions. LET'S GET STARTED:
Ready...Set...Go! | March | April | May | June | July | August
Ready...Set...Go!
FINANCIAL AID | File the FAFSA for 2025-2026 | Deadline: June 30.
FINANCIAL AID | Planning to use Federal Loans? | Complete both Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note as first-time borrowers.
TURN IN FINAL TRANSCRIPTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE | The sooner you submit, the sooner you can register for classes! Submit your transcripts to admissions@alma.edu by July 1.
EMAIL SETUP | Download the Outlook app on your phone and set up your @alma.edu email.
SIGN IN TO YOUR INSIDE ALMA PORTAL | Add a student ID photo to your profile, explore, and familiarize yourself with the system. You’ll also use the portal to review your financial aid, pay your bill, and, in the future, select a meal plan.
COMPLETE ALL FORMS | In the "My Forms" section of your student portal.
REGISTER FOR BECOMING A SCOT DAY | Attend on of our summer orientation program dates happening July 8-11.
COMPLETE MEDICAL INSURANCE WAIVER/ENROLL FORM | You will need your medical insurance information to complete this form. International students must enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan. Please complete by August 15.
COMPLETE THE IMMUNIZATION FORM WITH REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS | We require you to be up to date on all childhood immunizations, including tetanus. View more information on our vaccine requirements. Michigan students 18 years of age and older can access their immunization record through the Michigan Immunization Portal. Please complete by August 15.
MARCH
MARCH 17 | HOUSING PROCESS OPENS | STEP 1 - SIGN HOUSING AGREEMENT Complete your profile, and and select dining plan. To access your student housing portal, login to inside.alma.edu and select "Housing Registration" in the "Next Steps" box. You can also download the “MCR Housing” app and select “Alma College” to access your housing portal right from your phone. The housing portal always remains open, but please pay attention to the dates and deadlines for self-selection!
NOTE | The Housing Process includes three steps that must be completed in order. You can't move onto the next step unless the previous one has been completed. If you do not complete the housing process by June 13, you will be housed by residence life staff and have an assignment by July 8.
April
APRIL 29 | STEP 2 - ROOMMATE SELECTION OPENS | Select roommates in your student housing portal.To access your student housing portal, login to inside.alma.edu and select "Housing Registration" in the "Next Steps" box, or open the MCR Housing app on your phone. Roommate selection must be complete by May 28 to receive a room selection time for June 3. Still looking? Roommate selection will stay open until June 13.
May
MAY 15 | COMPLETE NEW SCOT SURVEY | The required first step for course registration. After you complete the survey, you will be able to sign up for an advising session in June. The earlier you meet with an advisor, the better your chances of getting your first choice classes.
VIEW | USING STUDENT PLANNING - VIDEO SERIES | Student Planning is the platform you will use to search and register for courses, as well as track your degree progress. Learning how to navigate Student Planning gives you the power to stay on top of your requirements and plan ahead.
REMINDER | TURN IN FINAL TRANSCRIPTS | The sooner you submit, the sooner you can register for classes! Submit your transcripts to admissions@alma.edu by July 1.
June
JUNE 2 | COURSE REGISTRATION BEGINS | Complete the New Scot Survey to access the links to set up an advising appointment and register for fall classes.
JUNE 3 - JUNE 13 | STEP 3 - SELECT ROOM | (Selection times published May 30 for students who complete roommate selection by May 28). To access your student housing portal, login to inside.alma.edu and select "Housing Registration" in the "Next Steps" box or open the MCR housing app on your phone.
REMINDER | The Housing Process includes three steps that must be completed in order. You can't move onto the next step unless the previous one has been completed. If you do not complete the housing process by June 13, you will be housed by residence life staff and have an assignment by July 8.
PURCHASE PARKING PERMIT (Optional) | Available 24-hours after room selection is completed.
JUNE 1 - JULY 1 - COURSE REGISTRATION OPENS
REGISTER FOR BECOMING A SCOT DAY | Our summer orientation program.
SPORTS PHYSICALS | REGISTER NOW | In the upcoming 2025-26 season, all incoming student athletes are required to undergo a physical examination conducted by the Athletics Training Staff and Team Physician. To avoid any delays in participating in your sport, we recommend that you sign up using the provided link. Physicals will take place at the Hogan Center Athletic Training Room from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Becoming a Scot Day for $20. Take this opportunity to meet our Athletic Training Staff and get ready for your Alma College Athletics journey. Due August 1.
July
COMPLETE MEDICAL INSURANCE WAIVER/ENROLL FORM | You will need your medical insurance information to complete this form. International students must enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan. Please complete by August 15.
FOR STUDENT ATHLETES | FILL OUT COMPLIANCE AND ELIGIBILITY FORM | An email will be sent out to all student-athletes in early July. Due August 1.
DOWNLOAD THE SUITABLE APP | ALMA CONNECT | Login using your Alma College email
FOR STUDENT ATHLETES | SPORTS INFORMATION BIO FORM | Due August 1.
FOR STUDENT ATHLETES | MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS | Includes Checklist Information, Physical Form, Sickle Cell Requirement, and ADHD form, if needed. Physicals will take place at the Hogan Center Athletic Training Room from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Becoming a Scot Day for $20. (Registration Link Coming Soon) Take this opportunity to meet our Athletic Training Staff and get ready for your Alma College Athletics journey. Due August 1.
JULY 8-11 | ATTEND BECOMING A SCOT DAY
August
SIGN UP FOR MOVE-IN TIME | Sign-ups are sent to Alma College email accounts in early August (Dates vary for early arrival students.)
AUGUST 4-8 | REGISTRATION RE-OPENS | There is an add/drop window to make final changes the week before the start of term.
AUGUST 20 | MOVE IN DAY | Note that select groups, including fall sport athletes and marching band, may have earlier move in dates. You will receive information in your Alma email if you are part of an early move in group.
AUGUST 20 | TARTAN 101 EVENT | Get started at Alma College!