FAQs

Q. How do I reach School of Mines admissions office and what is the mailing address?

A. Visit Contact Us to see all the different ways you can communicate with us.

Q. What are the admissions requirements?

A. Visit Admission Requirements for all the criteria.

Q. How do I apply for admission?

A. Visit Applying to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for everything you need to know.

Q. When should I apply for admission?

A. If you're a high school student, you should apply in the fall of your senior year. Otherwise, the sooner the better. For more information visit the Application Checklist.

Q. What majors are offered at the School of Mines?

A. Visit Find Your Major for a list.

Q. How do I apply for financial aid?

A.  Visit Financial Aid to learn more.

Q. How do I apply for a freshmen scholarship at the School of Mines?

A. If you applied directly to the School of Mines prior to February 1, you're all set. For more information visit Freshman Scholarships

Q. What is the average financial aid to freshman?

A. $7,681. The actual award may be much different based on aid received from organizations outside the university, such as scholarships, Voc-Rehab, Veterans Benefits, BIA, etc.

Q. How much does it cost to attend the School of Mines?

A. For the 2007-8 year total costs are approximately $13,170 for South Dakota residents and $14,490 for non-residents. Visit Costs for more information.

Q. When was the School of Mines founded?

A. 1885. For more visit University History.

Q. What is the male to female ratio?

A. Approximately 2 to 1. Visit Students for more demographic information.

Q. How large is your freshman class at the School of Mines?

A. Fall 2008 enrollment included 473 freshmen. For more, visit Freshman Class Profile .

Q. What is your average ACT score of incoming students?

A. More than 25

Q. What is that equivelent to on the SAT?

A. Approximately 1172.

Q. What is the average high school grade point average entering the School of Mines?

A. 3.51

Q. Where do your students generally come from?

A. Students come from 40 states and 29 foreign countries.

Q. What is the Student Faculty Ratio 

A. 14 to 1

Q. What is the average class size?

A. 26 (30 for freshmen classes)

Q. How large is the campus?

A. 120 acres

Q. Does the School of Mines accept AP credits?

A. Yes. If you score a 3 or better on the AP test, send your scores in for college credit.

Q. Does the School of Mines offer campus tours to prospective students?

A. There are a variety of ways to visit campus, there's even a virtual tour. See Visit to find out more. 

Q. Where is the School of Mines located, and where do I park when I get there?

A. Visitors can register at the Physical Plant and park in front of the O'Harra Building in the orange designated parking spaces. The School of Mines is located in Rapid City, South Dakota only minutes off of Interstate 90. Visit Location or Directions or Parking for more information.

Q. What kind of computer facilities are available to students?

A. All entering students are enrolled in our TabletPC program and receive a TablePC laptop. The School of Mines campus is completely wired and residence halls have network connections. There are four general-purpose computer centers and additional special-purpose computer centers. Computers are also available in the Surbeck Student Center and Devereaux Library. The School of Mines has 15 computer labs located throughout the campus. The student to computer ratio is approximately 6:1. Visit Technology for more information.

Q. Where can I find the Academic Calendar?

A. See Academic Calendar or the Catalog.

Q. Does School of Mines offer students cooperative (co-op) or internship programs?

A. Yes. Almost 75 percent of graduating seniors each year have participated in a co-op or internship. Opportunities for co-ops and internships are available in the fall, spring, and summer. Visit Co-ops and Internships .

Q. After being admitted to School of Mines what will be the next step in the admissions process?

A. See the New Student Checklist for everything you need to know.

Q. What are the different activities available for student to get involved with (athletics, music, clubs, etc.)?

A. See Getting Involved for some ideas.

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