Welcome to Admissions. We’re Glad You’re Here.

Thank you for your interest in Michigan Lutheran Seminary. At the start of each year, students come from all over – some nearby, and some from quite far away – and land at MLS for their high school years. At the end of each of those years, those students leave as Cardinals, carrying God’s Word with them into their lives, careers, and ministries. To quote our school’s hymn: that “is our great heritage, and shall be ours forever!”

Our Admissions team has a dual focus: first, to promote and encourage MLS for a student’s high school education; second, to nurture those students in their gifts for ministry while they are on our campus. We encourage every student to see themselves in the roles of called workers in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod as they see Ministry in Action, both on and off campus. Whether they follow that ministry path or pursue another God-given career and vocation, we seek to prepare them for any walk of life. Learning with Purpose happens not only in academics, but also in the many other opportunities an MLS student is afforded during their time on our campus.

We would love your family to become part of the Seminary Family, a lifelong bond that is made in the classrooms, in the dorms, and in the many activities our students participate in outside of school hours. Come be encouraged for ministry and equipped for life. Let’s talk soon.

Pastor Jared Natsis
MLS Admissions Director

Our Admissions Process

  • Step 1

MLS has a wide variety of events throughout the year to give future students and their families the chance to meet our students, walk our halls, and see what it’s like to be a Cardinal. Take a look at our calendar to see the dates for events like Cardinal For a Day, our Open House, or other fun activities like our summer sports camps or 6th-8th grade Lock-In. Check out our News & Events page here.

In addition to these group events, we’d love to show your family our campus one-on-one. To schedule a tour, email us at info@mlsem.org or call us at (989) 793-1010 ext. 421.

We also encourage families with 8th grade students to consider a “shadow visit” where your student follows a current MLS student to classes for the day, including a possible overnight stay in the dormitory to gain that valuable experience. To arrange a shadow visit, email us at info@mlsem.org or call us at (989) 793-1010 ext. 421.

You can also fill out our form to request more information or schedule a tour.

  • Step 2

Application is free and easy. The process only requires that the parents create a FinalForms account (or log in to an existing account). The initial application simply asks for your family’s contact information as well as the information for your child’s church and school. Applications received before November 30th will be entered into a drawing for a $500 tuition credit; applications received before December 31st will be entered into a similar drawing for $250. We encourage applications to be submitted by the end of March, but will accept applications through the summer months if necessary.

Admission Requirements:

  • Applicants are to be baptized and confirmed members of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod or of churches within its fellowship. Exceptions are made when an applicant’s membership is pending. Incoming freshmen must have completed the eighth grade with acceptable marks.
  • A pre-admission test is administered at MLS, or individually by special arrangement.
  • Students wishing to transfer into the 10th, 11th, or 12th grades are to submit a transcript of their previous high school work with their application.
  • Michigan Lutheran Seminary will request the recommendation of the applicant’s pastor and their most recent supervising teacher.
  • MLS requests that the school be notified as soon as possible if a student who has applied for admission elects to attend high school elsewhere.

  • Step 3

In January, after families apply for admission, MLS will invite you to set up an account to apply for Financial Aid. MLS uses the program Blackbaud to assess financial need and calculate financial aid rewards.

The initial deadline for financial aid application is March 31st. Applications received after that date will still be considered, but with potentially lower awards. Tuition award letters will be sent by the end of May with an appeal period to follow. We promise to work with you and your family to find a payment plan that will work for you.

  • Step 4

MLS administers Admissions tests in the months of January, February, and March. Once this test is complete, the student’s application will be submitted for acceptance.

After acceptance, we will send individual assessments for Math and English. These assessments are used to fine-tune the class selection process for each freshman student, ensuring they are enrolled in the right classes for academic success.

Transfer students do not take the HSPT or similar assessments. Students joining us as sophomores, juniors, and seniors need only to supply their transcripts from their previous high school.

* for incoming Freshmen

  • Final Step

It’s time to join us on campus. Final enrollment begins in June. Enroll as an MLS student, arrive on Registration Day, and begin your time as a Cardinal. Dates for registration, parent orientation, and our opening worship service are all visible on our school calendar.

International Students

Our admissions process for international students is slightly different.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Michigan Lutheran Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial assistance, athletics, or other programs. MLS holds to this policy because it is the purpose of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all people of the world. MLS is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.

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Start Your MLS Journey

An MLS education encourages students to actively explore ministry, grow in faith, and prepare for life wherever God leads. The first step is simple: Request information and start a conversation with our admissions team. We would love to get to know you and your family.