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Center for Manufacturing Excellence Admissions

Whether you’re applying as a freshman or sophomore, each process has key steps and deadlines to keep in mind.

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Competitive Admissions

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Freshmen Admission Process & Key Deadlines

The freshman application is competitive and considers academics, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. Students must first complete a general admissions application to the University, then CME for consideration.

Application and Selection: Admission to the CME is competitive and holistic. GPA, ACT/SAT, leadership, extracurriculars, and demonstrated interest all matter. Exceptional applicants may be invited to Discovery Day, typically held mid‑January.

Key Deadline: To be considered for admission and the Toyota‑Haley Barbour Scholarship (up to $8,000 per year, renewable for eight semesters), you must submit your application by January 9, 2026.

Student working with CME faculty

Sophomore Admission Process & Key Deadlines

If you didn’t join CME as a freshman, the sophomore admission path offers another opportunity. This process is tailored for high-achieving students.

Sophomore Entry Program: Designed for students who weren't admitted as freshmen.

Eligibility Criteria: Minimum 3.2 GPA, current enrollment in an approved program, and seat availability. Applications open in March 1, 2026.

Minor in Manufacturing Key Details

A minor in manufacturing strengthens your résumé by showing employers you understand both technical processes and the business of modern industry. This option provides valuable industry knowledge while complementing majors in engineering, business, accountancy, and other disciplines. 

MINOR

Manufacturing, Minor

Gain hands-on experience in manufacturing while adding valuable skills to your engineering, accounting, or business degree.

  • Oxford

Manufacturing Endorsement Program

The CME Endorsement Program offers a pathway for students who aren’t part of the competitive admissions program to gain foundational knowledge in manufacturing. Open to students from any major, the endorsement allows participants to take three out of four approved elective courses taught by CME faculty. While endorsement students do not have access to CME’s facilities or experiential courses, they do benefit from expert instruction and a strong academic credential.

Upon completion, students receive a letter of endorsement from CME, a valuable addition to their résumé that reflects specialized knowledge and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Liz Shirley

Contact Us with Questions

CME Admissions Counselor Liz Shirley can answer any questions you have about the process.

Liz Shirley

Admissions Counselor