Fast Track Admission

A simpler path from high school to college

Fast Track Admission reduces barriers to college admission by connecting eligible students with South Dakota's public universities earlier in their college planning journey.

Whether through participating school districts or High School Dual Enrollment, students have more opportunities than ever to begin their college journey with confidence.

What is Fast Track Admission?

Fast Track Admission helps eligible South Dakota students transition from high school to college by simplifying the admissions process. Students may be identified through participating school districts or express interest through the High School Dual Enrollment application.

Instead of completing a traditional college application, eligible students complete a brief activation process and receive admission opportunities from participating South Dakota public universities.

How It Works

  1. Receive an invitation or select Fast Track Admission in the HSDE application.
  2. Choose participating universities.
  3. Complete the activation form.
  4. Receive admission.

Fast Track Admission launched as a pilot program and continues to expand statewide through participating school districts and High School Dual Enrollment.

Learn More

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NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL DUAL ENROLLMENT

Beginning in Spring 2026, South Dakota students applying for High School Dual Enrollment (HSDE) courses can indicate their interest in Fast Track Admission directly within the HSDE application.

Eligible students who complete the Fast Track activation process may receive admission to participating South Dakota public universities without submitting a traditional admissions application.

Already taking High School Dual Enrollment? You may already be eligible for Fast Track Admission.

 

Explore High School Dual Enrollment

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Fast Track Pilot Participants

The Fast Track Admission pilot launched with a select group of South Dakota public universities and school districts and continues to expand each year.

Participating Universities

• Black Hills State University - Spearfish

Additional University Locations

• Black Hills State University - Rapid City

Participating School Districts*

• Aberdeen School District
• Dakota State University - Madison
• University of South Dakota - Sioux Falls
•Sioux Falls School District
• Northern State University - Aberdeen
• Spearfish Falls School District
• South Dakota Mines - Rapid City
• South Dakota State University - Brookings

*Additional school districts are expected to join as Fast Track Admission expands statewide.

• University of South Dakota - Vermillion

How can we help?

Let us know if you have ideas for new resources or advising tools that could help your students. Our Dakota Dreams is uniquely poised to be part of the solution.

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