"Applications are ahead compared to last year, and we have been more aggressive in our offers of admission to better compete with other institutions," the email says. "Deposits are higher than last year this time, as well; although international is slightly behind last cycle right now, nearly half of the deposits received are from international students attending U.S. high schools."

The email includes other important information for incoming freshmen, transfer students and international students. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the employees working in these offices are working remotely.

"We sent a letter to all admitted students (almost 29,000) providing them with an update on MSU in response to COVID-19," according to the letter. "The letter included contact information for their counselors, and we have already received more than 10% in responses from students."

The Office of Admissions is currently planning on using Campus Solutions to make decisions regarding applications in August.

All in-person admissions programs have been canceled, such as campus tours and walk-in visits, but some events and services will be held virtually.

"Third-party companies with virtual fair opportunities have begun ramping up their offerings in response to the global orders for persons to shelter in place," the admissions leaders wrote. "We participated in one of these virtual fairs on March 27 for Chinese students. Since we're unable to offer campus tours or regular programming, we have recorded webinars for prospective students featuring an admissions presentation and a Q&A with a panel of students and faculty."

As of April 1, 44,837 students have applied to MSU and 33,231 students have been accepted. This is already higher than last year's 31,518 admits.

Additionally, there are currently 723 transfer students granted admission, higher than the 538 transfer students admitted last year.

The Office of Financial Aid also included some updates in the email regarding financial aid packages. They are currently processing three aid periods at this time.

"Despite the considerable spring semester challenges and the many uncertainties about summer semester, all aid applications for that period have been processed and continue to be as they come in," The Office of Financial Aid said in an email. "In addition, there are the traditional fall 2020 aid packages for new and returning students. All of these activities are on track. As of this writing, we have offered almost $600 million to 41,500 applicants for the next year."

The Office of the Registrar is also helping with a virtual New Student Orientation for incoming freshmen. All new students will be given a class schedule and will be able to speak with an adviser if they have any issues.