College planning tips for students and families

Visit campus. Explore college campuses before the fall of your senior year. Meet students and faculty and tour campus facilities. Visiting campus is the best way to determine whether a school is a good fit for you.
Take the ACT/SAT early. Early testing, between the spring of your junior year and the fall of your senior year, is recommended to ensure that you meet application deadlines. You will need to have the testing agency send your official scores to the University of Minnesota using the code 2156 for ACT and 6874 for SAT. See our ACT/SAT page for details on testing and registration.
Complete your admission applications early in the fall of your senior year! Don't procrastinate. Applying early ensures that you'll meet application deadlines. (Plus, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your winter vacation!) Prospective University of Minnesota-Twin Cities freshmen should fill out the Freshman Admission Application. The priority application deadline is December 15 the winter prior to fall enrollment.
Choose coursework that will prepare you to succeed in college. This means during your senior year, too.

The classes you take in high school are a foundation for what you will experience in college. That's why it's really important to take a challenging "college preparatory curriculum" while you're in high school. Keep reading to learn what that means!

Work closely with your guidance counselor to choose the appropriate college preparatory courses offered at your school. Here's a basic list:

English

How much English should I take?

We require four years of English courses.

Why should I take English?

These courses will:

strengthen your writing abilities
improve your reading comprehension
develop your public speaking skills
increase your ability to analyze, understand, and appreciate literature

Which English courses should I choose?

Courses that meet the University of Minnesota's English requirement include American and world literature (novels, poetry, short stories, plays); writing courses, such as composition, college writing, creative writing, or journalism; reading; and speech courses such as introductory speech, public speaking, and debate.

Please note: If you are not a native speaker of English, and if you have ACT English and/or Reading scores of 17 or lower (or SAT Critical Reading score of 420 or lower), you may be asked to submit scores from the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). Call the Office of Admissions for details.

Math

How much math should I take?: The University requires a minimum of three years of math. We recommend taking four years of math, because a fourth year of math will enhance your admission application. It is important to note that four years of math is required for the Carlson School of Management, College of Biological Sciences, and Institute of Technology.
Why should I take math?: College preparatory mathematics provides an important foundation for further study in many fields, including the social sciences. Even if you choose a college major that doesn't require additional study in mathematics, the logic and reasoning skills you acquire in high school math courses will help you in any academic program.
Which math courses should I choose?: In addition to elementary algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra, we recommend additional preparation beyond intermediate algebra. Examples include calculus (preferred,) trigonometry, pre-calculus, or analysis. This is especially important for students who plan to enter technical fields, the natural sciences, health sciences, or quantitative social sciences (such as economics).

Science

How much science should I take?: The University requires a minimum of three years of science. We recommend taking four years of science, because a fourth year of science will enhance your admission application.
Why should I take science?: You will learn some basic principles of the physical and biological world and their influence on our everyday lives.
Which science classes should I choose?: You should choose at least one year each of biological and physical sciences, and these classes should include laboratory experiences.

Biological science courses include anatomy and physiology, agricultural sciences (including Animal Science, Biotechnology, Natural Resource Science, and Plant Science), biology, botany, ecology, genetics, and zoology. Typical physical science courses include astronomy, chemistry, geology, meteorology, and physics.

If you are interested in the Carlson School of Management, College of Biological Sciences, or Institute of Technology: These colleges also require three years of science to include one year each of biological science, chemistry, and physics.

Second language

How much of a single second language should I take?: You should take two years of a single second language. If you are interested in the College of Liberal Arts, you are encouraged to take as much language as possible to assist you in your early completion of the CLA language requirement for graduation.
Why should I take a second language?: Learning another language helps you to look at the world through the eyes of a culture different from your own. In addition, study of a second language can expand your career opportunities in all types of occupations, from the arts to business to engineering to social services.
Which second language should I choose?: It's your choice! American Indian languages and American Sign Language, as well as foreign languages (such as French or Japanese) and classical languages (such as Latin) are examples of second languages.

Social studies

How many social studies courses should I take?: You should take at least three years of social studies.
Why should I take social studies courses?: Social studies preparation is essential to your understanding of your own culture and society and of other world cultures both past and present. Moreover, such preparation serves as a good basis for college-level study in any of the social sciences.
Which social studies courses should I choose?: Your three years of social studies should include one year each of U.S. history and geography (or a combination of courses incorporating geographic studies, e.g., world history, western civilization, global studies.)

Typical courses include anthropology, civics and government, cultural studies, current events, economics, political science, international relations, psychology, sociology, and world history.

Please note: Applicants who are missing one year of geography will not be denied admission if they are otherwise admissible.

Visual or performing arts

How many visual or performing arts courses should I take?: You should take one year of visual and/or performing arts.
Why should I take Visual or performing arts courses?: Classes in music, drama, and visual arts help you appreciate beauty, show you different perspectives on the world, and give you the opportunity to express yourself.
Which visual and performing arts courses should I choose?: Visual and performing arts courses include music (chorus, band, orchestra), theatre arts, photography, painting, art history, drawing, graphic design, media production, and dance.

Please note: Applicants who are missing one year of visual and performing arts will not be denied admission if they are otherwise admissible.

Schedule changes: The University expects that students will successfully complete the senior year coursework they list on their admission application. Schedule changes of academic coursework during the senior year and/or the unsuccessful completion of senior year coursework may result in the cancellation of admission or a change to the college of admission. Students considering making schedule changes, or those who are concerned about their academic progress in any of their courses, must consult with their U of M admissions counselor (1-800-752-1000 or 612-625-2008).