College planning tips for students and families

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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. Work closely with your school counselor to choose the appropriate college preparatory courses offered at your school. See our minimum requirements below.

Minimum High School Course Requirements

Applicants are expected to complete the minimum course requirements listed below. Admission is competitive and successful applicants typically exceed these requirements.

* Beginning with students who apply for fall 2015 admission, four years of math will be required for all applicants.

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).