Freshman Admission Requirements

Admission to the University of Minnesota is competitive. The competitiveness of admission is determined by the number of applications received and the academic qualifications of the applicant pool, and the number of spaces available in each of the freshman-admitting colleges.

Each application is reviewed individually and admission decisions are based on an overall assessment of the primary and secondary factors listed below. To learn more about the students admitted last year, check out the academic profile of fall 2007 admitted freshmen.

We first consider applicants for admission to their first-choice college. If we are not able to offer admission to the first choice, we consider applicants for admission to their second choice, and/or to the college that best matches their academic interests and preparation. (Learn more about the University of Minnesota's colleges.)

Enrolling an academically qualified, diverse student body is essential to the University's mission. The academic and social environment of the campus is greatly enhanced by a diverse student body, and students are better prepared to thrive in a multicultural world.

Primary review factors:

Successful completion of a college preparatory curriculum

High school rank percentile (Students from non-ranking schools and those with GED or other high school equivalency scores are given full consideration.)

Grade point average

ACT or SAT scores (International students are encouraged to take the ACT or SAT if the exams are available in their home country.)

Strength of your curriculum through high school graduation, including courses that exceed the core subject requirements and any advanced courses (e.g. honors, AP, IB, college level)

TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS scores if English is not your native language.

Secondary review factors:

Evidence of exceptional achievement, aptitude, or personal accomplishment not reflected in your academic record or standardized test scores

A pattern of steady improvement in academic performance

Participation in extracurricular college preparatory programs (e.g. Educational Opportunity Program, LEAD, MEP, PSEO, Talent Search, Upward Bound, and other programs)

Evidence of exceptional talent or ability in artistic, scholarly, leadership, or athletic performance

Outstanding high school or community involvement

Work experience, paid or unpaid

Size of graduating class

Family attendance or family employment at the University of Minnesota

First-generation college student

Evidence of exceptional motivation, maturity, or responsibility

Evidence of having overcome social, economic, or physical barriers to educational achievement

Evidence that your enrollment would enhance the cultural, gender, age, economic, racial, or geographic diversity of the student body

Extenuating circumstances

Core Subject Requirements

During high school, you are expected to complete, at a minimum, the University's core college preparatory course requirements listed below. Because admission is competitive, we strongly encourage you to exceed these core requirements to enhance your chances of admission.

If you are not on track to complete all of the core subject requirements, but you have a promising academic record and you meet other admission requirements, there is a chance you will be admitted. If you are admitted with any course deficiencies, you must make them up before graduating from the University.

Course Important Notes

4 years of English, with emphasis on writing, including instruction in reading and speaking skills and in literary understanding and appreciation If you are not a native speaker of English, four years of study in your native languate will complete this requirement

3 years of mathematics, including one year each of elementary algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra (integrated math 1, 2 & 3) 4 years of mathematics required for the Carlson School of Management, College of Biological Sciences, and the Institute of Technology. Examples include calculus (preferred), pre-calculus, analysis, and integrated math 4.

3 years of science, including one year each of biological and physical science and including laboratory experience Biological science, chemistry, and physics required for the Carlson School of Management, College of Biological Sciences, and the Institute of Technology.

3 years of social studies, including one year each of U.S. history and geography (or a course that includes a geography component such as world history, western civilization, or global studies) Applicants who are missing one year of geography will not be denied admission if they are otherwise admissible.

2 years of a single second language Studying English as a second languate will complete this requirement for non-native English speakers.

1 year of visual and/or performing arts, including instruction in the history and interpretation of the art form (e.g., theater arts, music, band, chorus, orchestra, drawing, painting, photography, graphic design.) Applicants who are missing this requirement will not be denied admission if they are otherwise admissible.

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Course	Important Notes
4 years of English, with emphasis on writing, including instruction in reading and speaking skills and in literary understanding and appreciation	If you are not a native speaker of English, four years of study in your native languate will complete this requirement
3 years of mathematics, including one year each of elementary algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra (integrated math 1, 2 & 3)	4 years of mathematics required for the Carlson School of Management, College of Biological Sciences, and the Institute of Technology. Examples include calculus (preferred), pre-calculus, analysis, and integrated math 4.
3 years of science, including one year each of biological and physical science and including laboratory experience	Biological science, chemistry, and physics required for the Carlson School of Management, College of Biological Sciences, and the Institute of Technology.
3 years of social studies, including one year each of U.S. history and geography (or a course that includes a geography component such as world history, western civilization, or global studies)	Applicants who are missing one year of geography will not be denied admission if they are otherwise admissible.
2 years of a single second language	Studying English as a second languate will complete this requirement for non-native English speakers.
1 year of visual and/or performing arts, including instruction in the history and interpretation of the art form (e.g., theater arts, music, band, chorus, orchestra, drawing, painting, photography, graphic design.)	Applicants who are missing this requirement will not be denied admission if they are otherwise admissible.