Frequently Asked Questions for Veterans

Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions about applying to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as an active duty military service member or military veteran. Additionally, University Veterans Services offers extensive resources related to veterans education benefits, in addition to campus programs for military members, veterans and their families.

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Am I a freshman?

You are considered a freshman if you are still a high school student or if you have not enrolled in any college courses after graduating from high school. Learn more about applying for admission as a freshman. If you are unsure of whether you are a freshman or transfer student, please contact the Office of Admissions at 612-625-2008 or 1-800-752-1000.

Am I a transfer student?

You are considered a transfer student if you have previously enrolled in any course for college credit after graduating from high school. If you are a high school student and are enrolled in PSEO, College in the Schools, or have earned AP credit, you are still considered a freshman. Learn about applying for admission as a transfer student. If you are unsure of whether you are a freshman or transfer student, please contact the Office of Admissions at 612-625-2008 or 1-800-752-1000.

Do I need to take the ACT or SAT?

For freshman applicants, please note that applicants for Fall 2021 and Fall 2022 admission are not required to submit an ACT or SAT test score. 

For transfer applicants, if you have fewer than 26 transferable credits, an ACT/SAT score is not required for your 2021 or 2022 application. You can choose to send us your ACT/SAT score(s) if you would like us to review them as part of your application.

For transfer applicants, if you have 26 or more transferable credits, we will not review an ACT/SAT score as part of your application review if you have completed more than 26 transferable credits. Any scores you provide to us will not be considered when we make an admission decision.

Learn more about ACT and SAT test information

Do I need to submit the application fee?

If you are an active duty United States military service member currently deployed overseas, you do not need to pay the application fee. The Office of Admissions will contact you to obtain a copy of your deployment papers to verify your status.

How will my application be reviewed?

Each University of Minnesota Twin Cities admission application is carefully reviewed and admission is based on an overall assessment of the applicant's academic and context factors. A complete list of these factors is included below.

Holistic Review

Academic Factors

Because the greatest predictor of college success is academic preparation, the strongest consideration in the decision is given to a student's high school record. Our promise to you is that we will look at the overall trend of your high school performance to understand your academic preparation. The following academic factors are considered:

  • Coursework through high school graduation (Admitted students typically exceed the University's high school requirements. See course requirements.)
  • Grades in academic coursework
  • Class rank/Grade point average (if available)
  • Rigor of academic curriculum based on what is available in the high school (including enrollment in honors, AP, IB, A-Level, or college-level courses when available.)
  • ACT or SAT scores (Submitting an ACT/SAT score is not required on applications for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 terms. All students*, whether or not they submit a test score, will receive full consideration for admission, scholarships, and the University Honors Program. For more information, please visit our ACT/SAT FAQ
  • English Proficiency test score (when required)
  • Applicant's academic interests (We review a student's academic preparation related to the major/college for which they are seeking admission.)

Context Factors

Individual circumstances are also considered as part of the overall assessment of each application. Enrolling a diverse student body—with students bringing differing experiences, talents, and perspectives to their scholarly community—is essential to achieving the learning and development outcomes of a University of Minnesota education. 

Our holistic review takes into consideration the individual circumstances that make each individual student unique. While we do not consider an applicant's race and ethnicity, we consider the following context factors in our decision review:

  • Evidence of exceptional achievement, aptitude, or personal accomplishment not reflected in the academic record
  • Participation in extracurricular activities related to your intended major
  • Strong commitment to community service, leadership, and educational involvement
  • Evidence of having overcome social, economic, or physical barriers to educational achievement
  • First-generation college student
  • Significant responsibility in a family, community, job, or activity
  • Contribution to the cultural, gender, age, economic, or geographic diversity of the student body
  • Personal or extenuating circumstances
  • Military service
  • Information received in open-ended questions

Do you accept military credit?

While the University of Minnesota does not accept military credit as transfer credit, we will certainly consider such work as part of your overall application assessment. Credit earned at schools or programs completed while in the military must offer a learning experience that is similar to the experience offered in a University of Minnesota Twin Cities course.

Who can I contact with questions?

If you have questions about applying for admission, contact the Office of Admissions at 612-625-2008 or 1-800-752-1000. If you have questions about veterans benefits or resources, or would like to schedule an individual consultation, contact the University Veterans Services at 612-625-8076.