Freshman Admission at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities

High School Sophomores & Juniors

Schedule a Campus Visit

One of the most important ways to know if a college or university is a good fit for you is to explore campus. At the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, we offer many ways to explore campus and learn about the experiences and programs that make the U of M a special place.

Explore Campus

Explore Majors

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities offers over 150+ majors and 135+ minors. Whether you already know what you want to study or are just starting to look, the U of M will help you discover what makes you driven to learn more.

Explore Majors

High School Juniors

Take ACT / SAT

Freshman applicants through fall 2025 are not required to submit an ACT or SAT test score. This policy change was made to ensure every student has the opportunity to submit a complete application.

ACT/SAT Information

High School Senior

August: Application Opens

The application to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities only requires three items: an application, $55 application fee and self-reported academic record; no letters of recommendation or essays required! Students can begin applying the August before their senior year of high school.

FAQ About Freshman AdmissionApply to the University of Minnesota

Admissions Decision Timing

The U of M has three application deadlines. Students who submit a completed application by one of the three deadlines will receive an admissions decision by a specific date: 

November 1: Early Action I Deadline will receive an admission decision no later than January 31

December 1: Early Action II Deadline will receive an admission decision no later than February 15

January 1: Regular Deadline will receive an admission decision no later than March 31

Students whose admission applications are complete by the deadlines listed above will receive full consideration for the University Honors Program and scholarships. Students who apply after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available and funds-available basis. Students admitted into the University Honors Program will be notified by March 31.

Application Deadlines

October: FAFSA Opens

To be awarded financial aid, students and their families must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA application is available starting in October. Even if you think you may not be eligible, we strongly encourage you to submit the FAFSA. 

Cost, Aid and Scholarship Information

November: Housing Application Opens

Students who live on campus are more likely to have better grades, stick with school, and graduate on time. At the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, we guarantee on-campus housing for all admitted freshmen who apply for housing, and confirm their enrollment by May 15. Students can begin applying for freshman housing in November. 

Learn More About Housing

May: Confirm Enrollment

Save your spot in freshman class! Students confirm their enrollment by paying a nonrefundable $325 confirmation fee by May 15; this action lets us know that you plan to attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in the fall.

Confirm Your Enrollment

Admitted Student Checklist

The Admitted Student Checklist is a list of actions and steps for admitted students to complete before becoming a Golden Gopher. These steps include confirming your enrollment, applying for financial aid and applying for housing. Once students confirm their enrollment, they will be assigned an additional New Student Checklist, which is an interactive, online checklist where you can sign up for orientation dates, take any required placement exams, and more! The New Student Checklist will become available in April to students who confirm their enrollment.

Admitted Student Checklist

Graduate from High School
July 1: Submit Official Documents

It is U of M policy that students must graduate high school or pass the GED before they are eligible to enroll. Students must submit a final transcript which is used to verify grades listed on their application Self-Reported Academic Record, and graduation date. Official documents must be submitted by July 1.

If students chose to have a self-reported ACT or SAT score reviewed as part of their application, their official test scores must be submitted by July 1. Please note, freshman applicants for Fall 2022 admission are not required to submit an ACT or SAT test score.

Final Document Policy

Summer: Attend Orientation

Orientation, which occurs in the summer prior to the fall semester, is a required event during which you will meet your college advisor, register for your freshman year classes, stay overnight in a resident hall, and meet other incoming freshmen.

Freshman Orientation

Fall: Start Your Journey at the U of M