Continued Diligence
In the interest of ongoing support for public health and information-sharing in the coming months and into fall, the University will continue to provide widespread access to COVID-19 testing for all students, faculty and staff.
As of August 23, 2021, The University has announced that vaccines will be required for students now that the FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine. Full vaccination policy details about the timing expectations and exception process are online.
The Office of Admissions will follow the U of M face mask policy. As of May 11, 2022, admissions visit and event attendees are not required to wear a mask.
Those who wish to continue to wear a mask for any reason are encouraged to do so and should be supported as such. Those who are feeling sick should stay home, and all are encouraged to continue practicing good personal hygiene, such as regularly washing hands. The University will continue to monitor the current situation, as well as follow the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Health.
"We will continue to closely monitor the status of the pandemic, as well as vaccination rates," Gabel said. "Unforeseen changes in the pandemic may cause us to adjust our planning, but for now we are confident that this decision is supported by the trends related to pandemic, vaccination rates and the high degree of compliance that Minnesotans overall have shown to reduce the spread of the virus."
The information about campus impacts and admissions impact changes often. Please access the following resources for the most up-to-date information:
- Twin Cities Campus COVID Updates: Please reference the system-wide Safe Campus website which provides frequently updated information on safety measures, back-to-campus plans and more.
- Undergraduate Admissions Adjustments: We have made a variety of adjustments to the application process to support students and their families during this time.
- Flexible Application: We know it is important to be flexible and acknowledge that many elements you intended to include on your application may look different this year. Your activities, sports academics, and family responsibilities have likely changed, and we encourage you to use the short-answer questions on our application to tell us about your circumstances.
Your application will be read in its entirety, and we promise to review your experiences with compassion and understanding. Rather than using equations to grant admission, we get to know your individual story—and that includes the ways in which you faced the challenges of COVID-19.- Sports and Activities - Sports, clubs, teams, and other group activities have all had to change since spring 2020. We understand you may not be participating in any of these activities at this time. In the short-answer questions on the application, please share what you have done over your high school timeframe and what adjustments you've had to make in 2020 and 2021.
- Grades - Many high schools adjusted their grading scales to accommodate the shifts in courses last spring. We are expecting to see different grading patterns and will look at the trend of all your high school grades—not just last spring—to understand your academic performance.
- ACT/SAT test scores are NOT required - Freshman applicants for Fall 2022 or 2023 admission are not required to submit an ACT or SAT score. This policy change was made to ensure every student has the opportunity to submit a complete application. You will select on your application whether or not you would like an ACT/SAT score considered in the review of your application. Important note: once you submit your application, your decision on whether to have an ACT/SAT considered as part of your application is final and cannot be changed. Learn more on our ACT/SAT page
- Holistic Review: We’ve long believed in the importance of reading each application in its entirety. When you apply, we will take the time to understand you as a whole person rather than as a single number or score.
The U of M has proudly joined 350 colleges across the country in signing Care Counts in a Crisis: College Admissions Deans Respond to COVID-19. Care Counts is a promise to you on what admissions professionals value as we read your applications this year: self-care, academic work, service and contributions to others, family contributions, and extracurricular activities.
- Explore the University in-person or virtually: The University is now offering in-person tours of the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses. The Office of Admissions also offers Virtual Tours, Information Sessions, and Admissions Counselor Appointments. Visit our Visits page to learn all of the options!
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
My school is closed and I cannot get my required documents. Can I have more time?
Yes, we will review situations on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Office of Admissions.
My English proficiency test has been cancelled. Can you waive it?
The University of Minnesota accepts additional English proficiency tests during COVID times, for a total of seven test options, so that students have options for completing the English proficiency requirement. To learn how to meet our English proficiency requirements, please visit English Proficiency Information.
I am graduating early. Is that going to affect my admission decision?
As long as you meet high school graduation requirements, there is no concern from the university.
Are my AP and IB credits still going to be accepted if I take the exam from home?
The University of Minnesota respects the expertise of testing boards, schools and educational institutions to make alternative assessment plans for students due to COVID-19. View IB updates related to COVID-19.
What if my school district changed it's grading system to pass/fail? Will that impact my admission to the University of Minnesota?
We won't penalize students for the unprecedented end to the 2020 school year, or 2021 school year. Students should complete the courses as planned for by the school districts. Rest assured that the university academic advisors will be expecting some different grading patterns for this final term and will work with you for the right level of coursework this fall.
Will the University of Minnesota require students, staff, or faculty to get the COVID vaccination?
Students: On August 23, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. This means students will be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19. For more information on this requirement, please review the University’s Get the Vax 2.0 guidance webpage.
Staff and Faculty: The University is asking employees to confirm their current vaccine status and agree to follow public health and testing guidelines.
How do I request a gap year/defer my enrollment?
Please see our gap year page for more information.
My AP and IB exams changed or were cancelled. Will this impact my admission to the University of Minnesota? Will I receive transfer credits?
The University of Minnesota respects the expertise of testing boards, schools and educational institutions to make alternative assessment plans, due to COVID-19, for students finishing their schooling.
Therefore, we will honor the plans set forth by International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), GCE A-level examination boards and other institutions for final documentation of a student's examinations and work. We will continue to honor our current transfer credit rules for International Baccalaureate (IB) and GCE A-levels.
What if my school district changed its grading system to pass/fail? Will that impact my admission to the University of Minnesota?
We won't penalize students for the unprecedented school impacts due to COVID-19. Students should complete the courses as planned for by the school districts. Rest assured, the university understands there will have been shifts in grading patterns and will work with you.
My school is closed and I cannot get my required documents. Can I have more time?
Yes, we will review situations on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Office of Admissions.
I'm planning to take summer courses in my home country or abroad. Are they transferable to the Universityof Minnesota?
If you are considering taking courses outside the U.S. or in your home country this summer, make sure that courses and credits are transferable to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, and discuss with your academic advisor how you may use these courses toward your degree at the U of M. If you are uncertain whether or not they are transferable, contact the Office of Admissions.
Note: Summer programs at Chinese universities are generally not transferable to the UMTC. For more information, visit International Transfer Credits "Non-Affiliated Study Abroad Program."
How is the University of Minnesota approaching issuing I-20s amid this current health situation and travel ban?
At this time there is no change to I-20 issuance for admitted students. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on F-1 international students, and will reach out if we anticipate any impact on students who are planning to attend.
Will I be able to receive an F-1 prior to enrolling?
The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Office provides support and information on how to obtain a VISA.
My A-level, IB, or other exams have been cancelled. Will this impact my admission to the University of Minnesota? Will I receive transfer credits?
The University of Minnesota respects the expertise of testing boards, schools and educational institutions to make alternative assessment plans, due to COVID-19, for students finishing their schooling.
Therefore, we will honor the plans set forth by GCE A-level examination boards, IBO, and other institutions for final documentation of a student's examinations and work. We will continue to honor our current transfer credit rules for GCE A-levels and International Baccalaureate (IB).
How does the University of Minnesota provide support for international students? Where can I find information for current international students at the University?
The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is dedicated to serving the University of Minnesota's international community. ISSS continues to support international students, scholars, staff, and faculty impacted by COVID-19 and offer services while off-site. Visit the ISSS COVID-19 updates and FAQs page for more info.
For more information and updates related to COVID-19 and our University's response, please see University of Minnesota's Safe Campus site.
How will my transfer courses fulfill prerequisite or major rquirements?
Please reference the following information on S/N policy as it pertains to your future U of M college. Note this information only pertains to spring and summer 2020 sessions.
| College | S/N Policy for Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 |
Contact Person | Email Address | Additional Notes/Consideration for students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlson School of Management | Accepting S/N grades for Spring 2020 through Summer 2021 | Eric Ly | [email protected] | View Carlson School of Management's comprehensive S/N guide for their programs. |
| College of Biological Sciences | Accepting S/N grades spring and summer 2020 only | CBS Transfer Team | [email protected] | CBS will accept S grades for courses taken in Spring 2020 and Summer 2020, and will not for Fall 2020 and forward. For ICT/IUT students, a GPA of 2.5 or higher is required in at least three science courses so at least one course needs to be graded. For NAS students, CBS will accept S grades for courses taken in Spring 2020 and Summer 2020. |
| College of Continuing and Professional Studies | Accepting S/N grades for Spring 2020 through Summer 2021 | Willie Wong | [email protected] | |
| College of Design | Accepting S/N grades for Spring 2020 through Summer 2021 | Woody Stulberg | [email protected] | |
| College of Education and Human Development | Accepting S/N grades for Spring 2020 through Summer 2021 | Sheri Beck | [email protected] | If students plan to later apply to graduate/professional programs, this is an additional factor to consider as it is unclear how graduate/professional programs will use S/N grades. |
| College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences | Accepting S/N grades for Spring 2020 through Summer 2021 | Jeff Polski | [email protected] | We caution students interested in Dietetics, Pre-Vet, or other graduate or professional programs that we do not know how S/N grades will be viewed or if they would be accepted. |
| College of Liberal Arts | Accepting S/N grades for Spring 2020 through Summer 2021 | Lexie Warlof | [email protected] | Recommend students contact admissions if their application is on hold pending Spring 2021 grades when making S/N grade changes. |
| College of Science and Engineering | Accepting S/N grades for Spring 2020 through Summer 2021 with restrictions |
Dave Finlayson | [email protected] |
IUT - The Provost's message only addressed changing grade basis for students at the Twin Cities campus so until further notice the assumption is that all system campuses are remaining A/F. We are not changing our policy requiring at least three posted grades A/F by the end of Fall 2020 to be eligible for Fall 2021 admission consideration. |
| Medical Laboratory Sciences | Accepting S/N grades for Spring 2020 through Summer 2021 | Robin Peterson | [email protected] | Would prefer to see admission prerequisites taken on the A-F grading scale. |
| Mortuary Science | Accepting S/N grades for Spring 2020 through Summer 2021 | Ashley Mishek | [email protected] | |
| School of Nursing | Accepting S/N grades for Spring 2020 through Summer 2021 | Greta Simons | [email protected] | We will accept courses on the S/N grade basis but highly recommend taking prerequisites on the A-F grade basis to be a competitive applicant. |