Welcome! We're so glad your student is considering the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. At the University of Minnesota, your son or daughter will find great academics, including 150 outstanding academic programs; award-winning faculty; and opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and study abroad at a great location in the thriving Twin Cities.
Why Choose the U of M?
With 150+ majors, caring advisors, renowned professors, and 900+ student organizations on a thriving Big 10 campus, the U of M is a place where you can experience countless adventures and achieve your goals and dreams. Follow the links below to explore all that we have to offer!
Planning Information for Families
- Join our mailing list: Encourage your student to sign up for information and event invitations from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Office of Admissions.
- College Planning Tips: Wondering what courses your child should take during high school? Whether your student is in eighth or twelfth grade, this information will help your child prepare for admission and university-level study.
- Next Steps: Based on your child's year in high school, find the next steps and deadlines for your family.
- ACT and SAT: Learn more about our ACT/SAT requirements and get information about test dates and registration. Please note: the University of Minnesota Twin Cities will not require an ACT or SAT score for the 2023, 2024 or 2025 applications.
- Tips for Your Campus Visit: Planning a campus visit? These five tips will help you make the most of your day.
- Minnesota Cooperative Admissions Program (MnCAP): MnCAP is an admissions program that serves students planning to transfer from Minnesota's public two-year campuses to transfer-admitting colleges at the University of Minnesota.
Parent Resources
- Gopher Family Connection: Subscribe to our news portal and email service for parents/supporters of prospective and current Gophers. You can customize your topics to get the type of U of M news and tips that interest you most.
- FERPA: Federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that allows parents access to their children’s educational records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a post-secondary institution (at any age), the rights under FERPA transfer from the parent to the student. At the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, federal law, state law and regents’ policy govern access and release of student records.
- Prospective Student and Family Publications: This webpage offers a variety of digital publications, including our Freshman Preview, Multicultural Communities Booklet, and viewbooks for each of our 8 Freshman admitted colleges, College Planning Timeline, and more.
- University of Minnesota Parent & Family Program: The University of Minnesota Parent & Family Program fosters relationships between the University and the parents of our students in order to support and foster student success. This site is your one-stop shop for information about campus events, important dates, and programs available to you and your student. Tap into a network of families with students at the U of M.
- The University Parent & Family Program works with parents to help you understand today's student experience, support your student's learning, and empower your child to take personal responsibility for their social and academic choices.
- Campus Safety and Security Information for Families: The health and safety of our students is our number-one priority. This page contains information about emergency notifications, prevention, health services on campus, and other essential services that keep our students safe.
- At Home in MN: This is a program focused on making out-of-state students feel more welcome in Minnesota and at the U of M. While we are focused on helping all U of M students make a successful transition to college life, we recognize that out-of-state students sometimes have unique concerns, such as traveling to/from their home state, adjusting to a new climate, and finding a local healthcare provider. The supporting faculty and staff of @Home in MN are excited that you chose this University and want to do everything they can to help you address your specific concerns so your student has a successful transition to both college and the state of Minnesota.
Upcoming Events from the Office of Admissions
Events and visits are one of the best ways to learn more about campus, U of M resources, and the process of becoming a Golden Gopher. We can't wait to see you on our historic Big Ten campus soon.
We offer events for specific communities to help each student learn more about the programs they may find useful if they choose to be a Gopher! Events can be attended by anyone wishing to learn more about topics specifically related to the communities we showcase. If you have questions about which events are best for your student, don’t hesitate to contact us. The Office of Admissions invites and welcomes people of all abilities, races, ethnicities, nationalities, genders, religions, sexual orientations, and beliefs.
Note: If you are a parent, family member or a supporter, please register for events under your student’s name and information to ensure future communications are delivered appropriately. Registration for admitted and confirmed students must be completed by the student using their Student ID number.
What types of events are hosted every year?
Upcoming Events
The Office of Admissions invites and welcomes people of all abilities, races, ethnicities, nationalities, genders, religions, sexual orientations, and beliefs.
Family Resources for College Search and Terms
Wherever your student is in their college search, there are many new terms to learn and tasks to complete. At the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, we are committed to helping your student and you navigate this journey. We have created the following documents for parents to help with terminology, actions and next steps they may encounter during their student's college search. The following documents are also available in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.
