Frequently Asked Questions about Conditional Admission

Conditional Admission means you are academically qualified for admission to the University of Minnesota. However, because your English proficiency is below the minimum level we require for admission to our degree programs, you will need to enroll in the Intensive English Program (IEP) in the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota English Language Program (MELP) in order to achieve the level of English proficiency that will allow you to be successful in your academic program. You will be eligible for admission to your academic program for the fall semester noted in your letter once you have demonstrated you have met the University’s English proficiency requirement.

Detailed information about MELP and the MELP application are available on the MELP website.

Students who are conditionally admitted begin their studies in their intended major in the fall term noted in their conditional admission letter after successfully completing the Minnesota English Language Program’s Intensive English Program (IEP) and achieving the required minimum English proficiency score  as measured by MELP’s End of Term Assessment, or by passing all courses at the high-advanced level (Level 4) in the IEP with a grade average of 80% or higher. While at MELP, the focus of study is on English improvement. English proficiency requirements are provided below under the question, "What are the English proficiency requirements to be  eligible to enroll in my degree program?"

At MELP, you will take courses to develop the English language skills needed to be a successful student in a degree program at the University of Minnesota. Courses are designed to help you improve your grammar, reading, writing, speaking, listening, and pronunciation skills in English. MELP students at higher English proficiency levels may have the option of taking an academic course (for degree credit) in another subject area, in addition to their English language classes.

Students in the intensive English program take between 22 and 25 hours of English per week. Conditionally admitted students study the Intensive English Program for two semesters. The conditional admission offer is valid until the fall term noted in the conditional admission letter. If the minimum score is not achieved by the end of the spring semester, the student will need to reapply for admission for the next fall semester.

Students who pass all of their courses in MELP and score 550 or higher on MELP’s End of Term Assessment will be eligible for admission to their degree program, and they will not be required to enroll in any further English language courses. 

Alternatively, students who complete the high-advanced level (Level 4) in the IEP with a grade average of 80% or higher may use their Level 4 grades instead of a test score to show they are eligible for admission to their degree program without any further English language courses.  Students who do not meet this Level 4 grade requirement but have an End of Term Assessment score between 520 and 550 will be eligible for admission, but they will be required to take an additional English language course, in addition to their academic coursework, during their first semester as a degree-seeking student. Students who score below 520 will not be eligible for admission as degree- seeking students and will need to reapply for admission for the following fall term. 

NOTE: Students conditionally admitted to the Carlson School of Management (CSOM) need to achieve a minimum End of Term Assessment score of 550 to be eligible for admission to their degree programs.

Courses in the Intensive English Program do not earn credit towards a degree program. However, if a student is proficient enough, they may take a course for credit each semester that will count towards a degree program. Additional details regarding the types of courses that earn credit will be provided by MELP.

The international student advisor at MELP will help advise you on your classes while you are a student in MELP. This advisor will work with non-degree advisors and advisors in your intended degree program if you are eligible to take a credit course while you are a student in MELP.

Current costs for tuition, health insurance, housing, books, and other expenses are available on the MELP website.

You may apply for on-campus housing as a MELP student. However, on-campus housing deadlines are May 1 for fall semester, so apply early. To apply for housing, include a housing application with your MELP application. For more information, see the MELP website.

Staff in the Minnesota English Language Program would be pleased to answer your questions. They may be reached by phone at 612-624-1503 or by email at [email protected].