Course and Test Requirements

This change is in response to the challenge of scheduling standardized tests during the pandemic. At this time, it is a temporary policy change through 2025.

Over the coming years, the Office of Undergraduate Education will be continuing its analysis of standardized tests and their role in admissions on the Twin Cities campus. This review includes examining educational literature, benchmarking of peer institutions, and considerations of the impact on rankings, student success, and diversity for a "no test required" approach to admissions in the future. When the results of this analysis are ready and we have made an informed decision about our applications beyond 2025, we will communicate this to future applicants.

Both of our application platforms include a question asking whether you'd like to have an ACT/SAT score considered in the review of your application. You'll find this question in the Education Background section of the Golden Gopher Application; on the Common App, it's in the Testing section within the University of Minnesota Twin Cities questions.

Common App:

Golden Gopher Application: 

Once a student submits their application, their decision on whether to include an ACT/SAT score in the review of their application is final and cannot be amended. Exception: an applicant can request to change their original answer via an amendment form if they had opted to have an ACT/SAT score reviewed as part of their application but can no longer take the exam (and subsequently complete their application) due to test access or cancellations.

This will allow our admissions committee to:

1. Know when a student's application is complete (i.e., the student has submitted all the information they wish to have considered as part of their application) and ready for review.
2. Make fair and consistent admission decisions.

Students can reference the academic profile of the middle 50th percentile of freshman applicants admitted. We also encourage conversations with high school counselors and our admissions counselors for guidance.

We know that many students have already sent their official score to the U of M. Please see below for details about that scenario.

Yes. If you have already submitted a score to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities but select "No" for whether you'd like to have an ACT/SAT considered during the review of your application, your test score will not appear on the materials used to review your application.

All applications—those with and without test scores—will be read in their entirety and reviewed for admission, scholarships, and Honors using academic and context factors (see full list of holistic review factors). The academic factors (like grades, class rank, GPA, course rigor, and test score, if provided) focus on your academic preparedness for University of Minnesota programs. The context factors include characteristics like outstanding achievement or aptitude in a particular area, commitment to community service or family responsibilities; these factors demonstrate your potential contributions to our community of scholars.

Some applicants may feel that an SAT or ACT score does not fully reflect their academic preparedness or potential. Additionally, we understand that students might be unable to take an ACT/SAT exam due to scheduling challenges brought by COVID-19. If a student does not provide an ACT/SAT score, we will review their application using the rest of our academic and context factors.

For many applicants, an ACT/SAT score can reflect their preparation for college. We encourage any applicant who has taken the SAT or ACT to share their scores with us if the student believes that they are reflective of your ability and potential. If a student does provide an ACT/SAT score as part of their application, it will be reviewed as an academic factor. Please note that your choice about test consideration is not reversible.

If a student chooses not to have an ACT/SAT considered during their application review, there are no requirements for submitting other materials in lieu of a score (such as an essay or recommendation). We do, however, recommend that all applicants fill out our application as thoroughly as possible.

All students must self-report all of their high school courses and grades on the application. There is also a section to tell us about participation in activities and work. On top of that, students can choose if and how they share additional information about their college preparation. This could include crafting a personal response to our short answer questions, or submitting a letter of recommendation (only if it provides specific insight and details about academic abilities). Once a student submits their application, their decision on whether to include an ACT/SAT in the review of their application is final and cannot be amended.

International students must submit an English proficiency test score. Domestic students who are non-native English speakers might be asked to submit English proficiency scores if they have lived in the U.S. for fewer than eight years. Our English proficiency page for international students includes alternate test options during COVID-19.

Although an ACT/SAT test score is not required for international students, you can choose to use ACT or SAT scores as demonstration of your English proficiency. If you would like to do this, you must select "Yes" on the application when asked if you would like an ACT/SAT score considered during review of your application. Your ACT/SAT score will be reviewed as an academic factor and as your English proficiency requirement.

Your official test scores may be sent directly to the University of Minnesota, using one of the codes listed below:

ACT

Website: www.actstudent.org
Phone: 319-337-1270
U of M test code: 2156

SAT

Website: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg.html
Phone: 866-756-7346
U of M test code: 6874

For the latest information on SAT and ACT testing and their responses to COVID-19, please visit their webpages:

• SAT COVID-19 Information
• ACT COVID-19 Information

You can also self-report your score as part of the application process if you choose.

No. The writing exam is not required.

The U of M will accept online ACT test scores when they become available. No matter what format the test is taken, online or paper, students should continue to request ACT to send their official composite score.

Yes, however it can not be used to create a superscore or new final score. If students wish to have their individual ACT section subscores considered as part of their admission decision, they should self-report the scores when they apply or request them to be sent directly to the U of M by ACT.

We will evaluate how these new options can help students reach their maximum potential as they prepare for college. We will continue to revisit our policies as we better understand the impacts of these changes.

The U of M does not accept and will not use ACT superscores to determine admission or scholarship decisions. Students can also self-report up to three composite ACT test scores on their application. All self-reported ACT scores are verified with ACT. Any discrepancies between official and self-reported scores may influence admission decisions and awarded scholarships.

For all applicants, the "Testing" page on your Common App submission preview PDF will be blank with a small note: "There are no test scores to report." This blank page is intentional to ensure that our application reader team does not see scores from students who do not want an ACT/SAT score reviewed as part of their application.

If you selected "Yes" on your application to indicate that you'd like your ACT/SAT scores included in the review of your application, rest assured that we will still receive the ACT, SAT, or English proficiency scores that you self-reported on your Common App even though they don't appear in your Common App PDF.

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.

Our Golden Gopher Application will prompt you to choose whether or not you would like your ACT/SAT score included on your application. We recommend you select "No." Should you select "Yes," please know that your ACT/SAT score will not be reviewed.

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.

Our Golden Gopher Application will ask whether you'd like your ACT/SAT score considered during review of your application. If you answer "Yes," we will include a test score as part of your application checklist and you will be required to send us a test score (ACT code: 2156, SAT code: 6874). If you answer "No," we will not review your ACT/SAT score(s) as part of your application, even if you have already sent them to us.

Please note: you will acknowledge on the application that you cannot change your mind about including a test score in your application materials once you press submit.

Applicants from the following countries whose first language is English are exempt from the English language test requirement:

• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Bermuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Canada (except Quebec)
• Cayman Islands
• Dominica
• England
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Ghana
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• Kenya
• Monserrat
• New Zealand
• Nigeria
• Northern Ireland
• Palau
• Scotland
• Seychelles
• Shetland Islands
• St. Kitts-Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Singapore
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Wales
• U.S. Territories including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Virgin Islands

Students that have enrolled in and completed accelerated English coursework such as AP English, A-level English or IB English Language and Literature within or outside of the United States may be exempted from providing an English proficiency test.

Applicants who have exceeded the following minimum required scores on ACT or SAT may be exempted from the English proficiency test. (Submitting an ACT/SAT score is not required for  applicants through fall 2025.)

Transfer applicants may be exempt from the English proficiency test if they have successfully completed one of the following:

• 26 or more transferable semester credits at a two or four-year post-secondary institution in the United States AND the equivalent of the U of MN first-year English writing course requirement with a grade of C or better; OR
• 60 or more transferable semester credits at a two or four-year postsecondary institution in the United States

The English proficiency test exemption may be granted on a case-by-case basis upon successful completion of one full year of transferable credits from a U.S. institution even if the applicant has not met one of the requirements stated above. Contact the Office of Admissions with questions.

Students enrolled in the Minnesota English Language Program (MELP) Intensive English Program (IEP) may use their grades, coursework or End of Term Assessment (ETA) scores in lieu of other English proficiency test results. This is for students who are applying for degree admission while enrolled in MELP. Students who leave the program and apply for admission for a later term may need to submit other evidence of English proficiency.

Applicants will know if an English proficiency test is required via Application Tracker.

An English proficiency test may be waived if applicants meet the English proficiency requirements in an alternate way; for instance, ACT or SAT results, transfer courses from other U.S. institutions, specific high school curriculums, or country of origin. See above for more information on Other Ways to Meet English Proficiency Requirements.

If you have been studying in the United States for less than 4 years, you may be required to submit the results of an English proficiency test. An English proficiency test may be waived if you meet the English proficiency requirements in alternate ways. Review “Alternate ways to meet English Proficiency Requirements > Exemption by Country.”

To determine if your classes will transfer to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and if your class is the equivalent of the U of M  first year or freshman writing requirement, please visit transferology.com. Transferology is a transfer credit database that lists all transfer courses previously evaluated by the U of M Twin Cities.

You will need to create an account, and place the credits you are inquiring about into the "Will My Courses Transfer" section. Once these courses are entered, click search for matches and find the University of Minnesota Twin cities. Select the percentage rate that is shown. Transferology now will bring up a list of what courses will transfer, and what they will transfer as. For the English proficiency requirement, you will check if the course is listed as a First Year Writing Course.

Note: Currently, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities does not provide international transfer credit evaluation through Transferology.

All undergraduate programs at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities require a specific minimum score for admission. The Carlson School of Management will not admit applicants who have not met both the Total Score and Writing Subscore requirements.

Some undergraduate programs and colleges may admit students with lower scores. After they are admitted and confirm their enrollment, they can fulfill the University of Minnesota English proficiency requirements. We place an AZ hold on these student's University of Minnesota accounts.

U.S. Students

U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are otherwise eligible for admission to the President's Emerging Scholars (PES) Program in the College of Education and Human Development may study English through the College English Transitions program. International students on visas are not eligible for this program.

College English Transitions is a freshman program at the U of M for students who are non-native speakers of English. The program is designed to help students build academic English skills while taking a sequence of typical President's Emerging Scholars Program courses, including: freshman writing, speech, and reading courses connected to biology, sociology, chemistry, and psychology. All courses offer college credit and fulfill U of M requirements. For more information regarding the College English Transitions program, contact 612-625-0772 or cehd.umn.edu/trio/cet.

International Students

Some international freshman applicants whose English proficiency test scores do not meet the University's minimum requirements are automatically considered for Conditional Admission to the University of Minnesota based on a review of their completed application for admission. Review "Conditional Admissions for International Freshmen” below.

The AZ hold is a reminder that degree-seeking undergraduate students who did not meet the University of Minnesota's English proficiency requirements at the time of admittance still need to fulfill the requirements. The AZ hold does not mean you have been offered Conditional Admission.

You can clear your AZ hold by doing any one of the following:

• Enroll in the required English language course during your first semester in addition to your other academic courses. Before your orientation, an advisor from the Minnesota English Language Program (MELP) will reach out to you with more information on which course to register for. You will then register for the course when you register for the other courses in your major during orientation. Contact MELP at [email protected] for more information.
• Take an English proficiency test administered by the University’s Minnesota English Language Program (MELP) upon arrival to campus. If you feel your English has improved since your last exam, you have the option of taking the Minnesota Battery Test when you arrive on campus. There is a $45 fee for the test. Depending on your test results, you may still be required to take an English language course during your first semester in your degree program, in addition to courses in your major. Contact MELP at [email protected] for more information.
• Submit a more recent English proficiency test score if you have one that meets the University of Minnesota standard, you can submit the official test score to the Office of Admissions. Both total score and writing subscore must meet or exceed the minimum required scores.
• If you are a transfer student and have completed more than 26 transferable semester credits at a U.S. school as well as a freshman writing course equivalent to the U of M freshman composition course or have completed 60 or more total transferable credits, submit your official transcript to the Office of Admissions.

These scores have been determined by experienced English Language instructors and researchers within the University's Minnesota English Language Program (MELP), and they reflect how much progress can be expected in one year of intensive English language study.

Conditional Admissions may be available for an international freshman applicant. To be considered for Conditional Admission, submit a complete application for freshman admission to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities by the application deadlines.

We offer Conditional Admission to a limited number of academically qualified international freshman applicants who require additional English language instruction in order to be successful degree-seeking students at the University of Minnesota. Conditional admission is offered for fall semester only. This program is intended for students whose English language proficiency test scores indicate they would benefit from an entire year of intensive English language instruction.

For more information, visit Frequently Asked Questions about Conditional Admission.

Yes. The University's Minnesota English Language Program (MELP) offers an Intensive English Language program for international students wishing to improve their English skills before applying for admission. Students who take English language courses at the MELP have access to the University's many resources and facilities. Classes are small, instructors are highly qualified, and students will receive advising and support services designed specifically for them. More information on the MELP is available below.

Minnesota English Language Program (MELP)

University of Minnesota
College of Continuing & Professional Studies
20 Nicholson Hall
216 Pillsbury Drive SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-624-1503
Web: ccaps.umn.edu/minnesota-english-language-program