Course and Test Requirements
High School Course Expectations
A very strong curriculum during high school will enhance your success in college, because college courses build on the skills and knowledge you acquire in high school. Your senior year is especially important. We expect students to continue with academic coursework, including math and science, for all four years of high school. In addition, we expect that students maintain their strong academic performance through graduation. Please note that admission is competitive, so successful applicants typically exceed these expectations listed below.
English - 4 years | Emphasis on writing, including instruction in reading and speaking skills and in literary understanding and appreciation. |
Mathematics - 4 years | Elementary algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra (integrated math 1, 2 & 3). Examples of 4th year math include calculus (preferred), pre-calculus, analysis, integrated math 4. Learn more about mathematics requirements. |
Science - 3 years | Including one year each of biological and physical science, and including a laboratory experience. Note: Biology and chemistry are expected for the College of Biological Sciences and the College of Science and Engineering, while physics is also expected for the College of Science and Engineering. |
Social studies - 3 years | Including one year each of U.S. history and geography (or a course that includes a geography component such as world history, western civilization, or global studies) |
Single second language - 2 years | If English is not your first language, you have already met this requirement. |
Visual and/or performing arts - 1 year | Including instruction in the history and interpretation of the art form (e.g. theater arts, music, band, chorus, orchestra, drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, media production, theater production) |
Schedule Changes & Senior Year Performance
The University expects that students will successfully complete the senior year coursework they self-report at the time of application. Schedule changes of academic coursework during the senior year and/or the unsuccessful completion of senior year coursework may result in the cancellation of admission or a change to the college of admission. Students considering making schedule changes, or those who are concerned about their academic progress in any of their courses, must consult with their U of M admissions counselor (1-800-752-1000 or 612-625-2008).
Prior to enrolling at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, all confirmed students must graduate from high school and/or secondary school, or complete a GED, and provide an official test score (if you included an ACT, SAT or English proficiency score on your application) from the testing agency prior to the first day of fall semester. These official documents will be carefully reviewed against the Self-Reported Academic Record.
For international students, final secondary school documents may include exam results such as, but not limited to, IB, A-level, WAEC, HKDSE, SPM, CISCE/CBSE, and WAEC.
For more information on senior year performance, please visit Final High School Transcript and Senior Year Grades.
ACT / SAT Information
Freshman Admission
Freshman applicants through the fall 2027 term are not required to submit an ACT or SAT test score. This policy change was expanded to ensure every student has the opportunity to submit a complete application.
Whether or not you choose to have your ACT/SAT score considered as part of your application, your application will:
- Receive full consideration for admission, scholarships, and our University Honors Program.
- Be read in its entirety during our individual review process.
On your application, you will indicate whether you would like an ACT/SAT score considered in the review of your application. Once you submit your application, your decision is final and cannot be amended, with the exception for test access or cancellation circumstances. An applicant who originally indicated the intent to submit a test score, but can no longer take the exam and therefore can not complete their application, can request to change their original answer to this question by completing an amendment form.
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Why is this change being made? Is it permanent?
During the start of the pandemic in 2020, the University of Minnesota made ACT/SAT scores optional due to test cancellations. At this time, it is a temporary policy change through 2027 while we research its impact on students.
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 2027, we will communicate this to future applicants.
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How do I indicate on my application whether I want to include test scores?
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:
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Can I change my mind about whether to have an ACT/SAT score considered as part of my 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:
- 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.
- Make fair and consistent admission decisions.
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If I have already taken (or will be taking) the ACT or SAT, how do I decide whether to submit my score?
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.
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If I have already sent my score directly from the testing agency, can I ask that it not be considered in my admission decision?
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.
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If I send a test score, could it potentially hurt or help my chances of admission?
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. 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.
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Are there other application materials/items that are required or encouraged?
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.
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Do international students have to submit an ACT/SAT score or an English proficiency score?
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities requires students who meet certain criteria to demonstrate a command of the English language. This is necessary for success in college-level classes taught in English. Applicants who are required to submit English language proficiency test results when they apply for undergraduate admissions are:
- International students (temporary visa holders) except for those from an exempt country.
- Non-international students whose first language is not English and/or who have been studying in schools in the U.S. for less than 4 years by the time of enrollment at the University of Minnesota.
Please note: 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. Visit our English Proficiency page for more information on ways to meet this requirement.
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How do I register for a test or submit an official test score to the University of Minnesota?
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
You can self-report your score as part of the application process if you choose; if you're admitted, you'll be asked to submit your official score after you confirm your enrollment to the U of M.
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Do I need to take the writing portions of the exams?
No. The writing exam is not required.
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Will my ACT scores be accepted if I take the exam online?
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.
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I am thinking of retaking an individual section of the ACT. Will you accept individual ACT section tests?
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.
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Does the University of Minnesota accept superscores?
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.
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Why is the "Testing" page blank on my Common App PDF preview?
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.
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If you are a transfer applicant with 26 or more transferable credits:
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.
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If you are a transfer student with fewer than 26 transferable credits:
An ACT/SAT score is not required for applicants through the fall 2027 term. 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.
English Proficiency Information
English Language Proficiency Requirements
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities requires students who meet certain criteria to demonstrate a command of the English language. This is necessary for success in college-level classes taught in English. Applicants who are required to submit English language proficiency test results when they apply for undergraduate admissions are:
- International students (temporary visa holders) except for those from an exempt country.
- Non-international students whose first language is not English and/or who have been studying in schools in the U.S. for less than four years by the time of enrollment at the University of Minnesota.
Please note: 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 below for more information on ways to meet this requirement.
Applicants can find out if they need to take an English proficiency test by checking their Application Tracker.
English Proficiency Test Options
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities accepts the results from the English language proficiency tests listed below. Registration information is available at each test's website.
Minimum Required Scores for Admission
Test | Test Score | Writing Subscore |
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| 79* | 21 |
IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Pearson Test of Academic English (PTE Academic) | 59 | 59 |
Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) C1 Advanced | 180 | 180 |
Duolingo | 110 | 110 (Literacy) |
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 may admit students with lower scores.
*The University of Minnesota Twin Cities does not consider MyBest Scores: Sum of Highest Section Scores of the TOEFL iBT Score Report to meet the minimum total score requirement for admission. Freshman applicants should self-report their highest Total Score from the one test date as well as their highest Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing subscores each from one test date. Transfer applicants should submit their official TOEFL iBT scores via ETS.
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Exemption by Country
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
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High School Curriculum
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.
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ACT or SAT
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 2027.)
ACT | Minimum Required Score |
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Both English & Reading | 21 |
Writing | 8 |
SAT | Minimum Required Score |
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Evidence Based Reading & Writing | 540 |
Writing & Language | 28 |
NOTE: Minimum Required Score for Digital SAT is 550 in Reading & Writing
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U.S. Transfer Coursework
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.
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Current MELP Students
Students enrolled in the Minnesota English Language Program (MELP) Intensive English Program (IEP) may use their grades 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Am I exempt from the English proficiency test requirement?
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.
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I’m a US citizen or permanent resident. Do I need to take an English proficiency test?
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.”
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How do I know whether or not I have completed more than 26 transferable semester credits and the course equivalent to the U of M first-year writing course at a U.S. institution?
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.
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What if my English proficiency score does not meet the minimum required scores?
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.
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What is an AZ hold on my student account?
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. After you confirm your enrollment, 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.
- 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. After you confirm your enrollment, MELP advisors will reach out to you to schedule an appointment.
- 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. You must submit your new test score before participating in orientation.
- 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 (WRIT 1301) or have completed 60 or more total transferable credits, submit your updated official transcript to the Office of Admissions before participating in orientation.
Conditional Admissions for International Freshman
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities offers conditional admission to a limited number of academically qualified fall term international freshman applicants who require additional English language instruction in order to be successful degree-seeking students at the University of Minnesota. 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.
Students accepted to this program complete one year of intensive English language study at the University's Minnesota English Language Program (MELP). After one year, program participants who have demonstrated high enough English proficiency are admitted for the following fall semester as a degree-seeking student.
For more information, visit Frequently Asked Questions about Conditional Admission.
Note: The University of Minnesota Twin Cities does not offer Conditional Admission for transfer applicants. Transfer applicants may apply for a later term after they have completed the English proficiency requirement.
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What is the minimum required English proficiency test score for Conditional Admission?
Test | Minimum Total Score |
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TOEFL iBT (U of M test code: 6874) | 53 |
IELTS Academic | 5.5 |
PTE Academic | 42 |
CAE C1 Advanced | 160 |
Duolingo | 89 |
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.
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Can I be considered for Conditional Admission? How do I apply for Conditional Admission?
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.
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Can I study English language at the University of Minnesota before applying for freshman or transfer 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
TRIO College English Transitions Program
The TRIO College English Transitions Program (housed within the College of Education and Human Development President’s Emerging Scholars Program) is a specialized learning community for students who are nonnative speakers of English. The program is designed to help students build academic English skills while taking a sequence of typical college courses, including: freshman writing, speech, literature, and reading courses connected to biology, sociology, and anthropology. All courses offer college credit and fulfill U of M requirements.