I submitted my Common App. How do I make changes to my courses and grades?

If you've already submitted your Common App, you can use the Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record (STARS) platform to update or enter your course and grade information for your University of Minnesota Twin Cities application.

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I did NOT use the Courses & Grades section on Common App. How can I enter my courses and grades?

If you submitted your Common Application without providing Courses & Grades information, you will need to submit a Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record (STARS) to complete your application.  Log into Application Tracker to access STARS. (Application Tracker is available to you within a few days after submitting your Common App.)

STARS offers an “Easy Import” tool that allows you to upload an unofficial transcript and the STARS platform will pre-populate your courses and grades based on that unofficial transcript. All you need to do is check that the computer imported your transcript data correctly and make any adjustments before you submit.

STARS is used by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as well as many other colleges and universities, allowing applicants a seamless method for submitting and updating academic records to many schools.

How do I update my courses and grades after I submitted my Common App with Courses & Grades?

To update your courses and grades after you have already submitted your Common App with the Courses a& Grades section, go to your Application Tracker and click on the Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record (STARS) link in your checklist.

This link will bring you to the STARS platform. (Common App does not allow users to update courses after submitting the application, so the STARS platform is how we give you the opportunity to make updates.)

Once I receive my senior year grades, should I update my self-reported courses and grades?

If you received a defer or waitlist decision:

We encourage you to report your senior year grades by going to your Application Tracker and clicking on the Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record item on your checklist. Your senior year grades will give us additional information about your individual academic progress to review as we make an admission decision.

If you received an admit decision:

You do not need to send us updates on your senior grades in the winter or spring. If you choose to confirm your enrollment to the U of M, you will send your final transcript by July 1 after your senior year. We will review it to verify your academic performance.

However, if your senior year grades decline significantly and you are concerned about your academic progress, you must consult with an admissions counselor at 612-625-2008 or 1-800-752-1000. Unsuccessful completion of senior year coursework and/or a significant decline in academic performance during the senior year may result in the cancellation of admission.

What if my senior year courses have changed after submitting my application?

Changes in senior year coursework may result in a change to the student's college of admission. If you are considering making changes to your senior year courses or if you are concerned about your academic progress in any of your courses, you must consult with your admissions counselor right away at 612-625-2008, 1-800-752-1000, or z.umn.edu/ContactAdmissions.

How will my courses and grades be reviewed?

Your self-reported courses and grades—as well as your application form—will go through an individual holistic review by our admissions team (no automatic formulas are used). Each University of Minnesota Twin Cities admission application is carefully reviewed and admission is based on an overall assessment of the applicant's academic and context factors. A complete list of these factors is included below.

Holistic Review

Academic Factors

Because the greatest predictor of college success is academic preparation, the strongest consideration in the decision is given to a student's high school record. Our promise to you is that we will look at the overall trend of your high school performance to understand your academic preparation. The following academic factors are considered:

  • Coursework through high school graduation (Admitted students typically exceed the University's high school requirements. See course requirements.)
  • Grades in academic coursework
  • Class rank/Grade point average (if available)
  • Rigor of academic curriculum based on what is available in the high school (including enrollment in honors, AP, IB, A-Level, or college-level courses when available.)
  • ACT or SAT scores (Submitting an ACT/SAT score is not required on applications for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 terms. All students*, whether or not they submit a test score, will receive full consideration for admission, scholarships, and the University Honors Program. For more information, please visit our ACT/SAT FAQ)
  • English Proficiency test score (when required)
  • Applicant's academic interests (We review a student's academic preparation related to the major/college for which they are seeking admission.)

Context Factors

Individual circumstances are also considered as part of the overall assessment of each application. Enrolling a diverse student body—with students bringing differing experiences, talents, and perspectives to their scholarly community—is essential to achieving the learning and development outcomes of a University of Minnesota education. 

Our holistic review takes into consideration the individual circumstances that make each individual student unique. While we do not consider an applicant's race, ethnicity, gender, or other identity as prohibited by law, we consider the following context factors in our decision review:

  • Evidence of exceptional achievement, aptitude, or personal accomplishment not reflected in the academic record
  • Participation in extracurricular activities related to your intended major
  • Strong commitment to community service, leadership, and educational involvement
  • Evidence of having overcome social, economic, or physical barriers to educational achievement
  • First-generation college student
  • Significant responsibility in a family, community, job, or activity
  • Contribution to the broad diversity of the student body
  • Personal or extenuating circumstances
  • Military service
  • Information received in open-ended questions

What happens if I made a mistake or typo?

If you notice a typo in your courses and grades after you've submitted your Common App, you can use our STARS platform (Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System) to update your courses and grades. 

To access this platform, visit your Application Tracker and click on the Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record (STARS) item in your checklist.

How will you verify that my grades and scores are correct?

If you are admitted to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and confirm your enrollment, you must submit by July 1:

  • an official final high school transcript that lists your graduation date, and
  • official ACT/SAT scores (only if you chose to have an ACT/SAT score considered in the review of your application) and official English proficiency scores (if applicable) from the testing agency

We will compare your official transcript and test scores against your Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record (STARS).

If we find any discrepancies, we will follow our Verification of Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record Policy. The University of Minnesota has the right to cancel enrollment for any students who misrepresented their academic record.