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 2023, 2024, and 2025 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 and ethnicity, 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 cultural, gender, age, economic, or geographic diversity of the student body
- Personal or extenuating circumstances
- Military service
- Information received in open-ended questions