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Freshmen accepted to the University of Minnesota are admitted to one of the freshman-admitting colleges:
(Learn more about the University of Minnesota's colleges.)
Admission to the University of Minnesota is competitive. The overall strongest applicants to each college are selected from a highly talented and competitive group of applicants. The competitiveness of admission each year is based on the number of applications received, the academic qualifications of the applicants, and the number of spaces available in each college's freshman class. To learn more about the students admitted to each of the freshman-admitting colleges for fall 2012, see the academic profile of fall 2012 admitted freshman applicants.
Enrolling an academically qualified, diverse student body is essential to the University's mission. The academic and social environment of the campus is greatly enhanced, and our educational environment prepares our students to contribute to and thrive in a global society.
We believe that selecting students from a highly talented group of applicants requires a very careful, individual, overall assessment of each student's application materials. Each application is reviewed in its entirety and all application materials are carefully considered.
Applicants are considered for admission to the college choices listed on their applications in the order listed. If we are not able to offer admission to the choices listed on the application, applicants are automatically considered for admission to other colleges that we determine may be a good fit with their academic interests and preparation.
Admission decisions are based on a very careful, overall assessment of each student's academic preparation and performance, as well as the additional information provided in the application, based on the primary and secondary factors listed below. Although the strongest consideration in the decision is given to the primary factors, no single factor is the deciding factor in the decision.
Individual circumstances such as those listed below are also considered as part of the overall assessment of each application and may factor into individual decisions.
A very strong curriculum during high school will enhance student success in college, because college courses build on the skills and knowledge taught in high school. The senior year is especially important, and we expect students to continue with math and science for all four years of high school.
Applicants are expected to complete the minimum course requirements listed below. Admission is competitive, and most applicants that are admitted exceed these requirements. Students who have questions about their high school course planning are encouraged to speak with an admissions counselor.
Applicants are expected to complete the minimum course requirements listed below. Admission is competitive and successful applicants typically exceed these requirements.
Admission is competitive and students admitted to the University typically exceed these minimum requirements. A fourth year of math is strongly recommended, as are other academic courses that go beyond the requirements listed below.
(Applicants who are not on track to complete all of the core subject requirements may sometimes be admitted if they have promising academic records and meet other admission requirements.)
| English - 4 years | Emphasis on writing, including instruction in reading and speaking skills and in literary understanding and appreciation. |
| Mathematics - 3 years* 4 years of math are required for Management, Biological Sciences, and Science and Engineering. | Elementary algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra (integrated math 1, 2 & 3). Examples of 4th year math include calculus (preferred), pre-calculus, analysis, integrated math 4. |
| Science - 3 years Biological science, chemistry, and physics are required for Management, Biological Sciences, and Science and Engineering. | Including one year each of biological and physical science, and including a laboratory experience. |
| 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 | |
| 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) |
* Beginning with students who apply for fall 2015 admission, four years of math will be required for all applicants.
Schedule changes: The University expects that students will successfully complete the senior year coursework they list on their admission 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).
The mission of the President's Emerging Scholars Program is to ensure the timely graduation of its participants. This program is designed for students who have faced challenges that may have impacted their high school ranks and test scores, but whose personal experiences and high school records indicate strong potential for success at the University through the President's Emerging Scholars Program.
The President's Emerging Scholars Program offers a number of services that address the needs of students with diverse backgrounds and characteristics, including urban students, first-generation college students, rural students, student parents, students with disabilities, students of color, older students, and non-native speakers of English. Students selected for the President's Emerging Scholars Program will be those applicants who would most benefit from the Program's services.
The President's Emerging Scholars Program will ensure that students have the academic and personal support necessary to achieve academic success in their undergraduate program and their timely graduation from the University of Minnesota. Programmatic elements include:
President's Emerging Scholars are admitted to one of five freshman-admitting colleges; the College of Design, the College of Education and Human Development, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Carlson School of Management. As a condition of their admission, students are required to participate in all programmatic elements of the President's Emerging Scholars Program. Admission decisions are based on an individual, overall assessment of the primary and secondary factors included in each student's application. The primary and secondary review factors take into consideration each student's academic preparation and personal characteristics and circumstances within the context of the opportunities and/or challenges the applicant has had. Preference will be given to first-generation students and other students whose applications demonstrate evidence of having overcome social, economic, or physical barriers to educational achievement. Participants will primarily be Minnesota residents.
