First-Year Students

What we look for in our UMD applicants

We make our admission decisions are based on the overall assessment of each student’s academic preparation and performance around the primary and secondary factors listed below:

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Primary Factors

  • Grade point average
  • Completion of high school preparation guidelines

Secondary Factors

  • ACT/SAT scores
  • College level coursework completed through PSEO and CITS
  • Contribution to diversity
  • Evidence of having overcome barriers to educational achievement
  • Exceptional talent
  • First generation college student
  • Military service
  • Personal statement and letters of recommendation
  • Significant responsibility in a family, community, job, or activity
  • Specific high school courses, grade trends, and rigor of academic curriculum

Academic Profile

Students who attend UMD have varying academic profiles. Students in different majors and areas of study can fall into different areas of the ranges below. Please contact us if you have any questions about the academic profile of our students. 

  • 3.3 - 3.8 GPA
  • 21 - 26 ACT

These numbers show the middle 50% of freshmen who enrolled in Fall 2018, meaning that 25% of students were below this range and 25% were above. Some programs may have admitted at a more competitive level.

MOHE MN Direct Admissions Program

UMD is a member of the Office of Higher Education's new program called Direct Admissions. This pilot program will notify graduating high school seniors from selected Minnesota high schools that there are multiple partner colleges and universities that are eager to admit them based on their academic records and their projected graduation date.

Deadlines

Fall 2024 Priority Application Deadline is December 15.