university of minnesota resume requirements

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• Resume & Cover Letter

Resumes and cover letters may be needed for a variety of reasons - scholarships, internship/co-op/job applications, graduate or professional school, class assignment, etc. Here are the tools to help you start and update your documents.

How to Write a Resume or CV

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Resumes and Cover Letters

What is the purpose of a resume or cv.

Depending on the opportunity you’re applying for, you may be asked to submit a resume or CV. A resume is a targeted summary of your skills and experiences relevant to the application you are submitting whether that be a job/internship, a research opportunity, or a scholarship, whereas a CV is a complete list of ALL academic credentials and experiences.

+ Resume Guides

• Resume Guide 1
• Resume Guide 2
• How to fill out common resume sections

Be Successful

To help you succeed on your job hunt, we explain exactly how to write a good resume following basic steps, and provide detailed examples along the way:

• Choose the best resume format
• List your contact information
• Write a winning resume introduction
• Highlight your relevant work experience
• Create a clear education section
• Add relevant skills for the job. Does your résumé address the requirements stated for the position?
• Tie in key certifications, awards, & honors
• Pick the ideal resume layout
• Write a matching cover letter
• Proofread your resume

Please, please, please keep your resume on one page! Choose a form/style that is aesthetically-pleasing to you, and easy to read. Play around with the placement and titles of each section. Utilize shading, spacing and underlining to draw the readers’ eyes to particular words, phrases and roles. The white space on your resume is as important as the content. While some fields tend to be flexible about resume formats from potential candidates, others remain quite traditional. Take note of your roles of interest, and do a bit of research to learn more about company culture. We strongly encourage you to preview the resume samples listed above for assistance, but there are many templates that are useful.

When selecting a resume font (and there should only be ONE), please keep in mind the industry(ies) that you’re applying to. Maintain consistent formatting throughout your resume. Make use of the list of action verbs available on our resume guide to put forth a detailed and concise description of your roles and activities. Prioritize, consolidate, and cut when necessary. After completion, proofread for spelling AND grammatical errors.

Last, but not least, have fun! There is no one way to create a resume, so feel free to explore formats, styles and fonts

+ Resume Examples

• Resume General 1 (PDF)
• Resume General 1 (Google Doc)
• Resume General 2
• Resume Skeleton

+ What Employers Look for on Resumes

The attributes employers seek on students' resumes.

Source: Job Outlook 2021 Spring Update, National Association of Colleges and Employers

Problem-Solving Skills Top Attributes Employers Seek on Resumes

Source: Job Outlook 2022, National Association of Colleges and Employers

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that complements your resume. The cover letter gives you space to show the employer how your experiences and skills relate to the position you’re applying for. Customize your letter for the employer and position to stand out from the competition! While not always required, you can strengthen your application by writing a cover letter whenever you have the opportunity to submit one.

+ Cover Letter Guides

• Cover Letter Guide
• Cover Letters, References and Thank You Notes

+ Cover Letter Examples

• Cover Letter (Anatomy)

Welcome to Career Services' New Site!

The site is still under construction. More information will be added in the coming weeks. If you have any questions send us an email at [email protected] .

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How to Fill Out Common Resume Sections

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Your browser doesn't support HTML video.

In our previous video we tackled some of the bigger-picture questions such as “should I include a summary or statement?” and “is it ok to use a template?” Now we focus on constructing each individual section of a standard, chronological resume. Find out whether or not to include your GPA, where to place your education section, what to exclude from your contact information, and more!

Grad School Application

On this page:, personal statements, letters of recommendation, entrance exams.

Before you begin actually applying to specific graduate/professional schools, it’s important to visit each institution's/program’s website and/or contact them directly for detailed information about its application process.  

Most schools require prospective students to complete multiple applications, forms, or essays. So be sure to review all the application instructions and deadlines thoroughly.

Here’s a general list of items you’ll typically need to include with your graduate school applications. (Again, though: Schools differ in exactly what they require. Read each application carefully for details.)

• Completed application form.
• U of M official transcript (from OneStop Student Services ).
• Recommendation letters.
• Personal statement.
• Test scores (often reported by an official service).
• Resume  or curriculum vitae (not all schools require this, but you should submit one if given the option).

What Is a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?

A curriculum vitae (CV) presents a full history of your academic and professional credentials (including research projects, publications, professional development, and practical experience related to your field). It is commonly used when applying to graduate programs and fellowships, and grants. The length of a CV is not limited to one page.

For most graduate school applications, you'll be required to write a personal statement (also known as a statement of purpose) to explain why you want to attend the graduate program and why you'd be a good fit for it. This essay also provides the graduate program with a sample of your writing.

Your personal statement is a critical part of your application materials. It can be a major factor in the admissions decision. Your personal statement will be evaluated for quality of writing as well as clarity of your professional goals. 

Visit CLA Career Services and/or the U of M’s Center for Writing for help with it. You should also get feedback on it from professors and others in your chosen field.

How to Prepare Before You Write Your Personal Statement

• Brainstorm with this fillable personal statement worksheet
• Reflect on how your motivations and relevant skills align with the program.
• Consider the criteria for acceptance and the values of the program.
• Visit the institution and talk to students, faculty, and admissions committee members.
• Research the program faculty’s areas of expertise and backgrounds.

How to Write Your Statement

• Explain how the program fits you and your long-term goals.
• Follow the directions on each specific application.
• Provide examples of how you’ve prepared yourself for this field.
• Use anecdotes from your life to introduce your background and unique traits.
• Demonstrate that you have a realistic sense of the field and the training required.
• Discuss what the program will gain by accepting you.

After You Have a Draft Ready

• Edit and proofread your statement. Make sure it’s professional and well-written and that it uses correct grammar.
• Include your name as a header on each page.
• Gather feedback from CLA Career Services, the U of M Center for Writing , and other trusted mentors or professionals.
• If you’d like, get help from the Minnesota English Language Program (MELP), which offers free, in-person English As A Second Language support to international undergraduate students. 

Diversity Statement

• Diversity statements are becoming more and more common in the graduate school application process. Use this fillable diversity statement reflection worksheet to aid you in crafting your own statement.

Letters of recommendation are another key part of the application process for most graduate/professional school programs. 

These letters should describe—and give examples of—your strongest qualities, your best skills/competencies and abilities, your commitment to a particular field, and your potential to contribute to the target program’s field of study and related careers.

The recommendation letter process can a while, so be sure to start early! 

Cultivating Relationships with Potential Letter Writers

You will want your eventual letter writers to be people who know you well and who can knowledgeably describe your capabilities, especially in an academic context. Think professors in particular. (Note: Advisors, counselors, and other administrative staff might also be good candidates, along with people who have worked with you in related professional settings such as internships.)

You might be wondering, particularly when it comes to professors: “How do I get to know a professor well enough—and vice versa—for them to write me a letter of recommendation someday?” There are actually lots of things you can do to build these relationships:

• Pay close attention in class. Ask thoughtful questions and offer your ideas during discussions. Write well-researched papers and put true effort into your work.
• Attend the professor’s office hours to ask additional questions, seek advice, and/or express interest in the professor’s general discipline and/or specific area(s) of expertise.
• Look for opportunities to work closely with the professor, perhaps through a research project or a volunteer experience.
• Look for news articles written about or by the professor, and read journal articles the professor has authored or co-authored. Then use an opportunity like office hours to talk about what you’ve read.

How to Ask Someone to Write a Letter for You

Once you have identified potential recommenders, how do you go about asking them to do so? 

Asking for letters of recommendation can feel intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. You simply need to find out if they would be willing to write a persuasive letter that reflects who you are and the good work you do. We recommend sharing your decision and reasons for pursuing graduate school, explaining why you have chosen them as a potential recommender, make the ask (with plenty of advance notice), and then expressing your appreciation of their support. 

While asking in person is always recommended, a simple email can also be just as effective. It might look something like this:

Hi Dr. Blackstone,  Thank you for helping me so much after our class sessions this past semester. I have enjoyed getting to know you a bit and, especially, gaining a better understanding of how what we’re learning in class applies to our everyday lives.  I’m writing with a question for you. Next year, I will be applying to a graduate program in [professor’s discipline]. Given your knowledge of the field and your experience observing me as a student, I am wondering if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation? If so, I would greatly appreciate it—and I could stop by your office sometime soon, at your convenience, to discuss the details. Thanks again! Carlos Montgomery [email protected] (123) 456-7890

Helping Your Letter Writers Help You

All of the people who agree to write letters for you have busy jobs, appointments, and possibly other students seeking recommendations as well. So do everything you can to make your request relatively simple for them.

Meet with each of them briefly and give them everything you can from the following list:

• Relevant information about the school(s) or graduate program(s) you’re applying to.
• Your thoughts on what you see as your strongest qualities and skills (especially in the context of the Core Career Competencies that signify your career readiness).
• A copy of your résumé or CV and academic transcript and/or a printed summary of your involvement in student organizations and groups.
• A list noting which key academic courses you’ve completed and how well you’ve done in them.
• A draft of your personal statement, if you wrote one for your graduate school applications.
• Pre-addressed, stamped envelopes for each school/program you’re pursuing.
• Any other information that you think might be helpful.  

During the meeting, share why you have chosen this individual as a writer and what your academic and professional goals are. 

Give each person an early deadline, and be sure to thank them, too! After all: They’re giving you a significant amount of their time and energy, as well as their support.

Requesting Letters of Recommendation After Gap Year(s)

Taking a gap year or two before applying to graduate school? No problem! Here are some tips for requesting letters of recommendation after taking time off from school.

• Build and maintain relationships with faculty, and other letter writers, prior to graduation. Visit office hours, share some things about how their work/research/course interests you, and let them know that you are thinking about graduate school in the future. Ask questions about their experiences, get their advice, and follow up!
• Ask in advance for a future letter of recommendation. If you know you are planning to take a gap year, mention that as part of your plan, and ask them if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation when it’s time for you to apply. Ensure you have multiple forms of contact information for them so you can get in touch quickly in the future. Another option would be for them to write the letter now, and you can save it for future use ( Note: this can sometimes create challenges because the letter can't be tailored to particular programs ).
• Stay in touch periodically and share life updates. Share what you are doing and/or learning in your gap year experiences, send thank you notes acknowledging their impact on you, and ask how they would like to stay in touch. This will help them remember you later on and recall what you’ve been up to.
• Ask again and provide information. When it comes time to ask for the letter, start by thanking them for agreeing to write a letter for you (this also serves as a reminder for them) and let them know that you are ready to begin applying for programs. Share details about each program you are applying for, making sure to include any deadlines or instructions that recommenders should be aware of. You can also share drafts of your application materials with them, such as your resume/cv and personal statement. Also, hang on to key papers or assignments from the courses you took from faculty writing your letters so that you can share this with them to remind them of your time in their courses.

Many graduate and professional schools require applicants to take some type of entrance exam (often called an admissions test) to be considered. As you research graduate/professional schools, pay close attention to which test(s), if any, is required.

The most commonly required entrance exam is the GRE .  

Professional school programs require specific tests:

Business school: GMAT Dental school: DAT Law school: LSAT Medical school: MCAT Optometry school: OAT

Testing centers often have wait times of two to four weeks for popular exams, so plan accordingly!

To register for an entrance exam, visit the website of the one you need to take. Most testing services offer online registration and/or immediate access to a registration form that you can download and print.

Preparing for Entrance Exams

There are many ways you can prepare for entrance exams. And you will definitely want to prepare, not only for the obvious reason—i.e., to do well!—but also because many schools review your first score on an exam as well as any additional scores you earn on retakes.

Here are some ways you can get ready:

Review the Actual Exam

Go over practice exams or sample questions to familiarize yourself with what to expect. 

You can usually find old copies of the exam in the test’s registration manual, on the test company’s website, or in study guide books.

Form a Study Group

Ask friends or classmates to study with you. Quizzing each other will help you learn from each other and make the process a little more fun.

Use Study-Guide Books 

Any good bookstore will have study guides that cover the major graduate/professional school admissions tests. CLA Career Services has some available for in-office use as well.

Enroll in a Test Preparation Course

Companies like The Princeton Review and Kaplan offer prep classes for the most common entrance exams, such as the GRE.

One cautionary note, though: These courses can be expensive. And while some students really like them and find them helpful, others think they’re unnecessary. 

So before spending money (to say nothing of time and energy) on a test preparation course, thoroughly research it along with the outcomes you can expect from it.

There are some free courses and tutorials for common entrance exams that you can access through LinkedIn Learning and Khan Academy.

Additionally, there are specific admissions-test resources if you pursue an advanced degree in healthcare or plan to attend law school .

When to Take the Entrance Exam

When you should actually take your entrance exam depends on which exam you’re taking, the type of graduate program you’re pursuing, and when you want to start graduate school.

If you're unsure of the timeline you should pursue, start by researching or contacting your graduate program(s) of interest. Do you still have questions? Meet with a career counselor in CLA Career Services for advice.

Generally speaking, if you're taking the GRE and you want to attend graduate school immediately after you finish your bachelor's degree, you should take the test at least one year before you want to start your graduate program. Again, though, be sure to review information for your specific profession and test carefully.

Test Scores: How Important Are They?

There is no one admissions formula used by all schools. Test scores are often just one factor a school/program considers when evaluating applicants. Other key considerations are grades, recommendation letters, your personal statement, and an interview.

Know, too, that some schools review multiple test scores differently than other schools do. For example, some schools will take only your best score, some will average all your test scores together, and some will use only your most recent score. A school's admissions office will be able to tell you which method a particular program uses.

• MyU : For Students, Faculty, and Staff

CCAPS, CDes, and CFANS

Career & Internship Services

Drop-in Resume and Cover Letter Reviews

Summer In-Person Drop-Ins

For an in-person resume or cover letter review, visit 32 McNeal Hall Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm, no appointment necessary. If these days don't work with your schedule, please use our email or AI analysis review options below.

Email Reviews

Email your resume or cover letter anytime to  [email protected] and we will provide feedback within 24 hours, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.

AI Resume Analysis with Quinncia

Quinncia is a futuristic career preparation platform available exclusively for current CCAPS, CDes and CFANS degree-seeking students. Get instant feedback and polish your resume for free.

Check out Quinncia

Who's Eligible?

For degree-seeking students and recent alums in CCAPS, CDes and CFANS only. If you're a grad student looking to get your CV reviewed, please make an appointment instead as drop-in reviews are for resume and cover letters only.

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Questions about Applying for Jobs

Searching for positions, + how do i search for open positions.

Go to the  Job Search page to search and apply for openings. For detailed instructions on using the system, visit our web page  Using the Job Application System .

+ I am looking for a specific job and cannot find it through the search. What does this mean?

If you have used the job opening ID in the search, it may indicate that the position has not yet been posted or that it has been removed and is no longer available. If you are not searching by job ID but are using other criteria in the Job Search form, your search criteria may be too specific. Try broadening your search to find the job posting. In the Job Search form, click on "Search Tips" for different ways of looking for the job opening.

+ How long are positions posted?

Faculty and staff positions are posted for at least seven calendar days; however, some positions may be posted longer. Student jobs are typically posted for two weeks to a month. Graduate assistant positions are typically posted for two weeks. Student and graduate assistant positions may be re-posted.

If a position that was previously posted does not appear online it means applications are no longer being accepted for that position. Submit your materials as soon as possible to ensure consideration.

+ How often are new jobs posted?

New jobs are posted as vacancies become available.

+ Are part-time jobs available?

Yes, the University has both full- and part-time positions. You can select either one as a criterion when you use the  Job Search page .

Applying for positions

+ how do i apply for a position.

All applications are submitted online. The University does not accept paper applications.

Once you find a job you'd like to apply for, click the Apply button in the job posting. The system will walk you step-by-step through the application process (for example, attaching a résumé or submitting attachments). You can track your progress through each step at the top of your screen.

At the end of the application process, when you click the final Submit button, you will see this confirmation on your computer screen: "Your job application has been successfully submitted." You can also see the status of your application from the account you create when you register for our online application system. Click the My Job Applications link at the top of the page, find the job under Applications, and look across the row to the Status column. If it says "Submitted," your application has been received. You will also receive an email confirming that your application was submitted.

For more information, see step six of the  Using the Job Application System  web page.

+ What if I forget my username or password?

If you forget your username or password, click on the Forgot User Name or Forgot Password links on the sign-in page. If you need more assistance, visit  Using the Job Application System  for step-by-step instructions on the process. You can also email the Human Resources Contact Center at  [email protected]  or call 612-624-8647 or 800-756-2363 for help.

+ Can I save job postings or my search criteria and return to them later?

Yes. To save job postings, simply click the Save Job button in the row of the job you'd like to save. To save searches you have performed, click the Save Search button to keep your criteria for a future search. You can retrieve your saved information by clicking on the My Saved Jobs and My Saved Searches links at the top of the main Job Search form of your account. See the  Using the Job Application System  web page for more information.

+ When should I update my application?

Your application remains in the system indefinitely. If you acquire more job experience or education, we encourage you to update your application. You can update your application as often as you wish. However, updates won't be made for positions for which you've already applied.

+ If I have applied for a position and decide I am no longer interested, how can I withdraw my application?

You can withdraw your application using the My Job Applications tab. You can also email or call the Human Resources Contact Center at  [email protected]  or 612-624-8647 or 800-756-2363.

Being selected for positions

+ how do i improve my chances of getting a job.

For your application to be forwarded to the hiring department, you must meet the required qualifications specified for the job. Make sure your application materials reflect how you meet the required qualifications and are free of spelling and grammatical errors. Attach all required documents, such as résumés, cover letters, letters of reference, etc., and any other non-required documents that show your qualifications and interest in the position.

+ How are individuals selected for interviews?

The hiring manager selects candidates who meet the required qualifications and most of the preferred qualifications stated in the posting.

+ Is a typing test required for some positions?

Yes, some job postings may note that a typing test is necessary. If so, you may take the typing test at any government or employment agency. The University requires that the test be less than one year old. We will need to see your test results on a copy of the agency letterhead, and you must pass with at least 50 words per minute and 95% accuracy.

+ Is there anything I can do to follow up with the hiring authority about my application?

You may email or call the Human Resources Contact Center at  [email protected]  or 4-UOHR (612-624-8647, 800-756-2363) and, if your application has been routed to the hiring manager, you will be provided the hiring manager's contact information.

+ How are the final decision and job offer made?

The final hiring decision and job offer are made by the hiring manager in the department that posted the job opening.

+ Will I receive benefits if I am hired at the University of Minnesota?

It depends on the position. Usually, staff or academic positions that are 30 hours a week or more receive benefits. Student positions are not eligible for benefits. For questions about benefits for a specific position, contact the hiring department. You can find general information about University benefits on the  Benefits Summary  page.

Twin Cities Campus HR Contacts

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Equal opportunity information

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

• Equal opportunity (Title IX) statement
• University Office for Equity and Diversity
• Equal Opportunity Is the Law (pdf)
• Equal Opportunity Is the Law poster supplement (pdf)
• U.S. Department of Labor Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

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Freshman Admissions Overview

Our goal in the admissions review process is to enroll an academically qualified and diverse student body, which is essential to the University's mission. In doing so, the University's educational and social environment prepares students to contribute to and thrive in a global society.

Freshman-Admitting Colleges

If you are accepted to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as a freshman, you will be admitted to one of the following colleges:

• Carlson School of Management
• College of Biological Sciences
• College of Design
• College of Education and Human Development
• College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Science and Engineering
• School of Nursing

Admission to each of the University's eight freshmen-admitting colleges is very competitive, and the number of available spaces varies by college. Applicants are first considered for admission to the colleges listed in their application, in the order in which they are listed. Then, applicants are automatically considered for other U of M freshman-admitting colleges that may be a good fit with their academic interests and preparation.

To learn more about our colleges, please visit our Colleges at the U of M webpage  

Application Review Process

At the University of Minnesota, we believe that selecting students from a highly talented group of applicants requires an individual assessment of all application materials submitted for each student; every application is read in its entirety.

Admission decisions are based on a very careful, overall assessment of each student's academic and context factors. Note that no single factor is the deciding factor in the decision.

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 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
• Read more about Holistic Review

Admission Decision Timeline and Definitions

Admission decision timing, freshman application deadlines.

• Early Action I Deadline applicants: Students who submit their complete applications by the November 1 Early Action I Deadline* will receive an admission decision on Application Tracker by January 31.
• Early Action II Deadline applicants:  Students who submit their complete applications by the December 1 Early Action II Deadline will receive an admission decision on Application Tracker by February 15.
• Regular Deadline applicants : Students who submit their complete applications by the January 1 Regular Deadline will receive an admission decision on Application Tracker by March 31.

*November 1 is also the deadline by which freshman School of Nursing applicants must submit their application to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. All nursing applicants will receive an admission decision on a single release date of December 15.

Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of each student's application materials. Each student who submits a complete application by either the early action or regular deadline will receive one of the following decisions. Please note that admission decisions are posted on the University's Application Tracker.

• Admit: Based on our holistic review, the student has been admitted to the University of Minnesota.
• Defer: The admissions committee has completed a holistic review of the application but has not yet made a final decision. Deferred applications will be reviewed a second time, taking into consideration the number of spaces available in the freshman class and competitiveness of the entire pool of applicants who met the January 1 regular application deadline. By March 31, deferred applicants will receive either an admit, waitlist, or deny decision.
• Deny:  We are not able to offer freshman admission. Students who are denied admission are encouraged to apply for transfer admission for a future semester. Transfer admission is also competitive so it is important that students achieve a strong academic record at another college or university.
• Waitlist:  The student's application has been placed on a waitlist. Although we have determined that the applicant is academically prepared to succeed at the University of Minnesota, we must make certain that we do not exceed the number of spaces available in each of the freshman-admitting colleges. Waitlisted applicants will receive an update on the status of their applications by mid-June. If we determine that spaces remain available, the overall strongest applicants will be admitted from the waitlist.
• Read more about Admission Decision Timing

Academic Profile of Admitted Students

Academic profile of fall 2024 admitted freshman applicants by college.

This table provides a general overview of the middle 50 percentile high school rank, high school unweighted grade point average, and standardized test scores of freshman applicants admitted for Fall 2024.

Overall, the middle 50 percent of students admitted for Fall 2024:

• Had a high school rank percentile between 75 and 95
• Had an unweighted calculated high school grade point average between 3.52 - 3.96
• Scored between 27 and 33 on the ACT*
• Scored between 1350 and 1500 on the SAT*

Please note the information presented in the table is a composite picture of admitted freshman applicants. These are not admission criteria.

• Admission decisions are based on an individual, overall assessment of each application.
• Applicants are first considered for admission to the colleges listed in their application, in the order in which they are listed. Then, applicants are automatically considered for other U of M freshman-admitting colleges that may be a good match with their academic interests and preparation.

For complete information on our application review factors, please see our admissions overview at z.umn.edu/review .

Middle 50 Percentile of Fall 2024 Admitted Freshman

What does that mean? Middle 50% represents the academic components (GPA, test scores, class rank) of half of the students admitted, though students are admitted with academic scores above and below this range.

*Please note: the University of Minnesota Twin Cities will not be requiring an ACT or SAT score for admissions through the Fall 2027 term. Learn more about our ACT/SAT policies .

Understanding the table

Middle 50% Percentile - This represents the middle half of the admitted students’ academic components (GPA, standardized test scores, and class rank) that fall between the ranges listed. While this range represents half of the admitted cohort, students are admitted with scores both above and below this range

Core Academic GPA - We calculate a core academic GPA for each applicant using the grades for English, math, science, social science and foreign language courses reported. This provides a standard view of a school’s grading scale, which can vary greatly from school to school. Applicants do not need to calculate their own core GPA. Note, in our holistic review, we also consider an applicant’s school-supplied GPA for all courses on their academic record.  Additional weighting for advanced coursework (honors, AP, IB etc.) is not included on core GPA, but is always considered as part of the academic rigor.

ACT/ SAT Score - The ACT and SAT score ranges listed in this table represent the students who chose to include a test score on their Fall 2024 application. Nearly 50% of admitted students chose not to submit a test score for Fall 2024.

Freshman Programs

Along with your admission to a specific college, we will automatically consider you for these programs:

President's Emerging Scholars

President's Emerging Scholars  is an educational opportunity program which ensures timely graduation of its participants by encouraging and supporting academic, career, and personal well-being through scholarships, programming, professional advising, and peer mentoring. Preference is given to first-generation students and other students whose applications demonstrate evidence of having overcome social, economic, or physical barriers to educational achievement.

University Honors Program

The  University Honors Program  will enhance your University of Minnesota Twin Cities experience through enriched curriculum, interdisciplinary experiences, and exceptional community between your fellow honors students, faculty, and advisors. Honors admission is offered to the overall most competitive applicants from each freshman-admitting college.

Frequently Asked Questions about Freshman Admission

+ do you really review every application.

Yes! Each and every application is read very carefully by more than one staff member in the Office of Admissions before a decision is made. This process ensures that each application is given a thorough, fair, and consistent review. Because we are committed to ensuring that each application receives very careful consideration, our review takes time to complete.

+ What factors do you consider when making an admissions decision?

Each and every application is read very carefully by more than one staff member in the Office of Admissions before a decision is made. This process ensures that each application is given a thorough, fair, and consistent review. Admission decisions are based on a very careful, overall assessment of each student's academic and context factors. Note that no single factor is the deciding factor in the decision.

Applicants are considered for up to two colleges listed on the application in the order the interest is indicated. If we are unable to admit the student to one of the colleges listed, the applicant is automatically considered for admission to all other U of M colleges that are a good fit with the academic interests, academic preparation, and other information included in a student's application materials. Admission decisions are based on a comprehensive, individualized review of the student's application, the overall strength of the applications received, and the number of spaces available in each of the University's freshman-admitting colleges.

+ How do I report conduct on my application?

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is committed to maintaining a scholarly, educational environment characterized by safety, respect, and integrity. As part of this commitment, the University requires undergraduate applicants to supply information about their conduct. For more information, please visit our Student Conduct Reporting Overview webpage .

+ What are the possible admission decisions that an applicant could receive?

• Admit : Based on our holistic review, the student has been admitted to the University of Minnesota. Frequently asked questions about how we determine college of admission .
• Defer : A deferred admissions decision means that although the student met the Early Action I or Early Action II deadline, we need more time and more information about our applicant pool in order to make our final decision. The overall strength of our applicant pool and the number of spaces available in each freshman-admitting college will determine the admission decision. An update will be provided to the student by March 31. Frequently asked questions about defer decisions .
• Deny : We are not able to offer freshman admission. Students who are denied admission are encouraged to apply for transfer admission for a future semester. Transfer admission is also competitive so it is important that students achieve a strong academic record at another college or university. Frequently asked questions about deny decisions .
• Waitlist : The student's application has been placed on a waitlist. Although we have determined that the applicant is academically prepared to succeed at the University of Minnesota, we must make certain that we do not exceed the number of spaces available in each of the freshman-admitting colleges. Waitlisted applicants will receive an update on the status of their applications by mid-June. If we determine that spaces remain available, the overall strongest applicants will be admitted from the waitlist. Frequently asked questions about waitlist decisions .

+ What is the academic profile of students who are admitted?

Admission decisions are based on an individual, overall assessment of each application, using the academic and context factors listed above. Explore a breakdown of the academic profile of admitted freshman

+ Am I at a disadvantage if my school’s grading system, course offerings, or activities changed due to COVID-19?

We acknowledge that many elements you intended to include on your application may look different this year. Your activities, sports academics, and family responsibilities have likely changed, and we encourage you to use the short-answer questions on our application to tell us about your circumstances.

Your application will be read in its entirety, and we promise to review your experiences with compassion and understanding. Rather than using equations to grant admission, we get to know your individual story—and that includes the ways in which you faced the challenges of COVID-19.

• Sports and Activities - sports, clubs, teams, and other group activities have all had to change since spring 2020. We understand you may not be participating in any of these activities at this time. In the short-answer questions on the application, please share what you have done over your high school timeframe and what adjustments you had to make in 2020 and beyond.
• Grades - Many high schools adjusted their grading scales to accommodate the shifts in courses last spring. We are expecting to see different grading patterns (such as Pass/Fail) and will look at the overall trend of your high school grades—not just a single semester—to understand your academic performance.

The U of M has proudly joined 350 colleges across the country in signing Care Counts in a Crisis: College Admissions Deans Respond to COVID-19 . Care Counts is a promise to you on what our admissions professionals value as we read your applications this year: self-care, academic work, service and contributions to others, family contributions, and extracurricular activities.

+ Am I at a disadvantage because my high school does not provide high school rank information?

No. Students whose high schools do not provide high school ranks receive full consideration for admission, through an individualized and overall assessment of the application. See a  list of holistic review factors .

+ Am I at a disadvantage if I don't submit an ACT/SAT score?

All students, whether or not they choose to have an ACT/SAT score considered as part of their application, will receive full consideration for admission, scholarships, and our University Honors Program. Application review for students who do not submit a score will place greater emphasis on the other academic factors and the context factors in our holistic review process. See our Frequently Asked Questions on ACT/SAT scores for more information.

+ I was admitted to the University of Minnesota. Will I receive an academic scholarship?

Scholarship 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. Our freshman scholarship review process ensures that each application is considered individually, based on our academic and context review factors. Although the strongest consideration in the scholarship review is given to the academic factors, no single factor is the deciding factor in the decision.

+ I was admitted to the University of Minnesota. Will I be admitted to Honors?

Students who are admitted to the University Honors Program are notified by the end of March. Admission to the University Honors Program is highly competitive, and the degree of competitiveness varies by college of admission. Honors admission is offered to the overall most competitive applicants from each freshman-admitting college.

+ I was admitted to the University of Minnesota, but I received low grades. Can my admission be rescinded?

Yes. Senior year courses and grades are very important, and are considered when making admission decisions. After final transcripts are received, we review each student’s senior year coursework and grades to confirm completion and that student performance during the senior year is consistent with their academic performance at the time of application. Changes in senior year coursework may result in a change to the student’s college of admission. Unsuccessful completion of senior year coursework and/or a significant decline in academic performance during the senior year will result in reconsideration of the admission decision and may result in the cancellation of admission.

If you are making changes to your senior year courses, or are experiencing declining grades in your courses, you must consult with a U of M admissions counselor right away at 612-625-2008 or 1-800-752-1000.

Please visit our  Final High School Transcripts and Senior Year Grades policy website for more information.

+ Can students who received a deny admission decision apply for transfer admission to the U of M in the future?

Yes. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities welcomes more than 2,000 transfer students each year. Visit our transfer admissions page for more information on application deadlines and transfer admissions requirements.

+ How do I request a gap year/defer my enrollment?

Please visit our gap year page for more information.

+ Can I learn more about defer decisions?

Please review our frequently asked questions about defer decisions .

+ Can I learn more about deny decisions?

Please review our frequently asked questions about deny decisions .

+ Can I learn more about waitlist decisions?

Please review our frequently asked questions about waitlist decisions .

• Frequently Asked Questions about How We Determine College of Admissions
• Checklist for Admitted Transfer Students
• Frequently Asked Questions about How We Determine Transfer College of Admissions
• Checklist for Admitted International Freshman
• Checklist for Admitted International Transfer
• English Proficiency Information
• International Transfer Credit Evaluation
• Information for National Merit Semifinalists
• Specialized Visits
• University of Minnesota Transfer Week

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, university of minnesota admission requirements.

Hi all! I'm considering applying to the University of Minnesota, and I'm wondering about their admission requirements. Can anyone provide some advice or information on what they're looking for in applicants?

The University of Minnesota considers various aspects of a student's application to evaluate their candidacy. Here are some key admission requirements and factors they look for in applicants:

1. Grades and Course Rigor: The university has a strong emphasis on academic performance, particularly in core subjects like English, math, science, social studies, and world languages. They look for students who have taken a challenging curriculum to prepare for college-level coursework.

2. GPA: There isn't a strict GPA cutoff for admission, but you should aim to have a competitive GPA. For reference, the middle 50% of admitted students have GPAs ranging from 3.57 - 3.96 (unweighted).

3. Test Scores (Optional): The University of Minnesota has adopted a test-optional policy for freshman applicants, which means submitting SAT or ACT scores is not required. However, depending on your personal profile and circumstances, it may still be a good idea to submit them. For detailed guidance on how to tackle test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional

4. Extracurricular Activities: While academic performance is important, the University of Minnesota also values well-roundedness. Participate in activities that demonstrate your interests, passions, and leadership skills. It's better to have meaningful and sustained involvement in a few activities rather than spreading yourself too thin across multiple extracurriculars.

5. Essays: In addition to your main personal statement, the University of Minnesota requires you to respond to a few school-specific supplemental prompts. You can read up on how to tackle these questions on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-minnesota-twin-cities-essays

6. Letters of Recommendation: These letters should be written by teachers who can give the University of Minnesota a fuller picture of who you are as a student, beyond just the numbers. While most programs at the University of Minnesota do require letters of recommendation, there are some exceptions, so check their website, and don't hesitate to reach out to the admissions office for clarification.

7. Major Selection: Some colleges and programs within the university have additional admission requirements, such as portfolio submissions or auditions for certain majors, especially in arts and music programs. Make sure to check if there are any additional requirements for the major you're interested in.

In summary, the University of Minnesota looks for academically prepared students who have taken rigorous courses, maintained competitive grades, demonstrated involvement in extracurriculars, and have a strong fit for the school's own values. By focusing on these aspects of your application, you can increase your chances of admission. Good luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs

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225 Humphrey School 301 19th Avenue South Minneapolis , MN 55455 United States

Master’s Degree Requirements | PhD Requirements | Certificate Program Requirements

The Humphrey School admissions team is eager to answer your questions and provide information about our programs. For all inquiries, please reach out to us at  [email protected]

Master’s Degree Application Requirements

+ master of development practice.

Application requirements for the  Master of Development Practice  (MDP) program are outlined below.

Prerequisites

• Four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited US university or foreign equivalent
• English language proficiency (see below for more information)
• Previous coursework in mathematics, statistics, and economics is recommended
• International professional experience and foreign language proficiency are strongly preferred

Personal Statement

A personal statement is required of all applicants. In 500 words or fewer, discuss your educational and professional experiences and goals. Relate these goals to your personal history and to your aspirations to become a sustainable development practitioner.

Diversity Statement

A diversity statement is required of all applicants. The Humphrey School and the MDP program seek to create an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive school environment, ensuring that the people and scholarship at the School reflect our community and the world, and building an institution committed to inter-cultural growth and learning. In 500 words or fewer, discuss how your perspectives, experiences, and achievements will advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Humphrey School and the world.

Resume or CV

A resume or CV is required of all applicants. Please include information about awards, leadership, and service or volunteer activities in your resume.

Letters of Recommendation

At least three letters of recommendation are required. Please request your letters of recommendation through the Graduate School application system. If your recommender cannot upload their recommendation online, they may send it in a sealed envelope, signed across the back flap, to the Humphrey School. Faxed and emailed copies are not accepted. We require letters that provide an appraisal of the candidate's ability to pursue an advanced degree, experience in, or potential for, public service and leadership, motivation and purpose, and strengths and weaknesses that might affect the candidate's performance and potential for success as a graduate student.

GRE Scores: This Requirement is Suspended for the Fall 2024 Application Cycle

An official GRE score report must be received directly from ETS before an official admissions notification will be made. You may upload your personal copy from ETS into the additional materials section of the Graduate School online application to facilitate initial review of your application.

While you may take the test up to the application deadline for which you are applying and self-report your scores for consideration; this is not advisable due to the Office of Admissions' inability to guarantee that it will receive your scores (self-reported or official) in time the day of the deadline for consideration. We encourage applicants to plan in advance and to submit their scores prior to application deadlines.

The school code for the University of Minnesota is  6874 .

Transcripts

Transcripts are required of all applicants. Unofficial transcripts or academic records of all post secondary institutions attended should be uploaded directly to the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts (there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review). If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material.

English Language Requirement

The University of Minnesota and the Humphrey School requires international applicants to submit scores from either the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or MELAB examination to assess English language proficiency. Minimum score requirements:

• TOEFL: minimum of 100 (22 on each section)
• IELTS: minimum 7.0
• Duolingo: minimum overall score: 115, minimum literacy subscore: 115 

Visit the  Graduate School website  for more information on the English language requirement and minimum scores for admission.

Extenuating Circumstances

Applicants wishing to provide additional information to the admissions committee which is not appropriate for other required documents but may be helpful in their consideration as a candidate for admission can submit a statement of extenuating circumstances. Examples may include, but are not limited to: explanations for grade trends during undergraduate work, time lapses between employment as documented in the resume/CV, or other personal circumstances which may provide additional and helpful context.

Application Fee

The application fee is $75 for domestic students and $95 for international students.

The Humphrey School provides  application fee waivers  for Pickering Fellows, PPIA Fellows, Truman Scholars, Americorps, City Year, and Returning Peace Corps Volunteers applying for the Peace Corps/Coverdell Fellowship. Additionally, McNair Scholars may qualify for a University of Minnesota  McNair Application Fee Grant  which pays for the cost of an application fee. A limited number of waivers are also available for applicants based upon financial need.

Start your application

+ Master of Human Rights

The Master of Human Rights program has reached capacity and is no longer accepting applications for the Fall 2024 cycle. Applications for Fall 2025 will open in September.

Application requirements for the  Master of Human Rights  (MHR) program are outlined below.

A personal statement is required of all applicants. The human rights community at the University of Minnesota fosters interdisciplinary and community-engaged research, teaching, and action on human rights and social justice in a complex and diverse world. The goal of the Master of Human Rights (MHR) is to inspire, educate, and support innovative human rights professionals. In 500 to 1,000 words, discuss your educational and professional interests, and explain how the MHR degree will support you in achieving your professional goals while advancing human rights.

A diversity statement is required of all applicants. The University of Minnesota seeks to create an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive educational environment, ensuring that the people and scholarship at the University reflect our community and the world. To that end, the MHR program seeks to form a cohort that is diverse in age, work or other experience, race, cultural background, political affiliation, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and socio-economic background. In 500 words or less, describe how your background, experiences and perspectives motivate you to explore equity and inclusion in your future education and career.

+ Master of Public Affairs (Mid-Career)

Application requirements for the mid-career  Master of Public Affairs  (MPA) program are outlined below.  Please note that applicants to the MPA program are  not required  to submit GRE scores.

• At least  10 years of post-baccalaureate professional work experience  is required for applicants to the MPA program. Pre-baccalaureate experience may be considered for applicants with a significant gap between completion of high school and the bachelor's degree.

A personal statement is required of all applicants. The mission of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs is to inspire, educate, and support innovative leaders to advance the common good in a diverse world. In no more than 500 words, discuss your professional and personal history and explain how the MPA degree will support you in achieving your professional goals while advancing the common good.

A diversity statement is required of all applicants. The Humphrey School seeks to create an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive school environment, ensuring that its people and scholarship reflect our community and the world. To that end, the MPA program seeks mid-career individuals to form a cohort that is diverse in age, work sector, race, cultural background, political affiliation, geographic residency, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and class. While the curriculum explores race and racism, it seeks a broader understanding of factors contributing to social injustice and exclusion of marginalized populations. In 500 words or less, describe your experiences and/or interests in exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion in this program.

Impact Statement

An impact statement is required of all applicants. The MPA degree fosters interdisciplinary learning and action on personal leadership development, policy and program analysis, and research methods and analysis. In no more than 250 words, discuss how you intend to bridge academic disciplines and engage communities to have a broader impact toward meeting society's grand challenges.

Academic Readiness Statement

An academic readiness statement is required of all applicants. As mid-career individuals, you are already committing extensive time to your personal, civic, and professional life. The MPA program is a challenging academic program that will place new demands on your time. While we recognize that there is never a “perfect” time to enroll into graduate school, please discuss in no more than 250 words how you are ready to fully participate in the required monthly sessions and succeed academically.

+ Master of Public Policy

Application requirements for the  Master of Public Policy  (MPP) program are outlined below.

A personal statement is required of all applicants. In 500 words or fewer, double spaced, discuss your educational and professional experiences and goals. Relate these goals to your personal history and to the programs at the Humphrey School.

A diversity statement (also called the "Equity and Inclusion Statement” within the Humphrey School) is required for all applicants. The statement should discuss how your background, experiences, and achievements will contribute to the University's goal of promoting excellence through diversity, equity and inclusion. If applicable, applicants should mention hardships or obstacles that they have overcome to complete their undergraduate education (e.g. low-income and first-generation college applicants).

+ Master of Science in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy

Application requirements for the  Master of Science in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy  (MS-STEP) program are outlined below.

• Applicants to the MS-STEP program should have completed a degree or taken advanced level coursework in natural or physical sciences, engineering, or environmental studies prior to the date of their planned enrollment

A personal statement is required of all applicants. The mission of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs is to inspire, educate, and support innovative leaders to advance the common good in a diverse world. In 500 to 1,000 words, discuss your educational, professional, and personal history and explain how the MS–STEP degree will support you in achieving your professional goals while advancing the common good.  

A diversity statement is required of all applicants. The Humphrey School seeks to create an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive school environment, ensuring that the people and scholarship at the School reflect our community and the world, and building an institution committed to intercultural growth and learning. In no more than 500 words, discuss how you will advance equity and inclusion at the Humphrey School and the world.

The STEP area fosters interdisciplinary and community-engaged research, teaching, and action on human well-being, environmental sustainability, and social justice in a complex and diverse world. In no more than 500 words, discuss how you intend to bridge academic disciplines (particularly between science/engineering fields and social sciences) and engage communities to have broader impact towards meeting society's grand challenges.  (Use "Other Miscellaneous Upload")

The Humphrey School provides  application fee waivers  for Pickering Fellows, PPIA Fellows, Truman Scholars, AmeriCorps, City Year, and Returning Peace Corps Volunteers applying for the Peace Corps/Coverdell Fellowship. Additionally, McNair Scholars may qualify for a University of Minnesota  McNair Application Fee Grant  which pays for the cost of an application fee. A limited number of waivers are also available for applicants based upon financial need.

+ Master of Urban and Regional Planning

Application requirements for the  Master of Urban and Regional Planning  (MURP) program are outlined below.

A personal statement is required of all applicants. The mission of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs is to inspire, educate, and support innovative leaders to advance the common good in a diverse world. In 500 to 1,000 words, discuss your educational, professional, and personal history and explain how the MURP degree will support you in achieving your professional goals while advancing the common good.

An impact statement is required of all applicants. The MURP degree program inspires, educates, and supports innovative and ethical planning leaders to advance urban and regional planning for the common good in a diverse world. In no more than 500 words, discuss how you intend to use your academic training from the MURP degree program and engagement with communities to have broader impact towards meeting society's grand challenges in the urban planning realm.

+ Graduate Minors and Dual Degrees

Choosing a dual master’s degree program  allows you to complete a Humphrey School degree and another University of Minnesota graduate or professional degree in less time (typically one year less) than it would take to complete the two degrees separately. You must apply for admission separately to both the Humphrey School and to the other school within the University. If applying for the MLA, MSCE, or MSW, you must also submit an application to the Graduate School.

PhD Application Requirements

+ doctor of philosophy (phd) in public affairs.

Application requirements for the  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Affairs  program are outlined below.

Personal Statement: Statement of Purpose and Research Interests

Your personal statement should focus on the research questions and topics you would like to pursue during your PhD study, and the faculty with whom you think your interests most closely match. Learn more about our faculty and their areas of expertise.

You do not need to prepare a separate Description of Research, though you may if you want to share more about your previous research experience.

The diversity statement is optional yet recommended for all applicants. The statement should discuss how your background, experiences, and achievements will contribute to the University's goal of promoting excellence through diversity. If applicable, applicants should mention hardships or obstacles that they have overcome to complete their undergraduate education (e.g. low-income and first-generation college applicants).

Writing Sample

Upload a writing sample where indicated on the application. Appropriate samples would include journal articles, master’s thesis, or other professional writings that demonstrate research capability.

Three letters of recommendation are required. Please request your letters of recommendation through the Graduate School application system. If your recommender cannot upload his/her recommendation online, s/he may send it in a sealed envelope signed across the back flap to the Humphrey School. Faxed and emailed copies are not accepted.

Letters should address your capacity for advanced study, motivation and purpose, and strengths and weaknesses that might affect performance as a graduate student.

Transcripts are required of all applicants. Unofficial transcripts or academic records of all post secondary institutions attended should be uploaded directly to the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts (there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review). If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material. You will also need to manually enter the GPA information for each institution listed.

The University of Minnesota and the Humphrey School requires international applicants to submit scores from either the TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB examination to assess English language proficiency. Visit the  Graduate School website  for more information on the English language requirement and minimum scores for admission.

• TOEFL: Required minimum scores are 600 (paper test), 250 (computer test), or 100 (internet test). When submitting official TOEFL scores, use the University of Minnesota school code 6874.
• Duolingo: Required minimum overall score is 115. Required minimum literacy subscore is 115. Visit the Graduate School website for more information on how to submit your scores. 
• IELTS: Required minimum score is 7.0. Official IELTS scores must be sent directly from the test center to the office of Graduate Admissions, 309 Johnston Hall, 101 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

The application fee is $75 for domestic applications and $95 for international applications.

Certificate Program Application Requirements

+ certificate in early childhood policy.

Application requirements for the  Certificate in Early Childhood Policy  are outlined below.

• At least one course in political science (that analyzes political institutions) is strongly recommended
• Sufficient prior academic preparation
• Proficiency in MS Excel and Word is strongly recommended

The University of Minnesota and the Humphrey School requires international applicants to submit scores from either the TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB examination to assess English language proficiency. Visit the  Graduate School website  for more information on the English language requirement and minimum scores for admission.

+ Certificate in Election Administration

The  Certificate in Election Administration  is offered for both post-baccalaureate students and undergraduates. 

Post-Baccalaureate Prerequisites

• Four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. university or foreign equivalent

Undergraduate Prerequisites

• 1 year of work experience in election administration or related field or 45 college credits

The diversity statement is required for post-baccalaureate certificate applicants only. The statement should discuss how your background, experiences, and achievements will contribute to the University's goal of promoting excellence through diversity. If applicable, applicants should mention hardships or obstacles that they have overcome to complete their undergraduate education (e.g. low-income and first-generation college applicants).

Transcripts are required for post-baccalaureate certificate applicants only.  Unofficial transcripts or academic records of all post secondary institutions attended should be uploaded directly to the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts (there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review). If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material.

Extenuating circumstances may be claimed for post-baccalaureate certificate applicants only.  Applicants wishing to provide additional information to the admissions committee which is not appropriate for other required documents but may be helpful in their consideration as a candidate for admission can submit a statement of extenuating circumstances. Examples may include, but are not limited to: explanations for grade trends during undergraduate work, time lapses between employment as documented in the resume/CV, or other personal circumstances which may provide additional and helpful context.

An application fee is required for post-baccalaureate certificate applicants only.  The application fee is $75 for domestic students and $95 for international students.

Post-baccalaureate certificate: Start your application

Undergraduate certificate: Start your application

+ Certificate in Nonprofit Management

Application requirements for the  Certificate in Nonprofit Management  are outlined below. 

• Two years of relevant paid/volunteer/internship experience with nonprofit organization(s) and/or philanthropic institutions. The two years do not need to be continuous but can be over several years and with different nonprofits. Relevant experience may include management of a budget, supervision of staff, development of programs (implementation and evaluation), fundraising, grant writing, regular participation in board meetings, and/or on board committees.

A personal statement is required of all applicants. In 500 words or fewer, double spaced, discuss your educational and professional experiences and goals. Relate these goals to your personal history and to the programs at the Humphrey School. For example, we suggest that you may want to highlight the following:

• What has contributed to your interest in the nonprofit management certificate program.
• What do you plan to be doing in your career in the next two to five years.
• What is a current issue in nonprofit management that is of particular interest to you.
• What did you learn from your two years (or more) of paid or unpaid experience in a nonprofit organization.
• How have issues and challenges associated with diversity, broadly defined, been part of your experiences, thinking, and/or action?

The diversity statement is optional, yet recommended for all applicants. The statement should discuss how your background, experiences, and achievements will contribute to the University's goal of promoting excellence through diversity. If applicable, applicants should mention hardships or obstacles that they have overcome to complete their undergraduate education (e.g. low-income and first-generation college applicants).

A resume or CV is required of all applicants. Please include information about awards, leadership, and service or volunteer activities in your resume. Applicants for the  Certificate in Nonprofit Management  must include documentation regarding their two years of relevant paid/volunteer/internship experience within their resume, and also preferably within their personal statement if possible.

+ Certificate in Policy Issues on Work and Pay

Application requirements for the  Certificate in Policy Issues on Work and Pay  are outlined below.

+ Certificate in Public Affairs Leadership

Application requirements for the  Certificate in Public Affairs Leadership  are outlined below.

• At least  10 years  of post baccalaureate professional work experience. Pre-baccalaureate experience may be considered for applicants with a significant gap (15 years or more) between completion of high school and college.

+ Certificate in Sustainable Environmental, Social, and Governance Leadership

Application requirements for the Sustainable Environmental, Social, and Governance Leadership Graduate Certificate are outlined on the  certificate’s page .

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Your advisor will be able to review and comment on the plans you create. Be sure to work with your advisor as you plan for your degree. Some majors or programs have application procedures or special requirements, and your advisor is the best source for this information. Log into Graduation Planner to make your plan.

If you are completing your degree and need to apply to graduate, use our graduation steps .

Graduation Planner tips

• Read carefully! The Graduation Planner is built to include as much useful context as possible to help you create your plan.
• When creating a plan, the “Plan Name” will be visible to you and your advisor. 
• Your advisor can view and make comments on your graduation plan. When they do, you will receive an email with a link back to Graduation Planner.
• Selecting a major in your Graduation Planner does not officially declare you in that major. You must officially declare or apply for a major with your college. Contact your advisor for details on this process.

Using the Graduation Planner

• To see your unfulfilled requirements: Select a degree program that you've added to the plan, click “What do I need?” and then “Expand All.” This will show you a list of requirements that you still need to complete for your selected degree.
• Click a course to begin adding it to your plan. Select a term and year, and then click “Plan It!” to add that course to your Graduation Planner.
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• When completed, you can see how your new graduation plan stacks up against an APAS report by clicking “APAS” near the top of the page. Courses that you’ve planned for will be marked with a “PL” in your APAS report.

Remember to always work closely with your advisor to make sure you are on the right track.

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Minnesota Law

• How to Apply

J.D. Applications

All J.D. applications are for a full-time program. They are available online beginning September 1 through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) website . Our Early Decision application deadline is December 31.

+ J.D. Regular & Early Decision Application Process

Eligible candidates for admission to the J.D. program must have completed their Bachelor's degree, or be in the final year of a Bachelor's degree program. The Bachelor's degree must be awarded by an accredited U.S. college or university or be an equivalent degree from a recognized non-U.S. institution.

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, and priority consideration for scholarship awards is March 1. 

Typically, it may take up to 8 weeks for decisions to be made in accordance with the following timeline:

• Regular JD applicants will begin to receive decisions in early January.
• Early Decision applicants will begin to receive decisions in mid-November.

In order to enroll a highly qualified, diverse class each year, the Admissions Committee conducts a holistic review of each applicants' materials and considers factors such as student engagement and leadership, professional experience, writing ability, community service, and references.

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference for Bar Examiners.

Deferrals are not routinely granted and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Admitted students may contact the Assistant Dean of Admissions to request a deferral of up to one year.

+ Early Decision Program

Candidates who have determined that the University of Minnesota Law School is their first choice may submit an application to the Early Decision program. This program is binding; therefore, applicants admitted through the program commit themselves to matriculating at Minnesota Law, withdrawing all applications at other law schools, and not initiating new applications after being admitted to the Law School. Early Decision applicants receive the same scholarship consideration as regular candidates; if not admitted through Early Decision, students may be considered for regular admission at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.

Admissions decisions will begin mid-November for Early Decision applicants who submitted their application between September 1 and November 15. If you submit your Early Decision application after November 15, your application will be reviewed on a rolling basis within 2-3 weeks. The early decision application deadline is December 31.  All Early Decision applicants will receive a decision by January 15.

Application Components

+ application form.

All applicants are required to submit their application electronically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

+ Application Fee

The nonrefundable application fee is $60 and is paid via credit card through LSAC when submitting the application. You may be eligible for an application fee waiver for financial hardship if LSAC grants you a financial waiver to take the LSAT. If so, please submit a copy of the LSAT financial waiver to [email protected] . If you are eligible for a merit-based fee waiver, we will reach out to you individually. We encourage all candidates to register for the Candidate Referral Service (CRS) through LSAC.

+ Character and Fitness

You are required to answer two Character & Fitness related questions on our application.  After law school matriculation, all states require bar exam applicants to establish their character and fitness to practice law. Bar applicants should carefully review these requirements for the state in which they intend to practice, available at Character and Fitness Investigations  through the National Conference of Bar Examiners website

+ Registration with Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

All applicants, including international, must first register with the Credential Assembly Service through the LSAC website. The service will act as a repository for academic transcripts, testing scores, and letters of recommendation. CAS will summarize your transcripts and send them to each law school to which you apply.  We do not waive the CAS report fee.

+ Transcripts

Once registered with CAS, applicants must contact every previous college or university attended (even if a degree was not earned) to request a transcript be sent directly to CAS. Universities and other educational institutions should send transcripts to: Law School Admission Council CAS P.O. Box 2000-M Newtown, PA 18940-0993

+ Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Applicants are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT score is considered current for five years. The LSAT requirement will not be waived for any applicant. If multiple scores are available, the highest score will be used for review of your application. If you intend to retake the test after you have submitted your application and wish to have your application held until the newest score is available, please submit an addendum making this request with your application or email [email protected] . International students also must have completed a post-secondary degree at an English-speaking institution OR must submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For more information, visit the TOEFL website .

+ Letter of Recommendation

One letter of recommendation is required and must be submitted through CAS. The Law School will accept a maximum of two letters.

The letters should be from persons in an academic setting who are personally familiar with an applicant’s work and can attest to his or her ability to enter a competitive professional program. If an applicant has been out of college for more than two years, letters from an employer may be submitted instead. Letters from family friends or personal acquaintances are discouraged.

+ Personal Statement

The varied backgrounds and exceptional talents of our students contribute tremendously to the quality of the education at the University of Minnesota Law School. Through the personal statement, the Admissions Committee seeks insight into the abilities, motivation and experiences of an applicant, as well as an assessment of writing ability. Your personal statement (two pages, double spaced) should articulate significant achievements, professional goals, and reasons for pursuing a law degree. It is also helpful to the Committee to discuss specific interest in the University of Minnesota Law School (you may attach a supplemental statement for this, if you prefer).

Applicants should include a detailed résumé with their application. The résumé should contain work history during college and since college graduation, including paid and unpaid employment. Resumes should also include academic or professional honors, co-curricular activities and community service, or hobbies and special interests.  There is no page limit to resumes we accept.

Applicants may also submit one or more supplemental statements (one page, double-spaced) to highlight diversity perspectives and/or demonstrated commitment to racial justice/equity, explain absences or breaks in academic history, discuss any obstacles or adversity you overcame, or present other matters that may be of importance to the Admissions Committee.

+ Video Interview (Optional)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in our pre-recorded interview process, which provides an additional opportunity for you to introduce yourself to the committee. Priority consideration will be given to candidates who participate. Interview details will be sent via email about seven days after your application has been submitted. Please watch your inbox for this important email.

International Students

+ application process.

Applicants receiving their undergraduate degree from institutions outside the United States must submit their transcripts to the CAS for evaluation. 

Questions about the J.D. Credential Assembly Service can be directed to LSAC at 215-968-1001, or  [email protected] . A Foreign Credential Evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and the evaluation will be incorporated into your CAS report.

+ Test of English Language Proficiency

International applicants, whose English is a second language, need to submit a current TOEFL or IELTS score to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).  Please see LSAC instructions regarding reporting of these scores. This requirement is waived if you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited U.S. institution. This requirement may also be waived if you received an undergraduate degree from an international institution for which English is the official language and submit documentation to that effect, for example a letter from your school's Registrar's office.

+ Scholarships and Financial Aid

All applicants, regardless of international student status, are considered on a holistic basis for merit scholarships. Scholarships are based on admission applications and are awarded at the time of admission.

+ I-20 Process

If you're admitted, the process to receive your I-20 begins when you make your seat deposit securing your seat in the class. Then you will receive an email from the JD Admissions Office with the necessary forms and documentation to complete. When we receive all of your completed paperwork, we will process everything and send a request to the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office at the University of Minnesota to have an I-20 generated and sent to you. This process can take 2-4 weeks after your completed documents are reviewed by the JD Admissions Office.

For more information or for answers to specific questions related to your individual circumstances, please reach out to the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office at the University of Minnesota. 

Waitlisted Students

+ frequently asked questions, who is on the waitlist.

Due to the strength of the applicant pool and limited seats in the entering class, we are unable to immediately admit all strong candidates. The waitlist consists of applicants who we believe have the talent to be successful at the University of Minnesota Law School. Students who choose to remain on the waitlist are those who are willing to wait, sometimes up to orientation, to enroll at the University of Minnesota Law School.

Is the waitlist ranked?

No, the waitlist is not ranked. If space becomes available on the waitlist, applicants will be selected in an attempt to round out the class with regard to the academic and personal attributes outlined in the admissions criteria stated on our website.

When is the waitlist used?

The waitlist can be used at any time between now and the beginning of orientation with an effort to utilize the waitlist sooner rather than later. An exact date of whether or not we go to the waitlist cannot be determined, but is more likely to occur following our April 15 deposit deadline and typically from mid-May through late-July.

What is the likelihood of being offered admission from the waitlist?

The likelihood of gaining admission from the waitlist varies greatly from year to year. As each admission cycle is independent from previous cycles, but we typically see about 5-8% of our waitlist applicants get admitted (20-40 people).

What can a waitlist candidate do in the meantime?

• Fill out the form to indicate whether or not you’re interested in remaining on the waitlist. • Submit your letter of continuing interest (LOCI) through the Applicant Status Portal • Complete your optional virtual interview if you have not already. If you need your individual link resent please contact [email protected] • Make sure your contact information is up-to-date. Email us at [email protected] with any changes. • Send updated transcripts to LSAC via CAS. • If your status changes and you no longer wish to be on our waitlist, please let us know promptly.

If the waitlist is used, how will candidates be informed?

We will notify you by phone and/or email if you are admitted and send an admittance packet in the mail. Please keep us updated with any changes in your contact information. We sincerely appreciate your continued interest in the University of Minnesota Law School and your patience during the waitlist review process.

+ Waitlist Information Session 2024

As required by Title IX, the University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the University’s Title IX Coordinator. The Notice of Nondiscrimination is located here. Information about the University’s policies and processes for responding to sex discrimination can be found on Equal Opportunity & Title IX’s website: eot.umn.edu .

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The University’s general education requirements for all students are designed to be integrated throughout your four-year undergraduate experience. These courses provide you an opportunity to explore fields outside your major and complement your major curriculum with a multidisciplinary perspective. Both the BS in Health Sciences and BS in Health Professions degrees offered at the University of Minnesota Rochester require the same liberal education requirements.

• List of courses  that fulfill your general education requirements at UMR
• Reference the  Class Search  when planning your degree
• Use the  University Course Catalog  to find degree requirements

Current General Education requirements

• General Education Areas
• General Education themes

The general education areas guide you through the "why" and "how" of different academic disciplines. These classes will equip you with a broad range of tools that can be used to approach problems in everyday life and work, and, ultimately, help you make a positive difference within communities, society, and the world. Students are required to satisfy all seven core requirements.

The general education themes are topics central to an understanding of contemporary life. Investigating these themes helps you prepare to become knowledgeable, ethical, and engaged public citizens. You are required to satisfy all five themes.

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