Freshman Admission
You should apply as a Freshman if you are a first-time college student, or have attempted fewer than 12 college-level credits.
Freshman Application Procedures
Applying for admission as a new freshman is a three-step process:
- Submit a complete admission application and submit the $36 application fee on-line. If you are still in high school, you must include the Self-Report of High School Courses. If you are unsure of anything concerning your academic record, consult your guidance counselor.
- Request that your ACT or SAT test results be sent to the Admissions Office directly from the testing company. All freshmen under 21 must take the ACT or SAT test.
- Request that your final high school transcripts be sent to the Admissions Office. Information provided on the self-report form will be verified from the final transcript showing a graduation date.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to college preparatory class requirements, you must meet one criteria in each of the following three categories:
- An ACT composite score of 22;
…or a SAT combined score of 1540;
…or a 2.50 cumulative grade point average;
…or a class rank in the upper half of your high school graduating class.
- A score of 18 on the ACT Math section;
…or a score of 440 on the SAT Math section;
…or a score of 3 or higher on the AP Calculus AB or BC exam
…or completion of a Rigorous High School Core that includes four years of math with grades of C or higher.
- A score of 17 on the ACT Combined English/Writing section;
…or a score of 6 on the ACT Writing Test Subscore;
…or a score of 420 on the SAT Writing Section;
…or a score of 6 on the SAT Essay Subscore;
…or a score of 3.0 on the Montana University System Writing Assessment;
…or a score of 3 on the AP English Language or English Literature exam;
…or a score of 50 on the CLEP Subject Exam in Composition.
College Preparatory
The Montana University System requires that you complete the following college prepatory requirements:
- four years of English;
- three years of math, including Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II—you are encouraged to take a math class your senior year of high school;
- three years of social studies, including one year of global studies, one year of American history and one year of government or another third-year course (i.e., economics, psychology, sociology);
- two years of laboratory science. One must be earth science, biology, chemistry or physics—the second year may be one of those sciences or another approved college preparatory laboratory science course;
- two years chosen from the following: foreign language (preferably two years), computer science, visual and performing arts, or vocational education.
Conditional Admission
Students who fail to meet the admissions standards or those who meet the standards but have low test scores or a low grade point average will be referred to the Admissions Committee to determine if they may be admitted on a "Conditional Status". Students accepted conditionally must complete 24 credits and earn a cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 within three semesters in order to continue studies on the main UM campus.
Traditional-Age Freshmen with a GED
First-time college students who are not yet 21 and have earned a GED must submit an application and the fee (preferably on-line), and have transcripts and GED scores sent to the Admissions Office. Traditional aged students must take the ACT or SAT test.
Non-traditional students with a High School diploma or GED and No College Credits
Non-traditional age applicants (21 years or older or out of high school more than three years) submit a complete application with payment (preferably on-line) and request high school or GED scores be sent to Enrollment Services-Admissions.
Non-traditional freshman students will be admitted conditionally if test scores are not posted on the high school transcript or if a student has never taken the ACT or SAT or if the high school Grade Point Average is less than 2.5.
International Student Admission
At the University of Montana, you are considered an international student if:
- you are not a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, member of a Jay Treaty Tribe or refugee; Or
- you are living in the U.S. under an F, B, H, J, L or M visa
If either of the above is true, please continue to International Admissions.
