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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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

 Conditional Admission

The University of Montana, as part of the Montana University System, adheres to the Admission Policy established by the Montana Board of Regents. Students who do not meet the following admission standards or those who meet the standards but have low test scores or a low grade point average are encouraged to apply for admission. Applicants will be referred to the Admissions Committee to determine if they can 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.

 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 22 on the ACT Math section;
  …or a score of 520 on the SAT Math section;
  …or a score of 18-21 on the ACT or 440-510 on the SAT (students must enroll in and pass a math course entitled Intermediate Algebra within three semesters or 32 credits of enrolling)
  …or a score of 3 or higher on the AP Calculus AB or BC exam
  ....or a score of 4 or higher on the International Baccalaureate calculus exam
  …or completion of a Rigorous High School Core that includes four years of math with grades of C or higher.

• A score of 18 on the ACT Combined English/Writing section;
  …or a score of 7 on the ACT Writing Test Subscore;
  …or a score of 440 on the SAT Writing Section;
  …or a score of 7 on the SAT Essay Subscore;
  …or a score of 3.5 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;
  …or a score of 4 on the International Baccalaureate Language A1 Exam;
  …Students who do not meet the writing scores listed above must enroll in a pre-college writing course and earn a grade of C- or higher within three semesters or 32 credits of enrolling.

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.

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. 

Home School Student Requirements

• If you are applying under the age of seventeen, your file will automatically be selected to go to a review committee. This committee evaluates if a students is academically and emotionally prepared for college.
• We must receive a written statement of curriculum including all courses that a student has completed at the high school level. Some home schoolers’ complete a pre-packaged program and receive transcripts - if that is the case, the transcripts are required.
• We require a letter of verification from the instructor(s). This can be a parent or an outside teacher that states they did instruct the student(s).
• If the student is unable to produce a four year curriculum and/or the official verification letter from the instructor, then he/she will be required to take the General Education Development Test (GED).
• We require that all students take the ACT or SAT exam. Official scores of at least, of a 22 on the ACT composite or a combined score of 1540 on the SAT is required for admittance.
• Math and Writing Proficiency requirements must be met to be admitted to The University of Montana. This is determined by the students(s) standardized test scores of the ACT or SAT. Please review the publications and application for required scores.
• Home schooled student can apply for merit based scholarships. They must submit their application for admissions before December 31st the year before they enroll, for priority consideration. The Out-of-state Scholarship Program runs on a fist come first serve basis.
• A portfolio is not required.
• The Montana University System College Preparatory Requirements are:
  • 4 years of high school English
  • 3 years of Mathematics including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II (or sequential equivalence)
  • 3 years of Social Studies including 1 year of global studies, 1 year of American history, and 1 year of governments or other third-year course
  • 2 years of Laboratory Science including at least one year of earth science, biology, chemistry or physics.
  • 2 years of Other chosen from foreign language, computer science, visual/performing arts or vocational education.

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.