Start Your Application

The Three Parts of a Complete Application

1. Your application
2. $30 application fee or a fee waiver
3. Unofficial high school transcript or GED

It is the policy of the University of Minnesota that students must graduate from high school or pass the GED (or the equivalent) before the semester begins and are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in Minnesota. In order to verify that you have met these enrollment requirements, you must have your final high school transcript, including date of graduation, submitted to the Office of Admissions.

Additional info we consider:

Short Essay Question(s) on the application
We review your written response to the short answer questions at the end of the application. Reading your responses is our way to get to know more about you. We encourage between 75 - 250 words per response. Here's what we ask:

Choose one question to answer from the following list:

1. Why do you want to attend UMN Crookston?
2. Share something about your identity, talents, or interests that we would not learn from your application materials.
3. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
   
   Optional: If you would like to add additional information about yourself or your academic record, you may do so here.

Achievement Scholarships

• Students above a 2.75 core GPA will receive an Achievement Scholarship.
• Your Achievement Scholarship is based on the evaluation of your academic record, life experiences, responsibilities, commitments and engagement in activities in and outside of high school and your response to the short answer question(s) at the end of the application.
• If you are awarded an Achievement Scholarship you will be notified within about two weeks after your acceptance letter.

The Four Parts of a Complete Application

1. Your application
2. $30 application fee or a fee waiver
3. Answers to the short essay questions on the application
4. Transcripts (official) from all previous colleges in which you attempted credit and/or enrolled.
   • If the college was not regionally accredited at the time of enrollment, we will still need it.
   • It also does not matter how long ago you took the college credit, we will still need it.
   • High school transcript/GED is not required if you have 12 or more completed credits.

Additional information we consider:

Short Essay Questions on the application

1. Why did you select your major/program and how will this help you meet your personal goals?
2. Tell us about your professional (employment), academic achievements, and any volunteer work you have participated in that reflects your organization and leadership experiences.
   
   Optional:  If your academic record does not accurately reflect your efforts and ability, please explain here. How would you plan to be academically successful at UMN Crookston?

Achievement Scholarships

• Students are automatically considered for Achievement Scholarships.
• Our decision to award a scholarship is based on your application, application materials, and transcripts.
• You will be notified with your admission decision if you qualified for this scholarship.

STEP 1: ACADEMICALLY ADMITTED

Become academically admitted by submitting the following:

First-Year Applicants

1. Start Your Golden Eagle Application
2. $30 application fee
3. Official high school transcript (9th-12th grade) courses and grades. If you complete secondary school in a country where a secondary leaving examination is required for university entry, you must also provide results of this examination. All transcripts will need an official English translated copy (if in another language).
4. English Proficiency (if applicable)

Transfer Applicants

1. Your application - Start Your Golden Eagle Application
2. $30 application fee or a fee waiver
3. Official college transcript. If the college credit you took is from a non U.S. school, it must be evaluated by a NACES member organization (i.e. WES or ECE). High school transcript is not required if you have 12 or more completed college semester credits.
4. English Proficiency (if applicable)

STEP 2: OFFICIALLY ADMITTED
(for on-campus international students only)

Become officially admitted in order to receive an I-20 by submitting the following:

1. Copy of your passport
2. International Student Agreement form (PDF)
3. Certification of Finances form (PDF)
4. Declaration of Support form (PDF)
5. Supporting documents for Declaration of Support (i.e. bank statement or letter from bank stating available funds)
6. For students currently enrolled at a school in the United States: If you are currently attending a school in the U.S., your SEVIS record will need to be released to UMN Crookston. In order to do so, you and your Designated School Official will need to fill out and submit the Transfer Recommendation/Release form (PDF).

How To Submit Materials
All materials can be sent to the Office of Admissions via email or mail: umcinfo@umn.edu or UMN Crookston Office of Admissions, 2900 University Avenue, Crookston, MN 56716

Additional information we consider:

First-Year International Students:

Short Essay Questions on the Application
We review your written responses to the short essay questions on the application. Reading your responses is our way to get to know more about you. We encourage between 75 - 250 words per response.

Here's what we ask. You're required to answer 1 of 3 following questions:

1. Why do you want to attend UMN Crookston?
2. Share something about your identity, talents, or interests that we would not learn from your application materials.
3. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? OR, Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
   
   Optional: If you would like to add additional information about yourself or your academic record, you may do so here.

Transfer International Students:

Short Essay Questions on the Application

1. Why did you select your major/program and how will this help you meet your personal goals?
2. Tell us about your professional (employment), academic achievements, and any volunteer work you have participated in that reflects your organization and leadership experiences.
   
   Optional: If your academic record does not accurately reflect your efforts and ability, please explain here. How would you plan to be academically successful at UMN Crookston?

Do you have a preference for the Golden Eagle application or the Common Application?
No. Students using any application option will receive equal consideration for admission.

Where should I send my application materials, and any other documentation and correspondence?
All materials can be sent either electronically to umcinfo@umn.edu or by mail to the Office of Admissions at 2900 University Avenue, Crookston, MN 56716.

What is an official transcript?
Official paper documents are those received in a sealed, unopened envelope from the school, college, university, federal or state department of education. Official electronic documents are those received directly at UMN Crookston and marked as official via an approved transcript vendor (e.g., National ClearingHouse, Parchment, eSCRIP-SAFE).

You should request that the institution send your transcript directly to the Office of Admissions at umcinfo@umn.edu or 2900 University Avenue Crookston, MN 56716.

Applicants may deliver paper documents in person, but the documents must be in a sealed, unopened envelope from the issuing source.

Does UMN Crookston waive the application fee?
Students who have limited financial resources and meet eligibility criteria set forth by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) will have their application fee waived. Applicants must complete all steps and have the waiver signed by an authorized official before forwarding to our office.

• Freshman Applicant (PDF)
• Transfer Applicant (PDF)

UMN Crookston will accept letters in support (on official letterhead) of an application fee waiver from high school officials (counselors, principals, etc.) and representatives of College Bound Organizations (AVID, TRiO, etc.). Application fee waivers can be mailed or emailed. Please include the student's full legal name and date of birth (when possible).

Applicants should not send cash for their application.

UMN Crookston waives the application fee during Minnesota College Knowledge Month.

What if I want to appeal my admissions decision?
Each application is reviewed at least twice and more often three or four times by the admissions committee using a holistic review process. Due to the thoroughness of our application review process, it is unusual for us to reverse an admission decision. However, we will consider an appeal if it reveals new and compelling information. Possible reasons for an appeal include:

• Grade Change - one or more of your grades from 9-11 has changed resulting in higher core GPA
• Medical - a medical condition, illness, or surgery that negatively impacted your academic performance
• Life Circumstance - a life event or situation that negatively impacted your academic performance
• Documented Disability - a documented disability (physical, sensory, psychological, developmental, learning, neurological or other impairments) which impacts your opportunities to equitably engage in the learning environment and/or limits your participation in extracurricular activities
• Omitted Information - critical information was not included in your original application

How to appeal:
If you have new and compelling information that was not included in your original application, please contact the Office of Admissions at umcinfo@umn.edu or 218-281-8569 to discuss the appeals process and request an appeal form. Please allow two to four weeks for an appeal decision to be made once the appeal is submitted.

If I am denied, can I reapply to UMN Crookston in the future?
If you are denied admission, we certainly encourage you to take college credits elsewhere in the meantime and join our campus as an upper-division transfer student in the future.

Am I still a first-year student if I took college credit in high school?
Yes. If you took college credit after graduating from high school then you would be considered a transfer student.

What are the benefits of applying to UMN Crookston early?

• Receive your estimated Financial Aid Award Letter earlier
• ​​Apply for additional scholarships
• Early access to on-campus housing application
• Know your admissions decision earlier in the year
• ​​​​​Attend our Golden Eagle Admit Day
• Reduce stress by cutting the time spent waiting for a decision
• Save the time and expense of submitting multiple applications
• Gain more time, once accepted, to look for housing and otherwise prepare for college
• Reassess options and apply elsewhere if not accepted

Does UMN Crookston require letters of recommendation?
No, but we it doesn't hurt to provide one from a teacher, high school counselor, or someone who knows you and can speak to your accomplishments and potential to help your application.

Do I need to submit mid-term grades?
No, we do not require them. However, if we feel it will help you in the admission process, we may request them.

I've taken AP, IB, CLEP, or PSEO classes (non U of M). Will I get credit for my work?
Yes, learn more at these links:

• Advanced Placement
• International Baccalaureate
• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

If I am admitted but do not confirm by June 1, can I still attend UMN Crookston?
Yes! You must confirm your enrollment by Welcome Weekend in August! Contact Brooke Novak, novak303@crk.umn.edu, to confirm your intent and submit your confirmation and registration deposit.

Who's considered a transfer student?
A transfer student is someone who has attempted college credit after high school graduation.

What if I am looking to re-enroll at UMN Crookston?
If you were a previous University of Minnesota Crookston student you will fill out a readmission form.

What if I am transferring from another University of Minnesota campus?
Students transferring from another University of Minnesota campus will fill out our Golden Eagle application. Select that option indicating that you are transferring from a University of Minnesota campus. You will not be required to submit an application fee.

Am I required to send transcripts from all of the colleges/universities I have attended?
Yes. All transcripts from institutions in which credit was attempted and/or earned need to be sent to the Office of Admissions, no matter how long ago it was from. This includes transcripts from regionally accredited institutions, non regionally accredited institutions, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Exam Preparation (CLEP), etc. Even if you don't believe the credits will transfer in, it is our university policy to obtain all official transcripts for accreditation purposes.

Do I need to submit my transcript if the college I previously attended was not regionally accredited?
Yes, you must submit all official transcripts for colleges/universities in which you have attempted credit.

Do I need to submit my transcript from a college I enrolled in but did not end up attending?
If you have an academic record at an institution, you must submit an official transcript.

Do I need to send my high school transcript (or equivalent)?
If you have less than 12 completed college semester credits you must submit your high school transcript. If you have more than 12 complete college semester credits you do not need to submit your high school transcript.

How do my credits transfer into UMN Crookston?
UMC is very transfer friendly and accepts credits from schools that are/were accredited by Regional Accrediting Associations at the time of attendance. To find out what credits will transfer in to our programs before you even apply, request an unofficial evaluation of your credits. You can begin the unofficial evaluation by filling out the Evaluation of Credit form and attaching a copy of your unofficial transcript(s).

What does regional accreditation mean?
A regionally accredited institution of higher education means a community college, college, or university which is a candidate for accreditation or is accredited by one of the following regional accrediting bodies. There are six regional accrediting organizations: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commissio of Higher Education (NECHE), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

I've been admitted. What steps do I need to complete to enroll at UMN Crookston?
Your next step to becoming a Golden Eagle is to submit your Confirmation Orientation/Registration Deposit (CORD). For additional details contact Brooke Novak at novak303@crk.umn.edu.

What are the application requirements for admission?
Your official copy of high school transcript (or equivalent) and an official copy of your English proficiency results are required for admission. See all accepted English proficiency exams.

You will need to submit official test results if applicable for example: WAEC, A levels, etc.

We will need an official English translated copy of your transcript if in another language.

Does UMN Crookston require the TOEFL or IELTS?
We do require TOEFL, IELTS or another approved English proficiency exam. You do not need to submit your scores if you are from a country that is exempt from submitting English proficiency exams.

How do I send my English-proficiency exam results?
All exam results should be sent directly from the testing agency to our Office of Admissions. Results sent to us by the student, a school, or by an agent are considered unofficial.

Does UMN Crookston require the ACT/SAT for international students?
No, we do not require ACT or SAT for admission.

How do I get my I-20?
You first need to be admitted to the University of Minnesota Crookston and be able to show you have enough funding for one academic year.

Why do I have to show funding for a full year?
Immigration regulations require us to verify funds for a student for a full cost of attendance for one year in order to issue the immigration paperwork.

How far out can I apply for my VISA?
An F-1 student visa for the USA can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date. You will only be able to enter the US with an F-1 visa 30 days before your start date.

What's the difference between a freshman and a transfer international student?
You are a freshman student if you have not attempted college credits after high school graduation. You are a transfer student if you have attempted college credits after high school graduation.

I am a current student international student in the United States, how do I get a new I-20?
Your F-1 status and SEVIS record must be transferred to the University of Minnesota Crookston before we can issue an I-20. The school that you are currently enrolled in controls your SEVIS record and your DSO. You and your DSO will need to fill out this form to have your SEVIS record released (PDF) to us.

How can I transfer international college credit?
A course-by-course evaluation of non-U.S. university credentials is required to transfer in your courses taken outside of the U.S. This must be done through a NACES accredited agency.

When is the application deadline for international students?
See application deadlines.

How do I submit my application documents to UMN Crookston?
Official transcripts and English Proficiency results need to be official. Other supporting documents can be sent directly by the student. How to submit materials.

What does official documents mean?
We consider transcripts "official" only when the certified record of academic work is submitted in a confidential manner from the issuing institution.

Do international students pay a separate tuition cost?
All students at our university are charged the same tuition cost. We do not charge an out of state tuition cost.

Will my credits transfer?
UMN Crookston is very transfer friendly and accepts credits from schools that are/were accredited by Regional Accrediting Associations at the time of attendance.  To find out what credits will transfer in to our online programs, request a free pre-evaluation of your credits and send a copy of all transcripts to the Office of Admissions.

Do I need to send in all my transcripts?
Yes. All transcripts from institutions in which credit was attempted and/or earned need to be sent to the Office of Admissions, no matter how long ago it was from. This includes transcripts from regionally accredited institutions, non regionally accredited institutions, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Exam Preparation (CLEP), etc. Even if you don't believe the credits will transfer in, it is our university policy to obtain all official transcripts for accreditation purposes.

What does regional accreditation mean?
A regionally accredited institution of higher education means a community college, college, or university which is a candidate for accreditation or is accredited by one of the following regional accrediting bodies. There are six regional accrediting organizations: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commissio of Higher Education (NECHE), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

What qualifies as an "official" transcript?
Official transcripts are certified and signed by the University registrar. You should request that the institution send your transcript directly to the Office of Admissions at umcinfo@umn.edu or 2900 University Avenue Crookston, MN 56716.
The University of Minnesota considers transcripts “official” only when the certified record of academic work is transmitted in a confidential manner from the issuing institution and includes proper signatures and authentication elements. The acceptance of official transcript(s) is at the discretion of the Registrar and may include sealed paper documents, a secure PDF utilizing a secure delivery service, secure transmission of electronic records from the issuing institution, etc., and should be a complete record of all coursework taken with final grades/marks. Faxed or photocopied academic records are not considered official.

Find additional information about official electronic and paper transcripts

Does UMN Crookston require the TOEFL or IELTS for International online students?
We do require TOEFL, IELTS or another approved English proficiency exam. You do not need to submit your scores if you are from a country that is exempt from submitting English proficiency exams.