Frequently Asked Questions

How can I apply to UMN Crookston?
There are three options for you to apply to UMN Crookston. You can apply through our Golden Eagle application, Common App application, or a paper application

What is the Fall application deadline?

• August 1, 2023
• July 1, 2023 (International Applicants)

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
Transfer Applicant

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 (October).

What if I want to appeal my admissions decision?
Each application is reviewed at least twice 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 eligible for Financial Aid?
Your first step in finding out what you qualify for is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit our school code 004069. Once admitted, and as long as you have shared your FAFSA with us by submitting our school code, our Financial Aid Officers will be able to view your eligibility and go over it with you in detail.

What about campus safety and security?
Learn more about our Campus Security.

What veteran resources are available on campus?
The Veterans Resource Center assists eligible student veterans, active duty personnel, dependents, reservists, and National Guard members with G.I. Bill benefits and questions regarding state and federal educational benefits programs.

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.

What does UMN Crookston look for in a transfer applicant?
Check our Holistic Review page to see what we consider.

When is the application deadline?
To see all dates and deadlines check out our apply now page!

Do I need to submit ACT/SAT scores?
No, we do not consider ACT/SAT scores for admission or scholarships.

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 this 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).

What scholarship opportunities do I have?

ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS:

Achievement Scholarships are awarded to new on-campus students based on their cumulative GPA, academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and demonstrated leadership on their admissions application materials. Your admissions application is all that is required to determine if you qualify for a scholarship. No additional application is required. The same amount is awarded for up to three years at UMN Crookston. You must maintain a minimum 2.25 cumulative GPA to continue to receive your scholarship.

SPECIALTY SCHOLARSHIPS:

Specialty scholarships are also available to admitted students. The scholarships are awarded to students based on a specific set of criteria that may include only one or several of the following: academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership, service, financial need and legacy. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2023. 

What if I want to take summer classes at UMN Crookston?
Summer classes are available online.

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.

Will my credits transfer?
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 online programs, request a free pre-evaluation of your credits and send a copy of all transcripts to the Office of Admissions.

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 Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

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 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 umclearn@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.

You can find additional information about official electronic and paper transcripts here.

What are the admissions requirements?
You can find more information about the application review factors, as well as application checklists for Freshman and Transfer students here.

How do I know what classes I would need to take?
Once you are admitted to one of our online programs, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will work closely with you to ensure you are on the right path toward graduation. Your advisor will reach out to you via email when it is time to begin discussing your registration.

How many courses should I take at a time?
You can expect to spend as much time in your online course as the traditional campus course, and most courses require weekly participation and completion of assignments. We recommend new students only take one or two courses their first semester until they get used to the technology and online learning environment. More experienced students take 3, 4 or more classes each semester, but much of this is based on your job, family, and other commitments, as well as the difficulty of the courses.

The average time commitment for Fall and Spring semester courses is 3-4 hours per credit per week. Example: for a 3 credit course, you can expect 9-12 hours per week of study time in order to successfully complete the course.

Because the summer term is an 8 week condensed term, the average time commitment for a summer course is 6-8 hours per credit per week. Example: for a 3 credit course, you can expect 18-24 hours per week of study time in order to successfully complete the course.

When do classes start and how long do they run?
UMC’s online courses are offered on a semester basis. There are three semesters each year: a 16 week Fall semester, a 16 week Spring semester, and a condensed 8 week Summer semester. See our Academic Calendar for specific dates.

Are your programs completely online?
Yes. The only time you will need to come to campus is if you choose to participate in the graduation ceremonies on campus; however, attending graduation is not a requirement for studying online.
*Some courses may require a proctor for the tests.

Do I have to be online at a certain time? What does an online class look like?
UMC’s online programs allow you to study at your convenience. Course outcomes and class deadlines for homework and tests are outlined in the class syllabi. Online learning is meant to be flexible and available 24/7. UMC utilizes Canvas as a Learning Management System. Canvas is available for enrolled students to access, engage and participate electronically.

Does the diploma earned from an online program look like a traditional diploma earned on campus?
Yes. Online courses and degrees are fully accredited by the University of Minnesota and are equivalent to on-campus courses and degrees. Your diploma will read and be awarded by the University of Minnesota campus in which you achieve your degree and does not indicate that courses were taken online.

Do I get a UMN Crookston laptop computer?
Students enrolled in at least 6 University of Minnesota Crookston on-campus credits per semester qualify to receive an HP laptop to use for their studies for their term of study.

Can I qualify for some kind of financial aid?
Yes. Degree seeking students who are taking at least 6 credits per semester and who meet all other federal eligibility requirements, may be eligible to receive federal student aid. See our Finances section. Your first step in finding out what you qualify for is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit our school code 004069. Once admitted, and as long as you have shared your FAFSA with us by submitting our school code, our Financial Aid Officers will be able to view your eligibility and go over it with you in detail.

You can also apply for additional Specialty Scholarships. View our Scholarships web page for more information.

How much will it cost?
Tuition information can be found on our Costs webpage.

If I am studying online, do I have to pay student fees?
As an online student you are required to pay the online per credit fee. You will not need to pay the traditional student fees you would accrue if you were on campus. In addition to tuition and the online per credit fee, the only other cost you will be liable for is the cost of your textbooks.

Do I need to purchase textbooks for my online classes?
Yes. Most courses require textbooks. Books can be purchased online or over the phone from the UMC Bookstore. Financial aid can be applied toward the purchase if you request a student U Card prior to ordering your textbooks, but you must be registered for classes before you can order a U Card.

When do I pay my tuition?
You can find the Billing & Payment dates and deadlines schedule here. For additional information about where to view your bill and how to pay it, see here.

Can I set up a payment plan?
Yes. For billing and tuition inquiries please contact the Business Office: 1-800-862-6466 ext. 8325 or 218-281-8331.

Is there a maximum number of credit hours allotted for financial aid if a student is working on completing a bachelor's degree?
Yes. Financial aid for students who have approached the maximum number of credit hours required for their bachelor's degree; if they have attempted 150%: "The regulation states 150% of credits required to graduate." Here at UMC, that number is 180 credits. Students are placed on warning at 150 credits. At that time, while working with the Financial Aid Office, the student can fill out the appeal form, for consideration and have a plan for finishing up keeping that 180 credits in mind. There is a limited number of exceptions when the committee considers an appeal and may approve the proposed appeal beyond 180 credits. Please contact Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for further assistance and information.

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.

What are your admission requirements?

Students are reviewed on a variety of criteria. Students do not need an ACT or SAT for admission or academic scholarships. The work each student puts in during their four years of high school is more important - effort trumps test scores and we look at each student as a whole person! See what we look at for each student here.

I've been asked to write a letter of recommendation, what should I include?

You may be asked to write a letter of recommendation for a student, and this will help you form one that speaks to the student's specific qualities, attainments, and personal anecdotes with concrete examples. We encourage students to request letters of recommendation from people who know them well and can truly speak to their academic abilities, accomplishments, and efforts because it's important to note that the letter of recommendation is certainly a part of the application that gives depth and meaning to other parts of the application.

Context is everything. School profiles and school reports have always provided good context for us, but we also rely on the letter of recommendation to provide additional context about a student's academic development and scholastic potential.

• The transcript provides vital information on how much a student challenged themselves, whether they have particular academic strengths or weaknesses, how they performed in high school, whether there were trends (up or down), and where the student stands in relation to their class.
• The school profile gives indications of the rigor of the high school and the academic opportunities offered to students (such as College in the School classes, AP classes, IB classes, etc.)
• A listing of extracurricular activities tells us about a student's interests and what they have been dedicated to outside of the classroom. It also tells us about and family/work responsibilities that a student manages.
• Recommendations give life to all of these things. They explain unusual circumstances and highlight outstanding strengths. They are a way to distinguish students during the review process.

Our recommendation about your recommendation:

• Spend time adding at least one thing that you could only say about that student and do so descriptively or use an example
• Capture the character of the student as well as the academic substance
• Don't only focus on their ability but also include what motivates them
• Connect it to the rest of the student's application if you can (the transcript, the context of the school, extracurricular involvement, and the test score if a student chooses to submit it)

Remember, we are not grading your writing ability. Instead we are just trying to discover what you know about a student that could help us make an admission decision. 

Visit our PSEO website here: https://www.crk.umn.edu/admissions/prospective-post-secondary-enrollment...

What is PSEO?

Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) is a dual credit program that allows high school students to simultaneously earn high school and college credit through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level courses on a college campus or online.

How many classes can I take as a PSEO student?
PSEO students can be full or part-time. Students can enroll in 1 to 19 credits a semester.

Who is eligible to take part in the PSEO program at UMC?
PSEO students are reviewed individually using a holistic review. There are a variety of components that go into their admission including their high school GPA, extracurricular activities, electives, and more. Reach out to the Office of Admissions for additional information.

Applicants who are homeschooled or attending non-graded schools are required to submit official ACT or SAT scores.

Can I take on campus classes as a PSEO student?
Yes, students can take on campus courses. You can find course offerings here.

Can I take online classes as a PSEO student?
Yes, students can take online courses. You can find course offerings here.

What do you need to consider?
In class you will be treated as any other college student.

•     You will have full responsibility for managing your time.
•     You will be expected to meet deadlines without being reminded.
•     You will be expected to complete work at the level of a college student/high school graduate.
•     You will have to study more outside of the classroom.

What will it cost to take part in the PSEO program at UMC?
You will not be charged for tuition, books, or technology fees. These expenses are covered as part of your high school education. This also gives you the opportunity to take part in our laptop university, wireless access, and other great technological tools! Books do need to be returned to the campus bookstore at the end of each semester. Transportation is your family’s responsibility. There are funds available to reimburse some of your transportation costs, however, there are federal guidelines stating who does or does not qualify for this assistance. Additional fees may apply to access other resources available on campus such as the Wellness Center. Ask an admissions counselor to see about qualifications.

Why work closely with your counselor?
You will be responsible for meeting the high school graduation requirements. Working with your counselor ensures that the college courses you take will meet those expectations and that you will indeed accumulate enough credits for high school graduation. You should be able to take courses that are comparable to those required for graduation.

If you find you must substitute a chosen course for another, or drop a course, notify your counselor at once to ensure your requirements are still being met for high school graduation. Dropping a college course during the high school semester may put you in jeopardy. You may not be allowed to enter a high school class after a specified period of days and could receive a failing grade. If you have to drop or substitute a class, make sure to follow UMC guidelines when doing so.

What are the expectations of a UMC PSEO student?

•     Maintain a UMC cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
•     Make sure that all necessary paperwork is turned in on time. The necessary forms must be filled out each semester for students to take part in the PSEO program.
•     Remain in communication with their high school guidance counselor and their UMC academic advisor.
•     Attend all regularly scheduled classes.
•     Attend all mandatory meetings throughout the year. These meetings will be announced well in advance of each meeting. Failure to attend these meetings may jeopardize your registration placement.

What if a university course is failed?
If a class is not passed that is required for high school graduation the student might not be able to graduate with his or her high school class. In addition, there will be a permanent university transcript which will record the failing grade. Keep in mind that a grade received for coursework here at UMC does affect your high school cumulative GPA.

Can PSEO students attend summer sessions?
The PSEO program is only for regular academic year classes.

Can PSEO students be employed on-campus?
PSEO students are ineligible to work in positions whose funding come from federal or state work-study. However, there are non-work study positions at UMC that are open to PSEO students.

What can I do at UMC other than be a “student”?
There are many things to do here at UMC other than take part in coursework! For instance, you can…

•     Join one of the 34+ student clubs and organization
•     Attend UMC home varsity athletic sporting events
•     Take part in UMC Intramural sports
•     Enjoy free entertainment such as bands, hypnotists, comedians, and more!
•     Make new friends and enjoy being a University of Minnesota Crookston student!!

Important to remember
The Minnesota State High School League rules allow you to participate in extra-curricular activities or athletics covered by the League at your high school. You are not allowed to play varsity sports at UMC.

Are there UMC courses or programs that are not offered to PSEO students?
Yes, there are courses and programs that are not eligible for enrollment through the PSEO program. Please note that non-eligible courses and programs are subject to change.

How do I find out more about PSEO?
Contact your high school counselor or the UMC Post Secondary Coordinator Michelle Beeghly - umcpseo@umn.edu or 218-281-8256 if you have additional questions.