Minnesota Office of Higher Education
MENU  
logo-highered

Admission Policies & Tests

The rules of college admission


 

The admissions policy for each college differs, but you can get an idea of how selective the process is by the type of school you're considering.

Admission Policies
Admission policy Type of school Typical ACT composite score Typical SAT critical reading + math score*
Open - All high school graduates or GED holders are accepted until the school or program's enrollment capacity is reached. All public two-year community and technical colleges and some private career schools in Minnesota. None Required None Required
Liberal - While most two-year colleges will accept any student with a high school diploma (or GED), some popular or difficult programs within those colleges are more selective. Some programs within public two-year community and technical colleges and some private career schools in Minnesota. 18 or higher 870 or higher
Traditional - The majority of freshmen accepted are in the top 50 percent of their high school graduating class. Some public universities and some private colleges and universities. 21 or higher 990 or higher
Selective - The majority of freshmen accepted are in the top 25 percent of their high school graduating class. Some public colleges and universities and some private colleges and universities. Some specific programs at schools. 24 or higher 1110 or higher
Highly selective - The majority of freshmen accepted are in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class. Elite public and private colleges and universities. 27 or higher 1220 or higher

*Does not include the writing portion of the SAT.

Highest ACT score possible: 36; Highest SAT score possible: 1600


Talk with the admissions office of the colleges you want to attend to learn more about specific admissions requirements and exception policies.

Admissions tests, or college entrance exams, are one of many criteria used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. Some schools accept both the ACT and SAT; others accept only one. Make sure you know which standardized test is required for admission. Your high school counselor can help determine which test to take and when and how to register.

ACT [Test Dates] Tests English, reading, math, and science reasoning skills. Optional writing test.

SAT I [Test Dates] Tests critical reading and math reasoning abilities and writing skills.

Other entrance exams that might be required:

SAT II [Test Dates] Tests knowledge in a specific subject area, often related a specific area of study.

TOEFL [Test Dates] Tests the ability of nonnative speakers of English to understand and use North American English.

Learn more about college preparation and entrance exams.


 

Related Pages


Top Publications

  1. 1

    Choosing a College

  2. 2

    Financial Aid Basics

Quick Links