Welcome to the start of your transfer journey! Transferring to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is an exciting next step in your academic journey, but navigating the process takes clear planning. Whether you are exploring major options, checking how your credits will transfer, or preparing your application, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to help you make a smooth transition.
We’ve outlined the transfer process in four easy-to-follow steps.
- What do you want to study? Research your degree options.
- How do you prepare to transfer? Gather the information you need to apply.
- Submit your application for admission.
- Get ready to be a Gopher!
Step 1: What do you want to study?
The first step to becoming a UMN Twin Cities student is understanding which academic programs are offered and how the university is structured.
- Explore Majors: Use the UMN Twin Cities Major Key to research degree requirements, related career options, and learning abroad opportunities.
- Select Your Major: When applying, you are required to indicate a specific primary major, along with an optional second-choice major.
- Understand College Structure: Majors are organized across 9 undergraduate colleges and 4 health science programs. Each college has unique admission requirements and deadlines. If your choice majors are in different colleges, both will review your application, but you will receive a single admission decision.
- Talk to a Specialist: Admission is major-specific, and changing majors after acceptance is not guaranteed. We strongly encourage you to connect with a Transfer Specialist before applying.
Because your admission is based upon your intended major, it is important that you research your options and have a good idea of what you would like to study at the University of Minnesota before you apply.
Be aware that transferring between colleges and majors after admission may not be possible. It is important to research your options before submitting your application.
Step 2: Prepare to Transfer
Review prerequisites, connect with advisors, and verify how your existing credits will transfer.
- Connect Early: Reach out to a college representative or Transfer Specialist early to answer questions about the admission process. Use our Transfer Specialist Meeting Checklist to guide your meeting.
- Evaluate Transfer Credits: Check general Liberal Education (LE) requirements. You can use Transferology to explore how your classes transfer and whether they meet our LE requirements. If you are transferring from a Minnesota State college or university, completing the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) or an Associate in Arts (AA) degree fulfills most liberal education requirements.
- Course Reviews: Review the Transfer Credit Evaluation Guide to learn how your previous courses apply and how to submit a transfer course for review.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
When you are ready, submit your application for admission through the UMN Admissions Portal.
- Application requirements and deadlines vary by college.
- Note that some colleges do not admit transfer students for the spring semester. Check the Transfer Application Deadlines page before submitting.
- If conditionally admitted, monitor your App Tracker portal regularly to review and submit any required documentation.
Step 4: Get Ready to Be a Gopher!
Once your application is in, take these next steps to prepare for life on campus:
- Housing: On-campus housing for transfer students is limited, but you can apply as soon as your transfer application is submitted. You can also explore off-campus listings and the UMN Roommate Finder.
- Financial Aid: Speak with a One Stop Counselor to review financial aid application process, cost of attendance, and funding options.
- Honors Program: Applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher should consider applying to the University Honors Program (UHP).