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Online Student Application Process

Bright fall foliage hangs from trees on the UM campus

Applying as an Online Student

The University of Montana provides the opportunity to apply as a distance-only student, meaning you only take online classes and do not attend classes in-person.

Students who are interested in applying for this status must meet the University's general admission requirements for first-year and transfer students. This student status is designed for those who are taking online courses only.

When applying for this status, students are not required to provide proof of immunization or complete a Medical Requirement Form. Distance-only students are not eligible for health insurance, services provided by the Curry Health Center, athletic event discounts or the Campus Recreation facilities.

Let’s start simple: What kind of applicant are you?

First time as a degree-seeking student planning to take online-only classes? Awesome — you’re in the right place. If you’ve been enrolled concurrently in high school and college, or if you’ve completed fewer than 12 college-level credits, you’re still in this group, too. You’ll apply for freshman admission.

(More than 12 credits? No worries — just check out the application process for transfer admissions.)

There Are Two Ways to Apply to UM

Once you are ready to apply as an online student, you'll select the application option that best fits your needs: 

The Common App is a shared application that allows you to apply to multiple nationwide schools simultaneously. We recommend that students who are planning on applying to multiple schools nationwide use the Common App. 

Apply Montana allows students to apply to multiple colleges in Montana at once. We recommend Montana residents use the Apply Montana application. The application is free for Montana residents.

Common App Common App Apply Montana Apply Montana

Application Application Information

Will I be admitted?
Students who are interested in applying for online status must meet the University's general admission requirements for freshman. 

Freshman applicants must meet one of the following admissions requirements: 
  • 2.5 GPA or higher
  • ACT composite score of 22 or higher
  • SAT combined score of 1120 or higher
  • Class rank in the upper half of graduating class
Explore more detailed admissions requirements here
 When should I apply?
UM evaluates applications on a space-available basis until one week before the term begins. However, the earlier students submit the completed application and all required documents, the higher their priority in admissions processing and scholarship consideration.

To receive priority consideration, submit your application and all required documents by March 1 if you plan to enroll for fall semester or by Nov. 15 if you plan to enroll in for spring semester. 
 Do I need to take the ACT/SAT?
ACT/SAT test scores are not required for admission to the University of Montana. However, students who have taken these tests are encouraged to submit their scores for course placement purposes.
 Do I need to write an essay for my application?
Good news: No essay is required to submit your application to UM.
 Do I need letters of recommendation?
UM does not require letters of recommendation as part of your application.
 Can I apply before I graduate high school?

Yes. Admission to University of Montana is based on self-reported educational accomplishments provided at the time of application. All offers of admission are contingent on the verification of self-reported information with official documents.

UM Undergraduate Admissions retains the right to rescind an offer of admission or change a student’s campus if final official transcript(s) show that a student is no longer eligible for admission or that the student misreported academic accomplishments at the time of application.

To complete an application file, an admitted student must submit final official copies of transcripts before enrollment. "Final" means that all coursework is complete and all final grades have been assigned and posted on the transcript. High school transcripts must show the date of graduation, which must be prior to the print date of the transcript. "Official" means that the transcript has been issued directly to UM by the previous institution and has not been in the student's possession, except in cases where a transcript is issued to a student in a sealed envelope. In such cases, the student must submit the transcript to UM Admissions in the original, sealed envelope.

Students should request that transcripts be sent to the following address:

UM Undergraduate Admissions
Gilkey Building
950 Arthur Avenue
Missoula, MT 59812
admiss@mso.umt.edu
 How long does UM take to process my application?
Applications typically take two weeks to process.
Explore life as an online student at UM.Explore life as an online student at UM.
DATES AND DEADLINES

Online Students

Planning to attend UM as an online student? You’ll want to check out these dates.

Apply

Application Open Now

If you plan to start in Spring 2025 or Fall 2025, your application is open now.

Next

Submit Your FAFSA

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to receive federal funding for higher education.

Then

Start Your Checklist

You'll find your personalized list of tasks to complete on your Admitted Student Checklist. You must complete these tasks before you can register for classes.

Go Griz!

Start Classes

Spring semester will begin Thursday, Jan. 16. Fall semester 2025 will start Monday, Aug. 25.

“But wait! This isn’t me!”

Looking for a different application process? Choose the app that best fits your case. Or, tell us a little more about what you're looking for, and we'll get you where you need to be.

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