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Undergraduate Application Process

Looking directly down at the Oval on the UM campus

Applying to UM

Curious about what applying to UM entails? You've come to the right place! Scroll down to read more about the undergraduate application process.

There Are Two Ways to Apply to UM

Once you are ready to apply, 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. (For students who are interested in applying to UM for fall 2025, the Common App will open on Aug. 1, 2024.) 

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

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

First time as a degree-seeking student? 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 credits after graduating high school, you’re still in this group too. You’ll apply for freshman admission. And, if you're applying for an online undergraduate degree, this is your spot, too.

(More than 12 credits? No worries — just check out the application process for transfer admission.)  Or, if you know you're interested in Missoula College, take a look at the Missoula College application process.

Admission Requirements

Wondering if you'll qualify for admission to UM? Learn more about our specific admission requirements for freshmen students. 

Additional Application Information

Will I be admitted? If you meet one of the requirements below, you qualify for admission to UM:
  • 2.5 GPA or higher
  • ACT  composite of 22 or higher
  • SAT combined score of 1120 or higher
  • Class rank in the upper half of graduating class
Homeschooled students or students at unaccredited high schools without a high school equivalency certificate or qualifying ACT or SAT score may be eligible for admission on a case-by-case basis.

Explore more detailed Freshman Admission 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. Selective programs with separate admission, such as the Davidson Honors College, may require SAT or ACT scores. 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 a 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? Admission decisions are typically released to the applicant within 10 business days of receipt of a complete application with all required documentation. All applicants will receive an electronic notification via the email address provided in their application.

Additionally, applicants can check the status of their application by logging into our online portal. Decision letters are posted in the portal and include detailed information regarding the decision.
Learn more about attending UM as an undergraduate student.Learn more about attending UM as an undergraduate student.
NEXT STEPS

Undergraduate at UM in Fall 2024

Today

Apply Now

The application for Fall 2024 is open now. Start your application today! The application deadline for Fall 2024 is Aug. 19, 2024.

Next

Apply for housing

Planning to live on-campus? Submit your housing application ASAP, as residence halls are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Then

Start Your Checklist

Once accepted, you'll gain access to your UM's Admitted Student Checklist. This is where you'll find your personalized list of tasks to complete before you can register for classes.

Next

File Your FAFSA

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

Aug.

26

2024

Fall Semester Begins

Congrats, you're a Grizzly!

DATE AND DEADLINES

Fall 2025 - UM and Missoula College

Planning on starting college at UM or Missoula College in fall 2025? These are the dates you'll want to keep in mind.

July

1

2024

In-State App Open

If you're a Montana resident, your application is open now through Apply Montana.

Aug.

1

2024

Common App Opens

If you're an out-of-state student, you will apply through the Common App. This application will open Aug. 1, 2024.

Next

Once Admitted

Start Your Checklist

Your Admitted Student Checklist is where you'll find your personalized list of tasks to complete before you can register for classes.

Oct.

1

2024

Apply for Housing

Planning to live on-campus? UM's housing application opens Oct. 1. Submit your housing application in as soon as possible for best room selection.

Dec.

1

2024

File Your FAFSA

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to receive federal funding for higher education. The FAFSA will open Dec. 1, 2024. File as soon as possible for best results.

“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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