Admission to the University

Pages 8-16

The University of Montana-Missoula does not discriminate in admission, in the provision of student services, or in employment policies on the basis of race, sex, national origin or ancestry, marital status, creed, religion, color, political ideas, age, or mental or physical disability. The University accepts applications from in-state and out-of-state, domestic and international students.

The University welcomes out-of-state students as educational programs and resources permit. The University retains the right to limit the number of students and to establish requirements which will insure their high scholastic aptitude.

Admission to the School of Law is administered by the School of Law, The University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, Montana 59812 (406) 243-4311. Requirements for admission are detailed in the Law School Bulletin.

Admission to graduate degree programs is administered by the Graduate School, The University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, Montana 59812 (406) 243-2572. Requirements for admission are detailed in the Graduate School Catalog.

Admission to bachelor degree programs, associate of arts, undergraduate nondegree status and graduate nondegree status is administered by Admissions & New Student Services, The University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, Montana 59812 (406) 243-6266.

Admission to associate of applied science programs, certificate programs and nondegree status is administered by the College of Technology of The University of Montana-Missoula, 909 South Avenue West, Missoula, Montana 59801 (406) 243-7882 (in Montana, 1-800-542-6882).

The requirements for admission to these statuses are described below. Please note that achievement of a U.S. high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum level of academic preparation required for admission to the University. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance or refusal as soon as possible after necessary credentials have been received.

Bachelor and Associate of Arts Admission

Some departments reserve the right to set admission standards for their undergraduate programs which differ from the general University requirements listed here. Applicants to these programs who meet general University requirements for admission to the undergraduate degree status will be admitted to the appropriate premajor program by Admissions & New Student Services. Application to the undergraduate major program is an additional, separate process administered by the department and arranged for by the student seeking acceptance.

Entering Freshmen

Academic Eligibility
Admission standards are as follows for both in-state and out-of-state high school graduates. Students who do not meet the admission standards may have several other admission options from which to choose. Please contact Admissions & New Student Services for information. These admission requirements are subject to change.

The following categories of students are exempt from 2 and 3 below:

Non-traditional freshmen (those students who do not enter college for a period of at least three years from the date of high school graduation or from the date they would have graduated from high school_see GED under General Information). The admission requirements for non-traditional students are currently under review.
GED freshmen (those students who pass the GED and enter college within three years of the date they would have graduated from high school).
Part-time students (those taking 7 credits or fewer).
Summer only students.

All other categories of students must meet 1, 2 and 3 below:

Graduation from a state accredited high school.
2.5 cumulative grade average (on a 0-4 scale) or 22 composite on the enhanced ACT or 920 (1030 for test dates beginning April 1995) combined verbal/math on SAT, or upper half of graduating class.
Successful completion of the College Preparatory Program (all courses are subject to Office of Public Instruction guidelines):
- Four years of English.
- Three years of math, including Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II (or the sequential content equivalent of these courses). Students are encouraged to take a math course in their senior year.
- Three years of social studies, including global studies (i.e., world history or world geography), American history and government or another third year course.
- Two years of laboratory science. One year must be earth science, biology, chemistry, or physics; the other year can be one of those sciences or another approved college prep laboratory science.
- Two years chosen from the following: foreign language (preferably two years), computer science, visual and performing arts, or vocational education units.
- Questions concerning admission requirements may be directed to Admissions & New Student Services, (406) 243-6266.

How to Apply
Receipt in Admissions & New Student Services of the credentials described below constitutes a complete application for admission:

Application form. The application form may be obtained by contacting the Admissions & New Student Services, The University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, MT 59812 (406) 243-6266. It should be completed, signed and returned.
$30 application fee. This non-refundable fee is payable once at the undergraduate level provided payment is followed by enrollment. In all other cases, record of payment will remain on file for one year. An application cannot be considered prior to payment of this fee. The University of Montana-Missoula waives the application fee for students who have attended an affiliate campus: Montana Tech and the Division of Technology, Helena College of Technology, and Western Montana College.
Test scores. Official ACT or SAT results should be sent directly from the testing company.
High School Academic History Student Self Report form. This form is part of the standard application form and is the basis for the initial admission decision.
Final high school transcript with graduation date. Information provided on the self-report form will be verified from this transcript.
Medical History Record. All students are required to submit a completed Medical History Record to the Student Health Service prior to registration. It is important that the immunization information be complete and accurate and validated by a health official.

When to Apply
March 1 is the application priority deadline for autumn semester. The application priority deadline for spring semester is November 15. Undergraduate applications and required credentials must be postmarked by these dates. Applications postmarked or completed after priority deadline dates will be processed on a space available basis. A student must be admitted to The University of Montana-Missoula prior to attending an orientation program. Details about new student orientation for any particular semester can be obtained from Admissions and New Student Services.

Transfer Students

Academic Eligibility
Any undergraduate degree transfer applicant who has attempted fewer than twelve college level credits must meet the academic eligibility requirements for freshmen mentioned above. Other undergraduate degree applicants who have attempted twelve or more college level credits must meet the academic eligibility requirements described here.

Applicants must present a 2.00 (C) cumulative grade average (on a 0-4 scale) for all college level work attempted to be eligible for admission.

Admissions & New Student Services determines whether or not transfer courses are college level, the appropriate grading and credit conversions on transfer work, and the applicability of transfer credit toward general education requirements. See Transfer Credit under General Information in this section for details.

How to Apply
Receipt of the following credentials in Admissions & New Student Services constitutes a complete application for admission:

Application form. The application form may be obtained by contacting Admissions & New Student Services, The University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, Montana 59812 (406) 243-6266. It should be completed, signed and returned.
$30.00 application fee. This non-refundable fee is payable once at the undergraduate level provided payment is followed by enrollment. In all other cases, record of payment will remain on file for one year. An application cannot be considered prior to payment of this fee. The University of Montana-Missoula waives the application fee for students who have attended an affiliate campus: Montana Tech and the Division of Technology, Helena College of Technology, and Western Montana College.
Official college/university transcripts. The student must supply a complete official transcript from each regionally accredited college or university attended, and from each college or university attended holding candidate status for regional accreditation. Applications from students who are enrolled at the transfer school while applying to UM will be considered for admission based on incomplete official transcripts showing all academic work completed and posted to date. The complete official transcript must be on file before the second registration at UM. Academic eligibility will be reviewed upon receipt of the complete transcript.
Medical History Record. All students are required to submit a completed Medical History Record to the Student Health Service prior to registration. It is especially important that the immunization record be complete and accurate and validated by a health official.

Associate of Applied Science and Certificate Admission

The associate of applied science and certificate programs in the College of Technology are designed to lead an individual directly to employment in a specific career. In some instances, particularly in allied health, the degree is a prerequisite for taking a licensing examination. The A.A.S. is not typically considered a transfer degree, although such arrangements do exist in some baccalaureate degree granting institutions.

Academic Eligibility

To be eligible for admission, students must have graduated from an accredited high school or passed the GED. Students who have been offered admission to the College of Technology must confirm the intent to enroll by taking the Test of Adult Basic Education within a prescribed period. Students admitted to the College of Technology who wish to enroll in courses at the University of Montana-Missoula which are outside the College of Technology must meet the associate of arts and bachelor admission requirements.

How to Apply

Receipt at the College of Technology of the credentials described below constitutes a complete application for admission:

Application form. The uniform application for admission may be obtained by contacting the College of Technology (406-243-7882 or in Montana 1-800-542-6882) The University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, MT 59801. It should be completed, signed and returned.
$30 application fee. This nonrefundable application fee is payable once at the undergraduate level provided payment is followed by enrollment. In all other cases, record of payment will remain on file for one year. The University of Montana-Missoula waives the application fee for students who have attended an affiliate campus: Montana Tech and the Division of Technology, Helena College of Technology, and Western Montana College.
Test scores. Scores from the Test of Adult Basic Education must be provided before registration.
Proof of high school graduation/GED. An official high school transcript with graduation date, high school diploma or GED score report must be sent to the College of Technology.
Medical History Record. All students are sent and required to return a completed Medical History Record to the Student Health Service prior to registration. It is important that the immunization information be complete, accurate and validated by a health official. Some health-related programs have additional requirements. Refer to the College of Technology section of this catalog. See index.

When to Apply

Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis until programs are filled. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance of the beginning of the first semester of enrollment. In programs with limited enrollment, full-time students are given preference for admission. A new student orientation program schedule is sent to all accepted applicants.

International

The University of Montana-Missoula Admissions & New Student Services Office or the College of Technology will issue the Immigration Form I-20 AB or I-20M-N (necessary for obtaining an F-1 or M-1 student visa) to international applicants who are academically eligible for the undergraduate degree status (see above) and who supply complete credentials as described below. In certain situations an international applicant may not need an I-20; in these cases, Admissions & New Student Services should be contacted for individual advice regarding admission status, academic eligibility, and admission requirements. International students are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores.

How to Apply/International

Receipt of the following credentials in Admissions & New Student Services or the College of Technology constitutes a complete international application for admission:

International application form. This form can be obtained by contacting Admissions & New Student Services, The University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, Montana 59812 (406) 243-6266. It should be completed, signed and returned.
$30.00 application fee. This non-refundable fee is payable once at the undergraduate level when payment is followed by enrollment. In all other cases record of payment will remain on file for one year. Payment of this fee is expected prior to consideration of the application. If this is not possible, alternative arrangements must be made. The University of Montana-Missoula waives the application fee for students who have attended an affiliate campus: Montana Tech and the Division of Technology, Helena College of Technology, and Western Montana College.
Academic Credentials
1. Non-U.S.
  1. Certified copies of non-U.S. academic credentials beginning with secondary school and continuing through the highest level of achievement. (College of Technology applicants submit secondary school credential only.)
  2. A detailed course by course evaluation of non-U.S. academic credentials from an approved independent evaluations service (except College of Technology applicants). Contact Admissions & New Student Services for information about making these arrangements (allow 4-8 weeks). Please Note: this evaluation is used as a recommendation in determining academic eligibility and transfer credit where appropriate. Transfer credit granted by The University of Montana-Missoula is not necessarily transferable to other colleges and universities.
2. U.S. Complete official transcripts showing all U.S. high school and college/university attendance. (College of Technology applicants submit secondary school credentials only.)
Statement of Financial Support The applicant must submit a certified statement from his/her bank or sponsor verifying that adequate financial resources are available to pay for the student's estimated expenses for the first year (tuition, fees, room, board, miscellaneous expenses, student health insurance, expenses of dependents, etc.). This amount is adjusted annually and is available by contacting Admission & New Student Services.
English Report Students from countries other than Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the United Kingdom must give evidence of proficiency in English. Students should arrange to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A passing score on that examination is 500. However, students who score less than 580 will be required to take English as a second language courses according to the following schedule (except College of Technology students):
500-525_one-half the normal academic load plus ENSL/LING 250: English for Foreign Students: Intermediate. Students in mathematics, computer science, and science fields that depend heavily on laboratory work may enroll up to a three-fourths academic load.
525-580_three-fourths normal academic load plus ENSL/LING 450: English for Foreign Students: Advanced.
A student may petition the Supervisor of the English as a Second Language Program to waive this requirement, if the student has the support of his or her department or program chair. Any questions concerning the evidence of proficiency in English should be directed to Admissions & New Student Services. Requests for information on TOEFL test procedures and registration should be directed to:

Test of English as a Foreign Language, P.O. Box 899, Princeton, New Jersey 08540
When the student arranges to take the TOEFL test, he or she should request that examination results be sent directly to Admissions & New Student Services or the College of Technology, The University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, Montana 59812. (Code N. 4489-00)
Students whose TOEFL score is below 500 and is above 400 may apply to the English Language Institute where they will study English 18 hours a week. For application forms, write:
English Language Institute, c/o The Linguistics Program, The University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, MT 59812. Admission to the English Language Institute does not constitute admission to the University programs or courses.
Medical History Record-International. All students are required to submit a completed Medical History Record for international students to the Student Health Service prior to registration. It is required that the immunization record (for measles, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and skin testing for tuberculosis) be complete, accurate, and validated by a physician.
Visa Clearance and Advisor's Recommendation Form. F-1 and M-1 students transferring from another college or university in the U.S. must have this form completed by the foreign student advisor of that school and returned to the UM Admissions & New Student Services Office or the College of Technology.

When to Apply

March 1 is the application priority deadline for autumn semester. Undergraduate applications and required credentials must be postmarked by March 1. The application priority deadline for spring semester is November 15. Undergraduate applications and required credentials must be postmarked by these dates. Applications postmarked or completed after these deadline dates will be processed on a space available basis. Applications submitted to the College of Technology are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. In cases of enrollment limitations in the College programs, preference is given to full-time students.

More admission information