Freshman Admission
Incoming freshmen are encouraged to complete the application process between September and January for the following Fall Semester, or by November for the following Spring Semester, to ensure their application and documents can be processed in a timely manner. Applicants can expect an admission decision by email and postal mail.
Applications are evaluated on an individual basis. Admission decisions are based on the total high school record.
Applicants must complete the following high school college preparatory courses, if under the age of 25 before the first day of classes (one unit equals one year of study):
- 4 units of English;
- 3 units of mathematics (at the level of algebra 1 and above);
- 3 units of laboratory science, including at least 1 unit each in 2 or more of the following: biology, chemistry, physics, or physical science; and
- 3 units of social science.
In addition to fulfilling the college preparatory courses, grade point average (GPA) and ACT or SAT scores are considered in evaluating an application. The general guidelines used in making admission decisions include a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (4.0 scale). An ACT composite score of 18 or higher, or equivalent SAT score.
Students who do not meet these guidelines will be considered if other supporting factors show potential for success. Students over 25 years of age and older on the first day of classes are exempt from the ACT or SAT requirement.
First year applicants applying to certificate and associate degree programs are required to submit an official high school transcript as described above. ACT or SAT scores are optional and used for the purpose of placement as defined in the NDUS Procedure 402.1.2. To be considered for scholarships, ACT or SAT are required.
DSU will accept high school equivalency examinations in lieu of high school diploma, in accordance with NDUS procedure 402.11.
THE GED IS THE ONLY TEST OF HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY RECOGNIZED FOR NORTH DAKOTA AND RECOGNIZED BY THE STATE. GED APPLICANT WHO TESTED IN 2014 OR LATER MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF A GED WITH A MINIMUM SCORE EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 145 TO ANY NORTH DAKOTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY, MAYVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY, VALLEY CITY STATE UNIVERSITY, OR DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY. ENROLLMENT AT NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY OR UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA REQUIRES A GED WITH A MINIMUM SCORE EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 170. APPLICANTS WITH GED OR GREATER THAN 170. APPLICANTS WITH GED SCORES PRIOR TO 2014 MUST MEET PRIOR REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A GED.