Transfer Students - U of M Twin Cities

Transfer admission is competitive and based on a holistic review of the applicant’s academic record, writing skills, experiences beyond the classroom, and personal essay. Admission consideration factors include but are not limited to:

Academic Factors

Because academic preparation is key to student success in college, the strongest consideration in the decision is given to a student’s academic preparation. The following academic factors are considered:

• Coursework in preparation for Impact Core (prerequisite courses)
• Grades in academic coursework
• Grade Point Average
• Rigor of academic curriculum

Context Factors

Individual circumstances are also considered as part of the overall assessment of each application. Enrolling a diverse student body—with students bringing differing experiences, talents, and perspectives to their scholarly community—is essential to achieving the development outcomes of a University of Minnesota education. 

Our holistic review takes into consideration the individual circumstances that make each individual student unique. While we do not consider an applicant's race and ethnicity, we consider the following context factors in our decision review:

• Evidence of exceptional achievement, aptitude, or personal accomplishment not reflected in the academic record
• Participation in extracurricular activities related to your intended major
• Strong commitment to community service, leadership, and educational involvement
• Evidence of having overcome social, economic, or physical barriers to educational achievement
• First-generation college student
• Significant responsibility in a family, community, job, or activity
• Contribution to the cultural, gender, age, economic, or geographic diversity of the student body
• Personal or extenuating circumstances
• Military service
• Information received in the open-ended questions

No. In order to maintain a fair and equitable review process, we hold all prospective transfer students to the same standard to complete the prerequisite classes as stated above. 

Impact Core (I-Core) is a signature experience of the undergraduate program. I-Core includes foundational courses in business taken together as a 24-credit cohort experience across two semesters. It is during the I-core semesters in which students will declare their major.

After completing the prerequisites, students should continue to complete any remaining liberal education courses not met by the Carlson School curriculum: 

• Biological Science
• Physical Science
• Historical Perspectives
• Arts/Humanities
• Literature
• Environment Theme
• Technology and Society Theme

Students can also take some of the required Impact Core classes that offer Non-CSOM sections (HRIR 3021, IDSC 3001, SCO 3001, MKTG 3001).
 

Plan registration as if you have not been admitted. Rest assured, seats are reserved in Carlson School classes for all newly admitted transfer students. If admitted, you will register during orientation.
 

Students should work with their current academic advisor to create a parallel plan as a backup. Admissions are competitive and not a guarantee. Prerequisites can be used towards our Management Minor and additional programs at the University. Visit majors.umn.edu to explore business-related majors.

We assume it will take successful applicants 2.5 years to complete their Carlson degree once admitted into Carlson. This can be demonstrated by the Transfer Planning Guide.

The first page is the classes all Carlson students must take, the second page is the Liberal Education Requirements, and the final page is a transfer sample plan. 

Current UMN Twin Cities students can request a "What-If" APAS report with any UMN Twin Cities Major. Prospective applicants are encouraged to do so with any Carlson Major of their choosing and feel free to eliminate what they can from this guide to see what they have left.

If you have questions, please complete the Contact Us form at the bottom of this webpage.