The University of Missouri System has a uniform policy for admission of first year students to its four campuses. The procedure for regular admission from high school is based on high school class rank, performance on a standardized college aptitude test, and required high school units. Any high school graduate may be admitted with evidence indicating the fulfillment of the following requirements:

At least 17 units of credit (one unit equals one year in class) as follows:

  • English: Four years. Two years emphasizing composition or writing skills. One of the remaining two years may be in speech or debate
  • Mathematics: Four years (Algebra 1 and higher)
  • Science: Three years not including general science, one of the three years must be a laboratory course
  • Social Studies: Three years
  • Fine Arts: One year
  • Foreign Language: Two years of a single foreign language
  • Math and foreign language years may be accepted from middle/junior high school.

In addition to the 17-unit requirement, each applicant will be evaluated on their ACT or SAT score. Applicants with an ACT composite score of 24 or higher, SAT Total (Critical Reading and Math scores) of 1090 or higher, or redesigned SAT of 1160 or higher, will be admitted without regard to class rank.

Students who are 24 or older applying for undergraduate admission as first-time college students are not required to provide standardized test scores for the purpose of admission.

UMSL has implemented a test-optional policy through the fall 2024 semester.

Automatic Admission

Applicants who:

  1. Rank in the top 10% of the graduating class of a Missouri high school; and
  2. Complete the college preparatory curriculum, which includes at least 17 units of credit as required above; and
  3. Submit an ACT/SAT score.

WILL be eligible for automatic admission to any campus of the University of Missouri.

Students with an ACT composite score under 18, a SAT total (CR+M) less than 860, or a redesigned SAT below 940, may be required to participate in the Learning Enrichment for Academic Performance (LEAP) program.

When to Apply

Qualified applicants are admitted and notified by letter of their admission in the order that completed applications are received. Applications for the upcoming fall semester are processed beginning September 1 on the basis of six or more high school semesters.

Admission Information for Home-Schooled Students

UMSL welcomes home-schooled students. To be considered for undergraduate admission, home-schooled applicants must present the following:

  • A completed Undergraduate Application
  • ACT Composite score of 17-23 or SAT Composite of 820-1090 or redesigned SAT of 900-1150
  • A copy of course of study or transcript reflecting all coursework and grades earned, as well as a statement and date of graduation or completion.

If the home-schooled applicant has not completed all units required for graduation (completion), a test-score report of the High School Equivalency (HiSET) test, formerly the General Education Development (GED) test, with a minimum HiSET score of 75 and a minimum of 15 in each of the five subsets; Language Arts-Reading, Language Arts-Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies or a GED score of 2500 (for tests taken after January 1, 2002; minimum score of 250 required for tests taken prior to January 1, 2002).

Admission Information for High School Equivalency Students

Individuals may seek admission on the basis of passing the High School Equivalency (HiSET) test, formerly the General Education Development (GED) test, with a minimum HiSET score of 75 and a minimum of 15 in each of the five subsets; Language Arts-Reading, Language Arts-Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies or a GED sub-score of 170 or higher in each area if taken after January 1, 2014 (minimum 2500 for tests taken between January 1, 2002 and January 1, 2014; minimum score of 250 required for tests taken prior to January 1, 2002).

In addition, the following must be submitted:

  • A completed Undergraduate Application
  • ACT composite score of at least 24 or SAT Composite of at least 1090
  • A high school transcript if ACT/SAT scores are included on the transcript.