Hi everyone! So I’m a senior this year and have developed some interest in MN as an out-of-state student who’s interested in microbiology. I’ve read that they don’t superscore the ACT and require the writing section. I’m kind of in a bind about that. I have a 32 on the ACT but without the writing section but I also have a 31 on the test with the writing.
C 32 31
E 34 34
M 31 28
R 32 34
S 31 26
W - 8
I’m happy with a composite 31, but I really don’t like having the 28 and 26 subscores. Are students allowed to send in multiple tests for them to look over but not superscore? I hate not being able to send in my 32 because it didn’t have writing. It was administered by my school, but they didn’t pay for the additional section. Otherwise, I would’ve taken the writing with it
Also, how does MN award scholarships? The website is kind of vague. Do they have cut-off scores to award oos scholarships? Is there a decent amount of scholarships given out or are they very competitive?
And how competitive is it to get into the honors program? Is there an average ACT score for students who are invited to it?
What I’m ultimate trying to figure out is if sending in my 31 on the ACT will inhibit as far as being admitted and having a shot at scholarships and the honors program. Unfortunately the ACT was last Saturday and I didn’t take it because I thought I had my college list finalized, and there weren’t any schools I had that didn’t superscore. If I do end up applying to MN I’m concerned I’ll have to retake the ACT and not have adequate time to prepare for it all because of that annoying writing section >:(
Thanks for reading my semi-rant and for helping me out
“The University of Minnesota Twin Cities requires a writing score from at least one test date. If you have already registered but you need to add the writing exam, call ACT at 319-337-1270.”
That seems to imply that submitting both your tests might be fine if they can use your best ACT (Test #1) and your writing score from Test #2. (while UMN doesn’t superscore the ACT, I’m pretty sure they do use your BEST overall test). You should call the Admissions Office and get clarification. Many states are now administering the non-writing version of the ACT for their grad standards - MN did so for the first time just this year. The admissions office must have a policy in place to address your kind of situation.
Regarding your test scores, both composites are at the higher end of the 50% range for CBS - which I’m assuming is your college of choice - and your math and science subscores for Test #1 are fine for CBS (check out the tables below). Your subscores for Test #2 aren’t bad - just the science is too low. But again, if they say they can use the scores from your best ACT - Test #1 - then it shouldn’t matter.
If worst comes to worst you can always retake in October but if you can submit your two current tests that would be a much easier path. Admissions should be able to answer that question for you in a jiffy.
Finally, regarding Honors College, here is the table for that. You can see that it’s very selective both in terms of GPA and test scores.
Yikes, the honors college is really competitive! Thanks for the thorough response and links @Mamelot. I plan on calling admissions about the ACT policy and will post the answer here.
I called admissions and they confirmed what you said @Mamelot. They will take my 32 that doesn’t have the writing and tack on the writing section from my 31. So it looks like I’ll be applying!
