Saint Mary's University adheres to the principle that all persons have equal opportunity and access to admissions, employment, facilities, and all programs and activities of the University regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. Prospective applicants should direct requests for information to:

Vice President for Admission
Saint Mary's University #2
700 Terrace Heights
Winona, Minnesota 55987-0857

Admission of Freshman Students

The university processes admission applications throughout the year for fall semester or winter semester entrance. When all materials required for admission have been received, they are reviewed by the vice president for admission. The applicant is then notified of the decision. Students who have been admitted are asked to confirm their attendance by sending a $300.00 deposit to the university. This non-refundable deposit is credited to the student's account. Saint Mary's University subscribes to the Uniform Candidates Reply date; therefore, accepted fall applicants have until May 1 to confirm admission. 

The pattern of high school college preparatory courses and performance, while not the sole criterion for acceptance, is of primary importance. Rank in class, test scores, activities, and school recommendations all provide additional data used in the evaluation of a student's academic potential for university success. In particular cases, the applicant may be required to have an interview with faculty who are members of the admission committee and to compose an essay. 

Generally, Saint Mary's accepts students on the basis of six semesters of high school work expecting that the quality of achievement will be consistent throughout the senior year. Some students, however, are asked to submit seventh- and/or eighth-semester transcripts before a final decision is reached. All incoming freshmen must send to the vice president for admission a final high school transcript certifying their graduation. 

A student applying for freshman admission is expected to have completed the following units of high school coursework. A unit represents a year's study of a subject. A well-rounded high school academic program might include the following:

English	4 units
Mathematics	3 units
Social Studies	2 units
Natural Science	2 units
Academic Electives (foreign language, additional units of math, science, etc.)	7 units

Application Procedure

Applicants must forward the following items to the Vice President for Admission:

1. Saint Mary's University Application for Undergraduate Admission or Minnesota College Admission Form;
2. $25.00 non-refundable application fee;
3. Official transcript of high school grades;
4. A score report from one of the following tests:
   1. American College Test (ACT);
   2. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT);
5. Personal essay;
6. Letters of recommendation (optional).

Admission of Transfer Students

Candidates from other accredited colleges/universities may be admitted to Saint Mary's University if they present evidence of at least a 2.0 GPA (on 4.0 scale) in all college level coursework. The transfer applicant must file Saint Mary's University's Application for Undergraduate Admission along with the $25.00 non-refundable application fee. An official transcript of grades from each college/university attended must be forwarded to the Vice President for Admission. The transcript from the college most recently attended should give evidence of honorable dismissal. An official high school transcript is also required.

Upon notification of admission, the transfer student will also receive an evaluation of his/her previous college work. This evaluation will include the number of credits accepted in transfer and the extent to which the student has satisfied Saint Mary's general education coursework. Please note that Saint Mary's has a residency requirement of sixty (60) semester hours. The transfer student should plan to spend, at least, the last two years at Saint Mary's completing all degree requirements. Information relative to credit acceptance is given below.

The transfer student must submit a $300.00 non-refundable deposit to confirm attendance at the university. This deposit will be credited to the student's account. Financial aid applicants may withhold this deposit until notification of financial aid is received.

Credit Transfer

The following policy applies to transfer students and Saint Mary's University students who take approved courses at an institution other than Saint Mary's. Credits earned with grades of "C" or better are accepted in transfer at the discretion of the registrar. Credits earned with grades of "C-", "CD" or lower are not accepted in transfer. Honor points are not transferred. The grade point average and class rank of the student are determined by coursework taken at Saint Mary's University. Courses and credits from non-accredited institutions are accepted at the discretion of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Admission of Veterans

Veterans of United States military services who are not high school graduates may be considered for admission on the basis of results obtained on the General Educational Development Test (GED), high school level. Special consideration is given to veterans who wish to complete a program initiated earlier at Saint Mary's University or at another accredited college prior to military service.

Readmission of Former Students

Students who have previously attended Saint Mary's University and have been out of school for at least one semester must file the application for undergraduate admission as a readmit student.

Admission of Foreign Students

Candidates for admission from foreign countries must file a Saint Mary's application for undergraduate admission and the $25.00 non-refundable application fee. The student must forward all original academic credentials to the Vice President for Admission. English language proficiency is required and the student must demonstrate this proficiency by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Generally, a score of 520 or higher is required on the TOEFL to be considered for admission. Admission will be granted if the academic materials indicate satisfactory preparation for academic work at the university.

Before Form I-20 (certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant student status) will be issued to foreign students, they must deposit with the university the sum of a full year's tuition, room, board and fees in U.S. currency. This amount will cover all university related fees, incidental expense money, and living expenses during the vacation periods. A similar deposit is required annually prior to the beginning of each subsequent academic year.

Admission of Special Students

Students who do not intend to proceed toward a degree at the university may be admitted as special students. Academic coursework taken as a special student may, at a later date, be counted toward a degree only if the student makes proper application for degree candidacy and is admitted as a regular full-time student. Special students are subject to the same tuition and fees as regular degree seeking students.