If you’re satisfied with your scores and think they accurately reflect your academic achievements, we encourage you to include them with your application. If you don’t think your scores accurately reflect your academic ability and potential, or if you weren’t able to take a standardized test due to COVID-19, you should consider applying Test-Optional.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls
Undergraduate Admission
Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate Admission Criteria
We know that GPA, class rank, and course options vary widely between high schools, so we do a comprehensive review of your application. Although we’ll consider both academic and non-academic factors, your performance in the classroom remains the most important factor in our review process.
High School GPA is a strong predictor of success in college, so we’ll take a close look at your high school transcript, evaluating both the challenge of your high school courses and your academic performance. We’ll also consider your extracurricular activities, personal achievements, community service, family commitments, employment responsibilities, and any other information that you’d like to provide.
If you choose to include your test scores, they will be considered in your admission decision. If you choose to apply Test Optional, you will not be penalized for not submitting test scores.
Academic Course Preparation
Academic preparation, and specifically the strength of high school course work, is an important part of the admission decision. Listed below are the minimum course requirements for strong consideration of your application. Students who are most competitive for admission typically exceed these unit requirements.
|
English/Communications (composition, literature and rhetoric) |
4 units* |
|
Mathematics (algebra, geometry and higher) |
3 units* |
|
Science (two must be from biology, chemistry or physics) |
3 units* |
|
Social Studies |
3 units* |
|
Additional Academic Electives (from the above areas or other academic or vocational areas) |
4 units* |
*A unit equals one academic year of a subject.
Letters of Recommendation
Providing letters of recommendations (no more than 1-2) are only encouraged if you don’t think your transcript reflects your true abilities as a student. The most impactful letters of recommendation are provided by classroom teachers and others who can speak directly about your academic potential.
Applying Test Optional
Students applying for admission to UW-River Falls have the choice if they want to submit standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) as part of their admission application. When completing the application for admission, you will be asked if you would like your application reviewed without test scores (Test-Optional), if you plan to submit test scores, or if you’re unsure.
NOTE: Students applying from secondary schools that provide written evaluations in place of traditional grades or students who have been homeschooled, attend online high schools, or who are enrolled in other non-traditional secondary school programs are encouraged to submit standardized test scores.
Test-Optional FAQs
How do I know if I should apply Test-Optional?
How will my application be reviewed?
If you choose to include your test scores, they will be considered in your admission decision. If you choose to apply Test Optional, you will not be penalized for not submitting test scores.
What if I already sent my test scores, but then decide to apply Test-Optional?
If you apply Test-Optional, standardized test scores will not be considered in the review process, even if they’ve already been submitted to UW-River Falls by you or the testing agency.
Will applying Test-Optional impact my scholarship eligibility?
You will be considered for merit-based scholarships whether you submit test scores or not. When determining your scholarship award, we’ll look at the same factors we considered when evaluating your application for admission; primarily your academic performance in high school. Standardized test scores will be factored into your scholarship award if you choose to submit them, but you will not be disadvantaged for scholarship funding if you choose to apply without test scores.
NOTE: In rare exceptions, test scores may be required if you want to be considered for one of our Foundation scholarship programs.
If I apply Test-Optional, can I still be considered for the Honors Program?
Yes. Students are eligible for the Honors Program if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Composite ACT score of 27 or higher, OR
- Graduated in the top 10% of high school class, OR
- Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.75 or higher
Virtual Tour
Take a sneak peek of the UW-River Falls campus.
