Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) First-Year Review Factors
At University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) each student is respected as an individual. We begin this individual attention at the point of application.
All incoming first-year students are reviewed for the BSHS program first. Those who applied to one of the limited access Early Assurance programs (Nursing, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, Respiratory Care and Occupational Therapy) go through a secondary review for the specific partnership program.
Review Factors
The Office of Admissions prides itself on reviewing applicants holistically. We value every aspect of the student and do not evaluate solely on GPA and test scores. We consider a student’s passion for health care and what drives them toward a career in helping others.
Ultimately, UMR admits students we believe have a true passion for a career in health care and are academically ready for the rigor of a STEM curriculum.
Primary Review Factors
- Successful completion of a college preparatory curriculum
- Four years of English
- Four years of mathematics at the Intermediate Algebra/Algebra I level and above
- Four years of science including at least one year of biological sciences and one year of chemistry
- Three years of social studies
- STEM GPA
- Earned high school grade point average in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)
- Passion Statement
- Short answer question describing your passion for health care (required for scholarship consideration)
Additional Review Factors
- Letter of recommendation or teacher evaluation (preferably from a math or science teacher): Strongly recommended but not required.
- Volunteer or employment experience: Participation in health science–related opportunities.
- Academic rigor: Completion of a curriculum that exceeds college preparatory standards, including honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and/or college-level courses.
- Work experience: Paid or unpaid.
- Exceptional ability: Evidence of outstanding talent in scholarly research or leadership.
- Perseverance: Demonstrated ability to overcome social, economic or physical barriers to education.
- Extenuating circumstances: Any additional context that may have affected your educational journey.
- Standardized Test Scores: ACT/SAT scores are not required. However, if the student wishes for them to be reviewed, they can indicate that on the application.
- Submit your ACT and/or SAT Reasoning scores. UMR, for the purposes of making an admissions decision, will accept self-reported test scores on the application. Once a student is admitted, they will be asked to verify those test scores. Test scores may also be submitted electronically through the testing sites (ACT or SAT/College Board). UMR's ACT code is 2154 and the SAT code is 5877. Test scores appearing on the high school transcript will also be accepted as official.
Schedule Changes
The University expects that students will successfully complete the senior year coursework they list on their admission application. Schedule changes of academic coursework during the senior year and/or the unsuccessful completion of senior year coursework may result in the cancellation of admission. Students considering making schedule changes, or those who are concerned about their academic progress in any of their courses, must consult with the Office of Admissions at 1-877-280-4699.
For International Students:
For admissions purposes, you are considered an international student if: you are not a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident or refugee AND you are not on a temporary visa or require a visa to study in the United States. Read more information about International Admissions.
For Transfer Students:
If you are applying as a transfer student, read more information about Transfer Admissions.