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Review Factors

As a premier health sciences university, we strive to give our students every advantage.

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) First-Year Review Factors

At UMR each student is respected as an individual. We begin this individual attention at the point of application.

All incoming freshmen are reviewed and admitted to the BSHS program first. Those interested in the limited access Early Assurance programs (Nursing, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, Respiratory Care and Occupational Therapy) will be reviewed after a secondary review and interview.

Review Factors

The Office of Admissions has prided itself on reviewing applicants holistically. We value every aspect of the student and do not evaluate solely on GPA and test scores. We consider their 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.

  • 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 
  • High school and college grade point averages 
    If a student did not complete high school, a GED (General Equivalency Diploma) may be accepted in lieu of high school transcripts.
  • 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).

  • Letter of recommendation or Teacher Evaluation preferably from a Math or Science teacher (recommended but not required).
  • Involvement in health science related volunteer or employment opportunities.
  • Exceptionally rigorous academic curriculum, to include courses that exceed the college preparatory curriculum, honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and/or college level courses.
  • Work experience, paid or unpaid.
  • Participation in extracurricular college preparatory programs (e.g., MEP, PSEO, Talent Search, UMTYMP, Upward Bound, and other programs).
  • Evidence of exceptional talent or ability in scholarly research or leadership.
  • Evidence of having overcome social, economic or physical barriers to educational achievement.
  • Extenuating circumstances.
  • Class rank (if applicable).
  • 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, he or she 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.
  • Please note that UMR does not require SAT or ACT writing.

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 our 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.