Freshman Admission

Students interested in applying to UMKC have several options:

  • Automatic admission
  • Test-optional admission
  • Competitive admission

Regardless of the process under which you may be admitted, you should complete the high school 17 core requirements, submit high school transcripts, and, if necessary, submit an ACT or SAT score.

The 17 core requirements include the following courses (each unit equals one year in class):

  • Four units of English, one of which may be in speech or debate (two units emphasizing composition or writing skills are required).
  • Four units of mathematics (Algebra I or higher). This requirement may be satisfied by the completion of courses in middle school, junior high or senior high.
  • Three units of science (not including General Science). The three units of science must include a laboratory course and must include units from at least two of the following areas: physical science, biology, physics, chemistry and earth sciences. This requirement may be satisfied by the completion of courses in junior high or senior high.
  • Three units of social studies.
  • One unit of fine arts, to be taken in visual arts, music (e.g., band, orchestra, music appreciation, music theory), dance or theater.
  • Two units of a single foreign language or American sign language. This requirement may be satisfied by completion of courses in middle school, junior high or senior high.

Automatic Admission

Applicants who self-report completion of the 17 core requirements, and who self-report a GPA and test score, may be offered automatic admission. Students admitted under automatic admission must submit official, final high school transcripts before matriculating to UMKC.

Students interested in the following programs should look at the information under competitive admission: Architecture, Urban Planning, and Design; Conservatory, School of Dentistry; School of Medicine; School of Nursing; School of Pharmacy; and School of Law.

UMKC reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission if any misrepresentations on the application or in the supporting documentation are found.

Test-Optional Admission

Under the UMKC test-optional admission process, applicants with a 2.75 or University of Missouri System (UM) core GPA may be admitted to UMKC without submitting an ACT or SAT score. Depending on UM core GPA and completion of the required high school core curriculum (outlined above), students may be fully admitted to UMKC or provisionally admitted.

Students interested in the following academic programs are not eligible to be considered under the test-optional process and must submit an ACT or SAT score:

The following types of students must also submit an ACT or SAT score:

  • Students interested in automatic scholarships
  • Students who are homeschooled
  • Students from non-accredited schools
  • Student-athletes

Students who apply test optional but do not meet certain core curriculum requirements may be admitted to UMKC provisionally, pending completion of an academic support program.

Students Attending Non-Accredited Schools

Students graduating from a non-accredited high school must earn at least a 24 composite on the ACT or an 1160 SAT combined critical reading and math score to be eligible for admission. You also must submit a transcript saying you completed the required course work.

Competitive Admission

Applicants interested in the following programs have special admission processes and must submit transcripts, test scores, and additional application materials (if required) to be considered for admission.

  • Architecture
  • Conservatory
  • School of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene
  • School of Medicine Six-Year B.A./M.D. Program
  • School of Nursing and Health Studies
  • School of Pharmacy Early Assurance Program
  • 90+ Program
  • Institute for Urban Education in the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
  • Honors Program

To view more information on specific competitive admissions requirements, please go to the website of Admission Requirements.