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College Connections frequently asked questions
When do I apply to the University of Minnesota?
The University of Minnesota Twin cities application priority deadline is in the middle of December. Commanding English may accept applications later if there is still space in the program. You may apply online.
What happens if my test scores are low or I haven’t been in the country for long?
Don’t worry, there is still hope! The Commanding English program recognizes the difficulties that students who haven’t been in the U.S. all their lives might face. That is why we offer additional testing for English proficiency. Students have the option of taking the MELAB or the TOEFL to demonstrate that they are ready for college level course work.
The University is a big place, how can I find my way around it?
There are maps and clear directional signs in every building. The U also offers a free campus shuttle bus. It gets easier, once you’ve been here for a couple of weeks!
Will I find people like me at the University?
There is a lot of diversity at the U with the many cultural centers, and student organizations, such as the Somali, Oromo, Mexican, and Latino association. The U is also the center for sports and many other activities that would connect you to your interests and get you in touch with others like yourself.
How will I pay for my education at the University? Are there any scholarships available?
Students can apply for financial aid through the FAFSA. There are also great many scholarships & grants available. Low-income students who have met all of the admission requirements automatically qualify for the Founders Opportunity Program.
What is a TOEFL or MELAB test?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use college-level English. The test is offered on computer. It costs US $150, ($75 with fee reduction waiver).
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) is designed to measure proficiency in the four basic language skill areas: writing, listening, reading, and speaking. It costs $80. Only money orders and checks are accepted. Registration for the MELAB is now done by mail.
Do I have to take MELAB or TOEFL?
- Yes, if you have been in English-speaking schools for fewer than 8 years and your ACT English or Reading part score is below 18.
- No, if you have been in English-speaking schools for more than 8 years, or your ACT English and Reading part scores are both above 18.
When should I take the MELAB/TOEFL?
The best time to test is between November-March.
I have no idea what to major in, or what career I want. Can I still get into the University?
Many students that are accepted at the University are “undecided.” During your time at the University, you will have opportunities to explore, and to find your own interests. Classes and workshops are also available to help with the decision.
What are the other undergraduate colleges at the University of Minnesota?
In 2006-2007 the current colleges are:
- Biological Sciences, College of
- Design, College of
- Education and Human Development, College of
- Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, College of
- Liberal Arts, College of
- Management, Carlson School of
- Technology, Institute of
What majors are offered at University of Minnesota?
There are approximately 125 majors offered at the University. It includes everything from education, languages, chemistry, nursing, and biology to engineering, business and mathematics. The University happens to also be among the highest ranking schools in the country for liberal arts majors such as sociology, global studies, and family social science. Degree program information in available in an online catalog. See also undergraduate majors alphabetically.
What is the Commanding English program ?
Commanding English is a college program for students whose home language is not English who can benefit from extra support for their academic English during the first year of college.
- Class size is small (15-17 in the Commanding English classes)
- All of the classes offer college credit (12-14 credits/semester)
- Classes fill these University of Minnesota requirements: freshman writing, social science, science with a lab, humanities, literature, themes: cultural diversity, public ethics, and international perspective
- Commanding English students take their classes together in the first semester, which makes the University a smaller place. It is easier to get to know people.
- There is a special Commanding English adviser who helps students register for classes, choose a major, and make a transfer plan for that major.
Is Commanding English similar to ESL?
No. To be considered as a Commanding English student, it is expected that you have taken at least four years of high school, you have scored 65 to 79 on the MELAB or 51-79 on TOEFL. All of the courses in Commanding English are for college credit.
What do I do after Commanding English?
Commanding English is for freshman. Your adviser will help you make a transfer plan to the college where your major is located.
What classes will I take as a Commanding English student?
Some of your classes you will take with other freshman students here at the University of Minnesota. It’s very important that you understand this, because you will be a University of Minnesota freshman student as any one else, and you will have similar classes as any one else. The difference is that for some freshman courses you take you will have a supplementary course that is part of the Commanding English Curriculum. Writing, speech, and reading classes are Commanding English sections. Literature, biology, social science and humanities courses are larger classes with a mix of Commanding English and other Postsecondary Teaching and Learning students. For example, for biology and sociology there is also a Commanding English reading class that helps you read the textbooks.
Did we answer all of your questions?
If not, please e-mail us at colcon@umn.edu.
September 2006