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At the same time, we believe you should have a clear understanding of cost and financial support early in your decision-making process.
Who Can Apply
01
Be completing or have completed secondary school
02
Be prepared to enroll in a full-time, four-year degree program
03
Demonstrate proficiency in English
A Holistic Approach
Minerva takes a holistic approach to admissions, focused on your potential, perspective, and ability to be a global leader solving complex problems.
We consider:
Intellectual potential and analytical thinking
Curiosity, initiative, and motivation
Creativity, leadership, and community impact
Your ability to collaborate in a global learning environment
Standardized tests are not required. Instead, the process is designed to understand how you approach problems and ideas.
Application Rounds
Minerva offers multiple application rounds throughout the admissions cycle, including Early Decision and Regular Decision.
Early Action (Binding Optional)
The Early Action cycle at Minerva offers students the flexibility of both binding and non-binding admissions options. Students who are certain Minerva is their first choice may choose binding admission. If admitted, binding students will be required to enroll within 10 days of receiving their admissions decision.
Regular Decision
Regular Decision is non-binding and allows you to compare offers before making a final decision.
Deadlines and decision timelines vary by cycle.
What to Expect
Applying to Minerva is an opportunity to demonstrate how you think and is designed to understand your reasoning, experiences, and potential.
Step 1
Submit your application
Provide your background, academic history, and personal information.
Step 2
Complete assessments and challenges
After submitting, you’ll complete a set of interactive challenges designed to evaluate how you think.
These include:
- Short exercises in reasoning, problem-solving, and communication
- Tasks that assess creativity and analytical thinking
These challenges are timed and structured, but require no prior preparation.
Step 3
Share your accomplishments
Highlight the work, projects, and experiences that matter most to you.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Provide examples of your impact and achievements
- Add context about your role and what you learned
- Submit supporting materials if relevant
Tips for success
Focus on your thinking process, not “right answers”
Be specific about your contributions and impact
Use clear examples rather than general statements
Complete the challenges in a focused, distraction-free environment
Starting Your Application
You can start your application through the Common Application or directly on our website. We recommend applying directly through Minerva for the most seamless experience.
Part 1 collects your biographical and academic information. Applicants under 18 will also provide a parent or guardian's contact details.
Once submitted, you'll move on to the Minerva Challenges, a unique, interactive set of online tasks that measure your reasoning, creativity, and communication skills.
Before You Begin
Use a reliable desktop or laptop computer with a stable internet connection.
Complete your application in a quiet, comfortable environment where you can focus without interruptions.
You can save your progress and return to your application at any time. You do not need to complete everything in one sitting.
How You Think
Instead of standardized test scores, Minerva uses online challenges to evaluate how you think.
You do not need to prepare for these challenges. Some include brief practice sessions to help you get comfortable with the format.
Math, Reasoning, Comprehension & Thinking
Timed challenges in:
Math
Logical Reasoning
Reading Comprehension
Divergent Thinking
Approximate time: 8–20 minutes each
Written & Verbal Communication Tasks
Written and verbal communication tasks that explore your perspectives and experiences.
Approximate time: 20 minutes each
What You've Done
We don't define achievement for you. You get to show us what matters most.
You'll describe your achievements and provide supporting materials such as documents, links, or references.
Your accomplishments can include:
Personal projects or creative work
Academic competitions or artistic pursuits
Leadership roles
Community involvement
Work experience
Your Academic Background
Our admissions committee reviews your academic history to evaluate your readiness and ensure you are well prepared to succeed in Minerva's active, discussion-based learning environment.
You'll need to provide:
Your most recent three years of academic records, which may include transcripts from multiple institutions.
Verification from a school counselor or equivalent official.
Binding Admission
Minerva offers a binding admission option in the Early Action cycle for applicants who are confident Minerva is their first choice. If admitted through the binding option, you are required to enroll and withdraw applications to other institutions within 10 days of receiving your admissions decision.
Early Decision is best suited for students who:
Have fully explored Minerva’s model
Transfer to Minerva
Designed for students who have completed at least one year of university coursework and are seeking a more rigorous, global, and interdisciplinary education.
Eligible students may apply prior coursework toward a Minerva degree and complete their studies in three years, while fully participating in Minerva’s global and immersive learning model.
How it Works
Transfer up to 32 credits (approximately one academic year)
Begin major coursework earlier while maintaining interdisciplinary breadth
Follow a structured, advisor-supported three-year degree plan
Participate fully in global rotations, applied learning, and civic engagement
Who it's For
Students currently enrolled at another university
Students who have completed one year or more of full-time coursework
Students seeking an accelerated, global, and applied learning experience
Questions about transferring? Contact: admissions@minerva.edu.
Application Policies
To ensure a fair and consistent process:
You may submit only one application per admissions year
Applications cannot be transferred between programs
If you are not admitted, you may reapply in a future year
Financial Aid Timing
Students who wish to be considered for financial aid must submit required financial documentation as part of the application process.
Financial aid decisions are released alongside admissions decisions.
Applying early is recommended, as funding is limited.
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