How to Apply: First-Year
Take the next step towards your future.
The University of New Hampshire conducts an individualized, holistic review of first-year applications for admission. Admission to UNH is competitive. A student's academic record, including program of study, class rigor, standing in their class, and achievement is of primary importance in assessing a student's potential for success at UNH.
Academic Preparation
what kind of students are we looking for?
Bachelor’s Degrees
Students should complete the following college preparatory coursework to be considered minimally* qualified for baccalaureate admission to the University:
- B/B+ grades, or higher on average
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of mathematics (including Algebra I & II and Geometry)
- 3 years of science (2 must be laboratory sciences)
- 3 years of social sciences (including U.S. History)
- 2 years of a single foreign language (3 years is preferred)
*Some programs have these additional requirements
Engineering, Sciences, Mathematics
- 4 years of mathematics (including 1/2 credit in trigonometry/pre-calculus)
- 4 years of science (chemistry and/or physics laboratory coursework)
Note: it is expected that students be enrolled in math and science courses in their senior year
Business Programs
- 4 years of mathematics (eg: trigonometry, finite, pre-calculus, statistics)
Note: it is expected that student be enrolled in an upper-level math course (trigonometry, finite, pre-calculus, or statistics) in their senior year
Health-Related Disciplines
- Biology or chemistry laboratory coursework recommended
Nursing Program
- Chemistry, and biology or physics
Associate's Degree
Students should complete the following college preparatory coursework to be considered minimally* qualified for the associate degree admission to the University:
- C/C+ grades or higher on average
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of mathematics (including Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II)
- 2 years of science (biology with lab being one of the two)
- 3 years of social sciences (including U.S. History)
Veterinary Technology Program
- B grades or higher
- 3 years of college preparatory science - Chemistry and biology laboratory coursework ( grade of B or higher in chemistry)
Application Requirements
here's everything we need from you
All physical application materials (non-online) for undergraduate admissions should be mailed to:
University of New Hampshire Undergraduate Admissions
3 Garrison Avenue
Durham, New Hampshire 03824
Please use black ink and the student’s date of birth on all documents. Permanent resident aliens need to submit a copy of their permanent resident card. Non-U.S. citizens should include a photocopy of the passport page with biographic information.
1.
Completed Application
Students may apply for UNH admission using the online Common App or the Coalition Application, whichever is most convenient. Further instructions and details about the application process are outlined on each respective site.
3.
Application Fee
$50 for New Hampshire residents
$65 for non-residents
Pay online at the time you submit your Common or Coalition application. Or you can mail a check. Checks should be made payable to the University of New Hampshire. Please reference the student’s name and date of birth in the memo. Please mail your payment to the UNH Undergraduate Admissions Office.
Fee waivers can be requested through the common or coalition application.
4.
Letter of Recommendation
UNH requires one letter of recommendation as part of the student's application. This letter should be written by the applicant's school counselor or a core academic teacher. In our holistic review process, we do not require more than one recommendation and it is our preference to receive no more than two.
5.
*Official SAT or ACT Scores
The University of New Hampshire is now test-optional for Fall 2020 first-year applicants. You will no longer be required to submit standardized test scores. However, you will have the option through the Common App or Coalition App to indicate whether or not you would like them considered. Once you submit your application, the decision to have your test scores included is final.
There are two exceptions to our test-optional policy:
- If you are being recruited by our intercollegiate athletic programs, you must continue to submit standardized test scores due to NCAA requirements.
- If you are a homeschool student, you are also still required to submit your official SAT/ACT test results as part of your admissions application.
If you enroll as a member of UNH's Class of 2024, you will be asked to submit your test scores after the May 1 deposit deadline for university research purposes only.
SAT & TOEFL - UNH CEEB code: 3918
ACT - UNH CEEB code: 2524
Please note that the writing section of the SAT is not required for UNH consideration. To compare the new test scores to the old test scores, please reference this guide.
6.
Audition
For specific Music and Theatre programs only.
Students planning to study Music Education, Music History, Music Performance, Music Theory are required to audition as part of the application process. Please visit the Music Department for more details and information.
Students planning to study Theatre: Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre are required to audition as part of the application process. Please visit the Theatre Department for more details and information.
7.
Portfolio
For Art Studio majors only.
Students planning to major in Studio Arts are required to submit a portfolio as part of the application process. Please visit the Studio Arts Department for more details and information.
8.
Disabilities
For students with disabilities only.
IEPs, 504 Plans, and other documentation regarding a disability should be sent to the Student Accessibility Services Office. Please use this guide to understand ways in which the college experience differs from the high school experience for a student with temporary and permanent physical or learning disabilities.
9.
Advanced Placement (AP)
For qualified students only.
UNH recognizes the College Board's Advanced Placement Examination (AP) program as a means of evaluating a student's eligibility for advanced placement and credit. Students who have participated in the AP program and who have been admitted to the University should have official AP grade reports sent directly to the UNH Admissions Office (CEEB # 3918) from the College Board (telephone: 609 771-7300). After receiving the College Board AP grade report, the Admissions Office notifies the student, the student's college dean/adviser, and the Registrar's Office of any credit award and advanced placement.
Please review UNH’s AP policies related to scores and transferring credits in this document.
10.
International Baccalaureate Credit (IB)
For qualified students only.
The University of New Hampshire recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and awards 8 credits for each IB Higher Level examination with a score of 5, 6, or 7. We do not award credit for standard level exams, Higher Level Art/Design, film, and Business/Management.
Students in an IB program who have been admitted to UNH should have their official exam results sent directly to the Admissions Office (CEEB #3918). After receiving the exam results, the Admissions Office notifies the student, the student's college dean/adviser, and the Registrar's Office of any credit awarded.
The Common Application or Coalition Application must be received by November 15, in order to be classified as early action. Supporting materials (recommendation, test scores, transcript) may arrive after November 15. You will receive a confirmation email from Common Application or Coalition Application if your application was sent to UNH successfully. We follow up with a mailed letter notifying applicants of their UNH applicant ID typically within 7-10 days. All offers of admission are considered conditional and are subject to the verification of satisfactory senior year achievement when final high school transcripts are reviewed by the Admission Committee.
Application Deadlines
When do we need application documents?
Early Action - November 15
Early Action offers students with a strong interest in UNH the opportunity to receive an admission decision earlier in the process (by the end of January). Students admitted during Early Action have until May 1 to enroll.
The Common Application must be received by November 15 in order to be classified as early action. Supporting materials (recommendation and transcript) may arrive after the deadline. You will receive a confirmation email from Common Application if your application was sent to UNH successfully. We follow up with a mailed letter notifying applicants of their UNH applicant ID typically within 7-10 days.
Applicants who apply for need-based financial aid and are offered admission in January will not be notified of awards until March.
Early Action decision outcomes include: admission to UNH; deferral of the final decision until after another review in the Regular Decision process; or denial of admission.
Regular Decision Extension - March 1
Applicants who apply under this option will receive an admission decision by early April.
Financial Aid - March 1
The sooner you apply, the better! You can start the application process even before you are accepted at UNH. Begin by filing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March 1.
After receiving your FAFSA results, the Financial Aid Office will send an email letting you know your aid package is ready, and telling you how to review your aid. Log in to WebCat to check the status of your application and review your aid award.
For more details and information visit the Financial Aid website.
Whether you are just beginning your college search, or you've already applied, our admissions counselors are here to help.