Admission Requirements and PSEO

While we don’t use formulas and we carefully consider each application, we do require the following for high school and first year students applying to Winona State.

16 High School Preparation Requirements

  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of mathematics  (2 years algebra; 1 year geometry)
  • 3 years of science  (1 year biological science; 1 year chemistry or physics; all should include labs)
  • 3 years of social studies  (including 1 year U.S. history)
  • 2 years of same world language  (American Sign Language accepted; no sampler/review courses)
  • 1 year of specified electives  (world cultures, computer science, arts, music)

ACT or SAT Score and Class Rank Requirements

A student who meets the above preparation requirements must also have:

  • Official ACT score of 21 or better with top two-thirds of high school class rank
  • ACT score of 18-20 may be admitted if ranked in top half of high school class

Our growing popularity as a first-choice university means students are filing their applications earlier in their senior year. Consider these statistics:  76% of last year's entering class graduated in the top half of their high school class; 34% were in the top quarter with an average ACT of 23. The top one-eighth of the freshman class averaged 26 or higher on the ACT.

We urge all students, especially those eligible for academic scholarships, to apply early in their senior year of high school.  

Admission to the university is the first step for all students.  Some degree programs may have additional requirements or standards for entrance into the major after you are enrolled as a WSU student.  These include College of Business and College of Education degrees; and Nursing, Social Work, and Athletic Training majors.

PSEO

A current Minnesota high school junior or senior student may be eligible to take courses at a Minnesota state college/university for high  high school and college credit through the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options program.  Juniors need  top 15% class rank OR 26 ACT or higher; seniors need top 25% high school class rank OR ACT 25 or higher to be eligible at WSU.  Application deadline corresponds with general freshman admissions.  PSEO students receive tuition, fees and books at no cost to them.  If living on campus, normal room and board costs apply.  Participating in WSU PSEO does not automatically ensure continuous college enrollment after high school graduation; a freshman application is required at that time.  Contact Karen Kauphusman at 507.457.5103 for PSEO application forms, which must be approved by a high school official before submitting. 
Application Checklist

1.    Apply online for Undergraduate Admission. Paper applications available on request
2.    $20 non-refundable application fee (pay online or with personal check, payable to Winona State University)
3.    Official high school transcript including rank and GPA/GPA scale
4.    Official ACT (school code:  2162) or SAT score sent directly from the testing company

If you have questions or need a paper application, call 1.800.DIALWSU ext. 5100, or email us.