Admission Process At Minerva Schools:

Get Ready to be Challenged

We evaluate all applicants equally, with no preferential treatment. Our unique

admissions process is designed to empower you to demonstrate who you are, how
you think, and what you have achieved. Together, these components allow deep
insight into your capabilities, passions, and interests, helping determine if you will
thrive at Minerva.

An extensive review of existing admissions processes, focusing on those of other top-

tier universities, revealed that none comprehensively identify all the qualities we seek
in our students. To provide a truly equitable alternative, we developed our own three-
part, merit-based admissions process. The process, which eschews standardized tests
like the SAT, is interactive, challenging, and does not require lengthy preparation, or
expensive consultants.

In addition, Minerva was purposefully designed with the flexibility to expand its global
locations as needed, and thus has the distinct advantage of unlimited enrollment. We
admit all applicants who meet our standards, so you do not have to compete against
other students for a place at Minerva.

As you complete each step of the admissions process, we learn more about your
individual abilities and interests: what is important to you, how you spend time
outside of class, and how you think across various dimensions. This holistic admissions
process gives you an opportunity to show what you really care about, while enabling
us to determine whether you are a good fit for Minerva.

The Three-part Admissions Process

Each part of our admissions process is designed to identify if you are the type of
student who will succeed at Minerva. In the first part, you complete the application by
telling us about yourself, including your academic performance and examples of what
you have accomplished. In the second, you will be presented with a series of
engaging challenges designed to measure how you think. Then, in the third part, you
will provide evidence of your past academic performance, as well as a set of
accomplishments that indicate areas of excellence and interest beyond your grades.

Part One: Who You Are

The admissions process begins with your application. This step requires you to
provide basic information, including an overview of your academic history and
examples of accomplishments you are proud of. Once you have submitted your
application, you will gain access to the Admission Center. There you will find
resources and information to help guide you through the remaining parts of the
process.

Note: You can apply through the Common Application instead, but are still required
to complete Part Two and Part Three of the admissions process.

Part Two: How You Think

We do not look at standardized test scores like the SAT and ACT because they do not
reflect an unbiased, comprehensive view of your potential. Instead, during this part
you will be presented with a unique series of thought-provoking challenges. These
are validated measures of how you think across various dimensions — from creativity
and mathematics to written and spoken communications. We administer the
challenges in a timed, online-proctored format to ensure that you, and you alone, are
the one completing them. Also, since they are not something you can study for,
preparing is simply a matter of having the right technical setup and being in a clear
state of mind.

Part Three: What You Have Achieved

Finally, we want to learn about your accomplishments both in and out of class. While
your academic grades are an important reflection of your dedication in a structured
environment, we also value activities that reflect your passion and commitment in a
variety of other domains. These achievements can include personal projects,
involvement in academic olympiads or Model UN groups, literary or artistic works,
leadership of non-academic initiatives, employment experiences, and any other
activities you are particularly proud of. Rather than narrowly defining what
“achievement” means, we give you the flexibility to define this for yourself.

Receiving Your Admissions Decision:

Your completed admissions materials include your application, your performance on
our proprietary challenges, your academic transcripts, and evidence of your
accomplishments. The combination of all three parts enables us to effectively evaluate
your potential to thrive at Minerva and beyond. After an extensive review, we will
notify you of your candidacy in a timely manner. If Minerva is your top choice and you
commit to Binding Enrollment, we will deliver an expedited admissions decision within
four weeks.

Admissions Cycles

Minerva offers three distinct admissions cycles. When applying in the cycle that is
best for you, you have the option to select Binding Enrollment if Minerva is your
first, or only, choice. The Binding Enrollment option guarantees an expedited
notification within four weeks of completing the admissions process — significantly
earlier than other applicants — in exchange for your commitment to paying the
enrollment deposit and attending Minerva, if admitted.

Early Action
Students admitted during the Early Action cycle are invited to attend the first Ascent
Weekend in San Francisco. This exclusive event is an opportunity to explore the
Foundation Year city, visit the residence halls, and connect with prospective
classmates and current Minerva students. As an Early Action applicant, you will
receive your admissions decision by December 15, 2018 and will have until May 1,
2019 to confirm your enrollment.
Admissions Deadline: November 1, 2018

Regular Decision I
The first Regular Decision cycle corresponds to admissions calendars
at most other U.S. universities, with an admissions deadline of January
15, 2019. As a Regular Decision I applicant, you will receive your
admissions decision by March 30, 2019 and will have until May 1, 2019 to
confirm your enrollment.
Admissions Deadline: January 15, 2019

Regular Decision II
Our second Regular Decision cycle aligns with application timelines common outside
of North America, making it convenient to apply regardless of your geographic
location. However, the timeframe for this cycle is compressed. Admissions
notifications and enrollment decisions occur more rapidly than in prior cycles, with
an admissions deadline of March 15, 2019. You will receive your decision no later
than April 17, 2019, but will only have until May 1, 2010 to confirm your enrollment.
Admissions Deadline: March 15, 2019

Note: If you are interested in matriculating in 2020 or later, please

complete and submit the first page of the application. We will contact
you when the appropriate admissions cycles are open.

If you were previously admitted to Minerva and declined our offer, you
must apply as a Binding Enrollment applicant in order to be considered
again. Additionally, you will be asked to provide an explanation for
why you are reapplying and why you are committed to enrolling if
admitted.