First-Year Student Application

A group of Hamline Students sitting on a wall

Apply to Hamline and show us what you’ve got

We’re excited that you’re exploring the next step in your college journey with us. Here at Hamline, we value passion, relentless determination, and having the confidence to go where others haven’t. Your application is a chance to show us the real you—and we can’t wait to see what personal and academic talents make you shine.

We consider you to be a first-year student if you are a current high school student, (regardless of total completed college credits while in high school) or if you have graduated from high school but have not enrolled at a college, university or other degree-granting institution after high school.

Hamline is test optional

At Hamline University, we believe students should drive their own destinies. You'll find this starts from the moment you apply for admission. We'll evaluate your admission application holistically for undergraduate admission whether or not you choose to submit a test score from the SAT or ACT. 100% of admitted students, regardless of test submission, are eligible and considered for Hamline merit scholarships. 

Don’t forget these application deadlines

Admission type Deadline Decisions
Early Action November 1 Around December 20
Regular Decision January 15  -
Rolling Admission N/A, rolling for applications submitted after January 15 As space is available 

 

First-year application checklist: It’s as easy as 1-2-3-4

Applying to college takes time, so we’ve made it as easy as possible to get things done. Refer to the list below to complete your application, and you’ll be that much closer to celebrating your future acceptances.

First-year application checklist

We look for go-getters like you

At Hamline, we’re seeking bold, passionate, and purpose-driven students who want to make an impact. Our admission requirements ensure that applicants have developed the writing, speaking, reasoning, and study skills to be successful in college. The two most important criteria we evaluate are high school course selection and performance in academic subjects. We also look at class rank, test scores (if submitted), recommendations (if submitted), and other indicators of academic achievement or leadership ability.

Some applicants will be invited to complete an admission interview. While not required, we strongly encourage you to participate if you can. It’s an amazing opportunity for us to get to know you better—and for you to share your passions.

Hamline doesn’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Diversity strengthens us, bringing new and unique perspectives to our community. We welcome applicants from nontraditional backgrounds, first-generation students, military students, and veterans.

Coursework requirements

  • Four years of English with one year of college prep writing
  • Three years of math (two years of algebra and one year of geometry)
  • Three years of science with lab experience
  • Three years of social science
  • Two years of a foreign language

Admission criteria

  • High school course selection
  • Performance in academic subjects
  • Class rank
  • Test scores (optional)
  • Recommendations (optional)
  • Leadership and extracurricular activities
  • College readiness, motivation, and maturity
  • Admission interview (strongly encouraged if offered)

Contact information