1. Review Requirements

You are guaranteed admission if you meet at least one performance requirement and all the core course requirements.

Performance Requirements

  • ACT Composite score of 20 or higher (writing portion not required)
  • OR an SAT total score of 1030 or higher (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math sections only; the writing portion is not considered)
  • OR rank in the top half of your graduating class

Core Course Requirements

Sixteen units of academic courses are required for admission. A unit is one year of high school study or semester/ quarter of college coursework

  • Math- (4 Units) must include Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry and 1 additional unit that builds on knowledge and concepts learned in Algebra 2.

             Prospective Forensic Science students are encouraged to take Calculus in high school

  • English- (4 Units) all units must include intensive reading and writing experience.
  • Social Studies- (3 Units) including at least 1 unit of American and/or world history, and 1 additional unit of history. American government and/or geography and a third unit from any social science discipline.
  • Natural Science- (3 Units) including at least 2 units of selected from biology, chemistry, physics or earth sciences. One of the units must include a laboratory instruction.

             Prospective Forensic Science student are encouraged to take 4 units of science specifically in biology, chemistry, or physics.

  • Foreign Language- (2 Units) the second must build on the first

If you don’t meet these requirements, we strongly encourage you to apply anyway- your admission will be determined by a committee appointed by the director of admissions and your complete academic profile will be considered.

2. Apply

Apply online starting August 1 of your senior year of high school. There is a $45 application fee. If you qualify for free/ reduced lunch or are active duty military or a veteran, you may qualify for a waiver. Be sure to review the criteria online to see if you qualify. You can also apply to Nebraska through the national Common App.

3. Submit Your Personal Statement

While not required for admission, the personal statement will put you in consideration for many of our scholarships. You can submit it at the time of your application for admission or you can submit it separately.

4. Watch For Next Steps

Once we've received your complete application, you should receive your admission decision in about four business days. You'll get more information about the deposit, housing, orientation, and more soon after.

Academic Calendar

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. For more information visit: https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination

UNL offers a variety of options to students to aid them in dealing with stress and adversity. Counseling and Psychological & Services (CAPS) is a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and counselors that works collaboratively with Nebraska students to help them explore their feelings and thoughts and learn helpful ways to improve their mental, psychological and emotional well-being when issues arise. CAPS can be reached by calling 402-472-7450. Big Red Resilience & Well-Being provides one-on-one well-being coaching to any student who wants to enhance their well-being.  Trained well-being coaches help students create and be grateful for positive experiences, practice resilience and self-compassion, and find support as they need it. BRRWB can be reached by calling 402-472-8770.