1. Attend a required NSE Info Session to pick up an NSE application booklet. See the Info Session schedule and register for one here.
   
   
2. Set up an individual meeting with an NSE advisor to discuss NSE in more depth. (This is not required, but it's strongly recommended).
   
   
3. Submit a completed application to 345 Fraser Hall before the application deadline. (Contact an NSE advisor if you still want to apply but this deadline has passed.)

• The application form (you'll receive one during the Info Session).
• On the application form, list 3 to 4 NSE schools you're interested in attending. This will increase your chances of being placed.
• A 1-2 page essay (details and instructions are in the application booklet).
• An unofficial U of M transcript. (You can print that off via the OneStop Web site.)
• Application Fee: You will not submit this with your application form, but please note that when you submit an NSE application, a non-refundable $200 administrative fee will automatically be billed to your U of M student account.
  

After your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by a University of Minnesota NSE Admissions Committee. The committee is made up of staff members, students, and/or faculty. Final acceptance of your NSE application is contingent upon the approval of this committee.

In early March, you will be notified of the Admissions Committee's acceptance and ranking decisions.(Ranking information is below).

The goal of NSE staff and the NSE Admissions committee is to allow as many students as possible to participate in NSE. For your application to be accepted, you need to be qualified, capable of being a good "ambassador" for the U of M, and explain how you would benefit from an NSE exchange (usually through the 1-2 page essay).

• The quality and clarity of your essay (it should be well-written and adequately explain why you want to go on exchange).
• Your intended course of study and its relevance to your academic and professional interests and goals
• Cumulative GPA and/or pattern of grades on your transcript.
• Personal and/or academic preparedness
• When applicable: demonstrated language proficiency for schools in Puerto Rico or Quebec
• An interview (if requested)

If more than one U of M student applies for exchange at the same institution, the NSE Admissions Committee will rank applications. For example, if there are 5 applicants from the U of M seeking placement at the University of Oregon, the committee will rank those 5 students (using the above criteria) in the order in which they recommend the University of Oregon consider them. If the University of Oregon decides they are able to take only 3 U of M students, the committee rankings will help Oregon determine which 3 students to accept.

After the University of Minnesota NSE Admissions Committee reviews and ranks all applications, the approved applications are taken to the annual NSE Placement Conference, which takes place in early March. This is where the actual exchanges are negotiated by the NSE coordinators from all participating NSE schools. How that works: On the application form, students are asked to list 3-4 schools (in preferred order) they're interested in attending. If a student's first-choice campus is not available, it will be necessary to have several back-up choices identified in order to secure placement. Each school on a student's list will be contacted until the student is accepted by one of them. On average, 97% of qualified applicants are placed at one of the schools they have chosen. About 85% of accepted applicants get their first choice.

Accepted applicants will be notified of official NSE placement in late March. After you are accepted and placed, you will be required to immediately sign a Placement Acceptance Form. In late April, you will be required to attend an NSE orientation at the U of M. You will also hear from your host school to begin the required steps to prepare for your exchange.

1. Before the end of January
   • Begin your NSE research
   • Attend an NSE info session
2. Before the February deadline
   • Submit a completed NSE application to 345 Fraser Hall
3. Early March
   • Acceptance and ranking decisions sent out to NSE applicants
4. Late March
   • After the NSE Placement Conference, you'll be notified of your official NSE placement
   • Sign a Placement Acceptance Form in 345 Fraser Hall
5. Late April
   • Attend a mandatory Orientation session at the U of M