Find everything you need to apply — admission requirements, key deadlines, and a simple step-by-step guide to completing your application.
See admission requirements
Start here: Freshman admissions
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You are a freshman applicant if you:
A GED certificate alone cannot be used for freshman admission.
If you meet the freshman definition above, here’s what you’ll need to attend the University:
GPA
Minimum 3.0 weighted academic GPA1 in core courses.
High school coursework2
What to submit
1Weighted GPAs account for the difficulty of honors, AP, or IB classes.
2Most admitted students complete additional math and science beyond the minimum requirements.
3Official transcripts must be sent directly from your school
Use the freshman application deadlines below to plan your admission timeline, get the most financial aid and scholarships, and make sure you meet all requirements for a fall or spring start.
— Not applicable for the Spring 2026 start
Follow these steps to complete your application, submit your required documents and stay on track for your admission decision.
1. Create your application account
2. Complete and submit your application
3. Check your confirmation and activate MyNevada
4. Submit your transcripts
5. Submit your immunization records
6. Submit standardized test scores (optional)
7. Check your admission decision
What you do
Use the online application portal to create your user account. You will receive a temporary PIN via email to begin your application.
Why it matters
The PIN unlocks access to the full application and only takes a few minutes to arrive.
What you do
The application portal will guide you through the online application for your student type.* Once completed, review your information and click the Finalize Application button to submit.
Why it matters
Submitting your application officially starts your admission review. There is no application fee for domestic freshman applicants, so you can submit as soon as you're ready.
*Returning students must complete a returning student application.
What you do
After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. Within 24–48 hours you will receive your NSHE ID and activation instructions.
Why it matters
MyNevada is your student portal to check your status and next steps.
What you do
Your high school, college, or IB program may upload official transcripts or send them directly to Admissions and Records.
Why it matters
Official transcripts are required to complete your admission review.
Transcript upload portal
What you do
Upload your immunizations online or submit them by mail, fax, email, or in person.
Why it matters
Proof of immunization is required before class registration. See immunization requirements
Upload your immunizations
What you do
Request that your SAT or ACT scores be sent directly from the testing agency to the University.
Why it matters
Test scores are not required for admission, but they are required for most first-year scholarships and may help with course placement.
Nevada test codes: SAT/College Board (AP): 4844, ACT: 2494.
Authorized school staff may upload official score reports using the Test Score Upload Portal.
What you do
Once your application and transcripts are processed, you can check your application status in MyNevada.
Why it matters
Applying early and meeting priority deadlines helps you secure housing, aid, and scholarships.
Here are simple explanations for what you need — and don’t need — when applying as a freshman.
No. The University of Nevada, Reno undergraduate application for admission does not require an essay.
No. Undergraduate applications do not require standardized test scores (e.g., ACT/SAT) for admission to the University of Nevada, Reno. However, the University recommends submitting ACT and SAT scores to be considered for first-year scholarships and class placement in first-year courses.
The University's school codes are as follows:
You must have a 3.0 weighted GPA in the academic core courses (AGPA) in order to be admitted as a freshman to the University of Nevada, Reno. The academic courses include: English, math, social sciences and natural sciences. A weighted AGPA takes into account the extra difficulty of honors, AP or IB classes.
If you do not meet GPA or enrollment requirements, you may be offered admission to a Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) community college. Once you have completed a minimum of 24 college transferable semester credits at a NSHE community college and have a 2.5 GPA in all your transferable coursework, you can apply to be admitted to the University of Nevada, Reno.
All University of Nevada, Reno students are required to submit proof of required immunizations. The University has waivers of immunization for medical or religious purposes, which must be submitted annually. Students submitting the waiver acknowledge that they will be excluded from the University during an outbreak of vaccine-preventable disease.
More information about immunization requirements are available through the Office of Admissions and Records.
If you have graduated with an Advanced Diploma from a Nevada High School, but do not meet GPA requirements, you can still be admitted to attend the University of Nevada, Reno. You must have the Adanced Diploma and meet the core course requirements. Final, official high school transcripts must be submitted for your application to be reviewed.
Alternate admission options may be available. For more information, contact us at admissions@unr.edu or by phone at (866) 263-8232.
Applying to Nevada is quick and simple. Start yours today.