COVID-19 Updates

Bemidji State University is making some temporary updates to our admission policy to help students navigate the challenges presented to them in these uncertain times.

No deadline to confirm enrollment

COVID has required many students to abruptly change their plans. Bemidji State will not enforce any confirmation of enrollment deadlines for upcoming semesters. Students can confirm their intent to enroll and register for classes up to the last day business day prior to classes beginning for a given semester.

Moving to “Test Flexible” Admission

We continue to offer “test flexible” admissions, meaning an ACT (or SAT) will not be required for an application review, admission decision, or merit scholarships. We continue to encourage ACT/SAT test submissions as part of the application process, but understand that many students are unable to take these exams at this time. We will base our decision on a combination of GPA, contents of your transcript, and any optional supporting documents (essays or letters of recommendation) you submit.

ACT “Super Scoring” for Admission and Scholarships

Many students have contacted us about losing the opportunity to retake your ACT to improve merit scholarship chances. We will allow for ACT and SAT “Super Scoring” for admission and merit scholarship purposes, including those students who have already received an academic scholarship offer. To learn more about what a “Super Score” is, please visit ACT’s website.

For students who have taken multiple ACT tests, we encourage submission of all test scores for the best result. These can be submitted through ACT’s website, by a high school official via email, or on a high school transcript.

Accommodating Pass/Fail Grading

BSU understands that many schools used Pass or Fail grades during the pandemic. This will not negatively impact students in the admissions process. We will review your transcripts fully and use overall cumulative GPA for admissions decisions.

Please contact your Admissions Representative if you have questions about how these changes impact you.


Some of the common questions we’ve been receiving are outlined here. If you have a specific question for Bemidji State University’s Office of Admissions, please submit a question below directly to our leadership team.

How are campus tours impacted and when can I schedule an on-campus visit?

On-campus tours are limited to a set number of prospective students and guests. We recommend scheduling your tour soon to reserve your space.

We have created virtual visit options, including video tours, self paced online tours, and Zoom based video call information sessions.

How do I contact the office if I have questions?

We recommend that you work directly with your Admissions Representative if you have any questions for us.

I'm ready to sign up for classes for an upcoming semester, what should I do next?

Please visit our Academic Advising and Registration (AAR) page to review our registration option.

How will scholarships work if I am admitted without an ACT?

BSU has adjusted our merit scholarship requirements.  In addition to our traditional criteria (GPA/class rank plus ACT/SAT), we have added a criteria that only uses GPA. Students will be awarded the largest merit scholarship that they meet eligibility for, regardless of if they have an ACT/SAT or not.

General scholarship information and criteria can be found here.