Admissions
Applicant Qualifications

Demonstrate Your Potential

If you qualify, you will be invited to attend. It is that simple. Because Minerva isn’t burdened by the systems — or criteria — that have constrained other institutions for the last century, we have developed a fair, merit-based process that identifies the qualities most necessary for success in today’s complex world.

At Minerva, we focus on the qualifications that truly indicate your future potential and fit.

Our admissions team looks for academic excellence, as well as your areas of passion and individual achievement. Your past academic performance is a reflection of your persistence and ability to work within a structured academic environment, but we also consider a composite of your personal attributes and your accomplishments outside of school.

In the admissions process you will be challenged to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, individual initiative, and other attributes that correspond to leadership potential, innovative thinking, collaboration, and global citizenship. You must also be capable of handling the rigor of the Minerva curriculum, and have the maturity and desire to navigate diverse cities and cultures.

Lucy chatting with classmates
Key Student Attributes /

  • Broad interest in a variety of subjects
  • Curiosity about the world and its people
  • Continuous drive to excel
  • Community oriented
  • Inventive, entrepreneurial spirit
  • Leadership potential
  • Collaborative ability

Lucy Chen, China, enjoys a conversation with a fellow student in the San Francisco residence hall.

Photo: Bob Miller

Dedication to the Collective

Minerva students are, by definition, bright and driven, but all are also expected to embrace the diverse perspectives and cultures of world cities, and the international student body. Together, you and your classmates are expected to help Minerva continue to grow and evolve. 

Our mission is to nurture critical wisdom for the sake of the world.

Applicants should be prepared to contribute meaningfully to both the Minerva community and society as a whole. As you develop the skills needed to address complex problems and improve the human condition, you will be encouraged to put those skills into practice. Through a variety of programming and student-driven initiatives, you will collaborate to benefit the student body, the institution, and the communities surrounding each residential location. 

If you are excited by this challenge, you may be right for Minerva.

Applications for Fall 2023 are now open.

Are you ready for a challenge?

Begin now
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