UNH Manchester: Apply as a first-year student

Apply to UNH at Manchester as a first-year student

The University of New Hampshire takes a holistic approach in reviewing your application for admission. While your academic record is the most important piece of information, your whole application will provide relevant context to help us learn more about who you are, how you’ve contributed to your community – in and outside of school – and how you’ll find a home here in Wildcat Country.

Apply now via the Common App

How to apply

Application process

Follow the required steps below to complete your application, and check the additional requirements to see if any apply to your situation.

Complete these steps

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Step 1: Complete Application

Apply via the Common Application. No supplemental essays required other than the essay required as part of the Common Application.

Application fee: $50 for N.H. residents, $65 for non-residents. Pay online when you submit your application.

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Step 2: Send your official transcript

Each applicant must have their official high school transcript, college transcript(s) for dual enrollment coursework, GED, or HiSET sent directly to UNH Manchester Admissions.

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Step 3: Submit letter of recommendation

Submit one letter of recommendation, ideally from a school counselor or teacher. We don’t require more than one, and we prefer no more than two.

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Step 4: New Hampshire residents, submit the Residency Statement

If you live in New Hampshire, complete the Residency Statement. It’s how we confirm your in-state status.

Additional requirements that may apply

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Interested in submitting SAT or ACT scores?

UNH is test-optional. In your application, you’ll choose whether to have scores considered. That choice is final once you submit. If you choose to submit them, scores must come directly from the testing agency.

If your school gives written evaluations instead of grades, you must submit SAT or ACT scores.

SAT and TOEFL code: 3918
ACT code: 2524

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Have Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate Credit (IB), or Freshman Credit?

Advanced Placement (AP). Have the College Board send your official AP grade report directly to UNH Admissions (CEEB 3918). We’ll notify you, your college dean or adviser, and the Registrar’s Office of any credit and advanced placement.

International Baccalaureate (IB). We award 8 credits for each Higher Level exam scored 5, 6 or 7. We don’t award credit for standard level exams or for Higher Level Art/Design, film, or Business/Management. Have your official results sent to UNH Admissions (CEEB 3918).

Running Start. We accept grades of C or better. Have an official CCSNH transcript sent to UNH Manchester Admissions.

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Serving, a veteran, or military-affiliated?

Visit our Military & Veterans page for DD214 submission and credit for military training.

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Not a U.S. citizen?

Permanent resident aliens need to submit a copy of their permanent resident card. Non-U.S. citizens should include a photocopy of the passport page with biographic information. If you are applying from outside the U.S., you should visit our International Students page for full details on documentation, visas, and additional admission requirements.

First-year Deadlines

Key dates to know

From applying early to securing your spot, these are the big dates every future Wildcat should keep in mind. Staying on track with deadlines ensures you’ll move smoothly through the admissions process and into life at UNH.

Fall Semester, Early Action

November 15

Want your answer early? Submit your Common App by Nov. 15, supporting docs by Dec. 12, and receive an admission decision before the end of January for the fall semster.

Early Action is non-binding and strongly recommended for priority consideration.

Fall Semester, Regular Decision

April 1

Prefer more time? Apply Regular Decision and receive your decisions two to three weeks after your application is complete.

Fall semester, FAFSA priority deadline

March 1

Ready to make UNH more affordable? File FAFSA between Oct. 1 and March 1 with code 002589. We’ll email when your aid is ready to view in WebCat.

Spring Semester, regular decision

November 15

Apply for the spring semester start. We’ll send portal setup details soon so watch your inbox for updates.

Before you apply

Minimum academic requirements for first-years

See the coursework and GPA benchmarks UNH looks for when reviewing first-year applications, plus program-specific requirements for majors like Engineering, Nursing, and Health-Related Disciplines.

View first-year admissions criteria

Additional information

A few more details to help you get your application materials to us correctly.

Physical application material

All physical application materials (non-online) for undergraduate admissions should be mailed to the following address: UNH Manchester, 88 Commercial Street
Manchester, NH 03101

Please use black ink and the student’s date of birth on all documents.

Accessibility services

Please don’t send IEPs, 504 Plans, or other documentation about a disability to the Admissions Office. Bring these materials to your first meeting with your academic counselor after new student orientation.

Check application status

Once you've submitted your application, you can track its status — including received materials and decision updates — through the Applicant Portal. Log in with the email address you used to apply.