First-Year Fall FAQs

Congratulations, you’re a 'Cane! But now what? You have questions. We have answers. Here are the most common questions we get from newly admitted first-year fall students.
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  • When will I be notified if I received any merit scholarship or an invitation to the honors program?

    Your application for admission is used to determine your eligibility for all merit-based scholarships and the honors program awarded. If granted, these awards will be included with your admission offer.

  • Does UM match merit scholarships offered by other colleges/universities?

    No, UM does not match scholarship offers made by other colleges/universities—but we congratulate you on your academic achievements that have led to so many wonderful opportunities, including admission to UM.

  • Can I still apply for financial aid if I haven’t already?

    Yes. Even if you missed a deadline, you can still apply, however, you may be at a disadvantage. Be sure to complete both the CSS Financial Aid profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible.

  • I am dropping a class in high school after being admitted. What do I do?

    Before dropping a class in one of the core academic subject areas, please seek approval from your assigned admission counselor. Also, please make sure that any proposed changes will not interfere with your ability to fulfill high school graduation requirements.

  • Is it possible to change my major prior to enrollment?

    You may request a change of major within your school or college by submitting a change of major request form in the Applicant Portal. Requests within your school or college will be reviewed and processed by the Office of Undergraduate Admission through mid-May. 

    Requests to change your major outside of your admitted school or college can be submitted to your academic advisor after the first day of classes in the fall. Note that several programs may have waiting lists for current UM students, including but not limited to Neuroscience and Traditional B.S.N.

    In addition, current UM students may not transfer into Miami Herbert Business School until they have satisfied the math requirement. Still other programs, such as the Frost School of Music and Theatre Arts B.F.A., may require auditions and admission is highly selective.

  • How can I receive credit for advanced courses?

    The University allows students to receive college credit hour toward graduation from the following programs:

    • Advanced Placement
    • International Baccalaureate
    • Dual Enrollment
    • Cambridge
    • CAPE
    • College Level Examination Program
    • General Certificate of Education

    To have Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College Level Examination Program credit hours evaluated, the student must submit an official test result report to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. In addition, UM will only award credit once the official A-Level, AS-Level, CAPE, and/or Cambridge Pre-U exam certificate has been issued.

    The University of Miami does not give credit hours for CLEP Foreign Language and General Examinations. Students taking dual enrollment courses (college courses taken while still in high school) must submit an official college transcript for review of potential transfer credit hours.

    A student must submit official transcripts or results no later than the end of the first semester of enrollment for review. Documents submitted after this time period will not be reviewed and credit hours will not be awarded.

    The University will accept no more than 60 credit hours from these programs to count toward the 120 credit hours required for graduation.

    >>Transferring Credits

  • Do I need to send my official final high school transcripts and official test scores?

    Your admission offer is pending our receipt and review of your official final high school transcript. This document must be received prior to your enrollment at UM, and the Committee reserves the right to withdraw your admission offer if you do not submit your official final high school transcript document in a timely manner.

    Those who indicated on their Common Application that they wished for the Committee to consider their self-reported test scores, please submit official score results by late spring prior to your enrollment at UM. The Committee reserves the right to withdraw your admission offer if you wished for us to consider your self-reported test scores and do not submit official score results in a timely manner.

  • I'm an international student, do I need to submit my official final high school transcripts for a foreign credential evaluation?

    No, that is not necessary. Please have your high school guidance counselor submit your official final transcripts via mail or email to mydocuments@miami.edu.

  • When will I receive the first tuition bill for the fall semester?

    If you are enrolled, six weeks prior to the first day of class, you (and anyone to whom you have granted proxy access) will receive an email notification to access your tuition invoice in CaneLink. The balance due on the statement must be satisfied by the due date or your courses will be subject to cancellation.

    For more information about your bill, please contact the ’Canes Central..

    For questions about Financial Aid awards, please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance & Employment.

  • As an international student, when will my I-20 be issued?

    Before issuing your I-20, students must submit their enrollment deposit, a bank or government sponsorship letter (sample found here) or online bank statement, and a photocopy of the biographical page of their passport. After all requirements have been fulfilled, I-20s will begin to be processed in March for deposited Early Decision students and in May for deposited Early Action and Regular Decision students. You should have your bank letter or submit your online bank statement  and all other requirements for the I-20 sent to us no later than July 10. If you don’t adhere to this deadline, we reserve the right to postpone your enrollment to a future entry term.

    These documents can be submitted via email to mydocuments@miami.edu. Please put "Passport/Proof of Funds" in the subject line of your message and be sure to include your full name, date of birth, and Cane ID on all correspondence.

  • When will I be able to have access to my University of Miami email address?

    You will be notified mid-March when your UM email has been assigned. Once assigned, all University information will be sent there, rather than your personal email address. This includes information on registration appointments, financial aid, billing, grades, and student life. Be sure to follow the instructions for accessing your UM email and to check it daily.

  • Where and when do I take the math placement test?

    Visit the Math Placement page to find out how the University determines your math placement for your first semester.

    If you have been admitted “test optional” AND do not have IB/AP scores to report, review the information for the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment.

  • Will I have an academic advisor?

    Yes. All incoming students are assigned a Transitional Advisor in April. Your Transitional Advisor can help you plan your first semester and navigate student life. During Orientation, you will have an opportunity to meet an Academic Advisor from your particular school/college.

  • When do I select courses?

    Each of the University's schools and colleges has a specific process of course registration and academic advising. Your school or college will send information about registration and advising directly to your UM email.

    All students will have access to the Applicant Portal over the summer that will provide instructions and next steps regarding the registration process for your school or college. You can also get an idea of what classes are offered at UM by exploring the Academic Bulletin.

  • I have Florida Prepaid College. What are my next steps?

    To have your Florida Prepaid funds applied to your student account, submit the Florida Prepaid College Program Transfer Form to the Florida Prepaid College Program and the online authorization form to the Office of Student Accounts.

  • I'm no longer interested in UM. Where can I withdraw my application?

    Thank you for your interest in the University of Miami. Be sure to complete the withdrawal form in your Applicant Portal and good luck with your future endeavors.