U of M physics professors study football and superheros

You've probably solved textbook physics problems in the classroom. But have you ever wondered about the physics of football or superheros? Then you've come to the right place!

University of Minnesota physics professor Dan Dahlberg used physics to calculate the G-forces in a football collision.





Physics professor Jim Kakalios has used his love for comics and superheroes to teach physics to University of Minnesota students.




Professor Dahlberg and Professor Kakalios are just two of many great physics professors at the University of Minnesota who share a passion for physics and teaching!

U of M National Merit Finalist becomes Rhodes Scholar

Ashley Lynn Nord, a National Merit Finalist, is the University of Minnesota's latest Rhodes Scholar

Are you a student with many interests and strong goals for the future? Are you also wondering what type of support and opportunities the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities can provide you? Check out Ashley Lynne Nord’s story! Ashley truly took advantage of the University’s diversity in academics and extracurricular opportunities, and received invaluable support to assist her in accomplishing her goals.

Allow me to introduce myself...

My name is Christine O'Shea Foster and I am an admissions counselor and the National Merit recruitment coordinator for the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I am thrilled you are considering the University of Minnesota, and I am hoping you will find this blog helpful in discovering the unlimited opportunities available for National Merit Finalists.

I am also hoping you will contact me as you are making the choice as to which college you want to attend. I am always available to assist you with any questions you may have about the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or the National Merit Scholarship Program. You can contact me directly at 612-626-0582 or by email at oshe0015@umn.edu. I look forward to hearing from you!

Gold Scholar Award for National Merit Finalists

If you become a National Merit Finalist and declare the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities as your first-choice college by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation deadline, you could be eligible for the University's newest scholarship, the Gold Scholar Award for National Merit Finalists. Preference for this prestigious scholarship--worth $30,000 over four years--will be given to admitted National Merit Finalists who declare the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities as their first-choice college by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions for National Merit Semifinalists

Below is a list of frequently asked questions by National Merit Semifinalists. Don't see the answer to your question here? Contact Christine O'Shea Foster, admissions counselor and National Merit recruitment coordinator, at oshe0015@umn.edu or 612-626-0582.

I have been named a National Merit Semifinalist. What does this mean?
Congratulations on becoming a National Merit Semifinalist! This is a truly outstanding achievement, and only 1 percent of high school graduates are awarded this honor. We are thrilled you are considering the U of M and look forward to working with you throughout the year!

At the University of Minnesota, you will automatically be considered for our academic scholarships as well as our University Honors Program based on an overall assessment of your admission application. Be sure to submit your complete application for admission by the December 15 priority application deadline of your senior year of high school.

Can I visit campus?
Yes! If you haven't visit campus already, we strongly encourage you to come for a personalized visit day. Contact Christine O'Shea Foster to discuss your personal goals for your campus visit and make arrangements. We can arrange one-on-one meetings with faculty from your area of interest, tours of specialized facilities, student guides who can take you to a class that interests you, and more!

Is the University of Minnesota a sponsor of the National Merit Scholarship Program?
Yes. The University of Minnesota is a sponsor of the National Merit Program. Students eligible to receive a university-sponsored merit award and declare the University as their first-choice college by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation deadline will receive the National Merit University of Minnesota Scholarship. This scholarship is worth $4,000 over four years and up to $8,000 over four years based on financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

In addition, if you become a Finalist and declare the U of M-Twin Cities as your first-choice college by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation deadline, you could be eligible for the University's Gold Scholar Award for National Merit Finalists. Preference for this prestigious scholarship--worth $30,000 over four years--will be given to admitted National Merit Finalists who declare the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities as their first-choice college by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation deadline.

Does the University of Minnesota offer any other scholarships to National Merit Finalists?
Yes. The University of Minnesota offers a number of competitive academic scholarships for incoming freshmen. You may be eligible to receive a number of academic scholarships, up to the full cost of attendance each year for four years, based on an overall assessment of your application for admission!

What is National Merit Scholarship Corporation's deadline to declare the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities as my first choice?
You should contact National Merit Scholarship Corporation at 847-866-5100 for deadline details to ensure you are eligible to receive any National Merit scholarships sponsored by the U of M.

If you have already listed another school as your first-choice college, you should contact National Merit Scholarship Corporation immediately for deadline information to ensure you are eligible to receive any National Merit scholarships sponsored by the U of M.

If you are considering several college options at this time, we strongly recommend that you do not declare a first choice until you have made your final college decision, by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation deadline.