How to Apply

Before you fill out the application

In order to speed up the application process, we recommend gathering the following information before filling out the application:

• Permanent and mailing addresses for yourself and your parents or guardians
• Your social security number
• College or school and major for which you will be applying
• The names, cities, and attendance dates of any high schools and collegiate institutions you have attended or are currently attending
• Dates you have taken or plan to take the ACT and/or SAT
• All courses not currently posted on your high school or collegiate transcripts that will be completed before the term for which you are applying, including term/year, course title, and department (also course number and credit hours for collegiate course work, if applicable)
• Activities, positions of leadership, and academic honors received in high school or college
• Most recent employers, hours worked per week, and dates of employment
• Parents occupation, place of employment, and level of education
• Names of family members (siblings, parents, and grandparents) who have attended CU and dates of attendance

Tuition classification

If you are applying for in-state tuition classification you will need the following information for yourself and your family:

• Dates (mo./day/yr.) of continuous physical residence in Colorado
• Dates (mo./day/yr.) of absences from Colorado of more than two months in duration within the past two years
• Dates (mo./day/yr.) of employment in Colorado
• Exact years for which personal resident Colorado income tax returns were filed
• Dates (mo./day/yr.) of active duty military service
• Dates (mo./day/yr.) stationed in Colorado
• Dates you/your family member have had a Colorado drivers license or ID card (mo./day/yr.)
• Current Colorado drivers license or ID card number
• Exact years of Colorado motor vehicle registration
• Current Colorado license plate number
• State in which currently registered to vote
• Dates (mo./day/yr.) of Colorado voter registration
• Dates (mo./day/yr.) of ownership of a home in Colorado that is your/your family member's primary residence. (Go to the Office of the Registrar web site for regulations on tuition classification.)

Official high school transcript (secondary school records)

Regardless of the number of college hours you have completed (if any) or when you graduated from high school, request that your high school send an official transcript of all work completed beginning with grade 9. If you have attended more than one high school and your most recent transcript does not include your complete high school record, you must submit official transcripts from each school. If any part of your high school record is missing from your transcript, the processing of your application will be delayed. If you have not graduated and do not plan to graduate from high school, you must request an official copy of your certificate of high school equivalency and official GED scores, plus an official transcript of any high school course work completed. All credentials written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a literal certified English translation

Official college transcripts (if applicable)

Request transcripts from each and every collegiate institution you have attended during high school whether or not courses were completed, and whether or not you believe the record will affect your admission or transfer credit. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the issuing institution. Transcripts may be sent electronically by the issuing institution to apply@colorado.edu or, if sent by mail, they must have the appropriate seals and signatures. Other transcripts are not considered official. Transcripts that are marked, for example, "student copy," "issued to student," or "unofficial" are not accepted as official. Unofficial transcripts cannot be used for admission or transfer credit purposes. All credentials written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a literal certified English translation

Official ACT or SAT test scores

Request that the testing agency submit your scores directly to the Office of Admissions. The ACT will be accepted with or without the writing test. SAT subject test scores are not required. Scores recorded on your official high school transcript are also acceptable. Results from SAT or ACT tests taken in December or later may be received too late if you wish to be considered for summer or fall admission. For further information visit the SAT website, or call 866-756-7346. For ACT, visit the ACT website, or call 310-337-1270. CU-Boulder's ACT code is 0532 and the SAT code is 4841.

Personal Essays

Your personal essays are the best way for us to learn about you as an individual and to evaluate your academic performance within an appropriate context. There are two required essays:  Essay A and your choice of topic 1, 2, or 3 for Essay B. As you write your essays, consider reflecting on challenges you've overcome, your family or cultural heritage, your academic or cocurricular achievements, or specific moments that have helped to define your character. There are no "correct" answers to these questions - your responses should reflect the unique aspects and experiences of your life.

Essay A (required; maximum 500 words): The University of Colorado Boulder's Flagship 2030 strategic plan promotes exceptional teaching, research, scholarship, creative works, and service distinguishing us as a premier university. We strive to foster a diverse and inclusive community for all that engages each member in opportunities for academic excellence, leadership, and a deeper understanding of the world in which we live. Given the statement above, how do you think you could enrich our diverse and inclusive community and what are your hopes for your college experience?

Essay B (required; choose topic 1, 2, or 3, maximum 250 words):

1. Who are the influential people in your life? How have they contributed to your development as a person?
2. Briefly discuss how your family, school, neighborhood, and background have impacted your educational goals and aspirations.
3. Discuss any events or special circumstances that have affected your academic record, as well as any adversities you have overcome.

Nonrefundable Application Fee ($ 50)

Payable online at the time you submit your application or by check or money order (made payable to the University of Colorado) after you submit your application. If submitting a check or money order, include your full legal name and birth date.We recognize that some students may be faced with financial constraints in paying the application fee. Waivers can be granted for documented hardships if you submit an application fee waiver form.

Optional documents (Letters of Recommendation and Resumes)

Applicants may submit one or two letters of recommendation if you wish, however, doing so is optional. Your full legal name should be included on the top of any mailed letters of recommendation. Applicants may also choose to submit a resume or list of cocurricular activies, work experience, leadership positions, and awards.

College of Music applicants must also complete a College of Music application after their admission application has been submitted, provide a letter of reference, and schedule an audition.