Prospective Students - Freshman

Academic Enrichment Programs

Programs for Incoming Students

Honors Program
CU-Boulder's Honors Program brings together the university's best teachers with high-achieving students who are seeking the challenge of becoming more critical and analytical thinkers. Admitted freshmen in most colleges and schools are invited to participate in the Honors Program based on information contained on the undergraduate application for admission. More>>

Norlin Scholars Program
Norlin Scholars receive an education personally tailored to fit their interests and goals in any of CU-Boulder's undergraduate colleges or schools. The program offers academic challenge, breadth of experience, and close work with faculty. Each Norlin Scholar receives a merit-based award of $3,000 per year. Students who enter the program as freshmen receive a four-year award, contingent upon academic progress. Applicants should demonstrate excellent academic or creative ability. Apply online by January 15. More>>

Presidents Leadership Class (PLC)
The Presidents Leadership Class offers a unique opportunity to those students who want to make a difference for themselves and their community. PLC, one of the nation's premier leadership programs, has won numerous national awards for excellence over the past three decades. PLC scholars receive a minimum $2,500 scholarship for the first two and a half years and may earn up to an additional $10,000 based on their participation in the program over four years. Scholars also gain access to Colorado's largest merit-based scholarship pool. Apply online by February 1. More>>

Puksta Scholars Program
The education of students to be responsible citizens within our society constitutes a key part of CU-Boulder's educational mission. Puksta Scholars serve as catalysts for bringing about positive change in the campus culture and in the local communities, while acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and experiences necessary for ethical, responsible citizenship. Puksta Scholars are required to be actively involved in an intensive, yearlong civic project that will serve the community. The Puksta Scholars Program is funded by the Puksta Educational Foundation of Denver and the CU Parent Fund. It was established by the late Harry and Eva Puksta and the CU Parent Fund. More>>

Residential Academic Programs
Living in a residence hall that has an academic program gives you the chance to take courses in your hall, connect with students who share your interests, and join educational and social events in a small-group setting. More>>

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
SURE provides a five-week-long, hands-on research opportunity for a small group of top incoming freshmen, allowing students to work with faculty conducting a wide variety of field and laboratory research. More>>

CU Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, and Diversity (CU-LEAD) Alliance
The CU-LEAD Alliance offers scholarship opportunities for highly motivated students and allows recipients to participate in programs that promote academic excellence and personal and professional success in a supportive, multicultural community. More>>

ROTC
The Reserve Officer Training Corps combines academic study with a military officers educational program, while allowing students the option of serving in regular or reserve commission after graduation.
  Air Force ROTC
  Army ROTC
  Marine ROTC
  Naval ROTC

Opportunities After You Enroll
Active Learning Program (Engineering Students)
Bioscience Undergraduate Research Skills and Training (formerly URAP)
Humanities (for engineering students)
Independent Study
INVST Community Studies
Ronald E. McNair Postbacculaureate Achievement Program
Service Learning
Study Abroad
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)