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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I apply by the non-binding Early Notification deadline?
The benefit of applying by the non-binding Early Notification deadline is to give you a guaranteed decision date. If you have chosen CU-Boulder as one of your top schools, you will receive a decision of admission, postponement, or denial by January 15.
2. When will the Office of Admissions begin reviewing completed freshman applications?
We will begin reviewing completed freshmen applications in September, but will not release any decisions until December 2. Applying early is a good idea.
3. If I apply and am admitted through the non-binding Early Notification process, am I required to attend CU-Boulder?
No. The non-binding Early Notification decision allows you to apply to and enroll at another school if you so choose.
4. Can I apply to other Early Action/Early Decision/Early Response schools along with CU-Boulder?
Yes. Because our decision is non-binding, you are still permitted to apply to other schools that use an early admissions program such as Early Action or Early Decision.
5. Is an application reviewed differently if it was received as part of non-binding Early Notification?
No. All applications are reviewed using the same admission criteria. Applicants who apply by the December 1, 2009 non-binding Early Notification deadline are not only guaranteed an early decision, but are also given the opportunity to strengthen their application if the Office of Admissions requests additional information. Visit our admissions criteria page for more information regarding how applications are reviewed.
6. What is considered a completed application?
Freshmen wishing to be considered for the non-binding Early Notification deadline must have all required application materials postmarked by December 1, 2009. A completed application consists of:
  • Online application
  • $50 application fee
  • Official high school transcripts*
  • Official college transcripts (if you have taken college course work)*
  • ACT or SAT I scores
  • Two short answer essay questions (one 500 words or less, one 250 words or less)

*Official transcripts can be sent electronically by the issuing institution to apply@colorado.edu.

7. What is considered an official transcript?
Official transcripts are mailed or sent electronically directly to us by your high school or by the student if the transcript is still in its original sealed envelope. Unofficial transcripts cannot be used to complete your file.
8. How can I pay the $50 application fee?
You can pay the $50 application fee electronically at the time you submit your application, or by check or money order once your application has been submitted. If mailing your application fee separately from your application, please make your check or money order payable to the University of Colorado.
9. Do you require transcripts for college work completed while I was enrolled in high school?
If you apply with the intention of attending CU-Boulder directly after you graduate high school, we do not require transcripts for any college work completed while you were in high school in order to review your application for an admission decision. However, if you are admitted, you will be required to submit official transcripts for all college work completed while in high school so we may review the work and, if applicable, award you credit.
10. How will I know my application is complete? How can I check my status?
You can check your application status through the apply tab on your MyCUBoulder account.
11. Are admission deadlines "postmarked" or "received by" dates?
The non-binding Early Notification and the Freshman Application deadlines are postmark deadlines.
12. How do I submit high school transcripts?
Offical high school transcripts can be sent to CU-Boulder from your high school by mail or electronically to apply@colorado.edu. Transcripts postmarked by December 1, 2009 will meet the non-binding Early Notification deadline. To meet the Freshman Application deadline, students must postmark their transcript by January 15, 2010.
13. What are the essay questions? How long should they be?

There are two required essay questions that must be submitted in order for your application to be considered complete.

Essay A (500 words maximum)

The University of Colorado at 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 (250 word maximum, choose ONE of the following topics)

  • Who are the influential people in your life? How have they contributed to your development as a person?
  • Briefly discuss how your family, school, neighborhood, and background have impacted your educational goals and aspirations.
  • Discuss any events or special circumstances that have affected your academic record, as well as any adversities you have overcome.
14. How many letters of recommendation should I send?
Letters of recommendation are not required, but do provide good insight into your character and your abilities as a student. If you choose to submit letters of recommendation, we suggest sending no more than two. Make sure you choose people who know you well and can talk about your strengths and how you will contribute to the CU-Boulder community.
15. What is the earliest that I can be admitted?
CU-Boulder will begin releasing admission decisions to fall 2010 applicants who met the non-binding Early Notification deadline on December 2, 2009. All students who meet the non-binding Early Notification deadline will receive an admission decision no later than January 15, 2010. Students who apply by the January 15, 2010 freshman application deadline will receive an admission decision on or before April 1, 2010.
16. How do I get my application decision released in the "first round" of decisions?
We will begin releasing admission decisions for students who meet the non-binding Early Notification deadline on December 2. However, we cannot guarantee that your application will have a decision by this time. As we have done in previous years, we will continue to review applications as soon as they are completed. Because of our individualized, holistic, and comprehensive review process, each application takes a significant amount of time to review. The sooner you submit and complete your application, the sooner we will release your admission decision after December 2, 2009.
17. When will non-binding Early Notification decisions be released?
We will begin releasing admission decisions (admission, postponement, denial, or a request for additional information) for students who meet the non-binding Early Notification deadline on December 2. All non-binding Early Notification decisions will be released by January 15, 2010.
18. When will I get a decision if I did not apply by the non-binding Early Notification deadline?
While we encourage students to apply early, if you are unable to complete your application by the non-binding Early Notification deadline of December 1, 2009, you should apply by the January 15, 2010 freshman application deadline. Applications will be processed in the order in which they are completed. It typically takes 6 weeks for your application to be processed once it is completed. All students who complete their application by the January 15, 2010 freshman application deadline will receive an admission decision on or before April 1, 2010.
19. I didn't receive my decision by January 15, what does that mean?
It means that your decision letter is still in the mail or that your completed application and required materials were not postmarked by December 1, 2009. We mail official decisions via the U.S. Postal Service under a first-class rate and delivery time varies. Your admission decision is also posted online. Fall 2010 applicants can check their status at their mycuboulder account and spring & summer 2010 applicants can check their status here.
20. Should I take the ACT or SAT multiple times?
It is really in your best interest to take the test a few times. We have found that students that take the text a second time are more familiar with what to expect and have a better opportunity to increase their score.
21. If I am taking an ACT or SAT exam in October, am I still eligible for a non-binding Early Notification decision?
If you have taken the ACT or SAT previously and are taking the test again in October, you must send in your previous scores to complete your application. Once your new test scores from the October exam are received, we will add that information to your application and consider that in the review process. When registering for the test, you must indicate that you want your scores sent to the University of Colorado at Boulder so that we receive them as soon as the scores are available. If you are taking the ACT or SAT for the first time in October and still wish to be considered for the non-binding Early Notification deadline, you must complete the rest of your application by December 1 and we will begin the review of your application once your ACT or SAT test scores have arrived. On the day of the test you must indicate that you want your scores sent to the University of Colorado at Boulder so that we receive them as soon as the scores are available. CU-Boulder's CEEB school codes are:  SAT - 4841 and ACT - 0532.
22. How do I submit my ACT and/or SAT scores?
The easiest and fastest way for your ACT and/or SAT scores to be received by CU-Boulder is to indicate that you want your scores sent to CU-Boulder on the day of the test. If you did not request your scores to be sent to CU-Boulder when you registered for the exam, you will need to request an additional score report from either ACT or SAT. Scores are also considered official if they are included on your high school transcript.
23. Do you prefer the ACT or the SAT?
We do not have a preference between the ACT and SAT. However, we often recommend that you attempt each test at least once. Used in combination with your grades and rigor of curriculum, both have proven equally reliable in predicting academic success at CU-Boulder.
24. Does the Office of Admissions conduct interviews?
No. The Office of Admissions does not conduct interviews with students, but we do answer any questions that students and their families may have during the admission process. Contact the Office of Admissions Call Center at 303-492-6301 to speak with one of our current students. You can also learn who your admission counselor is and contact them. Or, come see us at one of our campus visit programs.
25. How do I report my Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate credit?
CU-Boulder participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) program of the College Board. Over one-third of Boulder's entering freshmen submit AP test scores each year. Official scores must be sent to the admissions office directly from the College Board. CU-Boulder's CEEB/ETS code is 004841.

International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations, whether leading to a full IB diploma or to an IB certificate, often qualify students for advanced standing at CU-Boulder. In general, credit is granted for approved IB examinations at the higher level with a score of 4 or better. Students admitted to the University of Colorado at Boulder, who have graduated from high school having successfully completed an IB Diploma program shall be granted 24 semester hours of college credit. This credit will be considered applicable toward degree requirements if approved by the college or school. CU-Boulder tuition will not be charged for these credits. The credits will be granted, however, only if the student receives a score of 4 or better on an examination administered as part of the IB Diploma program. If the student scores less than 4 on each IB subject test, the credit hours granted shall be reduced accordingly. Official scores must be sent to the admissions office directly from the IB organization.
26. When will I know what AP, IB credit or previous college work has been transferred to CU Boulder?
If you are admitted and confirm your intent to enroll, your AP, IB, or previous course work will be evaluated to determine what credits will transfer to CU-Boulder and how this will be applied to your degree. This process can take several weeks after you have confirmed your intent to enroll. All students who are awarded transfer credit will either receive a transfer credit report in the mail or will go over their transfer credit with their degree advisor at Orientation.
27. How do I apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid?
Begin by applying for scholarships between December 2009 and the March 1, 2010 CU-Boulder deadline. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (including school code 001370) before our April 1 priority date. You do not need to be admitted to CU-Boulder to apply for financial aid.
28. I've been admitted to CU-Boulder. How do I confirm my intent to enroll?
You can confirm your intent to enroll online through your MyCUBoulder account where you can submit the electronic confirmation form and $200 enrollment deposit electronically. You can also print a PDF version of the confirmation form and submit it to the Office of Admissions along with a $200 check or money order payable to the University of Colorado.
29. When can I apply for Housing?
Once you have been admitted and confirmed your intent to enroll, you can begin applying for housing. Learn about your housing options >
30. I've been admitted. When will I meet with a degree advisor?
Students who have confirmed their intent to enroll are eligible to register for a summer orientation session beginning in April. At orientation, you will meet with your degree advisor who will go over any transfer credit that you have received from AP/IB exams or previous college work and will help you register for courses. All new incoming students are required to attend an orientation session the summer before courses start.
31. What is your mailing address?
If mailing first class, use:
University of Colorado at Boulder
Office of Admissions
Regent Administrative Center 125
552 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0552
If mailing overnight or express mail, use:
University of Colorado at Boulder
Office of Admissions
3100 Marine St
Bldg RL 3 Suite A-122
Boulder, CO 80303-1058

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