Application Instructions
Requirements for a Complete Application1) Undergraduate Application for Admission (completed and signed)
2) $50 nonrefundable application fee ($70 for international students)
The nonrefundable $50 application processing fee ($70 for international
students) should be made payable to the University of Colorado.
Print your full legal name and birth date on the back of your check
or money order. Do not send cash.
We recognize that some students may be faced with financial constraints in paying the application fee. Therefore, waivers are granted for documented hardships if you submit an application fee waiver form obtained from your high school or from the CU-Boulder Office of Admissions.
3) Official high school
transcript
Request that your high school send an official transcript of all work
completed, beginning with grade 9, directly to the Office of Admissions,
regardless of the number of college hours you have completed (if any) or when you graduated from high school. If any part of your high school record is missing from your transcript, the processing of your application will be delayed.
If you 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 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 work (grades
9-12) completed to be sent to the Office of Admissions.
If you are currently enrolled in high school, you must also have your counselor verify your senior year courses, GPA, and rank in class. See the appropriate section on either the interactive or printable application.
4) Official college transcripts
(if applicable)
Request that an official transcript from each collegiate institution you
have attended (except any campus of the University of Colorado) be sent
directly from the issuing institution to the Office of Admissions. Be
sure to request transcipts from all institutions, regardless of the length
of attendance, whether or not courses were completed, and whether or not
you believe the record will affect your admission or transfer credit.
Also, include any institutions you have attended during summers, interim
terms, and during high school. You must notify the Office of Admissions
as soon as possible if you attend additional institutions. Failure to
list and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended
before enrolling at CU is considered to be a violation of academic ethics
and may result in the cancellation of your admission or dismissal from the university.
Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the issuing institution and 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.
5) SAT or ACT test scores
CU-Boulder requires SAT or ACT scores for admission. 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.
Transfer students must submit these scores unless they have completed 24 or more semester hours of transferable college work at the time they apply.
For further information visit the SAT website, call 866-756-7346, or write to The College Board (SAT), PO Box 6200, Princeton, NJ 08541-6200. For ACT, visit the ACT website, call 310-337-1270, or write to ACT Registration, PO Box 414, Iowa City, IA 52243-0414.
The personal essay is required. You are strongly encouraged to submit your personal essay as part of your interactive application, but if you choose to mail it in separately, be sure to include your full legal name and birth date at the top of each page. Applications without essays are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.
Your personal essay - consisting of responses to two topics - is the best way for us to learn about you as an individual and to evaluate your academic performance within an appropriate context. Please remember that there are no "correct" answers to these questions - your responses should reflect the unique aspects and experiences of your life. Consider reflecting on challenges you've overcome, your family or cultural heritage, your academic or cocurricular achievements, or specific moments that helped to define your character.
Essay A (required, maximum 500 words)
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 (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.
7) Letters of recommendation
You may submit letters of recommendation if you wish; however, doing so
is optional. Your full legal name should be included at the top of recommendation letters.
