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Top 7 Things to Know Before the Application Deadline

Student sitting on campus steps and looking at her phone

You’ve already done the hard work. You’ve finished most of the classes. You’ve joined the clubs. You’ve played the sports. And now, you just have to tell us about it in your application. With this frame of mind, read on for a few tips to help you keep the ball rolling as we head into the busy holiday season!

  1. Fight the urge to procrastinate! Here’s what happens: you wait until the week before the deadline to submit your application. You log in to the Common Application, and you realize, “I totally forgot about the short answer question! And I haven’t even requested my letter of recommendation yet!” And now you’re scrambling, and that’s just not good for anyone. So get started now! In order to consider you for admission, we need your application, your application fee or fee waiver request, your official high school transcripts, one short answer question and at least one letter of recommendation-- all submitted to us prior to the application deadline. Keep in mind that CU Boulder is now test optional so you have the freedom to send or not to send your SAT/ACT test scores.
     
  2. Don’t forget to connect with your Admission Counselor. We are still here to answer any questions you may have at any point in time! We want to be able to help in every way possible and often times, students forget to use us as a resource. There are a lot of assumptions, myths and opinions about the application process, but we can provide you with the most accurate information. However, make sure that if you have questions about the application, you reach out to our office with plenty of time prior to the respective deadline. Find your counselor.
     
  3. Always apply to your top choice of major. You may have heard that certain colleges and majors at CU Boulder are more competitive than others. That’s true, but it shouldn’t discourage you from applying to the major that you really, really want. Keep in mind that our review process is holistic, which means that we are looking at you as a whole person with something unique to contribute. None of our programs have minimum GPA or test score requirements to get in, so it is always worth swinging the bat. If it turns out that you aren’t competitive for your top pick of major right now, we will review you for general acceptance to CU Boulder. A “no” to your top choice of major isn’t necessarily a “no” to CU—it just means that you may have to prove yourself a bit more academically your freshman year before you get into your first pick of major. And who knows? You may discover a new major that you never considered before!
     
  4. Check your email. When you submit your Common App to CU Boulder, you will get an email confirming submission. Always check your email! Can’t find it? Check your junk mail. It should be there somewhere. And if it’s not, give us a call at 303-492-6301 and we will send it again. That email will have important information about how to access your application status page where you’ll be able to track the progress of your CU Boulder application.
     
  5. Start thinking about your next steps. Once you submit your application and its supporting documents, take a deep breath and congratulate yourself. You’ve completed the first big step towards becoming a Buff! But don’t stop there, review our first-year next steps. Now is the time for you to begin applying for scholarships, even if you haven’t received your admission decision yet! The Scholarship Application can be accessed through your application status page with most applications due between February 15 - March 15. And don’t forget to explore any other scholarships opportunities, too! You’ll also want to start thinking about where you might want to live on campus. Once you’re admitted and confirmed at CU Boulder, you can fill out your housing application as early as March. Explore some of your housing options.
     
  6. Come spend some time with us! Spring is a great time to visit campus, and we have tons of options all semester. We offer half-day information sessions and tours, full day student experience visits, and even some Saturday programs! Not sure which visit is right for you? Check out your visit options.
     
  7. Lastly, be optimistic! Regardless of how smooth your high school years were, as long as you are motivated and conscientious, you can have bright future at CU Boulder. Our holistic application review process ensures that no single grade or test score will prevent you from being admitted, so go ahead and apply!

The bottom line is that your college application is a chance for you to tell us the story of your high school career on your own terms-- so make the most of it! We’re looking forward to reviewing your application! 'Sko Buffs!

Written by CU Boulder Office of Admissions

The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. You may view the list of ADA and Title IX coordinators and review the Regent policy.

As a student or prospective student at CU Boulder, you have a right to certain information pertaining to financial aid programs, the Clery Act, crime and safety, graduation rates, athletics and other general information such as the costs associated with attending CU Boulder. To view this information visit colorado.edu/your-right-know.