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Ready? Set. Apply! Your need-to-know guide for the 2025 application season.

Student sitting on campus steps and looking at her phone

It’s August 1, which means it’s college application time! Everything you’ve done and accomplished to this point was in preparation for the next step of your educational journey, starting with your college application. As the Common Application opens up for another year, we’re here to help you. 

Despite all the hype, submitting the application doesn’t have to be a daunting task. This process allows you to put together a curated masterpiece of your life’s work; an opportunity to show us your story in your own words. As admissions professionals, we’re looking to your application to give us an idea of what you’ve accomplished or the roadblocks you’ve encountered along the way. It’s important to imagine your application as a cohesive narrative of your academic and personal path. Check out this step-by-step guide that will help you navigate this process successfully—and without all the stress. 

Step # 1: Investigate! 

Start by asking yourself, “What’s important to me?” and take that a step further by exploring the college experience you envision for yourself. Write down a few goals or priorities for the next four years—and allow those to be a roadmap through your college search. Be sure to take advantage of the support system around you by connecting with your admission counselor, current students, alumni and faculty! We are here to help, and we’re happy to discuss any questions or worries you have about the application process. 

Pro-tip: Create a college specific email address for all college related communication! 

Step # 2: Start setting those calendar reminders! 

We know you’re super busy and in the midst of your senior year, and of course we want you to be able to enjoy this special time. But part of celebrating how far you’ve come is preparing for your next step! You’ll feel more relaxed and prepared if you have a solidified timeline and set milestones for yourself. Mark your calendar with a due date that is a few weeks ahead of the application deadline. Don’t forget to review all required documents and have them submitted by the deadline. This will ensure that you have the time to carefully review your application before you submit it to the admissions office. 

Step # 3: Make sure to take breaks. 

Don’t forget to take a step back from your application to breathe. Let someone else (or a few people) read through your application before submitting it to get a fresh perspective. Remember, this is YOUR story to tell, but having input from others can help catch any little errors that you may have overlooked. 

Step # 4: Flexibility is key. 

Every year, there are updates and changes to college applications, and this year has been no exception. Changes are being made at the college level to adapt to student circumstances. 

A few things to highlight within the 2025 application: 

  • Test scores are optional for first-year students applying to CU Boulder. 
  • Students are required to submit the Common Application Essay (word limit: 250-650) and a short-answer academic interest question (word limit: 250).
  • We accept unofficial transcripts, which you’ll be able to upload directly to your application status page. 

We recommend reviewing the application checklist on the First-Year Application page to ensure that you’ve submitted all required materials for a completed application. When you’re happy with the final version and have made any necessary edits, it’s time to click “Submit!” Take a deep breath and take some time to admire what you’ve accomplished. 

No one can tell your story quite like you can. Regardless of where you end up, never forget how far you’ve come and how hard you’ve worked to get where you are. Be confident! Have faith in yourself, your application, what you’ve done and what’s coming next in your life. And remember, this is just the beginning! We will be hosting several in-person and virtual visit opportunities​ this fall to help you with your application and walk you through the admission process. 

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.