We are glad you are considering the University of Colorado Boulder! No matter where you are in the application process, we are here to help you with your next steps.

If you have applied and are awaiting a decision, you should regularly be checking your email and application status page to make sure you're not missing anything. We also recommend that you continue to research ways to finance your education. As soon as the financial aid and scholarship applications open, you can begin applying.

After you've been admitted, it's time to make your decision and let us know if you are going to be #BoulderBound. Make sure to stay up-to-date on next steps, such as activating your IdentiKey, applying for housing and learning about New Student & Family Programs, to ensure a smooth transition.

Once you've submitted your application

While we are processing and reviewing your application, it is important that you regularly check your email and your application's status through your application status page. If you are missing anything, or if we need additional information, we will notify you in one (if not both) places. You should also continue to research how you will finance your education. You do not need to be admitted to start this part of the enrollment process—once your admission application is submitted and complete, you can begin applying for financial aid and scholarships.

Check Your Application Status

Once you submit an application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your application status page. Your application status page includes a checklist of the credentials we have and have not received, as well as information on what you need to do next, if anything.

When will I receive my admission decision?

First-year applicants whose applications were submitted and completed by November 15 will receive an admission decision by February 1. Complete applications include transcripts, essays, a letter of recommendation, application fee, and optional test scores.

First-year applicants whose applications were submitted and completed by January 15 can expect an admission decision by April 1.

Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

After you have submitted a complete application for admission, you can apply for financial aid and scholarships, even if you have not yet been admitted to CU Boulder. So, while you wait for a decision, start your scholarship and/or financial aid application. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens in December and the CU Boulder Scholarship Application opens November 1. 

Explore Enrichment Programs

Take your interests beyond the classroom through study abroad, honors, leadership, service learning, research and more.

Once you've been admitted

Congratulations on your admission to CU Boulder! Take a moment to celebrate and be proud of yourself—all of your hard work has paid off. Whether you are ready to confirm right away or need to contemplate your options, you should review the following information so you know what comes next in the admission process.

Let Us Know if You Are #BoulderBound: Log in to your application status page to make your decision.

Confirming Your Intent to Enroll

The confirmation deadline for first-year students applying for the fall term is May 1. Your $200 non-refundable confirmation deposit can be paid with an electronic check or a credit card.

Deferring Your Admission

If you are considering deferring to a different entry term, please read through our Things to Know Before Deferring webpage. You can request to defer your enrollment for up to one year by using the term change form on your status page. Fill out the form with the term to which you would like to be deferred, the reason(s) for the deferral and what you will be doing during the deferment period. The deadline to request a deferral is the first day of class for the original term to which you applied.

Declining Your Admission

If you decide not to attend CU Boulder, log in to your application status page, click the 'Confirm your intent to enroll' form and select 'I decline my offer of admission.'

IdentiKey

Activate Your IdentiKey: It is your key to apply for housing, sign up for New Student & Family Programs and register for classes. Your IdentiKey will also allow you to log in to the student portal, known as the Buff Portal, which is your secure entry point for CU Boulder online services and information that you need as a student. It typically takes three to five business days for your IdentiKey activation to be completed before you can access the housing application. The housing application process for Academic Year 2024-25 has yet to be finalized. Please keep checking the housing website for updates.

Housing

Explore Housing Options: As a first-year student, you are required to live on campus for your first year. Learn more about community options, including Residential Academic Programs, Living & Learning Communities and traditional communities to decide which options fit you the best. The housing application will open in early March. Please visit the housing website for updates. 

Stay on Track & Submit Official Transcripts

Your admission decision is dependent on your final transcripts reflecting similar academic achievement at the time of your admission decision. If you used unofficial transcript(s) for admission purposes, please have the issuing institutions submit your final, official transcript(s) and documents directly to us by mail or email transcripts@colorado.edu once they have become available. You will be required to submit official transcripts before you can register for classes and / or financial aid being applied toward your tuition bill. 

Disabilities

Review Information for Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities must meet the same admission requirements as other students. Once admitted, students who need services from Disability Services must submit documentation of a disability directly to Disability Services and request an intake with a disability specialist.

Join the Official Class of 2027 Group

Join the Official CU Boulder Class of 2027 Facebook group to connect with other admitted and confirmed future classmates.

Additional steps for international students

  • Submit Remaining Required Documents: Even if you have been admitted academically, you may still be missing required items for immigration documentation. Log in to your application status page to check for any missing items.
  • Send Your TOEFL/IELTS Scores: While it is possible to be academically admitted to the university prior to sending your TOEFL/IELTS score, your Form I-20 immigration document cannot be issued until we receive your official results and the English proficiency requirement is met.
  • Submit Proof of Financial Support: If your application for admission is otherwise complete, it can be reviewed regardless of whether or not we have received your financial statement. If you are academically eligible for admission to the university and you need a Form I-20 (for an F-1 visa) or a Form DS- 2019 (for a J-1 visa), you must submit evidence of full financial support sufficient for all first-year expenses at the University of Colorado Boulder with required documentation before your admission can be finalized and before any immigration forms can be issued to you.

Once you've confirmed your enrollment

Now that you are officially #BoulderBound, it is time to think about what needs to be done to ensure you have the smoothest possible transition to CU Boulder. Make sure you carefully review the information below and set aside time to prepare yourself so you can easily find your place in our dynamic and supportive community.

Housing

The housing application will open in early March. Please visit the housing website for updates. 

 Transfer Your Credit

Whether you have credit from a college or university, AP, IB, A-Levels or the military, you'll need to get all final, official documents sent to the Office of Admissions from your prior institution or the testing agency. Transfer credit evaluations are completed using your final, official documents after you have confirmed your intent to enroll. You will need your IdentiKey to access your official transfer credit evaluation in the Buff Portal.

 Send Final Official Transcripts & Documents

Final official transcripts should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from the issuing institution by mail or to transcripts@colorado.edu as soon as they are available. You will be required to submit official transcripts prior to course registration and / or financial aid being applied toward your tuition bill.

New Student & Family Programs

Learn About New Student & Family Programs: They will help you prepare for academic success, simplify your transition to campus and support your emotional journey. Learn more about when and how to complete the online New Student Welcome Experience prior to enrolling in classes as well as how to sign up for an optional New Student Welcome Day.

Please note: Undergraduate students who are newly confirmed to the University of Colorado Boulder but never enroll for courses, do not defer to a different entry term by the deadline, must defer to a different entry term, or enroll and withdraw before the third Wednesday of classes must reapply for admission to the University at a later time.

Additional steps for international students:

  • Take Note of Your Program Start Date: All F-1/J-1 students MUST arrive no later than the date reflected on the I-20/DS-2019. Once available, dates will be posted for students arriving for Summer and Fall 2023.
  • Obtain Your Immigration Document: Most international students attend CU Boulder on an F-1 student visa. In order to obtain an F-1 visa, you will need a Form I-20 issued by our school. If you are not already in the U.S. on an F-1 visa or will not be attending CU Boulder on an F-1 Visa, your I-20 will be issued soon after you confirm your intent to enroll.
  • Review Pre-Arrival Information: New Student & Family Program's website provides important and helpful information about life in and out of the classroom. Find details about immigration processes, what to expect in the U.S. and in Boulder, how to navigate the academic culture at CU Boulder and more. You may arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the report date on your DS-2019 or I-20. You will need to arrange transportation to the campus and any temporary housing accommodations. Transportation to campus is not provided by the university.
  • Connect with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): Now that you have completed the admission process, you will begin to work with our ISSS office. ISSS will provide you with important information about immigration, preparing for arrival, New Student Welcome Programs and much more.