Transfer How to Apply

Transfer Application Checklist

Required Materials for a Complete Transfer Application

Transfer applicants apply using the CU Boulder Transfer Application.

The application fee is:

$65 for domestic applicants
$70 for international applicants

Payable online at the time you submit your application or by check or money order (made payable to the University of Colorado) after you submit your application. If submitting a check or money order, include your full legal name and date of birth. We recognize that some students may be faced with financial constraints in paying the application fee. Waivers may be granted for documented hardships if you submit an application fee waiver form.

If you are eligible for an application fee waiver you will have the opportunity to complete a request for an application fee waiver within the CU Boulder Transfer Application.

3. Personal Statement & Academic Interest Question

Complete the items listed below:

Transfer Personal Statement (required, 250–650 words): At the University of Colorado Boulder, no two Buffs are alike. We value difference and support equity and inclusion of all students and their many intersecting identities. Pick one of your unique identities and describe its significance.

Transfer Academic Interest (required, 250 word limit): Please share a bit more about your academic interests. What do you hope to study at CU Boulder? What has inspired your interests in this area? Or if you are undecided, what area(s) of study are you considering? Think about your prior/current coursework, extracurricular activities, work/volunteer experiences, future goals, or anything else that has shaped your interests.

Community Disruption Information (optional): Community disruptions such as COVID-19 and natural disasters can have deep and long-lasting impacts. If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. We care about the effects on your health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces.

4. High school or secondary school transcript

Used to verify graduation date. Transcripts can be official or unofficial and submitted directly to CU Boulder from the issuing institution. If you submit unofficial transcripts for admission purposes, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to course registration and / or financial aid applied toward your bill. Transcripts can be mailed or sent to transcripts@colorado.edu.

Note: Official transcripts are mailed or sent electronically directly to us by the issuing institution or by the student if the transcript is still in its original sealed envelope. Official transcripts sent via a third party to the student and then uploaded to the application status page are considered unofficial transcripts.

Review International Transcript Requirements

Please note: 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, TASC or HiSET scores, plus an official transcript of any high school course work completed.

Note: Official transcripts are mailed or sent electronically directly to us by the issuing institution or by the student if the transcript is still in its original sealed envelope. Unofficial transcripts can be used for the purpose of making admissions decisions. All credentials written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a literal certified English translation. Official transcripts sent via a third party to the student and then uploaded to the application status page are considered unofficial transcripts.

5. College transcript

We require transcripts from each and every collegiate institution you attended during and after graduating from high school or secondary school, whether or not courses were completed and whether or not you believe the record will affect your admission or transfer credit. For admission review purposes, we prefer official transcripts but will accept unofficial transcripts as well. If you are submitting an unofficial transcript, please refer to this guide for more information on the requirements we have for unofficial transcripts. Transcripts can be mailed or sent to transcripts@colorado.edu.
If you submit unofficial transcripts for admission purposes, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to course registration and/or financial aid applied toward your bill.

Note: Official transcripts are mailed or sent electronically directly to us by the issuing institution or by the student if the transcript is still in its original sealed envelope. Official transcripts sent via a third party to the student and then uploaded to the application status page are considered unofficial transcripts.

Additional Required Materials

SAT or ACT score

ACT or SAT scores are not required for transfer students, but you may provide self-reported scores if you would like us to take your scores into consideration when reviewing your application.

Scores will be considered official if submitted electronically by the testing agency or if they are included on your official high school transcript.

CU Boulder's SAT code is 4841 and the ACT code is 0532.

International Applicants

In addition to our general admission requirements, all international applicants are also required to meet a minimum standard of English proficiency. International students who do not meet this requirement may still be eligible for conditional admission.

Review English Proficiency Requirements

College of Music Applicants

Applicants must also complete a College of Music application after their admission application has been submitted, provide a letter of reference and schedule an audition.

Visit the College of Music transfer website for more information.

Readmit Applicants

If you were previously enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at CU Boulder and you want to reapply for a 2023 term, please submit the readmit application.

Questions about transferring to CU Boulder?

Review FAQs

I've submitted my 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 your housing and dining options. You cannot apply for on-campus housing until you are admitted, but it's a good idea to research so you're prepared when the time comes or look into off-campus housing.

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.

Admission Decision Timing

Transfer applicants who submit a complete application (including official or unofficial transcripts, personal statement, academic interest question, application fee or waiver, and other necessary items) will receive an admission decision update within 4-6 weeks.

Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

Transfer students who submit complete applications are automatically considered for several transfer awards and can apply for financial aid and scholarships while waiting for an admission decision.

Scholarship deadlines

June 1 is the deadline for transfer students to submit complete admissions applications to be reviewed for Fall consideration and automatic consideration scholarships.
June 15 is the deadline for the CU Boulder Scholarship Application & Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for scholarships based on financial need.
Spring and Summer applicants may submit a FAFSA for Spring and Summer terms but institutional aid and scholarships are awarded every academic year starting with the fall semester.

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