Application Instructions University of Colorado Boulder
Requirements for a Complete Application
1) Undergraduate Application for Admission (online): http://www.colorado.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply
2) $50 nonrefundable application fee ($70 for international students)
Include the nonrefundable $50 application processing fee ($70 for international students).
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 Kris Livingston (kris.livingston@colorado.edu).
3) Official high school transcript
Request that your high school send an official transcript of all work completed, beginning with grade 9, directly to Kris Livingston (see address below), 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 the 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 Kris Livingston (see address below). Be sure to request transcripts 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 should be sent directly to Kris Livingston (see address below) 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. Scores posted on your official high school transcript are accepted. If scores are not posted on your transcript, 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.
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
The code for sending your SAT scores to the University of Colorado is 4841.
For ACT, visit the ACT website, call 310-337-1270, or write to:
ACT Registration
PO Box 414
Iowa City, IA 52243-0414
The code for sending your ACT scores to the University of Colorado is 0532.
6) Personal Essay Questions
http://www.colorado.edu/sites/default/files/attached-files/personal_essays_cuboulder_2016.pdf
Two personal essays are required for CU-Boulder’s undergraduate admission application. Your personal essays are 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 co-curricular achievements, or specific moments that helped to define your character.
Essay A (required, 250-650 words)
The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option below that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)
2) $50 nonrefundable application fee ($70 for international students)
Include the nonrefundable $50 application processing fee ($70 for international students).
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 Kris Livingston (kris.livingston@colorado.edu).
3) Official high school transcript
Request that your high school send an official transcript of all work completed, beginning with grade 9, directly to Kris Livingston (see address below), 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 the 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 Kris Livingston (see address below). Be sure to request transcripts 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 should be sent directly to Kris Livingston (see address below) 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. Scores posted on your official high school transcript are accepted. If scores are not posted on your transcript, 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.
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
The code for sending your SAT scores to the University of Colorado is 4841.
For ACT, visit the ACT website, call 310-337-1270, or write to:
ACT Registration
PO Box 414
Iowa City, IA 52243-0414
The code for sending your ACT scores to the University of Colorado is 0532.
6) Personal Essay Questions
http://www.colorado.edu/sites/default/files/attached-files/personal_essays_cuboulder_2016.pdf
Two personal essays are required for CU-Boulder’s undergraduate admission application. Your personal essays are 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 co-curricular achievements, or specific moments that helped to define your character.
Essay A (required, 250-650 words)
The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option below that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)
- Some students have a background, identity, interest or talent that is so meaningful that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
- The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
- Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query or an ethical dilemma—anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or what steps could be taken to identify a solution.
- Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community or family.
Essay B (required, 250 to 500 words)
The University of Colorado 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?
Write your responses in separate documents and include your full legal name and date of birth at the top of each page. Your personal essays must be received by the application deadline in order for your application file to be complete.
7) Letter of recommendation
One letter of recommendation is required. Your full legal name should be included at the top of recommendation letter or use this document:
http://www.colorado.edu/sites/default/files/attached-files/recommendationrequest.pdf
Please have letter or form emailed to kris.livingston@colorado.edu.
Student-Athletes – have official transcripts sent to:
Kris Livingston
368 UCB
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO 80309
kris.livingston@colorado.edu
Overnight delivery address:
Kris Livingston
Dal Ward Athletic Center, Room 282
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO 80309
New Student Welcome
If you have accepted admission to CU- Boulder, please see below on how to be matriculated into CU at the following website http://www.colorado.edu/orientation/