CU Boulder Admission Requirements

Yo, I'm trying to plan my senior year to maximize my chances of getting into CU Boulder. What are their admission requirements? Like required courses, GPA, standardized test scores?

Admissions at CU Boulder are competitive, though not exceedingly so, with an acceptance rate around 79%. It's great that you're on top of things. Here's what you’ll need:

1. Required High School Coursework: You're required to have completed the following courses in high school:

- 4 years of English

- 4 years of Mathematics (Algebra I or higher)

- 3 years of Natural Science (2 of which must be lab-based)

- 3 years of Social Science

- 1 year of a Foreign Language

- 2 additional academic courses from the above subject areas

2. GPA: The mid-50% GPA range for admitted students is typically around 3.61 - 4.12. However, be sure to remember that CU Boulder uses a holistic application review process, so a lower GPA isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, and a high GPA doesn't guarantee admission.

3. Standardized Test Scores: CU Boulder is test-optional, meaning you do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores if you would prefer not to. However, if you choose to send scores, the mid-50% range for SAT scores is typically between 1180-1380 and for the ACT it's between 25-31.

4. Additional Materials: Apart from these, you'll be required to send transcripts and complete the CU Boulder supplemental essay. This essay is a chance for you to weave a narrative about who you are beyond your grades and test scores. You can talk about your values, ambitions, significant experiences, or any specific aspect of your life that you think will help admission officers understand you better. This can be a great way to stand out from the crowd!

Remember to stay on top of deadlines. Regular Decision applications are due by January 15th and Early Action applications are due by November 15th. Breathe easy and do your best. Good luck on your admissions journey!