Frequently Asked Questions for Transfer Applicants
- 1. What is considered a completed application?
- To be considered for admission, you must have all required application materials postmarked by the appropriate application deadline. A completed application consists of:
- Online application
- $50 nonrefundable application fee
- Official high school transcripts showing graduation date*
- Official college transcripts (from each institution attended)*
- Official GED scores (if applicable)
- ACT or SAT I scores (transfer applicants with fewer than 24 semester hours completed)
- Two short answer essay questions (one 500 words or less, one 250 words or less)
*Official transcripts can be sent electronically by the issuing institution to apply@colorado.edu. Transcripts in languages other than English must be submitted in the native language and be accompanied by a literal, certified English translation.
- 2. What is considered an official transcript?
- Official transcripts are mailed or sent electronically directly by your high school or current college or university or by the student if the transcript is still in its original sealed envelope. Unofficial transcripts cannot be used to complete your file.
- How can I pay the $50 application fee?
- If you are applying for Fall 2010, you can pay the $50 application fee electronically at the time you submit your application or by check or money order once your application has been submitted. If you are appling for Spring 2010 or Summer 2010, you can only pay by check or money order due to the university transitioning student systems. If mailing your application fee separately from your application, please make your check or money order payable to the University of Colorado.
- 4. Are admission deadlines "postmarked" or "received by" dates?
- Application deadlines are a postmark deadline.
- 5. How do I submit my transcripts?
- Offical transcripts can be sent to CU-Boulder from the issuing institution by mail or electronically to apply@colorado.edu.
- 6. Do you require transcripts for college work completed while I was enrolled in high school?
- If you are admitted, you will be required to submit official transcripts for all college work completed while in high school so we may review the work and, if applicable, award you credit.
- 7. What are the essay questions? How long should they be?
- There are two required essay questions that must be submitted in order for your application to be considered complete.
Essay A (500 words maximum)The University of Colorado at 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?
Essay B (250 word maximum; choose ONE of the following topics)
- Who are the influential people in your life? How have they contributed to your development as a person?
- Briefly discuss how your family, school, neighborhood, and background have impacted your educational goals and aspirations.
- Discuss any events or special circumstances that have affected your academic record, as well as any adversities you have overcome.
- 8. How many letters of recommendation should I send?
- Letters of recommendation are not required, but do provide good insight into your character and your abilities as a student. If you choose to submit letters of recommendation, we suggest sending no more than two. Make sure you choose people who know you well and can talk about your strengths and how you will contribute to the CU-Boulder community.
- 9. How do I submit my ACT and/or SAT scores?
- The easiest and fastest way for your ACT and/or SAT scores to be received by CU-Boulder is to indicate that you want your scores sent to CU-Boulder on the day of the test. If you did not request your scores to be sent to CU-Boulder when you registered for the exam, you will need to request an additional score report from either ACT or SAT. Scores are also considered official if they are included on your high school transcript.
- 10. Do you prefer the ACT or the SAT?
- We do not have a preference between the ACT and SAT. However, we often recommend that you attempt each test at least once. Used in combination with your grades and rigor of curriculum, both have proven equally reliable in predicting academic success at CU-Boulder.
- 11. How will I know my application is complete? How can I check my status?
- You can check your application status through the apply tab on your MyCUBoulder account.
- 12. Does the Office of Admissions conduct interviews?
- No. The Office of Admissions does not conduct interviews with students, but we are more than happy to answer questions that students and their families may have during the admission process. You can contact the Office of Admissions Call Center at 303-492-6301 and talk to one of our current students, learn who your admission counselor is and speak directly with them, or come see us at one of our campus visit programs.
- 13. What is the earliest that I can be admitted?
- CU-Boulder will begin releasing admission decisions to spring 2010 applicants in October and to fall and summer 2010 applicants in December.
- 14. How do I report my Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate credit?
- CU-Boulder participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) program of the College Board. Official scores must be sent to the admissions office directly from the College Board. CU-Boulder's CEEB/ETS code is 004841.
International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations, whether leading to a full IB diploma or to an IB certificate, often qualify students for advanced standing at CU-Boulder. In general, credit is granted for approved IB examinations at the higher level with a score of 4 or better. Students admitted to the University of Colorado at Boulder, who have graduated from high school having successfully completed an IB Diploma program shall be granted 24 semester hours of college credit. This credit will be considered applicable toward degree requirements if approved by the college or school. CU-Boulder tuition will not be charged for these credits. The credits will be granted, however, only if the student receives a score of 4 or better on an examination administered as part of the IB Diploma program. If the student scores less than 4 on each IB subject test, the credit hours granted shall be reduced accordingly. Official scores must be sent to the admissions office directly from the IB organization. - 15. When will I know what AP, IB credit or previous college work has been transferred to CU Boulder?
- If you are admitted and confirm your intent to enroll, your AP, IB, or previous course work will be evaluated to determine what credits will transfer to CU-Boulder and how this will be applied to your degree. This process can take several weeks after you have confirmed your intent to enroll. All students who are awarded transfer credit will either receive a transfer credit report in the mail or will go over their transfer credit with their degree advisor at Orientation.
- 16. I've been admitted to CU-Boulder. How do I confirm my intent to enroll?
- If you are applying for Fall 2010, you can confirm your intent to enroll online through your MyCUBoulder account where you can submit the electronic confirmation form and $200 enrollment deposit electronically. If you are appling for Spring 2010 or Summer 2010, you will need to submit the confirmation form sent to you with your admission packet along with a $200 check or money order payable to the University of Colorado. You can also print a PDF version of the confirmation form and submit it to the Office of Admissions.
- 17. I've been admitted. When will I meet with a degree advisor?
- Students who have confirmed their intent to enroll will be sent an invitation to register for an orientation session. At orientation, you will meet with your degree advisor who will go over any transfer credit that you have received from AP/IB exams or previous college work and will help you register for courses. All new incoming students are required to attend an orientation session the summer before courses start.
- 18. When can I apply for Housing?
- Once you have been admitted and confirmed your intent to enroll, you can begin applying for housing. Learn about your housing options >
- 19. How do I apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid?
- Once you have applied for admission to CU-Boulder, you can begin applying for scholarships in December and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (including school code 001370) before our April 1 priority date. If you have already completed your FAFSA, add the CU-Boulder school code to your online FAFSA application. Once you are admitted to CU-Boulder, the Office of Financial Aid takes any previous aid amounts into consideration when offering you a financial aid package. However, institutional aid offers from previous schools will not be honored.
- 20. What is your mailing address?
- If mailing first class, use:
University of Colorado at Boulder
Office of Admissions
Regent Administrative Center 125
552 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0552
If mailing overnight or express mail, use:
University of Colorado at Boulder
Office of Admissions
3100 Marine St
Bldg RL 3 Suite A-122
Boulder, CO 80303-1058
