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How to Apply


Application Checklist

Application for Admission

  • Submit only one online (preferred) OR paper application

$50 nonrefundable application processing fee OR approved fee waiver

  • Online payment of the processing fee is required before submission of the online application; payment options include electronic check, Visa and MasterCard.
  • Fee waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis in the presence of documented financial hardship. The fee waiver request is built into the application.

Personal Statement (Essay)

  • The personal statement can be an important part of admission (and some scholarship) decisions. A well-written, thoughtful statement helps us gain insight into how you can benefit from, and contribute to, our community.
  • The recommended length of the personal statement is 400-500 words (several paragraphs); it should be no fewer than 250 words.
  • Preferred topics are listed in the right menu bar on this page, in the printed application instructions, and within the online application.
  • Although the topics are slightly different, the Common Application essay satisfies the CSU personal statement requirement.

An Official High School Transcript

  • Faxed transcripts are not accepted unless specifically requested by an Admissions representative, in which case transcripts must be sent directly from the high school and must be readable.
  • You must submit the Common Application online in order for your school to submit your transcript and/or recommendation through the Common Application system.
  • Be sure to include college transcripts (if applicable).
  • Admission is provisional until the Office of Admissions receives a final, complete, official transcript verifying graduation.

ACT or SAT Results

  • Either test is acceptable, and the written sections of the ACT and SAT are NOT used for admission or scholarship consideration.
  • Test scores are not required if you are 23 years of age or older or if you have been out of high school five or more years. However, non-traditional applicants are encouraged to submit ACT/SAT as the test scores may be used to determine placement into college composition.

Recommendation(s)

  • One recommendation is required for full admission and scholarship consideration; additional recommendations are optional.
  • We prefer a recommendation from a teacher or school-based counselor, though we will accept recommendations from any individual who can speak to your personal qualities and potential for academic success.
  • You may submit the Printable Recommendation Form OR a letter of recommendation OR both.

Apply Now

Send Application Materials To:

Office of Admissions
Colorado State University
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins CO 80523-1062

Personal Statement (Essay) Topics

The Colorado State University Diversity Plan clearly states: Colorado State University strives to foster for its members recognition of their role as citizens in a global community with greater understanding of cultures and perspectives different from their own. As the Land Grant institution for the state of Colorado, we are committed to providing access to high quality education and to celebrating diversity in all its forms.

The prompts below invite you to reflect upon your own experiences and to share your own perspectives on topics of particular interest to the admissions committee and to the Colorado State community.

Please address at least one of the following topics in your personal statement: 

  • CSU values diversity of all kinds and seeks to enrich our campus through exploration of and dialogue about various perspectives. Describe an opportunity you have had to learn from or to teach someone different from yourself. What did you learn from this experience? How will the experience help you to be successful in your college career and beyond?
  • Describe an experience or event that has allowed you to demonstrate leadership and/or that illustrates your service to others (family, school, community). What was most meaningful to you about your experience? How will this experience benefit you at Colorado State University, and how might your experience enrich our campus community?
  • Colorado State University is committed to global citizenship and environmental stewardship. Address what this means to you, both in terms of your personal beliefs and the experiences you have had that inform or illustrate your beliefs.
  • Describe an obstacle or challenge facing you, your family, your school, or your community. What have you done (or what do you plan to do) to address this challenge? How does Colorado State University fit into your plan?

 

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1063 USA
Phone: (970) 491-6909