Freshman Admission Standards

Each application is given a careful, individual, holistic review. Priority Consideration is given to applicants who have earned a minimum 3.25 GPA and have successfully completed 18 recommended high school units.

Applicants with a GPA below 3.25 and/or fewer than the 18 recommended high school units are strongly encouraged to apply since many factors are recognized in the holistic review process, including:

Overall Academic Performance

Successful Completion of 18 Recommended High School Units

Cumulative GPA/Class Rank

• Colorado State uses the GPA provided by the high school, as long as it is reported on a 4.0 scale and includes grades 9-12.
• GPAs on other scales are recalculated to 4.0 using the high school’s grading scale.
• Class rank is only referenced if provided by the school; you are not penalized if your school does not rank.

Academic Rigor

• Taking courses in all core subject areas for four years (grades 9-12) is strongly recommended.
• Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and/or college-level courses also demonstrate rigor.

Trends in Grades

• The minimum passing grade is D; however, grades of D may not be competitive in a selective admission environment and grades of C- or better are preferred. Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide an explanation of any erratic or downward trends.
• Admission is subject to high school graduation, satisfactory completion of current courses, and submission of a final, complete, official high school transcript.

ACT or SAT Results

• We accept either the ACT or SAT. If you have taken the ACT/SAT more than one time, individual subscores will be factored into the decision but a new combined/composite result will not be calculated for decision or scholarship purposes.
• The written sections of the ACT and SAT are NOT used for admission or scholarship consideration.

Preparation for Preferred Major

• Admission to some Competitive Majors may require additional course work, a higher grade point average, and/or a higher test score.

Additional Factors

While academics are emphasized in the admission decision, our holistic review process allows us to recognize personal qualities and experiences that can enrich the University and the Fort Collins community. Use your essay and letters of recommendation to help us get a full picture of you.

Community Service and Leadership

• Highlight the school, family and community activities that best illustrate your skills, commitment, and achievements. Help us see what has been meaningful to you and how Colorado State can help you reach that next step.

Ability to Contribute to a Diverse Campus Community

• The University has a compelling interest in promoting a diverse student body because of the educational benefits that flow from such diversity. Diversity can include but is not limited to age, gender, race/ethnicity, first generation status, disability (physical or learning), sexual orientation, geographic origin (e.g. nonresident, rural, international background), personal background (e.g. homeschooled, recognition of special talent), or pursuit of a unique or underrepresented major.

Unique and/or Compelling Circumstances

• Tell us about experiences you have had that have set you apart from your peers, that have impacted you, that have helped you set personal goals -- and how that experience has prepared you for success at Colorado State.