Applying as an International Freshman or First Year Student
Each year we search for students with diverse backgrounds, skills and perspectives to challenge and support each other on our campus. And that doesn’t mean just glancing at a test score and clicking a button.
We look at each application. Our biggest goal is to ensure your academic success and we do that by viewing your application as a window into your life. The results of our review process and of the quality of our education speak for themselves, and we hope we can count you among the thousands that will do their best to be part of our community this year.
WHEN TO APPLY
DEADLINES, DATES AND TIMELINES
Fall Semester
Freshman students typically enter CSU during the fall semester. The application for fall semester opens one year prior to the start of the term; the fall semester begins in August.
EARLY ACTION
All Complete Applications submitted by December 1 are considered part of the non-binding Early Action pool. Early Action applicants receive full admission and scholarship consideration by December 31.
REGULAR DECISION & FULL SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION
Complete Applications submitted by February 1 receive full admission and scholarship consideration by February 28.
After these dates, freshman applications are considered on a space-available basis.
Spring Semester
While spring semester is not the traditional starting date for freshmen, it is possible to begin in the spring. The application for spring semester opens in March prior to the start of the term; the spring semester begins in January.
REGULAR DECISION
Apply by November 1 for full consideration.
Summer Session
Summer session is not a recommended starting term for first-time college students. If you would like to take summer classes, contact the international team for more information.
What we need
THE SIX PARTS OF A COMPLETE APPLICATION
There are several items that we consider necessary to make an informed decision about your potential for academic success at Colorado State. Know that each item is taken seriously, but the admission decision is made based on the sum of all of them.
Until you have submitted a Complete Application consisting of all required items, your materials will not be reviewed.
A Complete Application includes:
If you are applying as a freshman, you may apply use the Common Application or the CSU Application. Use the Common App if you are applying to more than one Common Application Member Institution. Otherwise, the CSU Application is suggested.
Applying to CSU requires a $50 application fee payable by Visa or MasterCard. Fee waivers are granted based on financial need and are available after the application is submitted.
- Unofficial transcripts can be sent while high school or secondary school work is in progress.
- Faxed transcripts are not accepted.
- A final, official transcript reflecting graduation or completion is required for applicants. Only transcripts sent directly from the school or stamped and sealed will be considered official.
- If a record is not in English, a certified literal English translation must accompany the transcript.
Your personal statement is an opportunity to help CSU understand what makes you unique. Using the prompts, tell a story about your student experience in 250-650 words.
- The writing prompts and instructions for the Common App and the CSU Application are the same.
- The personal statement is a section of both applications and is required before you can submit.
- One recommendation is required to submit your Complete Application. Additional recommendations are optional.
- Recommendations from teachers or counselors are preferred. If you’re not currently in school, we’ll accept recommendations from others (e.g., supervisor, commanding officer) who can speak to your strengths.
- Within your application, you’ll be prompted to list the name and email address of your recommender so they can receive an invitation and link to a secure site to submit your recommendation.
- English proficiency evidence is necessary to be considered for direct admission to CSU, but we will release decisions without evidence of English proficiency.
- Results should be sent directly from the testing service.
- Alternatives to the TOEFL, IELTS and PTE are considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Applicants from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom whose first language is English are exempt from this requirement.
- Applicants who do not present qualifying TOEFL, IELTS Academic or PTE Academic results will be considered for conditional admission.
Students are expected to submit the following items as part of a complete application for admission:
- Immigration Information Form
- Copy of the identification page of the passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond the first day of classes)
- Financial support document(s) demonstrating the ability to meet or exceed your estimated expenses. (Because none of our institutional scholarships cover the full cost of attendance, you must be able to show outside funding.)
Immigration information is not considered in the admission decision, but the official admission packet and I-20 or DS-2019 are express mailed to admitted students only after immigration information has been received, verified and approved.
Immigration information can be submitted as part of the application for admission or using these instructions for submitting documents.
Students are not required to submit their enrollment deposit before the I-20 or DS-2019 is issued.
Freshman applicants to Business, Engineering, Computer Science and Biomedical Sciences must submit official SAT or ACT scores to be considered for direct admission to one of these more competitive majors. Without ACT or SAT, admissible applicants will be considered for an alternative major or an undeclared advising track.
Submitting your documents, transcripts and fees is easy and we’re always here to help. Start by reviewing submission instructions and contact us if you have any questions.
Who we look for
THE TYPE OF STUDENT THAT MAKES A RAM
Every incoming class looks different, but we always work to maintain high academic standards while providing access to higher education as part of our land-grant mission.
Freshman class profile
This data reflects the middle 50 percent of international freshmen admitted in Fall 2016. There is a lot of opportunity above and below the scores listed below. While this should give you an idea of where the center of a class lies, it does not reflect any type of requirement for admission.
MIDDLE 50% GPA
MIDDLE 50% IELTS SCORE
MIDDLE 50% TOEFL SCORE
Our review process
Our review process allows us to learn about your academic successes and the experiences that have impacted and prepared you for life at Colorado State. These are the four areas we concentrate on when considering your application.
RIGOR
We look at the range of course subjects you’ve studied and consider how they meet our 18 recommended units.
INVOLVEMENT
We holistically review each application and can use your involvement in school activities, extra-curricular activities and your community in your decision.
PERFORMANCE
Performance can be as important as rigor. We’ll consider how your performance compares with our direct admit country guidelines.
ADDITIONAL FACTORS
We are willing to consider circumstances that have impacted your course selection and performance throughout your education.
Some competitive majors require specific course work, a higher grade point average, and/or a higher test score in order to be admitted.
What to expect
THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Completing your application
The time it takes to submit a complete application is unique to each student depending on the amount of time it takes to receive supporting documents. The application form itself typically takes 30-45 minutes, not including the time you spend crafting your personal statement.
Within three days after you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive an email with your CSU ID and instructions to log in to RAMweb to check your application status online.
Allow 3-5 business days for documents you’ve submitted electronically to be reflected as received and matched to your application (documents sent by mail can take slightly longer).
Once your application is complete
Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis in the order they are received, and most decisions are made within 2-4 weeks. Continue to check your email and RAMweb regularly for updates; decisions are announced electronically before anything is sent through the mail. The official admit packet typically arrives by mail within 2-3 weeks after admission.
Notifications generally fall into one of these four categories:
FULLY ADMITTED
Most students admitted to CSU enter their first choice major. Then it’s time to move on to the next steps for admitted students.
FULLY ADMITTED: ALTERNATE MAJOR
Some students are admitted to their alternate major or to an undeclared advising track related to their first choice major because they don’t meet the requirements for direct admission to a competitive major. These students move on to the next steps for admitted students.
CONDITIONALLY ADMITTED
Some students meet general University entrance requirements but have not satisfied the English proficiency requirement for direct admission. Conditionally admitted students begin their enrollment at INTO CSU.
MORE INFORMATION REQUIRED
Some applicants are prompted to submit more information, such as an updated transcript, test scores, evidence of English proficiency, or an explanation of circumstances.
NOT ADMITTED
Students who are not offered admission are encouraged to complete college-level work elsewhere and then apply as a transfer student. Students can request reconsideration of their current application with new academic information; contact an admissions counselor for guidance.
After a decision has been made
Admitted students receive additional communications from the Office of Admissions and other the Office of International programs outlining the confirmation and enrollment processes. To stay on track to enroll, admitted students are expected to check email regularly and make sure to complete the next steps for admitted students.
Getting started
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NOW TO BECOME A RAM
The next step is to begin preparing your academic documents and to start an application. We recommend you submit your application before your required documents for quickest completion of your records.