Getting into college is a process, and it starts early in high school. Here are six things you can do your sophomore and junior years to help you along your journey.

1. Use summer to research college. Start thinking about schools to add to your interest list. Ask yourself: Which colleges have my major of interest? Should I attend in-state or out of-state? What type of experience do I want?

2. Connect with colleges. Check out college websites to to learn all the ways you can connect and learn more about them through virtual or in-person visit programs.

3. Explore your interests. Join a club or organization at school or in your community. You’ll be able to expand your experience and learn about your interests, helping you consider what you may want to join in college.

4. Upgrade your GPA. Take a look at your grades so far in high school. Have you improved in any areas? Have you excelled in some subjects? These might show your strengths, so consider taking an advanced course.

5. Connect with your counselor. Email, call or visit your college counselor to ask questions about which classes you should take your final years in high school, and how to best prep for the college application process.

6. Challenge yourself academically. Sign up for challenging courses, such as honors, college prep or even AP/IB courses. You’ll gain foundational knowledge you can use in college and may even begin building college credits.

Written by CU Boulder Office of Admissions

Off

Part of doing well academically is getting to know yourself better—how you learn, what you like to study and your thought process. We have six tips to help you discover your learning style.

1. Take notes like a rock star. Take note, literally and figuratively. Written notes become study guides for finals, and active listening is an effective way to learn. Many college students do both.

2. Create a study schedule. Learn how to set aside time each week to keep up with your studies. Starting a solid study schedule now will set you up for success once you get into college.

3. Explore your study styles. We all learn differently—what works for you? Taking notes, listening to music, group study sessions? Take the time to explore different ways of studying and retaining information.

4. Nail the essay. Essays are a central part of getting into college. Ask your high school teachers how to properly craft essays, so you can practice before you apply to college.

5. Right brain or left brain? Understand how you process. Do you think creatively, logically or both? Knowing if you’re more right- or left-brain inclined can help you choose a fulfilling area of study in college.

6. The art of asking. Universities are all about inquiry and discovery. Get comfortable asking questions now, so when you begin college you can engage in class discussions and make the most of your education.

Written by CU Boulder Office of Admissions

Off

Writing the personal essay for your college application can be tough, but we’re here to help. Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started, but the sooner you begin, the more time and thought you can put into an essay that stands out. Check out some tips:

1. Keep it real. It’s normal to want to make a good impression on the school of your choice, but it’s also important to show who you really are. So just be yourself! Compelling stories might not be perfectly linear or have a happy ending, and that’s OK. It’s best to be authentic instead of telling schools what you think they want to hear.

2. Be reflective. Think about how you’ve changed during high school. How have you grown and improved? What makes you feel ready for college, and how do you hope to contribute to the campus community and society at large?

3. Look to the future. Consider your reasons for attending college. What do you hope to gain from your education? What about college excites you the most, and what would you like to do after you graduate? Answering these questions will not only give colleges insight into the kind of student you’ll be, but it will also give you the personal insight you’ll need to choose the school that’s right for you.

Written by CU Boulder Office of Admissions

Off

College is about being who you want to be. So the question is, who do you want to be? At CU Boulder, we have eight colleges, schools and programs that can set you up for success. Of all our options, which one are you?

The Artist

Interested in culture, art and human experience? Our College of Arts & Sciences offers over 20 areas of study in the arts and humanities. 

The Boss

Want to be a boss? Our Leeds School of Business is a top-ranked program in the nation. 

The Communicator

Do you communicate creatively? We do, too. With data, words, strategy and media, you can create ways to inform and connect in our College of Media, Communication and Information.

The Designer

From architecture to sustainable planning, a degree in our Program of Environmental Design allows you to design your world. 

The Educator

If you value diversity, equality, equity and justice, join the School of Education, which is full of community and classroom leaders.

The Engineer

Want to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges? From building bridges to improving health care to designing video games and computers, our top-ranked College of Engineering & Applied Science will allow you to help create our future. 

​The Explorer

Not sure what major is for you? No sweat, our Program in Exploratory Studies allows you to try out classes from various colleges and schools while working with a mentor to pick the perfect major for you. 

The Musician

Get in tune with us! Our College of Music offers more than just a music degree—it allows you to explore composition, performance, technology and entrepreneurship. 

The Scientist

Interested in the natural sciences and the way humans interact with each other and the world? Our College of Arts & Sciences has you covered with over 25 areas of study in the sciences.

Off

Think Colorado is a cool state? We do, too. Not only do we love our surroundings, but our campus environment offers something for everyone—allowing you to reach your full potential. From personal goals to career goals, we have some unique features to help you design your future:

1. #1 college town in U.S. We have been recognized by the American Institute for Economic Research (2017). Â鶹ÊÓƵ what's here.
2. Inclusive culture. We have a very friendly and welcoming campus community of people from all over the world. Learn more about CU Boulder's community and offerings.
3. The Rocky Mountains. Skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, camping, rock climbing, fishing. The perfect place for a study break. Need we say more? Check out Boulder and campus.
4. Customizable education. Want education on your terms? That’s what we offer at CU Boulder. Customize your education to fit your goals. Explore our academic programs.
5. Be a Buff! Students join our community as a Buff and cheer on our mascot, a real bison named Ralphie, as she charges the field during our Pac-12 home football games. Learn about recreation and athletics.
6. Research. Not only do we offer hands-on learning and research opportunities, we also are surrounded by national research labs. Learn more about research and creative work.

Written by CU Boulder Office of Admissions

Off

What makes CU Boulder different from the rest is our customized education. With more than 4,400+ courses offered in 166 fields of study, we encourage our students to explore their interests by taking courses across academic disciplines and establishing an individualized educational journey.

Majors

120+ bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs

Minors

60+ minors that you can add to your degree

Concurrent

40+ 5 year bachelor’s-accelerated master’s degree programs

Certificates

90+ undergrad and grad certificates

CU Boulder offers a vast array of options and opportunities for every student, preparing you to enter a competitive job market with energy and tenacity. Whatever your interests and goals may be, CU Boulder has a place for you!

Written by CU Boulder Office of Admissions

Off

College is about being who you want to be. At CU Boulder, we value individual expression and offer many opportunities to connect on campus, in Boulder, across Colorado and internationally.

Are you...

An entrepreneur? From New Venture Challenge to Silicon Flatirons, CU Boulder gives students the opportunity to network with Boulder's local entrepreneurial community and gain hands-on experience.

A visionary? We're a top 25 college for students who want to change the world (Business Insider, 2016).

A naturalist? With more than 300 days of sunshine and the Rocky Mountains in our backyard, the opportunities to explore the outdoors are endless. 

A traveler? We encourage our students to step out and explore, to meet new people and see the world from new perspectives, which is why we offer 400+ Education Abroad programs in 65 countries. But, you don’t have to travel the world to have a global experience at CU Boulder. The university hosts the Conference on World Affairs each year as well as iFest, which is the largest student run organization on campus.

A volunteer? With 450+ clubs and organizations on campus, and 300 organizations collaborating with the Volunteer Resource Center, students can get involved and explore passion projects.

An athlete? Get involved in varsity or club sports on campus, and cheer on our Division I Buffs.

A creative? Join a vibrant community of artists who will inspire you to expand your imaginative horizons.

A researcher? As a Tier I research university with 11 research institures and 90 research centers on campus, CU Boulder provides the ideal environment to feed your curiosity and connect with innovators in your field. 

Whatever your interests and goals may be, CU Boulder has a place for you!

Written by CU Boulder Office of Admissions

Off

Part of doing well academically is getting to know yourself better—how you learn, what you like to study and your thought process. We have six tips to help you discover your learning style.

1. Take notes like a rock star. Take note, literally and figuratively. Written notes become study guides for finals, and active listening is an effective way to learn. Many college students do both.

2. Create a study schedule. Learn how to set aside time each week to keep up with your studies. Starting a solid study schedule now will set you up for success once you get into college.

3. Explore your study styles. We all learn differently—what works for you? Taking notes, listening to music, group study sessions? Take the time to explore different ways of studying and retaining information.

4. Nail the essay. Essays are a central part of getting into college. Ask your high school teachers how to properly craft essays, so you can practice before you apply to college.

5. Right brain or left brain? Understand how you process. Do you think creatively, logically or both? Knowing if you’re more right- or left-brain inclined can help you choose a fulfilling area of study in college.

6. The art of asking. Universities are all about inquiry and discovery. Get comfortable asking questions now, so when you begin college you can engage in class discussions and make the most of your education.

Written by CU Boulder Office of Admissions

Off

Getting into college is a process, and it starts early in high school. Here are six things you can do your sophomore and junior years to help you along your journey.

1. Use summer to research college. Start thinking about schools to add to your interest list. Ask yourself: Which colleges have my major of interest? Should I attend in-state or out of-state? What type of experience do I want?

2. Meet recruiters in person. Check out college websites to see when recruitment staff are traveling to your area. This is your chance to get to know more about each college and ask questions in person.

3. Schedule the SAT/ACT. Take the SAT and/or ACT early in the fall of your junior year so you can have time to retake the test for a higher score, if necessary. It’s common to take these tests a couple of times.

4. Prepare for the SAT/ACT. SAT/ACT prep classes help you understand the format, questions and timing of the tests, so you can keep calm and feel prepared the day of the test. Be sure to sign up your sophomore year.

5. Connect with your counselor. Email, call or visit your college counselor to ask questions about which classes you should take your final two years in high school, and how to best prep for the college application process.

6. Sign up for college prep classes. These high school classes have a different curriculum, so you not only gain foundational knowledge that you can use in college, but also valuable study skills and perspective.

Written by CU Boulder Office of Admissions

Off

Take advantage of your summer to learn more about yourself and your goals. Check out three easy ways to expand your comfort zone and prepare for the college search.

Gain experience. Got skills? Use your time away from school to gain some real-world experience—whether that’s finding a new job, volunteering for a cool organization or completing an internship. Each opportunity you pursue will serve as education to help you decide the kind of future you see for yourself. Who knows? You might discover a new passion.

Location, location, location. Have an idea of where you’d like to live? Summer is the perfect time to visit campuses and get a feel for the type of environment that will be the best fit for you. Will you thrive in a small, intimate atmosphere or do you like the variety available at a larger school? Visit in person or check out a campus via virtual tour.

Do a passion project. Use some of your downtime to try something new. Maybe you’ll teach yourself a new language, experiment with painting or learn to code. It’s only by leaving your comfort zone that you’ll discover your strengths, and self-realization is key to college readiness.

Written by CU Boulder Office of Admissions

Off