For the third consecutive year, applications at CU Boulder rose dramatically on Colorado Free Application Day, which took place this year on Oct. 13.Ěý
Led by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, the Colorado Free Application Day initiative is intended to inspire more Coloradans to pursue postsecondary education opportunities. Again this year, all 32 public universities in Colorado—including CU Boulder—and several private colleges waived admissions application fees for state residents. During this year’s campaign, CU Boulder received over 9,053 applications—a 22% increase over last year.Ěý
Clark Brigger, executive director of admissions for CU Boulder, who has had more than a decade of experience leading admissions at major universities, says he is excited that the removal of the fee allows students to apply to more colleges and universities than they otherwise would have.
“By removing this cost, especially during this challenging economic time, we are making it more accessible for students and families to explore different options in higher education,” Brigger says. “We hope this will result in more applications and more applications from diverse groups, both of which make our university stronger.”
This year, high school seniors who will graduate in 2021 had the option to choose to include, or not include, their SAT or ACT scores with their college applications, as most Colorado universities and colleges have implemented a “test-optional” policy to simplify the application process this year. Of CU Boulder applicants, 4,475, or 49%, reported that they responded as applying “test optional.” For more information about CU Boulder’s admissions process and frequently asked questions about the test score option, visit the Admissions FAQ webpage.
Overall, a 28% increase over last year’s campaign. Statewide, application submissions are up 24% compared to last year for four-year colleges and universities. Colorado students saved more than $2.3 million in waived fees. CU Boulder had the second most applications in the state.
For more information on Free Application Day, visit the .
