How to Apply to the University of Denver

Applying to DU in Four Steps

Whether transferring from a local community college or beginning your undergraduate studies, there are fundamental steps to applying to the University of Denver that each undergraduate student must complete that support an efficient application process and set you up for success.

1. Do Your Research

Before submitting your application, it is important to research all that DU has to offer, including degree programs, student life opportunities, resources, housing options, and more. Not only does this help confirm that you will enjoy the next four years of your undergraduate experience, but it also ensures that DU can support you in reaching your long-term personal and professional goals. 

We encourage all prospective undergraduate students to explore our bachelor’s programs, visit DU’s campus in person or take a virtual tour, attend an information session, or meet with an admission counselor. The more you engage with our institution and community, the more certain you can be that DU is the right place for you.

2. Review Admission Standards

After deciding that DU suits your academic needs and selecting your degree program of choice, be sure to review our admission criteria. This essential step ensures your previous experience aligns with our standards. 

Depending on whether you are a first-year applicant or a transfer applicant, you'll have different standards to follow:

• First-Year Applicants
• Transfer Applicants

Additionally, admission eligibility varies by student enrollment type and degree program.

3. Prepare Application and Supplemental Documents

DU is one of hundreds of colleges and universities in the U.S. and internationally that use the Common Application. Common App simplifies the application process, saving you time and effort.

Along with the Common App, we require certain supplemental materials, including:

• Official high school transcripts and/or official college transcripts
• Application essay (included in the Common App)
• Additional letters of recommendation (optional)
• Official ACT or SAT scores (optional)

Please read more about each of these supplemental materials on our Application Checklist page.

Additionally, depending on your degree program, you may need to provide other supplemental materials. As you prepare your application, we encourage you to check with your academic department to ensure you have all the necessary documents. 

4. Choose a Deadline and Submit Your Application

We have two important application deadlines for first-year applicants:

• Nov. 1 for Early Decision I and Early Action
• Jan. 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision

What's the difference between the deadline options?

• Early Action and Regular Decision are non-binding applications.
• Early Decision is a binding agreement between you and the University that you will attend DU if you're accepted.
• Students admitted during Early Decision rounds of admission receive an additional $5,000 merit aid award, and top academic performers will have their full demonstrated financial need met. Early Decision applicants enjoy stronger consideration for admission, and benefit from earlier admission and financial aid notifications.
  • Athletes receiving athletic aid as well as music majors are welcome to apply Early Decision but are not eligible for the financial incentives. International students are eligible for the additional merit aid but not for need-based aid.
  • You can only apply Early Decision to one school, and if you're accepted to DU via Early Decision, you must withdraw your applications from other institutions. You should only apply Early Decision if you're committed to joining our community and enrolling at DU.

Please note that transfer applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
 
No matter which deadline suits you best, you will apply via the Common App. After reviewing your application for any errors and double-checking that you have correctly submitted all required documents, you can submit your Common App and pay the $65 nonrefundable application fee.