DU looks for students who have challenged themselves academically and who have demonstrated success in English, math, social studies, science and languages. Our minimum academic requirements are the same as what is required at the applicant's high school for graduation, but we encourage students to set their goals higher than the minimum. The curriculum and grades earned in classes at the secondary level are regarded as the most significant criteria in a student's application. They have proven to be the soundest indicator of academic ability, potential and motivation.

Although no specific requirements concerning secondary school subjects are mandatory at DU, our Admission Committee recommends the following academic selection: 4 years of English; 3-4 years of mathematics; 3-4 years of natural sciences with at least 2 laboratory sciences; 3-4 years of social sciences and 3-4 years of foreign language. Course work should show purpose and continuity and furnish a background for the curriculum offered by the University.

The average high school GPA for fall 2011 accepted students was 3.74. The middle 50 percent ranged from 3.56 to 4.0. We accept a weighted GPA when available from an applicant's high school.

Although academic performance in high school is the most important factor in our admission process, we also consider scores earned on the SAT or ACT exams. Applicants are required to submit the official results of the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT. The writing components for both the SAT and ACT will be accepted for review, but will not be used for admission decisions; we do not require any SAT Subject Tests. For students who submit results from multiple test dates, we will mix and match the individual section scores to create a composite "superscore." When assessing your test scores, we will use the highest composite "superscore" earned on either exam (ACT or SAT).

The average SAT combined score for fall 2011 accepted students was 1232. The middle 50 percent ranged from 1150 to 1320 (out of 1600).

The average ACT score for fall 2011 accepted students was 28. The middle 50 percent ranged from 25 to 30.

DU students assume responsibilities outside the classroom; they're leaders, volunteers, artists, musicians, athletes, actors and people who lend a helping hand to benefit others. That's why our Admission Committee looks for well-rounded students who have contributed to their high school and local communities and who will contribute to the DU community. Essays and letters of recommendation contribute greatly to our overall assessment of an applicant's personal characteristics and their potential to contribute to our campus.

The Hyde Interview, a face-to-face meeting with one to three members of the DU community, provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their personal qualities and experiences that aren't necessarily reflected in test scores, GPAs and essays. Due to space and staff limitations, our interview program is only offered in these designated cities in November and January. For students who are residing outside of these cities or not available during the dates of our interviews, please know that you will be given full consideration for admission and will not be penalized in any manner in our admission process.