Make sure you're on track
Use our application checklist to make sure you have everything you need. If you have questions, you can always contact Undergraduate Admission by email at admission@du.edu or phone at 303-871-2036. You can also request additional information from your admission counselor.
Submit Your Application
Choose a Deadline
- Nov. 1 for Early Decision I and Early Action
- Jan. 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision
- Visit the financial aid website to learn more about the priority deadlines to apply for need-based aid.
What's the difference between the deadline options?
- 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.
- Early Action and Regular Decision are non-binding applications, and you can apply to as many schools as you like for these deadlines.
Fill out your application
- We accept the Common Application.
- The application includes an essay requirement.
Submit the application fee
- The application requires a $65 nonrefundable application fee.
- Log into your Common Application account and pay at time of application submission to University of Denver.
- If you're facing financial hardship, you can indicate on the application you qualify for a fee waiver in the Profile area of the Common Application.
- DU participates in CO Free App Days - if you reside in Colorado and submit your application October 17-19, use code COFreeAppDay24 in DU’s Member Questions area of the application.
Submit Your Supporting Materials
Test scores (Optional)
- Academic performance is the most important factor in our admission process. However, we are a test-optional university, and submitting test scores is your choice. If you choose to submit your SAT and/or ACT scores, they will be considered along with your other application materials for both admission and merit scholarships. To be considered, test scores must be received directly from the testing agency. We cannot consider self-reported test scores entered on the Common Application.
- If you choose to submit your test scores, you must do so via College Board or ACT using the following codes:
- SAT Code: 4842
- ACT Code: 0534
- Please note: it can take a couple of weeks for the testing agency to process your order. Please request your scores with ample time to ensure delivery by the materials deadline.
- We do not consider subject test or writing sections.
- Super score: If you’ve taken either test more than once, we’ll combine the best sub-scores to create your best possible composite result. If the testing agency generates a composite of your best sub-scores, we will also accept that super score from the agency.
- If you receive an application fee waiver you have the option to upload ACT and/or SAT test scores to your application status page. Simply log into your account to choose the "Student Submitted Test Score" material upload type and then upload a PDF of your student score report. You may also email us at admission@du.edu. Once we verify the score report, we will complete the test score requirement for your application. Please note this process may take 24-48 hours to complete.
Send your transcript
- Send your official high school transcript or verification of a GED.
- Your high school counselor can send your transcript electronically through Parchment, Naviance, or the Common Application.
Alternatively, your counselor can mail your transcript to this address:
Undergraduate Admission
University of Denver
University Hall
2197 S. University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80208-9401
Send your letters of recommendation
- Counselors need to submit either the Common Application Secondary School Report, the NACAC Secondary School Report or a personal letter.
- You're welcome to submit additional letters from those that know you best and can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities (a teacher, a coach, etc.). These letters are optional.
- A ZeeMee profile (a free service designed to help students bring their application to life by highlighting your personal story via photos, videos and text). Simply copy and paste your ZeeMee link into your University of Denver application.
Extra Steps
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Early Decision applicants
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Students over 24 years old
If you've been out of high school for three or more years and you don't have any previous college credit, you can apply through the Common Application. You also have the option of submitting a letter of recommendation from an employer.
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Home schooled students
If you're a home schooled student, you can use the application process listed above and you may apply to DU with or without SAT and/or ACT standardized test scores. However, you will need to submit a letter of recommendation from a non-family member.
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Students attending a non-graded school
If you are a student attending a non-graded high school that does not provide a letter or numerical grade, you can be considered for admission without submitting an official SAT or ACT. However, in order to be considered for merit scholarships, you will need to submit an official SAT or ACT score.
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GED students
Please submit a copy of your high school transcript that shows all completed coursework. You need to submit one letter of recommendation, preferably from a former teacher or counselor.
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Music majors
If you're applying to be a music student, you'll need to submit a supplemental application from the Lamont School of Music. You'll receive this after you've submitted your Common Application. You will also be required to submit an audition or portfolio. Please contact the Lamont School of Music for audition dates and options or with any questions you might have.
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Art/design majors
If you're applying to a BFA program, you must submit a portfolio. Contact the Art Department if you have questions.
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Business majors
The majority of students interested in attending our Daniels College of Business will be directly admitted to the program of their choice. Some students will be asked to start at DU as a pre-business student, and to apply to the Daniels College after the completion of their first year on campus.
