Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Application Materials:

• Is the Common App the only way to apply to DU, or are there other applications?

  The Common App is the only application available to apply to DU! There are no other application forms or methods.

• Do you offer fee waivers? If so, how do I get one?

  We don't want application fees to prevent anyone from applying to DU. If you're facing financial hardship, please indicate that you qualify for a fee waiver in the 'Profile' area of the Common Application.

  Additionally, DU proudly participates in the Colorado Department of Higher Education's annual CO Free App Days. Please check our website and your email inbox this fall for this year's application fee waiver code.

• How do I know if I am a first-year or transfer student?

  If you have completed any college-level coursework through a community college or another university BEFORE your high school graduation - for example, through dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment - we still consider you a first-year applicant.

  If you have taken college-level coursework or have served in the military AFTER completing high school (after your date of graduation), then we encourage you to apply to DU as a transfer applicant.

• Which decision type/deadline should I pick?

  For first-year applicants, DU offers the following application deadlines:

  • November 1 for Early Decision I and Early Action
  • January 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision

   

  You might choose to apply in our non-binding Early Action round by November 1 to get an admission decision sooner or to have more time to consider your options before committing to one university. Students who apply Early Action typically receive an admission decision by mid-December.

  You might choose to apply in our non-binding Regular Decision round by January 15 to include an additional term of grades on your transcripts or to have more time to get your application and materials ready. Students who apply Regular Decision typically receive an admission decision by mid-March.

  You might choose to apply Early Decision I or II if DU is your first choice and you are committed to attending our school. Early Decision is a binding application option and students can apply Early Decision at either deadline. Applying Early Decision has numerous benefits, including the following:

  • Students admitted during Early Decision rounds of admission receive an additional $5,000 annual merit aid award (for up to four years).
  • Top academic performers will have their full demonstrated financial need met.
  • Early-decision applications enjoy stronger consideration for admission and benefit from earlier admission and financial aid notifications.

   

  Please Note: Athletes receiving athletic aid and music majors are welcome to apply for Early Decision but are not eligible for the financial incentives. International students are eligible for additional merit aid but not for need-based aid.

• What does it mean to say that Early Decision is a "binding agreement"?

  Early Decision is a binding agreement between you and the University of Denver, meaning you must enroll at DU if you are admitted. You, your parent or guardian, and your high school counselor must all agree to this on the Early Decision form. Given the binding nature of the agreement, students may only apply Early Decision to one school. If accepted to DU via Early Decision I or Early Decision II, you must withdraw your applications from other institutions.

  However, Early Action and Regular Decision are nonbinding application options, so students can hear back from all schools they applied to and compare options.

• What happens if I apply Early Decision?

  If you apply Early Decision and are accepted, then congratulations and welcome to DU! 

  Students who apply Early Decision I can expect an admission decision by early December and students who apply Early Decision II can expect an admission decision by early February. In your official decision letter, you will be given a deadline to commit to DU and to submit your $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit. Your official decision letter will also include the additional $5,000 annual merit aid for applying Early Decision.

  If you applied to other colleges or universities but are admitted via Early Decision to DU, you will need to withdraw your applications from other schools. For a full explanation of what “binding agreement” means, please see the answer above.

• What is considered an official transcript?

  For a transcript to be considered 'official' it must be submitted via a secure electronic transcript sending service such as the Common App, Naviance, Parchment, or Scoir, or by mail in a school sealed envelope. We do not accept transcripts directly from students, and transcripts sent as email attachments are not considered official. If you're not sure about the distinction between an 'unofficial' or 'official' transcript, contact your school counselor or registrar office.

• Do you accept unofficial transcripts?

  No, we do not accept unofficial transcripts in place of official transcripts. 

  If your school is unable to send an official transcript to DU, please contact Undergraduate Admission Enrollment Services to discuss possible options at admission@4dian8.com or 303-871-2036 (select option 4). 

  Admission offers are contingent upon our office’s receipt of all final official transcript(s).

• How do I send my transcript to you?

  Transcripts from schools within the United States must be submitted via a secure electronic transcript sending service (using Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse, for example) or by mail in a school-sealed envelope. We do not accept transcripts directly from students. Transcripts sent via email, regardless of sender, are not official.* 

  Your school can mail official transcripts to this address:

  University of Denver 

  2197 South University Boulevard

  Denver, CO 80208-9401

  *We can make exceptions for schools outside of the U.S. that do not have access to secure electronic sending services or face challenges in mailing transcripts to other countries.

• Why does my applicant portal display my transcript submission task as ‘incomplete’ or ‘missing’ even though I already submitted my transcript?

  It may take a few days or weeks (depending on your mode of submission) for your applicant portal to display your transcript submission task as ‘complete’. Please be patient with us, as it takes time to receive and process your transcript(s) then update your portal!

  If you are unsure whether our office received your transcript, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at admission@4dian8.com or 303-871-2036 (select option 4).

• If I have attended multiple high schools and/or community colleges or universities, do I need to submit transcripts for all of them?

  First-Year Applicants

  College transcripts: Most students currently in high school do not need to submit official college transcripts for an admission decision. Dual/concurrent enrollment grades are sometimes listed on the high school transcript and are taken into consideration during application review. If college level dual/concurrent enrollment grades are not shown on a high school transcript, we can accept an unofficial college transcript during the application review process. Homeschooled students are required to send official college transcripts for any dual/concurrent enrollment work for decision purposes.

  Additional High School Transcripts: If the high school a student is currently attending sends an official transcript that shows a complete record of previous grades at other schools, the high school transcript requirement is fulfilled. If grades from other schools are not listed (terms look incomplete or just show “Pass"), we will need the transcripts from the other schools that show all grades.

   

  Transfer Applicants

  College transcripts: We require official college/university transcripts from every institution attended for an admission decision.

  High School Transcripts: We only need a final official transcript showing 9th-12th grades and graduation date for applicants who have completed less than 30 semester hours of college work post high school graduation.

• Why do you require a counselor recommendation?

  We require a counselor recommendation because counselors provide information around high school demographics, curricular offerings, grading systems, school policies, and more. This information gives important context to our admission committee as they review your application, academic record, and supporting materials.

  Your counselor will need to submit either the Common Application Secondary School Report, the Common Application Counselor Recommendation form, or a personal letter.

• My school is huge, and I don’t know my counselor very well. Can someone else write my recommendation?

  DU requires a counselor recommendation, but the counselor recommendation is not always a personal recommendation about a student; oftentimes, it is information about your schools’ demographics, curricular offerings, grading systems, policies, and more. So your counselor will need to submit either the Common Application Secondary School Report, the Common Application Counselor Recommendation form, or a personal letter.

  You're welcome to submit additional recommendations from those who may know you better, including letters from teachers, coaches, or mentors. However, these letters are optional.

  Please see the question and full response above about why DU requires a counselor recommendation.

• Will DU accept a teacher recommendation in place of a counselor recommendation?

  DU requires a counselor recommendation, but you're welcome to submit additional recommendations from those who may know you better, including letters from teachers, coaches, or mentors. However, these letters are optional.

  Please see the question and full response above about why DU requires a counselor recommendation.

• Does my counselor need to write a full letter?

  In the Common Application, your counselor can choose to submit either the Common Application Secondary School Report, the Common Application Counselor Recommendation form, or a personal letter.

• Who should write my recommendation if my school does not have counselors?

  If your school does not have a counselor, please contact our office at admission@4dian8.com or call 303-871-2036.

• I have graduated from high school and no longer have a high school counselor. Who should write my recommendation?

  If you have already graduated from high school, your required recommendation can be from any non-family member. This could be a coach, employer, tutor, or other mentor in your life who can speak about your accomplishments, strengths, and overall potential.

• Who should submit my recommendation if I’m a homeschooled applicant?

  If you're a homeschooled student, you can still use the application process described on our Application Checklist for First-Year Applicants.

  However, you must submit a letter of recommendation from a non-family member. This could be a coach, employer, tutor, or other mentor in your life who can speak about your accomplishments, strengths, and overall potential.

• I sent my ACT/SAT test scores to the University of Denver. Why are they still showing as missing?

  When you order test scores from the testing center, it can take days or weeks for DU to receive your scores. Test scores are usually sent in batches (a couple times a week in the fall) to each school. Once a school receives the batch, it can take a few days to match up the scores with the student application. Test scores do not need to be received by the posted application deadline of November 1 or January 15. Students have an extra fourteen days after the application deadline to submit all additional documents (including test scores) and complete their application package for review.

  Be sure to visit your Testing Center Account to check on your order status and see when your scores were sent to DU. If you can provide the date your test score was sent to the university, we can check for your name in those batch uploads. In some cases, the name you provided to ACT/SAT could be different from the name provided on your Common Application (ex: missing a middle name or initial, using a preferred name instead of your given name, partial hyphenated last names, or a typo when entered). If your scores do not appear as received and you think any of these circumstances apply to you, please reach out to admission@4dian8.com.

  If your applicant portal displays your test scores as incomplete or missing one week after the application deadline, contact our office at admission@4dian8.com or 303-871-2036 (select option 4).

• How do I submit my ACT/SAT test scores?

  Test scores are sent to us from the testing centers. We do not accept any self-reported test scores entered onto your Common App.

  Log in to your SAT or ACT account, click on X, and use the codes below to send your scores to the University of Denver:

  1) SAT Code: 4842

  2) ACT Code: 0534

• Does DU accept self-reported ACT/SAT Test scores?

  No, self-reported test scores entered on the Common Application will not fulfill the requirement and are not used for admission/merit level consideration. 

  If the cost of ordering official test scores from the testing agency is a barrier, you can upload your ACT and/or SAT Student Score Report into your application status page. To do so, log in to your applicant portal to choose the "Student Submitted Test Score" material type and then upload the Student Score Report PDF from your testing agency account. This document must show your full name and all test components with their exam dates to fulfill the test scores requirement and complete your application.

• Is DU a test-optional institution?

  Yes, the University of Denver has been test-optional since 2019. Test scores are not required to be considered for admission or for our merit scholarships.

  To waive the test score requirement, you must indicate on your application that you do not want DU to consider test scores when reviewing your application. If you don’t let us know on your application that you wish to apply test-optional, then your application will be considered incomplete without test scores.

  If you indicate on your application that you do want DU to consider your test scores during the application review process, we can either use your scores from one test date or "super score", which means we can combine your highest section scores from different test dates (if you've taken either test more than once).

• How do I change my application to test-optional?

  If you have already submitted your Common Application and would like to change your application to test-optional, please log in to your applicant portal and scroll down to the Test-Optional area and complete the short form linked there. 

  Please note that if you applied as a test-submitter but later choose not to submit your test scores, you must complete the form in your applicant portal to change your application to test-optional or your application will be considered incomplete.

Application Timeline:

• My application is complete! When will I receive my decision?

  For First-Year Applicants: 

  • If you applied Early Action (Nov. 1 deadline), you can expect an admission decision by mid- to late December.
  • If you applied Early Decision I (Nov. 1 deadline), you can expect an admission decision in early December. 
  • If you applied Regular Decision (Jan. 15 deadline), you can expect an admission decision by mid-to late February. 
  • If you applied Early Decision II (Jan. 15 deadline), you can expect an admission decision in early February.

• I just submitted my Common Application. When will I receive my decision?

  Don't forget that after submitting your completed Common App, we still need a few more materials for your application to be considered complete. These materials will include final official transcripts and recommendations but may include an Early Decision Agreement Form or official test scores. 

  Your application will only be reviewed when complete, so this can affect which round of review your application is considered in. Please see the answer above for the estimated decision timelines for each of our admission rounds. 

• Do you offer rolling admission?

  No, we do not offer rolling admission at DU. 

  For first-year applicants, our application deadlines are November 1 and January 15.  

  For transfer applicants, we do evaluate applications on a rolling basis, but the final deadline to join our community for the fall quarter is June 1. 

  Please reach out to your DU admission counselor if you need additional support to submit your application and materials by one of these deadlines, or if you’d like to discuss flexibility with these deadlines. 

• Can I submit supplemental materials after the application deadline?

  Yes, if you were able to submit your completed Common Application by one of our posted application deadlines (November 1 or January 15), you have two more weeks (fourteen days) to submit additional required materials, such as your official transcripts or counselor recommendation.

• If I want to submit test scores, what is the latest I can submit them in order for them to be completed?

  When you order test scores from the testing center, it can take days or weeks for DU to receive your scores. Test scores are usually sent in batches (a couples times a week in the fall) to each school. Once a school receives the batch, it can take a few days to match up the scores with the student application. Test scores do not need to be received by the posted application deadline of November 1 or January 15. Students have an extra fourteen days after the application deadline for Undergraduate Admission to receive all additional documents (including test scores) and complete their application package for review.

  Please note that if you applied as a test-submitter but later choose not to submit your test scores, you must complete the form in your applicant portal to change your application to test-optional or your application will be considered incomplete without official test scores.

• If I am participating in CO Free App Days in the fall, can I still apply for Regular Decision consideration?

  Yes, if you are a Colorado resident taking advantage of Colorado Free App Days to apply for free to the University of Denver, you just need to submit your completed Common Application on the designated days (October 15-17 for 2024), and we’ll waive your application fee. You’ll still be able to submit official transcripts, the counselor recommendation and other required materials until the Early Action and Early Decision I deadline of November 1 or the Regular Decision and Early Decision II deadline of January 15. 

• I applied to be a music major, what additional steps do I need to take?

  Applicants must successfully complete an audition or have portfolio materials reviewed before being offered admission to the Lamont School of Music. First-year music applicants are considered for admission during the Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision timelines, and new students normally may not enroll mid-year.  

  1. Apply to the University of Denver via the Common Application, selecting one of the "Music" majors.
  2. Within 1-2 business days, you will receive an email from DU inviting you to log into your application status page, using the provided PIN to establish your account. 
  3. Fill out the Lamont School of Music application, found under the Application Checklist. Here you will provide more information about yourself from a musical perspective, upload your music résumé and rep list, and indicate whether you intend to audition in person or by submitting a recorded video audition. 
  4. Upload the remainder of your music requirements (composition portfolio, recording & production portfolio, recorded video audition if you're not auditioning live) in the Portfolio section of your application status page by clicking "Edit Portfolio." 
  5. Within 2-3 business days, Lamont Admission will send you an email confirmation of your scheduled audition and check off your portfolio materials.

   

  Admission decisions for Regular Decision are typically released in late February or early March with scholarship information following in mid-March. 

• I am thinking of taking a gap year. How do I defer my admission?

  If you’re thinking about deferring your enrollment to a future term, please log in to your applicant portal and complete this form, which will ask you about your plans for the next year. The form also requires you to confirm that you will not be enrolling in a degree program or coursework at another university or college.

  Please note that you must first submit your Admission Response Form and non-refundable $500 enrollment deposit to be considered for a deferral. Additionally, if you’re pursuing a post-graduate year, you cannot request a deferral and will need to reapply for admission if you want to be considered for a future term. If you take any college level courses elsewhere after graduating high school, we cannot grant you a deferral, and you will need to reapply for admission as a Transfer applicant for a future term.

• If I want to submit test scores, what is the latest I can submit them in order for them to be completed?

  When you order test scores from the testing center, it can take days or weeks for DU to receive your scores. Test scores are usually sent in batches (a couples times a week in the fall) to each school. Once a school receives the batch, it can take a few days to match up the scores with the student application. Test scores do not need to be received by the posted application deadline of November 1 or January 15. Students have an extra fourteen days after the application deadline for Undergraduate Admission to receive all additional documents (including test scores) and complete their application package for review.

  Please note that if you applied as a test-submitter but later choose not to submit your test scores, you must complete the form in your applicant portal to change your application to test-optional or your application will be considered incomplete without official test scores.

Next Steps After Admission:

• I got admitted to DU and I want to accept the offer! How do I do that?

  Congratulations on your acceptance! To accept your offer of admittance, please submit your DU admission response via your applicant portal. For additional information on next steps, please review our Admitted Students and Action Items & Important Dates webpages.

• When do I need to make my decision by?

  All nonbinding (Early Action or Regular Decision) admits must submit their admission response form and application deposit via their applicant portal by May 1.

  If you are a binding (Early Decision I and Early Decision II) or transfer admit, check our Admitted Students webpage for your deposit deadline date. Be sure to submit your admission response form and application deposit via your application portal before the deadline.

• I submitted my deposit to attend DU. What are my next steps?

  To view next steps, review the Key Tasks Checklist on our Action Items & Important Dates webpage.

• Is the enrollment deposit an extra fee and/or refundable?

  No, the enrollment deposit is non-refundable. The enrollment deposit affirms your commitment to attend DU and is an advance deposit towards your first quarter tuition. For more information, check out our Action Items & Important Dates webpage. If you have any questions, please contact our office at admission@4dian8.com or 303-871-2036 for assistance.

• I have been accepted. Where do I apply for housing?”

  You can submit your housing application via the Housing Portal. For additional information, check out our Action Items & Important Dates webpage.

• I would like to defer for a year, what should I do?

  All deferral requests are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions about the deferral process, please contact our office at admission@4dian8.com or 303-871-2036.

Campus Visits:

• Where do I park for my visit?

  For daily campus visits, we use Lot I (2210 S Gaylord St, next to the Iliff School of Theology). For special events, it varies. Details, directions, and your parking pass can be found in an email sent a day or two before your scheduled visit.

  If you have any questions, contact the Undergraduate Admission Visit team at 303-871-7711 or team1864@4dian8.com.

• Do I need a parking pass?

  Yes. Daily visits and most special visit events require a parking pass which can be found in an email sent a day or two before your visit. A daily visit parking pass can also be picked up at University Hall (2197 S University Blvd).

• Where do I check-in for my tour?

  Check-in for a daily visit is in the lobby of University Hall (2197 S University Blvd). Special event check-in location vary and will be detailed in an email.

• How long is my visit/tour?

  Your entire daily campus visit will be 2.5 hours. This includes a 45-minute information session and a 90-minute tour with a couple breaks.

• How do I reschedule/cancel a visit?

  Please contact 303-871-7711 or email team1864@4dian8.com for assistance.

• Do you offer weekend tours?

  We do not have regularly scheduled weekend tours; however, you can contact 303-871-7711 or team1864@4dian8.com to request one. We will send you a request form for you to indicate preferable times and we will try our best to accommodate your request.

• Do you offer evening tours?

  No, we do not currently offer evening tours.

• Do you offer private tours?

  You can contact 303-871-7711 or team1864@4dian8.com to request a private tour. We will try our best to accommodate your request.

• Can I visit with an academic department while on campus?

  As part of our Friday@DU programs, which are half-day programs on select Fridays throughout the school year, we offer an optional academic appointment with a department or college of your choosing. If you would like to visit an academic department at a different time, reach out to our office at 303-871-7711 or team1864@4dian8.com.

• Can I meet with an athletic team?

  No. Due to NCAA recruitment laws, we as an admission department cannot facilitate athletics meetings with D1 teams. However, you are more than welcome to look up the team roster and reach out to the coaches independently. Rosters can be found through http://denverpioneers.com/.

• Will we see a room in the residence hall as part of the tour?

  It's possible. We try our best to have a showroom available but sometimes because of residence hall occupancy rates, we're not always able to do so.

• I can’t make it to campus. What are some other ways for me to get to know campus better?

  Students and families can take part in many of our virtual visit offerings throughout the year. For a complete list of our virtual visit options, check out our virtual live programs and on-demand virtual resources on our website.

• What is the benefit of visiting campus?

  Campus visits enable students and families to gain a unique immersive experience of the campus environment. Visitors can gauge the student community, the campus culture, the surrounding campus environment, and the greater Denver and Colorado areas. In addition, students can better assess their fit with DU during their guided tour (with a current student) of the campus grounds and opportunities to mingle with academic department staff (pending availability).

• Is lunch included in our visit?

  DU will not provide lunch for our general daily campus visits. DU may provide lunch for special visit events like Friday@DU and Journey to DU.

• What are some places to get food on or near campus?

  On-Campus:

  Driscoll Student Center (2050 E. Evans Ave)

  • 7 Spoons (11:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
  • Chef’s Corner (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
  • Greens (10 a.m. – 7:30 pm)
  • Grill (10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
  • Pasta (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
  • Pizza (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
  • Pure & Simple (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
  • Qdoba (10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
  • Stirfry (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

   

  Daniels College of Business (2101 S. University Blvd)

  • Einstein Bros. Bagels (7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

   

  Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science (2155 E Wesley Ave)

  • Food Creations Café (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

   

  Off-Campus:

  • Ginza Sushi & Grill (2104 S. University Blvd)
  • Gyroz (2008 S. University Blvd)
  • Jelly Café (1700 E. Evans Ave)
  • Jerusalem Restaurant (1890 E. Evans Ave)
  • Pho Saigon Star (2045 S. University Blvd)
  • Spanky’s Roadhouse (1800 E. Evans Ave)

• What are some neighborhoods to visit in Denver?

  Check out the DU Discover Denver interactive map for a comprehensive list of the biggest Denver neighborhoods! The neighborhood maps include the Daniels College of Business' recommended activities, shops, restaurants, and parks for campus visitors.

• Where should I get dropped off for my campus visit?

  University Hall 

  2197 S. University Blvd. 

  Denver, CO 80208 

• Who will I interact with as part of a tour?

  A current DU student will lead your campus tour following your information session (delivered by an admission counselor or intern). You will have opportunities to ask questions to both your tour guide and information session briefer.

• What is the difference between Friday@DU and Journey to DU?

  Friday@DU is a half-day program on select Fridays throughout the year. The program consists of an information session, a student panel, a campus tour, lunch (optional), and departmental visit/Learning Effectiveness Program info session(optional).

  Journey to DU (exclusively for admitted students) provides you an insider's look at DU, including a student-led campus tour, lunch in our dining halls, and an opportunity to personalize your visit with information on areas ranging from career services to a particular academic division. 

• Can I bring a group?

  Yes. Visit http://admission.4dian8.com/portal/group-visits to explore group visit options.

International Students:

• Can I submit my transcripts via email? Does your office accept unofficial/digital transcripts? 

  If your counselor is unable to provide an official transcript while completing your application, you can email an unofficial transcript to intladm@4dian8.com. To enroll at DU, you will need to submit official final high school transcript(s) the summer before your fall quarter classes start. 

• Do all students need to provide an English language proficiency test? 

  The English language proficiency test score requirement is added automatically to all international students’ application checklists. If English is not your native language, you must submit an acceptable score on either the IELTS, TOEFL, DET, or CAE, or qualify for an exemption.  

  Some students are exempt from this requirement; for example, if your school instruction is in English and you have studied at the school for at least three years. You can email our office at intladm@4dian8.com to waive this requirement for you.

• What is the timeline for issuing an I-20? 

  Once you submit all supporting material(s), then it will take our International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office three to six weeks before a digital Form I-20 is issued.

• What documents do I need for an I-20? 

  You will need to submit the biographical page of your passport, proof of funding such as a bank statement issued within the last six months, and a completed financial verification form. SEVIS transfer students would need to complete a SEVIS Transfer-In form completed by their current PDSO/DSO. For detailed information about Form I-20 documents, please check here: http://internationalization.4dian8.com/isss/new-students/f-1-j-1 .

• I am currently studying on a visa in the U.S. Do I need to apply for an I-20? 

  It depends on the type of visa you are studying on. Some visas allow full-time study according to federal regulations. Feel free to email our International Student and Scholar Services for their recommendation: isss@4dian8.com .

• Do international students need health insurance? Can I opt out? 

  All international students with an I-20 or DS-2019 issued by the University of Denver are required to participate in the University's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). SHIP is included in your tuition and fees unless you have waived the insurance by showing proof of having a comparable plan. Read more about SHIP on this webpage: http://studentaffairs.4dian8.com/health-counseling-center/insurance-plans-fees/student-health-insurance-plan .

• I am a refugee/asylee; why am I listed as an international student in my admission portal? 

  Students who do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status, or students who do not wish to disclose residency or immigration status, will be coded as an international student.

• I am a refugee/asylee; what financial support is available to me? 

  For additional information about financial aid for eligible non-citizens, please check here: http://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements/non-us-citizens  

• Do international students qualify for federal financial aid? 

  International students are not eligible for federal financial aid, also known as FAFSA, and we do not accept the CSS profile or the ISFAA from international students. You may learn more information about scholarships and tuition by visiting our website. 

• What scholarships are available to international students? 

   The University of Denver considers all international applicants for merit-based scholarships. Merit scholarships are determined through the admission process and do not require a separate application. Merit scholarships range from $16,000 - $42,000 per year.

• Can international students work on campus? 

  Yes. International students on an F-1/J-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and 40 hours per week during school breaks. For information about employment options for international students with other visas, please check out our International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) resources page.

• Can international students study abroad during their time at DU? 

  Absolutely! We encourage cross-cultural education and experiences for all of our students! For more information about study abroad at DU, please check here: http://internationalization.4dian8.com/abroad.

• My visa got denied, what should I do? 

  Please contact the International Admission Team as soon as possible at intladm@4dian8.com or +1-303-871-2790. We are here to help!

• Can international students arrive early? 

  Yes. International students are usually allowed to move into their residence halls at DU 2-3 days before the standard move-in day for new incoming students, depending on the term. Our office sends new international students information about Early Arrival during the summer before fall quarter classes. If you are planning to arrive one month earlier than the start of classes, however, you will need to arrange your own accommodations.

• What type of support services are offered to international students? 

  DU focuses on providing our students with a comprehensive academic experience that aligns with our 4D values, emphasizing intellectual growth, well-being, character development, and pursuing careers and lives of purpose. The 4D experience is facilitated through support services that help students thrive and feel a sense of community.

  For example, our International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office supports our international students with visa questions and cultural acclimation through various campus community engagement programs. Additionally, we take pride in our health and counseling center, academic support services, career and professional development services, and cultural center, among others.

• Why do I need to take the WRIT 1022 course?

  In order to satisfy the DU language requirement, international students are placed in the WRIT 1022 English for Academic Purposes course if they do not meet the minimum sub score requirements on a standardized English placement test accepted by DU (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, Duolingo). Students can also take a test offered through the Center for World Languages and Cultures for placement into another language in order to satisfy the DU language requirement. Students may be exempt from the course if they meet the guidelines listed in the Traditional Bachelor's Program webpage (scroll to the bottom of the website for information on WRIT 1022 exemptions).

• Is there a specific orientation for international students?

  Yes! There is a mandatory online ISSS Orientation on Canvas (DU’s online learning management system). This helps students XXX.  

  We also host an in-person international student orientation the day before Discoveries Orientation begins, so that international students can XXX. 

  Additionally, all new incoming students are required to attend Discoveries Orientation the week before fall classes begin, from September XX-XX. Here, students can expect to learn how to be successful inside and outside of the classroom at DU, navigate campus, learn about valuable resources and support services all while getting to know their peers!

• What documents should I bring to my F-1 visa interview?
  • You must show a valid passport that will not expire within six months after your stay in the United States.
  • Your Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160 confirmation page)
  • Your application fee payment receipt (you are required to pay before your interview)
  • Your Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-for academic and language students). 

   

  Our office will let you know if additional documentation is required.

• What questions should I anticipate for my F-1 visa interview? 

  Dress presentably for your interview and be prepared to answer questions about your study plans, university choice, academic capability, financial status, and post-graduation plans.

  Some example questions:

  • Why do you want to study in the US?
  • Why can't you continue your education in your home country?
  • What are you planning to study?
  • Have you been to the US before?
  • Why did you choose this university?
  • How many different universities did you apply to?
  • What are your test scores?
  • How well can you speak English?
  • How are you planning to finance your education?
  • Who is sponsoring you? What is the profession of your sponsor?
  • Do you plan on working while studying in the US?
  • Do you have a job or career in mind post-graduation?

   

  Please keep in mind that these interviews are often between 10 to 30 minutes. You may not have much time to respond to the officer's questions.

  Here are some resources to help you prepare for your interview:

  • 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Non-immigrant Visa
  • Travel.state.gov Student Visa Overview
  • How to Get Your US Student Visa

• Do my A-Level/IB/AP classes transfer to college level classes? 

  Yes. A-Level classes can transfer to DU if a student provides us with an official A-Level certificate issued by the testing agency directly. Both AS and A-Level classes can be considered for transfer credit if the grade obtained is C- or higher.  

  The University of Denver grants credit for select International Baccalaureate (IB) examination scores, Advanced Placement (AP) test scores, and for previous credit earned through enrollment in college-level courses. Students must take the AP and IB exams to receive credit from DU. Incoming students should submit their AP and/or IB scores prior to registration so that we can award credit and help place students in the correct courses. Check out our IB credits and AP credits webpages to see how credit is awarded based on exam scores.

• What transcripts should I submit? 

  You will need to send all your upper secondary (high school) transcript(s) from all schools you have previously attended and are currently attending. For more questions about specific education and curriculum requirements, please refer to this page here: Academic Credentials by Country | University of Denver.

• How can I get involved on campus as an international student? 

  DU has over 100 student-run organizations focused on a variety of interests from backpacking to board games, science to spirituality, finance to Fraternity & Sorority Life, athletics to arts, and so much more - there is something for everybody!

• My passport expired; can I still get an I-20? 

  Yes, you can still apply for your I-20 form with an expired passport. However, you will need a valid passport for your visa interview and entry to the US.

• My English language test scores are over two years old; are they still considered valid for admission? 

  No. English language scores for TOEFL, IELTS, DET, CAE, are only valid for two years from the date you took the test. If your results are older than two years, then you will need to submit a new English language proficiency score. 

Transfer Students:

• What should I do if I think I filled out all of Common App's questions, but it still won't let me submit?

  We recommend you double-check your responses to ensure you’ve completed all required fields. If you continue to experience issues submitting your Common App, please contact Jenn Lipke at Lipke.ADM@4dian8.com If your last name begins with a letter between A-L. If your last name begins with a letter M-Z, contact Josh Gabrielson at Gabrielson.ADM@4dian8.com.

• Does DU offer fee waivers for transfer applicants? If so, how can I get one?

  Transfer application fee waivers may be considered on a case-by-case basis for demonstrated financial hardship. Please review the Transfer Guidelines document, page two, for additional information regarding fee waivers. If you have questions regarding transfer application fee waivers, please contact our transfer coordinators.

• Do you need my official transcript(s) before I submit my application?

  No. You do not need to submit your transcript before you submit your application; however, our admission team will be unable to complete the review of your application without the receipt of your transcript(s). Official college transcripts from all previously attended colleges must be sent to DU for review.  

  Please submit your official transcript(s) as soon as possible when applying to DU; you can submit transcript(s) via your Common App submission or email the documents to Undergraduate Admission at admission@4dian8.com.

• Can I apply Early Decision as a Transfer Student?

  No. DU does not offer the Early Decision application method for transfer students. Check out the Transfer Guidelines document, page two, for dates regarding our priority and regular application deadlines. 

• What should I do if I filled out the First-Year student application by accident? How do I fix it to apply as a Transfer Student?

  Unfortunately, you will need to start from the beginning and create a new Common App transfer application. If you require additional assistance, please contact our transfer coordinators. 

• I applied to DU when I was in high school. Do I need to apply again since I went to another college?

  If you are applying for a term that is more than two years from your initial start term, you will need to complete the transfer Common App. If you are applying for a term within two years of your initial start term, then contact our transfer coordinators to reopen your application. Your DU Transfer Coordinator will let you know next steps and what information we require to reopen your application. 

  Also, check out our Transfer Guidelines document, page two, for additional information regarding required transcript documents.

• As a transfer applicant, do you need my high school transcript(s)?

  We require a final official high school transcript if you have completed fewer than 30 college semester hours. Please review the Transfer Guidelines document, page two, for additional information regarding required transcript documents. 

• I served in the military; which transcript(s) do you require? 

  We require official military transcript(s) to be sent prior to an application decision. The specific document we require will depend upon the military branch you served in. Check the Transfer Guidelines document, pages two and five, for additional information regarding required transcript documents for military applicants.

• Will I get transfer credit for my military experience? If so, how do I know what I will get credit for?

  Applicants with military experience may be approved for transfer credit by the most closely related department at the University of Denver. For example, all admitted military personnel will receive 3 PE credits for completing Basic Training. Check the Transfer Guidelines document, page five, for additional information regarding required transcript documents for military applicants.

• If I have attended multiple colleges, can I just send you one transcript with all of my colleges on it?

  No. We need official transcripts submitted separately by all of the institutions you have attended in the past. 

• I didn’t do well at one of the colleges I attended. Do I still need to send the transcript to you? 

  Yes, we require official transcripts from all institutions where you’ve completed college-level coursework. 

• Do I need to submit my ACT or SAT scores?

  No, DU is a test-optional institution; you are not required to submit test scores. 

• Do I need to submit a Letter of Recommendation from me?

  No, letters of recommendation submissions are optional. 

• How can I know which of my previous college courses will count at DU?

  Once admitted to the University of Denver, our credential evaluators will review all official transcripts on file for transfer equivalency. Our office will submit official credit evaluations to students within 3-4 weeks of admission.

• How do I know if I am a first-year or a transfer applicant?

  If you have completed any college-level coursework after graduating from high school or if you have served in the military, you will need to apply to DU as a transfer applicant.

• Is there a minimum number of credits I need in order to transfer to DU?

  No, we do not have a minimum college-level course completion requirement in order to qualify as a transfer applicant.

• What is the maximum number of credits I can transfer to DU?

  It depends on your status and the type of credit in question. Check out this table for a simple overview: 

   

  Type of Credit	Maximum Transferable Credit
  Advanced Placement (AP)	45 quarter credits
  International Baccalaureate (IB)	45 quarter credits
  Community College/Junior College (2-yr)	96 quarter credits (64 semester credits)
  Any combination of AP/IB/2-Yr/4-Yr/Military	135 quarter credits (90 semester credits)

   

• What school do I select on the Common App if I was in the military?

  Select the institution associated with your service branch. For example, if you served in the U.S. Air Force, you would select Air University; your military training will be listed under your associated service university.

• I'm a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) student at my community college. Do you offer any benefits for PTK students?

  Yes, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members qualify for fee waivers with proof of membership. In addition, confirmed members are eligible to receive the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship in the amount of $2,500. For additional information regarding benefits to Phi Theta Kappa members, review the Transfer Guidelines document, pages two and three. 

• Am I required to live on campus with first-year students?

  DU maintains a two-year live-on requirement (for all incoming students, including transfer students) unless you meet conditions for release from the live-on requirement. For example, if you are married, over the age of 21, etc. You can read about the conditions for release on our Housing and Residential Education webpages. 

  Please review the Transfer Guidelines document, page five, for additional information regarding housing requirements. If you have any questions, please contact our transfer coordinators. 

• What are my on-campus housing options?

  Transfer students have a variety of on-campus housing options at DU. These include our Transfer Living Community at the Transfer House, as well as residence halls like Centennial Halls. Read more about housing options on our Housing and Residential Education webpages.

  If you have questions regarding transfer housing, contact housing@4dian8.com or 303-871-2246. 

• I would prefer not to live in on-campus housing. Do I need to take any steps with DU to live off-campus?

  Yes, all incoming students will need to access the DU Housing Portal to either complete an application for on-campus housing OR request a release from the on-campus housing requirement. You can read about the conditions for release on our Housing and Residential Education webpages. 

  If you have additional questions regarding transfer housing or how to request a release, please contact housing@4dian8.com or 303-871-2246.

• Do you have transfer-specific admission counselors? Who is my DU transfer coordinator? 

  Yes, we have a dedicated team of transfer coordinators at DU who can help you every step of the way! 

  Last Name (A-L): Jenn Lipke  

  Last Name (M-Z): Josh Gabrielson  

  International Transfer Applicants: Michael Francisco 

• What entry terms can I apply for?

  While transfer applicants may apply for enrollment in the fall, winter, spring, or summer quarters, we recommend entry during the fall, winter, and summer quarters.  

  For additional information regarding available entry terms, timelines, and deadlines, please review page two of the Transfer Guidelines document.

Miscellaneous:

• How much does it cost to go to DU?

  $79,193 is the total cost of attendance at DU; the total cost includes tuition ($60,094), housing & food ($17,759), and fees ($1,350). For additional information, check out the Cost of Attendance webpage.

• What merit scholarship will I get?

  All merit scholarships are based on high school academic achievement and determined on a case-by-case basis. For additional information, check out the Admission Standards webpage.

• I don’t plan to live on campus. Do I have to apply for housing?

  All incoming students must submit their housing application via the Housing Portal (regardless of whether they do not plan to live on campus). Check out our Action Items & Important Dates webpage for additional information.

• The application deadline has passed. Can I still apply?

  No, we expect applicants to submit their applications by the November 1 or January 15 application deadline. We will consider late applications on a case-by-case basis. If you are unable to submit your application by either of the two deadline dates, please contact our office for assistance at admission@4dian8.com or 303-871-2036. 

• Can I attend DU online?

  No, DU does not offer undergraduate programs online. All undergraduate students are expected to attend classes in-person.

• I’m looking to get involved on campus, what other webpages should I check out?

  Fantastic question! DU students have every opportunity to immerse themselves on campus depending on their interests. We encourage students to explore webpages regarding our student organizations, intramural, club & varsity sports, fraternity and sorority life, and campus traditions. Check out the DU Crimson Connect webpage for information on upcoming events and a complete list of our student organizations. 

• How do I know if DU is visiting my high school?

  Check out our DU on the Road webpage to see if a DU counselor is visiting your high school. If you do not see your state or school in the Country drop-down list, we do not have any confirmed upcoming visits to your territory.

• I’ve heard some about dual degree programs. Where can I go to find out more information?

  You can find information regarding our dual degree programs on our Graduate Bulletin.

• Where can I go to find out more information on financial aid?

  You can find financial aid information on our Financial Aid & Scholarships webpage. For questions regarding financial aid, please contact finaid@4dian8.com or 303-871-4020.

• What is the CSS Profile?

  The CSS Profile is an online financial aid application used by DU to award non-federal institutional aid. Please note that we require both the CSS Profile and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completed forms for students to be considered for financial aid and merit-scholarship awards. If you have questions regarding the CSS Profile, please contact the DU Office of Financial Aid at finaid@4dian8.com or 303-871-4020.