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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 University of Colorado Boulder Supplemental Essays

Katie Dixon is a former content writer at Scholarships360. Katie is an undergraduate student at Louisiana State University pursuing a degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Journalism. Katie worked as a reporter for the LSU Reveille Newspaper and now works at the State Library of Louisiana.

Learn about our editorial policies

Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research institution that focuses on aerospace, biosciences, energy, environmental sciences, and other major areas. If you are interested in becoming a Colorado Buffalo, it’s time to get to work on your University of Colorado Boulder supplemental essay! Writing stellar essays will help you stand out among all the applicants, so keep reading to learn how! 

The University of Colorado Boulder requires the Common App Personal Essay (250–650 words). Students should choose one of the seven essay prompts offered. In addition, students must submit one supplemental essay which we will go over below!

The UC-Boulder supplemental essay prompt

Research and innovation are a huge part of the University of Colorado’s identity. Before you begin writing, read Colorado Boulder’s strategic plan to learn more about them. This will help you tie your future plans with theirs. They want to know how you will fit in and push the University forward. Let’s take a look at the prompt:

“Please share a bit more about your academic interests. What do you hope to study, and why, at CU Boulder? Or if you don’t know quite yet, think about your studies so far, extracurricular/after-school activities, jobs, volunteering, future goals, or anything else that has shaped your interests.” (250 words)

Think of this prompt as a two-part question. Why did you choose your major? Why did you choose their college? As the prompt states, if you are unsure of a major, focus on what you do when you are not in school. If those activities  happen to relate to a possible major, by all means share! The goal is to connect back to UC-Boulder in a way that shows you belong there. 

Questions to consider:

• What inspired your interest in the major?
• How will Colorado Boulder tie into your future career plans?
• What will you bring to the table? 

Why your major?

Write about what you’ve done thus far that relates to your major of interest. Include clubs, classes, summer programs, etc. If someone special  inspired you, write about conversations you’ve had with them or speeches you’ve attended. 

Dig deep into how you will contribute to this career field. Write about the area you’d like to concentrate in and how you envision your future work. Lastly, write about how the University will further your specific interests to begin merging the two questions for this essay prompt. 

Why Colorado Boulder University?

Imagine you are already enrolled. Visualize what your experience would look like attending their college. Include ways you will attribute to Colorado Boulder. Write about how you would better their community. 

Spend some time researching Colorado Boulder to learn more about how you would fit in. Include their specific programs, classes, and learning techniques in your essay that tie your future career plan to your journey to get your degree. 

Think of ways you have contributed to your high school or outside programs and write how you will continue to show these attributions on campus. Don’t only tell them, show them through examples.

See also : College essay primer: Show, don’t tell

Writing tips:

• Use specific examples of experiences that show your role in the community. At what point did you look around and feel you belong? How has this role shaped you? Get personal. Write about how your role there made a difference. What conflict did you encounter and how was it resolved? You want to make the essay as visual as possible. 
• Try not to repeat what you wrote on other statements in the application process. You want to share as many qualities as you can with the reader.
• Sit down and just write. Don’t worry about the word limit on your first draft. Write everything that comes to mind involving your portrayed community. Then, choose your favorite details and re-write a shorter draft. 
• Connect the skills and values you are writing of with those of  the university. Do they have a similar community that you’d like to join?
• Be direct. Use powerful sentences that show confidence in yourself throughout the essay. 

Additional resources

• How to write a 250 or 500 word essay
• How to write an essay about yourself
• Guide to writing a great supplemental essay
• What looks good on college applications?

Final thoughts for students

When all is said and done, the University of Colorado Boulder supplemental essays are relatively straightforward. Try not to overthink when you begin writing. Your best bet is to write a rough draft without a  word limit. Show your best qualities and skills through examples and write of how you will continue to use them at college. These tips will help you write essays that stand out to Colorado Boulder University. While on your college admissions journey, make sure you apply for all the scholarships you are eligible for as well!

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How to Write the University of Colorado Boulder Essay 2018-2019

University of Colorado Boulder, also known as CU Boulder, is the flagship university of the University of Colorado system and one of the oldest public universities in the Southwest. UC Boulder is a large university, with more than 30,000 undergraduate students enrolled every year. Founded in 1876, the university has been home to 12 Nobel laureates and 20 astronauts. In addition to its academic prestige, their athletic teams have won numerous national championships, most notably in skiing.

Accepted students had an average SAT of between 1140 and 1370 and an ACT of 25-30. While CU Boulder is a less selective university, with an acceptance rate of 77%, the essay still plays a role in admissions. With the following guide, CollegeVine is here to help provide some tips on how to tackle this essay.

CU Boulder Application Essay Prompt

CU Boulder’s supplementary essay requires a response of between 250-650 words. This is a pretty wide berth, but overall it is best to stick to the longer end, in order to include as much detail in your response as possible.

As a vibrant community of learners dedicated to inclusive excellence, the students, faculty and staff at the University of Colorado Boulder seek to be open and respectful of contrasting beliefs and opinions. Every student has a unique life experience and a set of circumstances by which they are shaped and influenced. Your background may have been shaped by family history, cultural traditions, race, ethnicity, religion, politics, income, ideology, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Reflect on your unique background and tell us about a time when you had to relate to someone whose life experience was very different from your own. how did you approach the difference if put in a similar situation again today, would you respond differently if so, how.

There are three main points you want to get across in your response for this prompt: 1) how your background is unique, 2) how you related to someone else who is different from you and how you handled the situation, and 3) how you would react to the same situation today. Since the most important part of your response is the interaction between you and the other person, the bulk of your essay should be spent on points two and three.

However, it is still necessary to inform the admissions council of your unique background by devoting around a paragraph to discussing it. It is even more essential to convey the story you choose to tell effectively, and to end it with a brief, but comprehensive, overview of your current thoughts on your previous interaction.

Here, it is a good idea to comment on your growth as a person. Maybe you were inspired to interact with more people of different backgrounds through a service trip or time spent abroad. Talk about what you would have done differently in the situation you choose to describe, but also show how you’ve changed and matured since that encounter. Lastly, make sure to tie this into how you interact with others today, and how this will benefit you at UC Boulder.

How to structure your essay response:

• Point 1: Your Unique Background — this shouldn’t be just one characteristic, but a plethora of things that have culminated in your upbringing and development.
• Examples: You were adopted, your parents are significantly older than those of your friends, you have a disability, you’ve lived in the same house for all your life, you’ve moved often, or you had a full-time job all throughout high school.
• Point 2: The Story — discuss your interaction with someone different from you.
• Examples: “ I volunteered at my town’s local living center, and befriended an 88-year-old woman,” “During my sophomore year of high school, I participated in a student-exchange program, and spent a semester at a school in Warsaw,” “When I started babysitting my neighbor’s 11-year-old daughter, I had no idea that I would learn as much from her as she would from me.”
• Point 3: Personal Growth — reflect on the story from point two, focusing on what you would have done differently, and how the experience changed you.
• Examples: “I would have asked her more questions. What did she think the future would be like? What was her take on the war?,” “After that day, I decided I wanted to learn more about the immigration process. I signed up to help out at a refugee assistance center, helping recent immigrants improve their English skills.”
• Conclusion — tie your narrative to something specific at CU Boulder.
• Examples: “My time spent abroad, speaking a different language and really becoming integrated into the community, furthered my desire to study intercultural relations and inspired me to publish my own scholarship. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program at CU will help make this possible,” “INVST Community Studies will give me concrete skills that can help me further help out the community around me.”

Final Comments

CU Boulder takes great pride in really making an effort to get to know its students. It provides holistic and comprehensive academic advising in order to personalize undergraduate students’ schedules. This commitment toward individual support means that CU Boulder faculty and staff really care about getting to know each student.

Your essay should show the admissions committee some of what distinguishes you from everyone else. It should also convey your passion, drive, and strength of character. In commenting on your growth, discuss what your plans are for the future. In writing of the interaction between you and another person, show your strengths and how you make up for your weaknesses. Infuse your essay response with details that will make the admissions committee want to get to know you better.

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

Need help with your college applications?

We’ve helped thousands of students write amazing college essays and successfully apply to college! Learn more about how our Applications Program can help your chances of admission.

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High School ACCESS

High school students interested in the challenge of college courses can enroll in CU Boulder courses.

• Program info
• General Info
• Dates and Deadlines
• Tuition and Fees
• Financial Aid

Take College Courses While in High School

The High School ACCESS program is intended for high school students interested in the challenge of completing college courses at the University of Colorado Boulder. High School ACCESS students earn college credit that may also be applied to high school graduation requirements. Students enroll in main campus CU courses on a space-available basis via a program called ACCESS .

Schedule an appointment with your high school counselor or email us at [email protected] to learn more.

Vaccination Requirements for Nondegree Students

All nondegree students residing in the state of Colorado must meet the campus vaccination requirements.

Nondegree students born on or after January 1, 1957 must submit proof of two (2) doses each of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination. If you have previously submitted these during an earlier term, you do NOT need to resubmit.

Learn more about the vaccination requirements and submission for nondegree students on the Health & Wellness Requirements Page .

If you have questions about these requirements, please contact us at [email protected] .

High School ACCESS Enrollment Eligibility

High school students aged 16 and over are eligible to enroll in college courses with parent/guardian and high school counselor/principal permission. Home school students are eligible with parent permission.

If you are a Colorado high school junior or senior under the age of 21 enrolled in a public high school, you may be eligible to receive tuition assistance from your school district for college courses taken during the fall and spring semesters. Talk to your high school counselor about your school district’s policy. Boulder Valley students can find information on their district webpage.

If you are approved for tuition assistance, you will need to take courses offered by the CU Boulder main campus through the ACCESS program . Main campus courses are offered two or three days a week for about an hour, anytime between 8 am and 4 pm. High school students will typically need two free periods to take one course at CU. If you are paying for your courses yourself, you may also enroll in Evening and Online credit courses.

High School ACCESS Advising

You will work with your high school counselor, parent/guardian, and a Continuing Education academic advisor to determine the CU courses that best fit your goals. Taking college courses while in high school is a great way to challenge yourself and advance your knowledge in an area in which you have a passion, or previously excelled.

For help choosing classes and obtaining prerequisite approvals, please schedule an advising appointment with Annie Lemberg through our CE Advising website.

• If Annie is not available, you may select an open time with Graham Douglas.

If you have further questions regarding advising services, email us at [email protected] .

Enrollment in High School ACCESS

Before applying, talk to your parent or guardian and your high school counselor about your interest in the High School ACCESS program. When you are ready, be sure to follow the specific application process outlined by your school district as well as the following steps:

Step 1: Get the Information and Apply

• Review application materials with your parent/guardian.
• Meet with your HS Counselor to get district approval applications (if applicable).
• Go to the CU Boulder Class Search to search for courses.
• Summer 2024 Application
• Fall 2024 Application Once you’ve applied and received your student ID you may be eligible to apply for our needs-based scholarship .
• If you’re under 16 years of age, you’re required to complete an advising session with a CE academic advisor. Please schedule a phone or video appointment with a CE academic advisor by following the steps on our advising website .
• We encourage all students to meet with a CE academic advisor at least once a term for additional guidance.

Step 2: Complete the Supplemental Application Forms (prior to registration)

• Submit the Enrollment Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) : This MOU must be on file each term to be eligible to enroll.
• Boulder Valley School District students must also submit BVSD’s application in order to receive district assistance.
• If you attend any other district, check with your high school counselor to see if you’re eligible for tuition assistance. If approved by your school, please complete the District Approval Form and submit no later than a month after the term starts.

Send completed forms to [email protected] .

Step 3: Complete Assessments or Submit Documentation for restricted courses

• Students planning to take courses with prerequisites must provide proof that they have completed the prerequisites. Prerequisites may be satisfied via courses taken for college credit, AP or IB (test scores required), or CU Boulder language placement exams . Send email copies of your transcripts and/or test scores to [email protected] .

Step 4: Apply for the College Opportunity Fund

If you are a resident of Colorado and are 13+ years old, you can apply for a stipend that will cover a portion of the tuition for CU Boulder main campus courses. Review and apply for COF . Your social security number or identification number is needed to connect COF to your student account. If you didn’t provide this number on your application, please call us at 303-492-5148 to add it to your file. When you enroll in courses, you will have the opportunity to AUTHORIZE the stipend. You must complete BOTH steps to receive your stipend.

COF Restrictions

The COF stipend is not applicable for CE Evening Credit, CE Online Credit, Applied Music, Individualized Instruction, Extraordinary, or International English Center courses. The tuition rates for many of these programs are based on the tuition paid by Colorado residents after the COF stipend is applied.

Step 5: Enroll in Courses

Summer registration into main campus and Continuing Education courses for high school students starts on Monday, March 11.

Fall registration into Continuing Education courses opens on Monday, April 1. Fall registration into main campus courses opens on Monday, August 19.

• Once we’ve received and processed your application, we will send you a Welcome Message email. The Welcome Message will guide you through online enrollment via Buff Portal , the CU online student portal.
• You can add courses to a “shopping cart ” as soon as you receive your Welcome Message .

Step 6: Go to Class

• If taking classes in person, take some time prior to the first day of class to familiarize yourself with the campus, including the UMC Student Center, the Norlin Library, and most importantly, the buildings on campus in which your classes will be held. See the Campus Map .
• If you are waitlisted for a class, plan to attend starting on the first day. This way you will not miss any of the information, and you can talk to the instructor about your chances of getting in.

Step 7: Pay your bill

• You will NOT receive a paper bill. Your bill will be available online in Buff Portal . This is also where you will manage your course schedule, check grades, etc.
• If you will be receiving district tuition assistance, it may take additional time to process before you see it added to your account.
• Questions about your bill? Call the CE Accounting team at 303-492-2212.

The priority deadline to submit summer application materials is May 10. The final deadline for summer is July 5. The priority deadline to submit fall application materials is August 1. The final deadline for fall is September 6.

Buff Portal and IdentiKey

Buff Portal is the online campus portal and an important tool. It gives you access to credit course enrollment, your CU student email account, campus announcements, semester schedule, tuition bill, book lists, clicker registration, Canvas, and your final grades. Learn more about Buff Portal .

You’ll need an Identikey, or a unique username, to log in to and access Buff Portal. An Identikey allows you to register for CU courses and provides you with access to online services and campus computing facilities. Use your student identification number to activate your IdentiKey at identikey.colorado.edu .

If you have questions, contact us at [email protected] or 303-492-5148.

Consenting to Do Business Electronically

When you log in to Buff Portal for the first time, you’ll be asked to consent to conduct business electronically at CU. If you don’t consent, you’ll lose access to the portal and instead receive information about how to conduct your official university business offline .

ACCESS Academic Calendar

Spring 2024.

All times are in Mountain Time.

* Students’ eligibility for a possible tuition adjustment or refund is dependent on residency status and number of credits. Non-resident students are not eligible for a tuition adjustment if they are enrolled in 4 or more credits after dropping or withdrawing from a course or courses. **Drop by 11:59 p.m. online using Buff Portal . ***Withdraw by 11:59 p.m. online using Buff Portal , submitting an  online withdrawal form , or by email to [email protected] . A grade of W will appear on your transcript. † Withdraw by 11:59 p.m. by submitting an  online withdrawal form or send an email to [email protected] . A grade of W will appear on your transcript.

^ Petitioning is designed to provide students who experience unavoidable, extenuating circumstances, the opportunity to waive a University policy that, if enforced, would result in unsatisfactory academic progress or financial consequences. Nondegree students must petition the dean of CEPS and must have an instructor signature. Degree students must petition the dean of the college in which they are enrolled, and must have an instructor signature.

^^ If a College Opportunity Fund (COF) eligible student adds a course after this date, according to Colorado Department of Higher Education policy, the student will pay full tuition for the course, including the amount normally paid by COF, and the course will not be credited to COF hours used.

Continuing Education Important Dates

Summer 2024.

Find dates and deadlines for main campus Summer Session classes.

District or School Assistance

Colorado high school juniors and seniors under the age of 21 enrolled in a public high school may be eligible to receive tuition assistance from their school district for college courses taken via the ACCESS program . Talk to your high school counselor about your school district’s policy. Boulder Valley students can find information on their district website.

Nondegree Tuition Policy

You will be billed for your Continuing Education registration. Bills are available through Buff Portal . A 1% service charge is added to an unpaid balance after the tuition due date, and a financial stop is placed on your student record. All tuition and refund determinations are subject to audit.

Fall and Spring

Tuition for Fall and Spring Boulder main campus courses is charged the ACCESS rates .

During the summer semester students are charged Summer Session tuition rates . ACCESS rates are not available.

ACCESS Tuition Rates

ACCESS tuition is determined by your residency, not by the course format (i.e. evening, online, or hybrid).

In-State Students:

• CE Evening Credit , CE Online Credit , and Applied Music tuition is charged in addition to ACCESS rates when enrolled in both programs concurrently.
• If you have applied and authorized the College Opportunity Fund (COF) vouchers, you are only responsible for paying the student share for COF eligible hours. Learn more about how much the COF voucher is worth per credit hour on the College Opportunity Fund (COF) website .

Out-of-State students:

• Tuition for CE Evening Credit and Applied Music is included as part of ACCESS when enrolled in six or more hours of Continuing Education and ACCESS courses concurrently.

In-State Undergraduate Tuition

Fall 2023 – spring 2024, out-of-state undergraduate tuition, in-state graduate tuition, out-of-state graduate tuition.

The Board of Regents reserves the right to change the tuition and fee rates at any time.

Course and program fees are assessed in some schools and departments. Lab courses not linked to a lecture course may require a course fee. A & S Tech Fee (ASSET) Fee of $1.32 per credit hour assessed for Arts and Sciences courses. Course, program, and ASSET fees are nonrefundable.

Cost of Attendance

Tuition and fees are just one part of the overall cost to attend CU Boulder. The full cost of attendance for an academic year could include expenses such as on-campus housing and food, books and supplies, and items that are not billed by the university, such as personal expenses, transportation and medical insurance. View the full cost of attendance .

High School ACCESS Fall & Spring Scholarship Information

See the Financial Aid section for more information.

High School ACCESS Fall & Spring Scholarships

Scholarship details.

• The maximum award will cover the tuition cost of one course, up to $2,500, with award amounts depending on a student’s credits.
• High School ACCESS students with financial need will be eligible to receive the scholarship more than once, contingent on available funding.
• Scholarships offered through CE are classified as general fund and are therefore compatible with VA benefits.

Eligibility

• Nondegree High School ACCESS students at CU Boulder who are not formally admitted to a degree program.
• Must be enrolled in courses for credit offered through main campus, CE Evening Credit, and/or CE Online Credit.
• Must attest and provide documentation of financial need.

Students receiving CU’s Tuition Assistance Benefit are not eligible.

Financial Need

This scholarship is intended to benefit high school students who require financial assistance in order to take courses at CU Boulder. Students may demonstrate financial need in a variety of ways.

For help understanding and obtaining the types of documentation listed below, speak with a parent/guardian or contact a school counselor and/or trusted teacher.

Accepted documentation types:

• A letter from a school counselor, teacher or other school personnel;
• A letter from another organization your family is working with to secure resources;
• A free/reduced lunch plan, Boulder Valley School District’s Adelante program, McKinney-Vento support, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Supplemental Security Income Federal Pell Grants or Subsidized Student Loans (either an older sibling or yourself, if you are a high school senior)

Any documentation that is submitted will be used to determine your scholarship eligibility only and will be stored in a secure database. Only the Continuing Education Scholarship Committee Chair will access the protected information.

Scholarship Essay

In addition to submitting proof of financial need, students must also answer the personal essay question listed below and submit it in the online portal along with their complete application.

Please tell us more about your interest in the subject(s) you wish to study at CU Boulder. We would like to know:

• What makes you passionate about this subject?
• Do you have any special goals that you hope to achieve through your class(es) this semester?
• What is the #1 reason that you want to attend CU Boulder?

Scholarship essays will be rated based on the following elements:

• (4 points) Content: The essay fully addresses all portions of the prompt and has a central point that is interesting, original, substantial, and maybe even striking. The author uses concrete details to “show” rather than merely “tell” their story.
• (3 points) Readability/Organization: The central idea is developed in the essay through well-chosen and appropriate language. The essay is organized and well-structured. There is a beginning, a body, and a conclusion and transitions help the paper flow smoothly. Introductory statements are interesting and appropriate. Concluding statements are satisfying.
• (2 points) Tone: The essay is written in the authentic voice of the writer. It is compelling and interesting. The tone is consistent and shows effort/thought was put in.
• (1 point) Grammar/Standard Language Use: Author has given thought to form, grammar, and structure and is writing at a college level of English.

The spring 2024 application deadline was January 28, 2024.

The fall 2024 application deadline is September 8, 2024.

If you have questions or additional information, please email us at [email protected] . We are happy to help.

My Courses Delete All

Now that you’ve selected your favorite Continuing Education courses, email or print the information, including class number, to more easily search Buff Portal and enroll. Still have questions? Contact an advisor.

• How to Enroll
• Contact an Advisor
• Go to Buff Portal

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1505 University Avenue University of Colorado Boulder 178 UCB Boulder, Colorado 80309-0178

University of Colorado Boulder 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15

You Have: 

University of Colorado Boulder 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essays of 250 words  

Supplemental Essay Type(s):   Why

What do you hope to study, and why, at CU Boulder? Or if you don’t know quite yet, think about your studies so far, extracurricular/after-school activities, jobs, volunteering, future goals, or anything else that has shaped your interests.

This prompt is asking you to: describe what you want to study, explain why you like it so much, and address how you cultivated this interest. The admissions officer reviewing your application will expect you to connect your intended major to some prior experience and/or passion. In other words, tell a story. Lucky for you, we would have advised you to start with an anecdote anyway. The essays that stick with us are the ones that jump off the page with concrete descriptions from real life. What interests you and why? How have you gone about learning more about your major? When did your interest begin? What will this degree allow you to do? How have you already explored your inclination? While you don’t need to narrow in on the exact moment you became interested in geology or music education, try to focus on one significant experience. And if you’re going in undecided, take some time to explore CU Boulder’s academic offerings and choose a few to highlight in your response. Admissions doesn’t expect you to have your whole life figured out just yet–but they do expect you to put time and energy into your response.  

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The wells fargo pre-collegiate scholarship is a $2,000 annual award given to outstanding graduates of a university of colorado pre-collegiate development program.  .

Typically, two to four new scholarships are awarded each academic year.  Students selected for the scholarship are eligible to receive $2,000 per year for up to four years ($8,000 in total). To remain eligible, a scholarship recipient must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher, complete at least 12 credit hours each semester, and demonstrate financial need.

Eligibility

The Wells Fargo Pre-Collegiate Scholarship is available to participants of a University of Colorado Pre-Collegiate Development Program (PCDP) . Programs are offered through each CU campus; Anschutz, Boulder, Colorado Springs and Denver, and in additional locations around the state including Boulder Valley, Fort Morgan, Pueblo, Roaring Fork, San Luis Valley, and Summit County. Recipients must be incoming freshmen at a CU campus in Fall 2024 (the deadline for Fall 2023 has passed) and must demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  If you are not eligible to submit the FAFSA, contact the Financial Aid Office at the University of Colorado campus(es) that you plan to attend to discuss alternatives. 

More information about the University of Colorado Pre-Collegiate Development Programs can be found here:

• CU Anschutz Medical Campus
• Boulder Valley*
• Fort Morgan
• Roaring Fork
• San Luis Valley
• Summit County

*The Boulder Valley program is relatively new and does not yet have a web prescence. For more information, please visit the CU Boulder Pre-Collegiate Development Program. 

If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact [email protected] .

2024-25 Scholarship Application

Application Instructions

• Complete the Wells Fargo Bank Pre-Collegiate Scholarship application form (below).
• Write a 500-600 word essay that describes your educational goals and career goals, and why, or how, you came to choose this path (or these paths) for yourself. If you are undecided about your educational and/or career goals, please tell us about the university majors or careers you want to explore and why.
• Submit a resume.
• Submit one letter of recommendation.
• Provide a copy of your most recent high school transcript (official or unofficial).

Please note:

• You will not be able to save the form in-progress, so please have all information and materials readily available and prepared when you go to submit your application.  
• If we receive multiple entries from an applicant, we will accept the most recent submission.  Previous applications will not be considered.

Application Deadline

The application and supporting materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on February 15, 2024.

Notification

All applicants will be notified by early May regarding the status of their application.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, cu boulder supplemental essay.

Hey all, I'm applying to CU Boulder and I've heard there's a supplemental essay involved. Can anyone share their experience with this essay and some examples that worked for them? Please and thank you!

Hi there! CU Boulder does have a supplemental essay as part of their application process. This essay is intended to provide more insights into your personality, interests, and goals beyond what's covered in your main personal statement. It's an opportunity for you to stand out and show the admissions committee who you are as a person, as well as a student.

The prompt typically asks why you're interested in attending CU Boulder and how you plan to contribute to their campus community. While the specific wording may change slightly from year to year, the core idea remains the same—demonstrate your interest in the school, your alignment with its values, and your plans to make a positive impact once you're on campus.

To approach this essay, consider the following:

1. Research CU Boulder and identify aspects that appeal to you - academic programs, research opportunities, extracurricular activities, clubs, etc. Be specific in your essay and show genuine interest in the school.

2. Think about how your experiences, values, and goals align with CU Boulder's mission and culture. Reflect on your own strengths and how you can contribute to the community or particular campus initiatives.

3. Share a unique aspect of your story, passion, or plan that demonstrates your fit for the university. This is where you can make your essay stand out and showcase something that isn't covered in the main personal statement.

For example, if you're interested in environmental sustainability, you could discuss CU Boulder's commitment to eco-conscious initiatives, mentioning specific programs you wish to join, like the Environmental Center or the Zero Waste Ambassador Program. You could share your own experiences with sustainability efforts and how you plan to contribute to the university's environmentally-oriented community. Remember to be authentic and true to yourself, as this will help your essay resonate with the admissions committee.

If you want even more specific guidance on how to tackle this essay, consider checking out CollegeVine's blog post breaking down how to write a successful response: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-colorado-boulder-essays. Remember that CollegeVine also offers both a free peer essay review service and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors - sometimes, a second set of eyes is just the thing your essay needs to go from good to great!

Good luck with your application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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3 CU Boulder students earn prestigious Goldwater Scholarships

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CU Boulder students Luke Coffman, Claire Ely and Delaney McNally and are among 438 college students from across the United States in 2024 to be awarded Goldwater Scholarships, which reward sophomores and juniors who are actively conducting research in math, science and engineering. 

Coffman, a junior from St. Charles, Missouri, majoring in physics and mathematics with a minor in quantum engineering;  Ely, a junior from Denver, majoring in chemical engineering; and McNally, a junior from Loveland, majoring in chemical and biological engineering, join 48 previous CU Boulder Goldwater Scholars and will receive up to $7,500 for the 2024–25 academic year.

“Dr. Anne Dougherty and I are thrilled to see three CU Boulder students honored as Goldwater Scholars,” said Deborah Viles, director of the Office of Top Scholarships. “All three have made remarkable progress in their research at CU under the guidance of enthusiastic and supportive mentors. We can’t wait to see how their work continues to influence humanity.”

Luke Coffman

Coffman’s research lies in quantum information theory which studies the limits of communicating, transforming or retrieving information in non-classical systems. His focus is on entanglement, a phenomenon where the whole is unexplainable solely by its parts. This encompasses work at JILA and at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC).

Currently, he works at Oak Ridge National Laboratories on distilling entanglement, making quantum lemonade from quantum lemons, collecting weak entanglement, and concentrating it, for teleportation or encryption. Outside his research, Coffman serves as one of the co-presidents for the Society of Physics Students and the vice president for the Community of Support for Marginalized Students (COSMOS) in the math department.

Coffman extends his thanks to Graeme Smith at IQC/JILA, Jacob Beckey and Murray Holland at JILA, and Joshua Combes in ECEE for their support in research and in his application.

Ely studies alternative battery technologies (aqueous zinc metal batteries) using earth-abundant materials and safe electrolytes for grid-scale energy storage. She conducts her research as part of the Toney Group at CU, which uses materials characterization techniques to understand renewable energy technologies.

Ely says the mentorship she’s found in the Toney Group has been invaluable, both for research and getting through school. She is grateful for the support of Lacey Roberts, Mike Toney and Samuel Marks for their endless support and guidance, as well as the scholarship liaisons at CU, Deborah Viles and Anne Dougherty for their help throughout the process.

Delaney McNally

McNally’s research in the Anseth Lab focuses on using biomaterials for tissue regeneration. She investigates how magnetic and mechanical forces influence intestinal stem cell development. Using these forces, the lab hopes to build an in vitro model to better understand intestinal cancer.

Outside of research, McNally is part of the Presidents Leadership Class and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. She thanks Kristi Anseth, Laura Macdougall, and Kaustav Bera for their incredible mentorship throughout her research. She’s also grateful to her family for their constant support.

Applying for the Goldwater Scholarship

Students who will be sophomores or juniors in the fall and who are engaged in research in math, science and engineering are encouraged to apply next year. Contact [email protected] and visit the Goldwater Scholarship website for more information.

The Goldwater Foundation was established in 1986 in honor of Sen. Barry Goldwater. The scholarship program is designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue research careers in the fields of the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics.  

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