Freshmen

If you are a high school student, this is information for you. If you have any questions regarding additional information not found here, please contact Student Services at 970-491-1058 or 970-491-6220.

• When should I apply?
• Do I qualify for Admission?
• How much does it cost?
• How can I be considered for a Scholarship?
• How do I register for my first semester at Colorado State?
• What kinds of credits do I get for earning an International Baccalaureate Diploma?

When should I apply to CSU?

Students should apply early in their senior year, as the College of Engineering can accommodate only a limited number of freshmen and interest in the program is strong. In addition, some scholarships are awarded to qualified students on a first come, first served basis. We suggest you apply for admissions by December 1st.

Do I qualify for Admission (as a High School Student)?

We are looking at four pieces of information:

Courses

In high school, focus on academic coursework emphasizing English, mathematics, sciences, and social sciences, and complete ...

• four units of English including reading, composition, grammar, literature, and speech
• one unit each of algebra I, geometry, Algebra II and one-half unit of trigonometry/precalculus
• one unit each of chemistry or physics, and natural science (including laboratory work)
• two units of social science
• one additional unit of either natural or social science
• three units of academic electives (which can include foreign language)

(High school calculus is not required but is very beneficial.)

ACT/SAT scores

The minimum composite ACT score required is 22 and the minimum combined SAT score is 1000. The average scores for all students admitted to engineering are 26.6 and 1207. It is advantageous to the student who wants to study engineering to have well balanced scores across the subcategories rather than a high math score and low scores in the other areas.

High school grade point average

The minimum required cumulative GPA from 9th through 12th grade is 3.3. Half of the students admitted to engineering have a GPA higher than 3.7.

Class rank

Though not all high schools report class rank for their students, we found it to be a good indicator for potential success in an engineering program. Approximately 39% of admitted students graduated in the top 10% of their class.

Admission is also based on a combination of these criteria. A student who is close to the minimum requirement in a particular area will need to offset this weakness with a stronger performance in another area.

Additional Comments

In order to increase the likelihood for admission to the College of Engineering or competitiveness in regard to scholarships, students are encouraged to take both the ACT and the SAT test. We will use the test score that represents the higher percentile ranking. After completing the two tests, the student should consider repeating the test in which he or she earned the higher ranking.

The admissions application provides an opportunity to write an essay as part of the application. Students are strongly encouraged to do so. In cases where admission is in doubt or whether students should be offered scholarships, the essay may be an important component in the decision.

Students who do not qualify for direct admission into engineering may be admissible into the University Open Option, with the designation "Seeking Engineering." Upon satisfactory completion of at least 16 credits leading to an engineering degree, including at least one course in calculus and also either Chemistry 111 or PHCC141, and a required GPA, students can contact the appropriate engineering department to discuss switching their major.

How much does it cost?

Costs will vary depending on your program, living expenses, books and other miscellaneous expenses. Student Financial Services has estimated costs of attendance.

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How can I be considered for a Scholarship?

Scholarships are a great way for students to supplement their educational costs. We have merit-based scholarships for incoming freshmen who get accepted into the College of Engineering. Given the large numbers of new freshmen applicants who have strong high school academic records, the competition is keen! Our offers go out after mid-February for the upcoming academic year. As an incoming freshman, you are not required to submit a scholarship application for scholarship consideration by the College of Engineering. However, consideration for scholarships from other university sources might include an application process as indicated in the Freshman Scholarship Guide.

How do I register for my first semester at Colorado State?

PREVIEW, is an orientation and registration university program intended for first-time students.   PREVIEW sessions run for a day and a half beginning in the second part of June through the first half of July.
Math placement is an important component of the registration process for engineers.  Therefore, PRIOR to attending PREVIEW, freshmen are STRONGLY encouraged to take the Math Placement Exam (MPE).

Incoming freshmen should make every effort to attend a PREVIEW session. Only as a last alternative can new freshmen who are unable to attend Preview register at the beginning of the fall semester.  However this option is not recommended because course selection will be quite limited.
We look forward to meeting with all our new freshmen at PREVIEW.  You will have the opportunity to interact with engineering faculty and advisers as part of  PREVIEW activities.  See you in the summer!

What kinds of credits do I get for earning an International Baccalaureate (I.B.) Diploma?

Colorado State awards credits for most examinations on which a score of 4 or higher is earned and credit for any given exam is awarded at the standard level; or higher level. Example of particular interest to engineering students:

• Math at the standard level earns credit for first semester calculus (4 credits), at the advanced level for the first two semesters (8 credits)
• Chemistry at the higher level will earn credit for the two semesters of chemistry required by most engineering curricula
• Foreign Language A at the standard level earns credit for first semester junior year foreign language, while Foreign Language B will earn credit for first semester sophomore year foreign language
• Since Physics in the IB program is not calculus based, no credit is earned toward the required, calculus based physics.
• Additional credits can be earned in such areas as Anthropology, Art, Biology, Earth Resources Economics, English, Environmental Systems, History, Music, Philosophy, Psychology and Theater Arts

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