International Students
How to Apply
The Colorado College application process is largely similar across citizenship cohorts. International students may use the same application platforms (either the Common Application, Coalition/Scoir Application, or QuestBridge Application) and apply with the same deadlines. There are a few differences highlighted below.
How does Colorado College define 'international student'?
Students who will be seeking an F-1 visa or who will remain on another visa status during their time at CC are considered international students.
If you have dual citizenship with the United States, and/or are an American citizen who has studied abroad for several years, you are considered an American citizen as you do not need to apply for a visa to attend CC. You are still welcome to attend our international student orientation and connect with international organizations on campus. DACA and undocumented students residing in the US who will not pursue an F-1 visa are considered domestic students.
Requirements
All items required by the decision plan deadline for full consideration by the Admission Committee. Please note that there is no fee to apply to Colorado College.
We accept the Common Application, Coalition/Scoir Application, or QuestBridge Application. We recommend all students begin by submitting the preliminary application.
The Preliminary Application is a free, fast application to provide us with better insight into how we can better serve you, the student. Based on what you tell us, we will provide information to help you through the application process.
In addition to the required essay(s) for the application of your choice, all applicants will be required to complete one supplemental essay for their application to be considered complete. The supplemental essay prompt is as follows:
- Why do you wish to attend Colorado College and how would the Block Plan serve your educational goals? (Maximum 200 words)
We require your transcript(s) through the end of your junior year and will eventually require your Mid-Year Report—first semester or trimester of your senior year—and Final Report grades. A counselor letter of recommendation is recommended, but not required. Official transcripts issued in languages other than English must be translated into English by a certified translator and submitted along with the original official documents.
We require two teacher evaluations - preferably from your junior year, from teachers in core subjects: English or language arts, math, science, social studies, and foreign languages. Additional recommendation letters from teachers, supervisors, coaches, and others are accepted and can be emailed to admission@coloradocollege.edu.
Colorado College is test-optional and does not have an English Language Proficiency testing requirement for students whose native language is English or for students whose primary language of instruction has been English for the last three or more years.
If applying from a school where English is not the primary language of instruction, English is not your first language, and/or you are not an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) student, applicants are strongly recommended to submit English proficiency scores from the Duolingo English Test (DET).
A limited number of fee waivers for Duolingo exams are available for Colorado College applicants. Once you have begun your Colorado College application, please email admission@coloradocollege.edu with your request.
In addition to the DET, we will also accept:
- InitialView or Vericant interviews
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- iBT exam: recommended score of 100 or higher
- ITP exam: students who submit these scores are strongly recommend to submit an IntialView or Vericant interview).
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE): recommended score of 68 or higher
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): recommended score of 7.0 or higher
Colorado College considers the highest score from a single sitting of all English Proficiency exams. We have no minimum scores that would automatically eliminate an application; we provide these recommended scores as context for applicants. Please contact admission@coloradocollege.edu with questions and contact your college counselor for fee waivers for all English Proficiency exams except the DET.
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Decision Plans & Deadlines
Students may choose to apply Early Decision (binding), Early Action (non-binding), or Regular Action (non-binding). Early Decision is a binding method of application where the student commits to attend prior to receiving an offer of admission. Early Action and Regular Action are non-binding and students are able to consider their options until the May 1 National Candidate Reply Date.
| Decision Plan |
Deadline | Decision Released | Candidate Reply |
| Early Decision I |
November 1 | Mid-December | January |
| Early Action | November 1 | Late-December | May 1 |
| Early Decision II |
January 15 | Mid-February | March |
| Regular Action | January 15 | Mid-March | May 1 |
FINANCIAL AID & MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Prospective international students who wish to apply for financial aid should indicate that on their application (the application specifically asks if you will be applying for financial aid). Eligibility is determined from the financial data you provide on the CSS PROFILE.
Merit-based scholarships are selected by the strength of the student's academic work, including school performance, course rigor, standardized test scores, essay quality, and teacher recommendations. There is no separate application for merit-based scholarship consideration.
Each year Colorado College awards scholarships to non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. permanent residents enrolling as degree-seeking students.
We evaluate the amount each family can contribute toward the total cost of attendance, including tuition, housing, meals, health insurance, books, personal expenses, and transportation to and from a student's home country.
Please visit the financial aid website for application requirements.
Visa Advising and International Student Resources
For questions about your visa application process, please email our International Student and Scholar Specialists: isss@coloradocollege.edu.
Colorado College also offers an International Student Orientation and the opportunity for non-native English speakers to work individually with a Culture and Linguistic Diversity Education Specialist. We value and support international students by providing academic and cultural support via our Office for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education, which empowers and supports the CC community to engage in intercultural, international, and experiential learning by leveraging the opportunities of the Block Plan.
Colorado College is also a Davis United World College Partner. If you would like to connect with a Davis Scholar at Colorado College, please email admission@coloradocollege.edu.
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