Problem solver, change-maker, tinkerer too. Sound like you?
When the world needs innovators, entrepreneurs, problem solvers and change-makers, the world looks to Mines. Orediggers are teammates and leaders who challenge themselves inside and outside the classroom. And yes, we embrace our inner nerd.
We have a unique story and we know you do too. That’s why our team takes a holistic approach when reviewing each application file for admissions and merit scholarships.
Below are just a few of the review factors we take into consideration.
High School Transcript
We know you have put a lot of time, dedication and thought into your coursework if you’re considering Mines, and we applaud you for that. We look closely at how you’ve chosen to challenge yourself in high school and are looking at your comprehensive high school work and overall trends in grades 9-11. This includes the rigor of coursework, trends within STEM-related coursework, and participation in engineering or computer science electives (if available). Are you currently taking the highest level of STEM coursework offered at your school and/or concurrently enrolled in college-level coursework? To ensure that you are best prepared for admission and success at Mines, we encourage you to consider the following:
Science
Preparation
We recommend that you complete three units of lab science (one unit must be physics or chemistry, both if available) and preferably science courses taken at the most advanced level offered by your school, prior to high school graduation.
Math
Preparation
We prefer to see four units of college-prep/advanced math. Trigonometry and/or pre-calculus is required prior to enrollment at Mines, since all undergraduate students take Calculus I, II and III, in addition to Differential Equations, as part of core coursework.
AP/IB/A-Level Coursework
If Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or A-Level courses are offered at your school, we encourage you to enroll in them, especially in STEM-related courses. College credit may be granted based on your test scores. Learn more about AP, IB and A-Level credits.
Concurrent/Dual Enrollment
Concurrent/Dual Enrollment provides a unique opportunity to take college coursework while in high school. In addition to being a great way to save some money by transferring credit, it also helps prepare you for the academic rigor of Mines. We recommend taking advantage of this option if your school offers it, and speaking with your admissions counselor for ideas on recommended coursework.
Extracurricular Activities
We also know you’re more than just your transcript, and we want to learn about who you are as a whole person. A big component of our holistic review process is learning about what you do outside the classroom. What extracurricular activities are you involved in? For how long? Are you on an athletics team? Are you involved in Science Olympiad, Robotics Club or Girls Who Code? Do you volunteer with Girls Inc., Habitat for Humanity or did you start your own community-based organization? Do you hold a leadership role (e.g. captain of a sport or president of a club) in any of your activities? Did you start a new student club or organization? Are you a Girl Scout Gold Awardee or an Eagle Scout? Are you involved in STEM organizations? Have you helped with your brothers and sisters or had a job during school? Something else? These are the kind of questions we ask ourselves as we review each application. We are excited to learn about you, so be sure to share your whole story with us.
Honors & Awards
We are looking to see if you’ve received any awards such as National honor roll, Denver Scholarship Fund or a Daniels Scholarship. Did you receive an award for innovation/entrepreneurship, science/engineering, or music/art? Do tell! Share your honors and awards on your application or as a supplemental document in your Applicant Portal. Please name the honor or award you received and briefly describe why you were chosen to receive it.
Senior Year Academics
There is nothing worse than a case of senioritis! We get it – you’ve worked hard to get to this point and you’re ready for the next step in your academic journey, but we urge you to stay focused on your senior year coursework. Your admissions decision is based on a wide variety of factors, including an assumption that you will continue being successful in your senior year. Take the highest level of courses offered at your school (or concurrent enrollment/college courses if available) and keep the great work going. As we evaluate admissions applications, we pay close attention to overall trends in academic performance, including if you finish your senior year strong. It’s a good indication of how you will step up as the curriculum rigor increases and shows us you have what it takes to be successful at Mines.
Employment & Family Support
We are interested in seeing how you manage your time between academics and extracurricular activities. Did you have the same summer job every year? Are you a caregiver/babysitter for a family member? Do you work on the family farm or at a family business? Did you hold a paid or unpaid internship? Holding a job while also being in school and involved in other activities is a lot of work and requires good time management skills, a quality that we look for in our applicants.
Admissions Engagement
We like it here at Mines, and we’re looking for applicants who want to be here, too. We appreciate seeing students who are actively engaged in the admissions process and interact with our team and campus community. That includes sending an email or giving us a call with questions, or attending a virtual or on-campus event. We want to get to know you and hope you want to get to know us, too!
Test Scores (Optional)
Mines is a test-optional university. Your application will receive equal consideration in our holistic admissions and merit scholarship review process – with or without test scores. If you believe test scores will further highlight your academic ability, you are welcome to include them in your application file. We hope this helps alleviate some stress associated with the college application process.