First-Year
Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Admissions

Each academic year we welcome new first-year Orediggers that exude intellectual curiosity, academic promise and a diverse range of interests and backgrounds. Explore our curriculum recommendations, application process, frequently-asked questions and more!

Am I a first-year student?

You are a considered first-year student if you are applying directly from high school (regardless of concurrent enrollment, meaning college credits complete while in high school), have graduated from high school and never attended college, have a GED, or have been home-schooled but have not enrolled at a college or university.

Not you? Visit our transfer student info page for more info on admission requirements for students interested in transferring from another college or univeristy.

Questions?

 

Our team of admissions counselors is here to help you navigate your college search process. Reach out at any time!

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Curriculum and Courses

Review our required and recommended courses to ensure you’re on the right track throughout high school.

Required Curriculum

  • 4 years of college-prep or advanced math
    trigonometry or pre-calculus at a minimum
  • 3 years of lab science
    either physics or chemistry at a minimum
  • 4 years of English
  • All core courses required for graduation 

Recommended Curriculum

  • Advanced Mathematics
    80% of students admitted to Mines complete Calculus 1 or higher in high school
  • Advanced Science
    Preferably Physics and Chemistry (one required)
  • Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or concurrent enrollment courses (if available)
  • Academic Electives
    STEM-centric courses, including computer science or engineering if available

The Application Process

Wondering what you need to have when you’re ready to submit your application? Explore our requirements and application process.

Required Materials:

Strongly Encouraged for Best Consideration:

  • Two short responses
    • These allow you to share more information regarding your personal, academic, and extracurricular experiences with the person reviewing your application.
  • Letters of recommendation
    • Limit 1-2, please

Wondering how to create a stand-out application? Visit our Admissions Considerations page for tips and to review our short response prompts.

Is Mines Test-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.

National research and Colorado-specific data show that test scores can be a limiting factor to students and are unnecessary when making an admissions decision. If you believe test scores will further highlight your academic ability, you are welcome to include them in your application file

Mines students holding rocks over their heads at the M Climb

How to Apply:

Step 1

Complete and submit the online Golden application or Common App.

Step 2

Submit the $50 application fee
($75 for international students)

Step 3

Ask your high school counselor to send us your official high school transcript.

You can also upload an unofficial high school transcript to your application in your applicant portal.

Step 4

Check the status of your application and decision in your applicant portal.

Login info for your applicant portal will be provided shortly after you submit your application.

What makes a competitive applicant?

Each year our office receives around 12,000 applications. Competitive applicants typically have the following:

average unweighted GPA

average SAT composite

(for students who chose to submit scores)

average ACT composite

(for students who chose to submit scores)

Short Responses

letters of recommendation

Begin your application today.

Ready to join the Oredigger community?

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Important Dates and Deadlines

Keep track of important dates and deadlines for the application, and explore additional opportunities available to students at Mines.

Application Timeline:

August 1
August 1

Application Opens

The undergraduate admission application opens each year on August 1. Students may apply using the Common App or Golden App.

October 15 - 17, 2024
October 15 - 17, 2024

Colorado Free Application Days

Students attending high school in the state of Colorado can apply to Mines for free during this window. Visit our Free App Days site for more info!

November 1, 2024
November 1, 2024

Priority Application Deadline

Students who are strongly considering Colorado School of Mines for fall 2025 should apply by November 1.

December 21, 2024
December 21, 2024

Priority Decisions Released

Students who submitted an application by the priority deadline will receive a decision from Mines by December 21.

January 15, 2025
January 15, 2025

Regular Application Deadline

Students considering Colorado School of Mines for fall 2025 who did not meet our priority deadline should apply by January 15. Applications will be accepted after this date as space allows.

March 1, 2025
March 1, 2025

Regular Decisions Released

Students who submitted an application by the regular deadline will receive a decision from Mines by March 1.

May 1, 2025
May 1, 2025

National Decision Day

Students who have been offered a spot at Mines must submit their enrollment decision form and $200 deposit by May 1.

Additional Important Dates:

December
December

Scholarship Applications Open

Accepted students have the opportunity to apply for a variety of scholarships at Mines. Students will receive information via email and in their acceptance packet. More info can also be found on our scholarship webiste.

December
December

Honors Application Opens

Mines offers two first-year honors experiences. Accepted students may apply to these programs beginning in December. Space is limited. Students will receive additional info via email and in their acceptance packet. More info can also be found on our first-year honors webiste.

December
December

First Year Semester Abroad Experience Application Opens

Colorado School of Mines, in partnership with CEA CAPA Study Abroad, offers an innovative First Year Semester Abroad Experience (FYSAE) in Antibes, France. Students can be a part of a unique cohort of students who, during their first semester of college, step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves by learning and living in a new country and culture.

March 1, 2025
March 1, 2025

Priority Scholarship Application Deadline

Students should submit their general scholarship application by March 1, 2025 for best consideration. Please keep in mind that some scholarship programs have deadlines prior to March 1. More information can be found in the applicant portal.

March 16, 2025
March 16, 2025

First Year Semester Abroad Application Deadline

Students should submit their application to the First Year Semester Abroad Experience by March 16, 2025. Decisions will be released in mid-April.

Frequently-Asked Questions

We know questions pop up at every part of the college search process. To help you navigate your journey to Mines, we’ve compiled the answers to some of our most frequently-asked questions below.

 

What is needed to complete my application as a prospective first-year student?

To complete your admission application, we must receive:

  • An electronically submitted admission application.
  • Your current, official high school transcript or an unofficial high school transcript.
    • Ask your high school counselor to send us your official high school transcript (and school profile if they have one) or upload an unofficial high school transcript via the Supplemental Materials section of your Applicant Portal
  • 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. National research and Colorado-specific data show that test scores can be a limiting factor to students and unnecessary when making an admissions decision. If you believe test scores will further highlight your academic ability, you are welcome to include them in your application file.
  • We superscore ACT and SAT scores.
How do the deadlines work and when are decisions released?

November 1 - Priority Application Deadline*

  • If you applied by November 1, 2024, we will notify you of our decisions regarding admissions and merit scholarships by December 21, 2024.

When completing your application, select "Early Action" if you would like to be considered for Priority Admissions at Mines.

January 15 - Regular Application Deadline

  • If you applied by January 15, 2025, we will notify you of our decisions regarding admissions and merit scholarships by March 1, 2025.

Rolling admissions based on space available after January 15, 2025.

 

How much does it cost to apply?

The application fee is $50 for all domestic first-year applicants.

The application fee is $75 for international first-year applicants.

Does Mines offer application fee waivers?
  • Common App - Mines accepts the Common App Fee Waiver, found within the Profile section of the application. Additionally, Mines has a school specific fee waiver for Veteran students.
  • Golden App - A fee waiver eligibility question is found on the Acknowledgements page of the application. Complete the questions to determine if you are eligible. Fee is automatically waived for Veteran students.
Does Mines accept the Common Application?

Mines will accept the Common Application.

Alternatively, applicants may complete the Mines-specific online admission application instead.

How do I submit my high school transcript?

Please note, we will not review applications until we have received a high school transcript. Unofficial transcripts are accepted for Priority applicants; official transcripts are required for Regular applicants.

Official high school transcript submission

Your high school counselor must submit your transcript in order for it to be considered official. Below are the steps to submit an official high school transcript.

  • Sending your transcript electronically is the fastest method. We ask that your official transcript and high school profile only be sent once, either electronically or by one of the methods below. Sending duplicates will slow the processing of your application.
    Please allow 3-5 business days after your transcript is received by Mines for your Applicant Portal checklist to be updated.
  • If you applied through the Common Application:
    • Assign your high school counselor under the Recommenders and FERPA tab for Colorado School of Mines (this will be auto-filled for you if your school uses Naviance)
    • Tell you counselor that you have submitted your application to Mines. They will then be able to upload your official transcript through the Common Application
  • If you applied through the Golden Application:
    • By uploading through Slate.org.
    • By the electronic document service of your school’s choice, such as Parchment, SCOIR or National Student Clearinghouse.
    • By email: admissions@mines.edu.
    • By postal mail:
      Mines Admissions Office
      1812 Illinois Street
      Golden,CO 80401
    • By FAX: (303) 273-3509.
    • Assign your counselor in the Transcript section of the application. They will be emailed the information below on how to submit your official transcript.
    • Transcripts and other documents from your high school may be sent directly to Colorado School of Mines via the following methods:

Please note: Any college transcripts that are hand-delivered, even in a sealed envelope, are considered unofficial. Please have the college/university send your transcript(s) directly to our office in order for them to be considered official.

Unofficial high school transcript submission (Priority Applicants)

You can submit an unofficial high school transcript through the Transcript section of the Golden Application or via the Supplemental Materials section of your Applicant Portal. Log into your Applicant Portal, scroll down to the Supplemental Materials section, select “High School Transcript (Unofficial)” from the dropdown box and then click “Choose File” to find the file on your computer/device. Then click “Upload.”  You will see this document reflected in your Application Checklist when it’s uploaded and processed (1-3 business days).

Are letters of recommendation required to be submitted along with my application?

No, your academic preparedness and strengths are all the recommendation we need!  However, we will gladly accept letters and review them, if provided. These can be sent via the same method as your high school transcript. Please make sure your full name and birthdate are included so that we can get these matched to your application record. If your recommender provides you with the letter, you can upload it to your Applicant Portal.

How do I change/edit the information on my application?

If you would like to add or edit anything on your application, simply send an email to admissions@mines.edu and state what information you would like to change. Make sure to include your full name and birthdate in the email.

Is Mines a test-optional university?

Yes. 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. National research and Colorado-specific data show that test scores can be a limiting factor to students and unnecessary when making an admissions decision. If you believe test scores will further highlight your academic ability, you are welcome to include them in your application file.

How will scholarships be calculated if test scores aren’t factored in?

We will take an holistic approach to reviewing all application files for admissions and merit scholarship and will factor in all materials in the application file. That can include supplemental documentation such as letters of recommendation, additional essays, resumes and personal statements, if provided.

How do I submit my ACT or SAT scores?

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. Follow the instructions below if you choose to submit your scores.

  • The most convenient and effective way for your ACT and/or SAT scores to be reported is to include them in your application. These scores will be reviewed as a part of the admissions decision. Students who are accepted and choose to enroll at Mines are required to request their highest exam score from the appropriate testing agency. Any discrepancies in the self-reported scores and those received from the testing agency could result in the rescission of the admissions decision.
  • You can always request to have your scores sent electronically.
Does Mines “superscore” my exams?

Yes, we do combine different test sections to produce a "superscore." We review the highest score reported from either ACT and/or SAT.

Should I take the ACT or SAT exam more than once?

If you believe you can score higher it is in your best interest to retake the exam(s). Retaking the SAT or ACT can improve your "superscore." When you apply to Mines, you are automatically reviewed for our merit scholarships. Merit scholarships are primarily determined by a combination of your unweighted GPA (4.00 scale) and your highest test score submitted with your application file (if you choose to submit scores, otherwise it is based on your transcript).

If you do not take the ACT and/or SAT, the merit aid will be determined by your unweighted GPA only. If you take a test after you submitted your application and want them considered in your application review or you have a higher score you want to submit, please email admissions@mines.edu before March 1 of your senior year to report those scores so we can evaluate if they impact any merit scholarship opportunities.

Can I submit test scores after I submit my application?

Yes, if you did not include self-reported scores on your application and would like test scores to be included in your application file review before it’s complete, you can either upload your scores (up to three for SAT and up to three for ACT) to your Applicant Portal or you can email admissions@mines.edu with your self-reported scores and we are happy to add them to your record. Please provide the following:

SAT
Total score
Evidence-based reading and writing section score
Math section score

ACT
Composite score
English section score
Math section score
Reading section score
Science reasoning section score

Should I submit test scores even if it’s a lower score than I was hoping for?

Yes, we encourage students to submit all test scores. We are now superscoring test scores so we will look at the highest score for each section. Additionally, taking the ACT or SAT (or both), if available, does provide some understanding of academic preparedness. Taking it multiple times (if available/accessible) also can indicate perseverance and determination.

Is Mines part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange program (WUE)?

We are not part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program. We do, however, offer automatic merit scholarships just by applying and external scholarships can be stacked with this amount making it competitive to what WUE offers. Click here for additional scholarship information.

 

What is the status of my application and how can I tell if it is complete?

Approximately 24 hours after the submission of your application, you will receive an email that includes Applicant Portal log in information. Upon logging into this Portal, you can verify whether or not we've received your application materials. You will also have the option of uploading supplemental (optional) materials such as your resume, an additional essay, etc. and paying any associated fees (if applicable).

You will also be able to view your admissions decision letter and enrollment requirements. Please contact admissions@mines.edu if you would like us to resend your Applicant Portal access email or if you have any questions.

When and how will I receive a decision?

When

  • Those students with a complete application file on or before our Priority deadline of November 1, 2024 will receive an admissions and merit scholarship decision by December 21, 2024.

 

  • Students completing their application file after November 1, 2024 but on or before January 15, 2025 will receive an admissions and merit scholarship decision by March 1, 2025.

 

  • Completed application files received after January 15, 2025 will be reviewed on a rolling admissions basis and admissions decisions will be made until the class is full.

How

We will send an email via the email and number provided in your application that will prompt you to log into your Applicant Portal. From there, click, “View Update” and you will see your admissions decision letter. Additionally, if accepted and you live in the United States, we will mail you an acceptance packet.

Does Mines review applications on a rolling admissions basis?

Yes, we review on a rolling admissions basis. Please review the question above for our deadlines and decision release timeframes.

Does the Admissions Office conduct interviews?

We do not have, or require, a formal interview process.  However, we would love to welcome you to our campus for a visit, or meet with you at recruitment events across the country. You can view our visit options here.

I am home schooled. How will I be reviewed?

If you are home schooled, we will review you as we would review any other applicant, taking an holistic approach and reviewing all materials in their entirety. We may reach out via email if any questions arise about your coursework.

All admission decisions are final, with one exception. If your admission to Colorado School of Mines is denied based on information you provided on your application for admission regarding your criminal history, pending criminal charges or disciplinary history at another academic institution, you have the right to an appeal. Appeals must be in writing and should be submitted to the Associate Provost for Enrollment Management at admissions@mines.edu within 14 days of receipt of the admission decision. Appeals should include all relevant information you would like the Associate Provost to consider. You will be notified of the outcome of your appeal within 14 days of receipt.

All other inquiries regarding an admission decision must be directed to the Associate Director of Admissions – Recruitment and the Executive Director of Admissions via email at admissions@mines.edu.