We think we have a pretty cool story at Mines and we know you have an amazing story too.
We want to hear it! That’s why we holistically review every single application file. We receive about 12,000 highly competitive applications each year and love hearing your individual stories and paths to college—they make us laugh, cry and feel so proud and honored that you are considering Mines. After all, you’ve spent 12 years building your resume. It’s the least we can do!
Each fall, we welcome approximately 1,500 new first-year Orediggers to our campus.
Contact Us
Undergraduate Admissions
(303) 384-2027
If you’re looking for help on creating a stand-out application,
visit the Admissions Considerations page for some great tips.
2023 Incoming Student Profile
11.5K+
applications
received
1,500
incoming first-year
students
3.85
average unweighted GPA
1400
average SAT composite
32%
women
FIRST-YEAR STUDENT ADMISSIONS AT A GLANCE
You are a 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.
Required Curriculum
- 4 units of college-prep or advanced math
trigonometry or pre-calculus at minimum - 3 units of lab science
either physics or chemistry at minimum - 4 units of English
- All core courses required for graduation
Highly 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
Application Requirements
- Admissions application (Golden application or Common App)
- $50 application fee ($75 application fee for international students)
- Official or unofficial high school transcripts*
*U.S. citizens who studied abroad, please see the “Transcript Requirements” section of our International First-Year Admissions page for more detailed information on international transcript requirements.
Admissions Process
- Step 1: Complete and submit the online application (our Golden application or the 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 or you can upload an unofficial high school transcript via the Supplemental Materials section of your Applicant Portal if you are applying by the November 1 Priority Deadline.
- Step 4: Check the status of your application and decision in your Applicant Portal.
Please note:
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.
Optional but strongly encouraged for best consideration:
Essay and/or personal statement response
Letters of recommendation (1-2)
Can’t Miss Deadlines
When completing your application, select Early Action if you would like to be considered for Priority Admissions at Mines.
November 1: Priority Application Deadline
- Must receive a complete application and official or unofficial transcript on/before November 1, 2023
- Admissions and merit scholarship decision sent by December 21, 2023
January 15: Regular Application Deadline
- Must receive a complete application and official or unofficial transcript on/before January 15, 2024
- Admissions and merit scholarship decision sent by March 1, 2024
After January 15: Late Application
- Must receive a complete application and official or unofficial transcript for review
- Admissions and merit scholarship on a space-available basis
March 1: Financial Aid Priority Deadline
May 1: National Commitment Day
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.