Colorado College  /  How to get in

How to Get Into Colorado College

Test-optional. Colorado College does not require SAT or ACT scores and will only consider them if they strengthen your application. You may opt in to submit scores, but 58 percent of recent applicants applied without them. Here is the academic profile that keeps you in the running, what Colorado College weighs most, and where to put your energy.

3.8-4.0
GPA (middle 50%)
1310-1490
SAT (middle 50%)
What Colorado College weighs most

Every college publishes how heavily it weighs each part of your application in its Common Data Set. Here is how Colorado College reads applicants, most important first.

Very important
  • Course rigor
  • Grades (GPA)
  • The application essay
  • Character and personal qualities
Important
  • Recommendation letters
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Talent or ability
  • Demonstrated interest
Considered
  • Class rank
  • Test scores
  • First-generation status
  • Legacy relation
  • Geographic origin
Test scores

Colorado College is test-optional, so you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, though a strong score can still help.

Deadlines

Early Decision I November 1 · Early Action November 1 · Early Decision II January 15 · Regular Decision January 15. Applying early (Early Action or Early Decision, where offered) can modestly improve your odds and signals commitment.

Where to focus

Your grades and course rigor are mostly set by now. The highest-leverage things left are your essays and how you frame your activities. Colorado College reads holistically, so a specific, well-told essay is where you separate yourself from other qualified applicants.

How to get into Colorado College: FAQ

Is Colorado College hard to get into?

Test-optional. Colorado College does not require SAT or ACT scores and will only consider them if they strengthen your application. You may opt in to submit scores, but 58 percent of recent applicants applied without them. At Colorado College, applicants clear a high academic bar first, then stand out through essays, activities, and character.

What GPA do you need to get into Colorado College?

Admitted students at Colorado College typically have a GPA around 3.8-4.0 (middle 50 percent). A strong GPA in demanding courses is the foundation, though it never guarantees admission.

What SAT score do you need for Colorado College?

The middle 50 percent of admitted students at Colorado College score about 1310-1490 on the SAT. Scores in or above that range keep you competitive.

What does Colorado College look for in applicants?

Colorado College weighs course rigor, grades (gpa), the application essay, and character and personal qualities most heavily, alongside a strong academic record. The parts you most control late in the process are your essays and how you present your activities.

See your real chances at Colorado College and every school.

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