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Denver

University of Denver

Denver skips a supplemental essay, which puts all the weight on one Common App personal statement.

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Supplemental essays

None required

Required essay

Common App personal statement

Word limit

250-650 words

Testing

Test-optional

What Denver rewards

Here is the part that surprises most applicants: University of Denver requires no supplemental essay. If you apply through the Common Application, the only required essay is your Common App personal statement, 250 to 650 words, chosen from the seven standard prompts. There is no "Why DU" box, no short-answer section, no identity prompt unique to Denver. (A few specialized programs, like the Lamont School of Music or BFA tracks in art, add their own portfolio or supplemental steps, but that is program-specific and separate from the general essay.)

That absence is the whole strategy. DU is test-optional, and most admitted students apply without scores, so the reader leans even harder on your one essay to understand who you are. With nothing else competing for attention, a vivid, specific, genuinely-you personal statement is your single biggest lever here. The challenge is not finding a clever angle for Denver. It is making one essay do all the work.

01A clear, undisguised voice. With no second essay to round you out, DU readers want to hear how you actually talk and think. They reward writing that sounds like a real seventeen-year-old, not a thesaurus. Specificity and honesty beat polish.
02Reflection over event. DU is a reflective, student-centered campus that talks openly about purpose and the '4D Experience' (intellectual growth, well-being, character, careers). Essays that show you making meaning of an experience land better than essays that just narrate a dramatic one.
03Evidence you will use the place. You never have to write 'Why DU,' but the readers still notice curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to engage. Show a habit of seeking things out, and they can picture you doing the same in Denver.
04Warmth and self-awareness. Denver values community and character. An essay that shows you can laugh at yourself, credit other people, or sit with a hard truth signals the kind of person who thrives there.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

1 prompt for Denver, each broken down with annotated examples.

Common App Personal Statement650 words maximum (this is one of seven Common App prompts; you may choose any of them)

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

See all 1 prompt and get a read

Your chance

See your chance

Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at Denver and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Early Decision I & Early ActionNovember 1
Early Decision II & Regular DecisionJanuary 15
Regular Decision reply dateMay 1

Cost

Sticker price$75,966
Avg net after aid$39,200
Meets full needPartial
Read my essay for Denver
Explore Denver
How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Denver weighs most Supplemental essays1 prompt, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $39,200/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Denver interview? Format, tips, and practice The Denver Reader ProScore your draft against Denver's exact prompts
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Denver FAQ

What is Denver's acceptance rate?

University of Denver admits a clear majority of applicants, with a recent overall acceptance rate near 77%. That does not mean the essay is a formality. Because DU asks for no supplemental writing, your single Common App personal statement is the only place admissions readers hear your actual voice, and it carries real weight for both admission and merit scholarship review. At Denver, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Denver require?

Denver requires 1 supplemental essay on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Denver cost?

Denver's published sticker price is about $75,966 per year, but the average family pays $39,200 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Denver require SAT or ACT scores?

Denver is test-optional: you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and strong scores are just one factor among many when you do submit them.

When are Denver's application deadlines?

Denver's application deadlines are Early Decision I & Early Action November 1; Early Decision II & Regular Decision January 15; Regular Decision reply date May 1. Add Denver to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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