The University of Colorado is a highly performing public research university with a reputation for challenging academic programs, environmental stewardship, and innovation. Its campuses statewide offer experiential learning opportunities in business, engineering, natural sciences, agriculture, and liberal arts. With an emphasis on real-world relevance, community engagement, leadership, and service, the university readies students to face contemporary challenges. Its dedicated and small faculty and class sizes create both professional and academic success. The article below states the SAT exam & ACT exam score expectation, GPA requirement, and application process for obtaining admission to the University of Colorado.
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Elements |
Details |
College Name |
Colorado State University |
College Location |
Fort Collins, Colorado |
University Short Form |
CSU |
Graduation Rate |
67% |
Acceptance Rate |
90% |
Early Action Deadline |
December 1 |
FAFSA Deadline |
March 1 |
Regular Application Due |
January 15 |
SAT Score Range |
1060-1280 |
ACT Score Range |
22-29 |
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Knowing Colorado State University’s admission requirements will help you plan your academic goals and build a strong application. The university seeks students with solid academic records, leadership qualities, and diverse experiences. While SAT scores and GPA play a role, CSU also values passion for a major and well-rounded extracurricular involvement.
Requirements |
Details |
High School GPA |
3.4-3.8 (average admitted students) |
High School Rank |
A strong class rank can enhance the application, particularly in a competitive pool. |
SAT Scores |
1080-1290 (middle 50%) |
ACT Scores |
23-29 (middle 50%) |
Letters of Recommendation |
Not required but can be submitted to strengthen the application. |
Personal Statement |
Encouraged for a holistic review; allows applicants to highlight experiences and aspirations. |
Application Fee |
$50 |
Extracurricular Activities |
Participation in clubs, sports, or community service enhances an application. |
Interviews |
Not required but may be beneficial for certain programs. |
AP/IB Courses |
Taking Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses demonstrates academic rigor. |
Portfolio (for specific programs) |
Some majors, such as arts or design-related programs, may require a portfolio. |
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Colorado State University (Colorado State University) is test-optional. The decision of whether or not to include test scores-that is, SAT scores-is available to the student and can only be determined by him or her as to whether including them could strengthen his or her overall application. Still, if a student thinks that their test scores inadequately represent his or her academic ability, he or she is allowed to forego the requirements, and this will not affect the applicant.
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For those students choosing to submit SAT scores, the middle 50% is the most meaningful metric. The average SAT scores are around 1170 for Colorado State University. Scores at this level or higher will only positively impact your application, but please note Colorado State University takes a holistic approach to selecting students; it will look at a wide variety of things including, but not limited to, test scores.
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The table below provides further information on the distribution of SAT scores of admitted students at Colorado State University, with mean, 25th percentile, and 75th percentile scores for the components of Evidence-based Reading and writing and Math.
Component |
Mean Score |
25th Percentile |
75th Percentile |
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing |
600 |
540 |
660 |
Mathematics |
570 |
520 |
630 |
Total Score |
1170 |
1060 |
1280 |
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The University of Colorado system consists of multiple campuses, all of which accept SAT scores for admission but follow a test-optional policy. Here are the schools within the University of Colorado system that accept SAT scores:
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Colorado State University (CSU) is test-optional, so submitting ACT or SAT scores is not mandatory for admission. If you do submit your scores, they will be used only at your request and are not given significant weight in the admission process. For students who do submit ACT scores, the middle 50% of admitted students have composite scores between 22 and 29. This means that 25% of students admitted have a score of less than 22, and 25% have a score of more than 29.
While test scores may add some context, CSU is more interested in a student's high school GPA and general academic record. Generally, students with a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale, with a consistent or improving pattern of grades, are considered favorably for admission.
It is notable that CSU does not utilize the use of standardized test scores as grounds for rejecting an application or for awarding scholarships. The university applies a holistic review process that looks into various academic and personal factors in assessing an applicant's potential for success.
Also, Get to Know What Colleges Take Superscore ACT?
Colorado State University (CSU) is a test-optional institution, with ACT or SAT scores not mandatory for application. If you decide to include your standardized test scores, CSU will take your best subscores from a range of test dates and create a composite, or "superscore," on both the ACT and SAT. This process enables applicants to report their strongest effort by compiling their top section scores from multiple administrations.
It should be mentioned that although you can include your test scores with your submission, they would only be considered if you individually ask for their review by writing to the admissions office at [email protected]. If no such request is made, they will not be considered in deciding admission. Further, CSU does not consider standardized test scores significantly in making admission decisions; they are also not used to decline an application or in offering scholarships.
Colorado State University, in its student's academic performance, is a critical component of an applicant's package. The university recruits students challenging themselves with Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Honors courses. Colorado State University takes pride in seeking students that demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service.
The middle 50 percent of admitted students had a GPA between 3.4 and 4.0. This reflects a strong academic preparation at the high school level, particularly in challenging courses. This, however, should not lead one to a conclusion that students with lower GPAs cannot be as competitive, since the holistic review process may reveal other strengths in leadership, community service, or even particular talents.
Colorado State University's admissions process is quite inclusive, with an acceptance rate of about 90%. This means that the university accepts a large percentage of its applicants and is therefore available to a diverse group of students.
Particulars |
Details |
Total Applicants |
38,520 |
Admitted Students |
34,118 |
Acceptance Rate |
90% |
CSU has numerous scholarships to assist both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as international students. Award values vary from $2,000 to $12,000 annually. The higher award winners usually have a combination of exceptional academic achievement (GPA), challenging course work, and an active lifestyle for extracurricular activities. For more information regarding individual scholarships, eligibility, and application deadlines, students are asked to go through CSU's official financial aid website or contact the university's financial aid department directly.
Colorado State University is selective, but admissions are holistic in nature. Your academic record is important, but also Colorado State University emphasizes leadership, community service, and personal growth. If appropriate, providing a high test score, meaningful extracurricular activities, and a thoughtful personal statement will make your application more appealing to Colorado State University's admissions committee.
Top US Universities |
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Category |
Colleges/Universities |
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University of California System (some campuses) |
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|
College Name |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
15–19* |
820–980* |
|
16–21* |
890–1080* |
|
17–20* |
860–1053* |
|
15–21* |
Not available* |
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16–20* |
860–1062* |
University |
ACT Score |
SAT Score |
21–27* |
940–1200* |
|
16–25* |
910–1150* |
|
18–26* |
910–1150* |
|
18–24* |
910–1120* |
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19–26* |
950–1150* |
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21–28* |
950–1180* |
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16–27* |
925–1140* |
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17–24* |
930–1175* |
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19–25* |
950–1130* |
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20–27* |
900–1150* |
|
20–26* |
1010–1200* |
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