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!
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.
Our team of admissions counselors is here to help you navigate your college search process. Reach out at any time!
Review our required and recommended courses to ensure you’re on the right track throughout high school.
Wondering what you need to have when you’re ready to submit your application? Explore our requirements and application process.
Wondering how to create a stand-out application? Visit our Admissions Considerations page for tips and to review our short response prompts.
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
Complete and submit the online Golden application or Common App.
Submit the $50 application fee
($75 for international students)
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.
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.
Each year our office receives around 12,000 applications. Competitive applicants typically have the following:
(for students who chose to submit scores)
(for students who chose to submit scores)
Ready to join the Oredigger community?
Keep track of important dates and deadlines for the application, and explore additional opportunities available to students at Mines.
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, 2024Students 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, 2024Students who are strongly considering Colorado School of Mines for fall 2024 should apply by November 1.
December 21, 2024 December 21, 2024Students who submitted an application by the priority deadline will receive a decision from Mines by December 21.
January 15, 2025 January 15, 2025Students considering Colorado School of Mines for fall 2024 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, 2025Students who submitted an application by the regular deadline will receive a decision from Mines by March 1.
May 1, 2025 May 1, 2025Students who have been offered a spot at Mines must submit their enrollment decision form and $200 deposit by May 1.
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.
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.
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, 2025Students 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.
Students should submit their application to the First Year Semester Abroad Experience by March 16, 2025. Decisions will be released in mid-April.
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 .
To complete your admission application, we must receive:
November 1 - Priority Application Deadline*
When completing your application, select "Early Action" if you would like to be considered for Priority Admissions at Mines.
January 15 - Regular Application Deadline
Rolling admissions based on space available after January 15, 2025.
The application fee is $50 for all domestic first-year applicants.
The application fee is $75 for international first-year applicants.
Mines will accept the Common Application.
Alternatively, applicants may complete the Mines-specific online admission application instead.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, we do combine different test sections to produce a "superscore." We review the highest score reported from either ACT and/or SAT.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Yes, we review on a rolling admissions basis. Please review the question above for our deadlines and decision release timeframes.
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.
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.
Colorado School of Mines
1500 Illinois St., Golden, CO 80401
303-273-3000 / 800-446-9488
