University of Denver, College of Engineering

When reviewing an application, the University of Denver Admissions Committee considers:
• Academic achievement
• Grade point average
• Standardized test scores
• Whole-person assessment
• Hyde Interview results

Academic Achievement
The University of Denver looks for students who have challenged themselves academically and who have demonstrated success in English, math, social studies, science and foreign language. Their minimum academic requirements are the same as what is required at the applicant’s high school for graduation, but they encourage students to set their goals higher than the minimum. The curriculum and the grades earned in classes at the secondary level are regarded as the most significant criteria in a student’s application because it has proven to be the soundest indicator of academic ability, potential and motivation.

Although no specific requirements concerning secondary school subjects are mandatory at DU, the Admissions Committee recommends the following academic selection: 4 years of English; 3-4 years of mathematics; 2-4 years of natural sciences with at least 2 laboratory sciences; 2-4 years of social sciences and 2-4 years of foreign language. Course work should show purpose and continuity and furnish a background for the first-year curriculum offered by the University.

GPA
The average high school GPA for fall 2008 accepted students is 3.7. Middle 50%: 3.5-4.0.

Standardized Tests
Although academic performance in high school is the most important factor in the admission process, also considerd are scores earned on the SAT or ACT exams. Applicants are required to submit the official results of the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT with or without the writing component; they do not require any SAT Subject Tests. When assessing an applicant's test scores, the university will use the highest composite score earned on either exam (ACT composite or the SAT composite of Critical Reading and Math). The writing components for both the SAT and ACT will be accepted for review, but will not be used for admission decisions.

The median 50 percentile for the fall 2008 accepted students were the following:
• SAT combined: 1120-1320, Average is 1220
• ACT: 25-29, Average is 27
Whole-Person Assessment
DU students assume responsibilities outside the classroom-they're leaders, volunteers, artists, musicians, athletes, actors and people who lend a helping hand for the benefit of their family and friends. That's why the Admission Committee looks for well-rounded students who have contributed to their high school and local communities and who will contribute to the DU community. Essays and letters of recommendation contribute greatly to our overall assessment of an applicant’s personal characteristics and their potential to contribute to the campus.

Hyde Interview
The applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in the Hyde Interview, a face-to-face meeting with one to three members of the DU community. While grades and test scores play the largest role in the admission decisions, the Hyde Interview gives students an opportunity to demonstrate personal qualities not always reflected in an application.