College of Architecture and Planning University of Colorado Denver

Application Checklist

Below are the items you will need to complete in order to successfully apply to CAP. Please note that your application will not be considered until all of your application materials are received.

1. Application

• Complete the online application (preferred application method)
  OR
• Print and Mail an application 
  Download the Graduate Admission Application Part I (pdf)
  1. Submit one original and two photocopies of the original.
  2. Write your full name, including former names under which materials pertinent to this application may be found.
  3. Do not disregard any part of your previous record.
  4. Use the following degree codes when completing the application AP
     • ARCH Architecture
     • AP-ARUR Urban Design
     • AP-LAND Landscape Architecture
     • AP-URRP Urban and Regional Planning
     • AP-HIPR Master of Science in Historic Preservation
     • GR-DSPL Design and Planning, Ph. D.
• If you decide to complete the paper application, you will need to download Graduate Admission Application Part II (pdf)
  • Submit one original

2. Application fee

1. The non-refundable application fee is $50, and does not apply to tuition and fees. You may pay this fee with a credit card when you complete the online application. 
2. If you decide to pay by check, you are advised to submit a check or money order (not cash) made payable to the University of Colorado.
3. Make sure your name AND birth date are noted on the check or money order so that it can be matched to the proper application.

3. Academic Records

• Submit two official transcripts from each institution you have attended
  1. Request that two official copies of your transcript(s) from each college or university you have attended be sent directly from the issuing institution to the address above
  2. While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed.
  3. “Official transcripts” exhibit the official seal and signature of the registrar.
  4. Transcripts that are marked "student copy," or "unofficial" are not accepted as official and cannot be used in the admission decision.
  5. A certified literal English translation must also be submitted for documents that are not in English.

4. Letters of recommendation

If you complete the online application, your recommenders may submit their letters online. No additional forms are needed. The recommenders will receive an email explaining how to submit their letter AFTER you complete and submit your online application.

1. All applicants are required to provide three letters of recommendation. 
2. It is important that the recommenders evaluate your competence and potential as a graduate student.
3. If your recommender would like to submit their letter via the mail, please provide them with page 2 of Graduate Application Part II (PDF above) to use as a cover sheet.

5. Statement of Purpose Essay

1. You must submit a statement summarizing career objectives and reasons for pursuing the intended program of study.
2. Applicants to the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program should indicate their area of concentration.
3. Please be sure to include your name on your statement to avoid delays in processing your materials.
4. If you use the online document uploading, it is best to submit PDFs of all writing samples to ensure your formatting stays consistent and we don't have problems reading your file.

6. Portfolio or Supporting Material

If you are applying to either the Department of Architecture or the Department of Landscape Architecture, please send the following

1. Portfolio (6–12 bound pages, 8.5 × 11 inches, pages may be printed on both sides, we do NOT accept portfolios in any format other than printed and bound). Suggested material to include in your portfolio (you need not include all the below suggestions):
   • Essays
   • Papers
   • Photographs
   • Photographic reproductions of artistic work such as sculptures
   • Drawings
   • Paintings
   • Musical compositions
   • Other fine arts
2. A stamped, self-addressed envelope must be included for return of the portfolio.
3. You are also encouraged to submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores if your GPA is below 3.0. The University of Colorado Denver's GRE code is 4875.
   

If you are applying to the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, the following documents may be uploaded through the online application:

1. Your statement of purpose (which should include your educational and professional goals and objectives)
2. Resume (which describes your educational and professional background)
3. Copy of a student or professional paper or project (with a note explaining why the particular item was selected)
4. You may submit these documents through the online application. Be sure to include your name on ALL documents. Additionally, it is best to upload PDFs as this will ensure your formatting stays the same and there are no problems reading your files.
5. A list of courses that you have taken that relate to planning
6. You are required to submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores if your GPA is below 3.0. The University of Colorado Denver's GRE code is 4875.

If you are applying to the Master of Urban Design, please submit the following:

1. Evidence of a professional degree (BArch, BLA, MArch, MLA, MURP/MUP) or equivalent (indicated by your official transcripts showing a degree award)
2. At least a 3.2 undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA
3. A portfolio (8.5 × 11-inch bound document) that includes: your statement of purpose (include your educational and professional goals), résumé (which describes your educational and professional background), examples of student or professional projects, a list of courses that you have taken that relate to design and planning, and a writing sample from previous professional or academic work
4. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores if available (not required for admission)
5. A separate one-page statement indicating whether you would like to participate in the 2012-2013 MUD Internship Program. NOTE: If you do agree to participate, your acceptance letter will indicate the firm with whom you have been matched.
   

If you are applying to the Master of Science in Historic Preservation, please submit the following:

1. A brief (no more than 500 words) statement
2. A compact portfolio (max. 10 pages 8.5” X 11”) of writing samples, and optionally, graphic work and professional resume is strongly recommended.
   
3. Submission of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores is highly recommended for applicants without evidence of prior successful graduate level accomplishment.