Applying to UHL

Applicants for admission to the UHL program must first apply to CU Denver as full-time, in-person, undergraduate student.

Admission to the University Honors and Leadership (UHL) program is competitive. In addition to meeting published requirements for admission to CU Denver, competitive high school applicants will have an unweighted high school GPA of 3.4 or above and transfer/upper division applicants must have a 3.25 GPA or greater. The general rigor of your courses, as well as extra curricular activities will weigh heavily in UHL admission decisions.

Students selected for UHL share a strong desire for an academically rigorous and challenging college experience and desire to succeed. 

  • Take responsibility for their own learning, for self-discovery, and for personal and intellectual growth
  • Learn about and understand diverse and competing perspectives, viewpoints, and values
  • Benefit from varied modes of learning
  • Become responsible and contributing members of the UHL program, the university, and our global community

Now that you understand what the CU Denver Honors and Leadership Program is all about, it's time to apply. An academic honors cohort community is ready to welcome you right from the start - this is the stimulating and challenging program you've been looking for.

Take a look through the application information and get started!

    I am a first-time college student with no or some college credit

    • Applicants with a minimum 3.4 (unweighted) GPA will receive an invitation through email and the application will be available in the CU Denver Undergraduate Admissions Portal
    • Upload the name and email of two people who can specifically address your preparation for an honors education 
    • Submit the requested essay response. Please take your time as both topic and writing skill will be considered

    What happens after I apply?

    • Once your file is complete the UHL Admissions Committee will review your application and additional materials
    • You will be contacted through the portal with the committee’s decision
    • Students who are selected as finalists for admission will be interviewed by the UHL Admissions Committee
    • Once the interview is complete you will be informed of next steps