Information for International Students
Learn differently. One block at a time. At Colorado College, you have the opportunity to pursue yourself — to dive into who you are, that source of your fire, and share it with the world. You’ll be surrounded and supported by a community of prolific faculty scholars, innovative staff, and of course, your classmates, our students. On the Block Plan, subjects aren’t just classes, they’re explorations of life — for three and a half weeks, at least. In our urban Rocky Mountain setting, the resources and access of an entire region are yours to use and study. Don’t believe us? See for yourself …
Welcome to Colorado Welcome to the best of both worlds — a college set in an urban environment with incredible access to the outdoors. We’re not just another small college in a small town. Our adventurous spirit is fueled by the opportunities provided by the Rocky Mountain West. Imagine the possibilities.
Colorado Springs • 6,035 feet / 1,839 meters (altitude) • Pikes Peak — 14,115 feet / 4,302 meters — known as America’s Mountain and what the Indigenous and native community of the region call “Tava’Kaavi” or “Sun Mountain.” • 730,000 metro population — second-largest city in the state (#42 in the U.S.) • 300+ miles of hiking and biking trails within city limits Colorado Springs features an accessible and walkable downtown area minutes away and steps from campus. With many shops, restaurants, art galleries, music venues, and more, Colorado Springs is a perfect — and comfortable — urban location. When you need to get out of the city, there are expansive networks of trails for running, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and everything else.
#6
Best Places to Live U.S. News & World Report
Seattle
New York City Chicago
Los Angeles
Houston
Miami
Visit coloradocollege.edu/place to learn more.
Average Temperatures for Colorado Springs Colorado averages 300+ days of sunshine per year! Colorado Springs is the largest American city to border nationally protected forest land. Month
Average High
Average Low
Average Precipitation/ Snowfall
January
42.0°F / 05.5°C
14.0°F / -10.0°C
0.31 in. / 6 in.
February
45.0°F / 07.2°C
18.0°F / -07.8°C
0.35 in. / 5 in.
March
52.0°F / 11.1°C
24.0°F / -04.4°C
0.98 in. / 8 in.
April
59.0°F / 15.0°C
31.0°F / -00.5°C
1.42 in. / 5 in.
May
68.0°F / 20.0°C
41.0°F / 05.0°C
2.05 in. / 1 in.
June
79.0°F / 26.1°C
50.0°F / 10.0°C
2.52 in. / 0 in.
July
84.0°F / 28.8°C
55.0°F / 12.8°C
2.83 in. / 0 in.
August
82.0°F / 27.7°C
54.0°F / 12.2°C
3.35 in. / 0 in.
September
74.0°F / 23.3°C
45.0°F / 07.2°C
1.18 in. / 0 in.
October
63.0°F / 17.2°C
34.0°F / 01.1°C
0.83 in. / 3 in.
November
50.0°F / 10.0°C
23.0°F / -05.0°C
0.39 in. / 5 in.
December
42.0°F / 05.6°C
16.0°F / -08.8°C
0.35 in. / 6 in.
So, how do we do it? One class at a time, eight times per year. Check out how you could plan your year, block by block.
at a time. It means you dive into a different subject every block, and every class gets your full attention and effort.
For over 50 years, Colorado College has offered a unique opportunity to learn — the Block Plan. Started by our faculty in 1970, professors teach and students take one class
“Block” — 3 ½ weeks of class. Each block, you’ll cover the same amount of content as a semester-long class, but you get the singular focus (and the same amount of credit too – one block equals four credit hours).
SPRING
FALL
The Block Plan
“FOOT Trips” — FOOT Trips (First-Year Outdoor Orientation Trip) are an optional outdoors trip specifically for first-year students, led by upper-class leaders of the ORC (Outdoor Recreation Committee) during the first block break. For first-year students, this will be the block break between the two blocks of the FYP (First-Year Program).
“Priddy Trips”— A four-and-a-half-day post-orientation, pre-class outdoors and service trip. What better way to get introduced to CC and Colorado than an orientation adventure trip? Priddy Trips are an awesome way for first-year students to bond in small groups, and to experience the outdoors and service opportunities in Colorado. Each trip features two days of service, one “cultural” day, and of course some outdoor fun. coloradocollege.edu/priddy-experience
“Half Block”— A two-week short-course offered right before the start of Block 5 (Spring Semester) which allows you to take academic courses to develop intellect and imagination, or non-academic courses to build your resume, prepare for grad school entrance exams, or take that really cool class you’ve never made time for! Academic HalfBlock courses earn .5 of a unit of credit.
Half Block
Block 1 BLOCK BREAK
FYP: The Dynamics of Power
Block 5 BLOCK BREAK
Personal Financial Planning
Human Evolution
“Extended-Format” — A four-block (semester-long) or eight-block (full academic year) longer-format, full-content course which meets for a few hours per week in the afternoon. This type of course allows you to continue to engage with your academic passions over the long-term, while still continuing your deep focus in the individual blocks you are taking. Academic extended-format courses earn .5 of a unit of credit (semester-long), or 1 unit of credit (academic year).
What your day might look like: • 3+ hours of class • 4-5 hours of homework • 8 hours for clubs, organizations, workstudy/internships, LIFE! • 8 hours for sleep. Yes, you can get 8 hours on the Block Plan! “Block Break” — 4 ½ day break between each block providing an academic respite as well as ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration both in Colorado Springs and around the Southwest.
What’s great about the Block Plan? • Average class size is 16, and classes are capped at 25 • No cramming for multiple midterms or finals • Extensive opportunities for field study and hands-on learning • Intensive, collaborative, discussionoriented classes
To learn more, visit coloradocollege.edu/blockplan
Stand-up Comedy “Adjunct” – A two-block (half-semester) or four-block (full-semester) mini-course offered for one-three hours per week, in the afternoon, so as not to interfere with your academic block. Adjuncts can have an academic focus (like a Spanish refresher course) or non-academic focus (like a stand-up comedy class). Academic adjunct courses earn .25 of a unit of credit.
Block 2
Block 3
Block 4 FALL BREAK
BLOCK BREAK
FYP: The Dynamics of Power
Civilization in the Middle East
Computational Thinking
Block 6
Block 7
Block 8
SPRING BREAK
Queer Performance and Body Politics
BLOCK BREAK
Elementary Japanese
Elementary Japanese
Personal Adventure Trip: Durango Bluegrass Meltdown — A chance to travel to Durango’s music festival to see CC’s Bluegrass Ensemble perform. Note: This example shows one way to craft your own schedule on the Block Plan. To build your own mock schedule for your first year on the Block Plan, visit: coloradocollege.edu/yourblockplan
Academic Programs
For a full list of offerings, please visit: co l o ra d o co l l e g e .e d u/m aj o r s
Majors Anthropology
Film and Media Studies
Neuroscience
Art
French
Asian Studies
Geology
Organismal Biology and Ecology
Chemistry and Biochemistry
German
Classics
History
Classics-English
History-Philosophy
Classics-History-Politics
History-Political Science
Comparative Literature
Independently Designed Major
Computer Science
International Political Economy
Economics and Business
Italian
Education
Mathematical Economics
English
Mathematics
Environmental Program
Molecular Biology
Feminist and Gender Studies
Music
Thematic Minors African Studies
Museum Studies
African-American Studies
Non-Violence
Arabic and Islamic Studies
North American Studies
Asian Studies
Performance Design
Concepts of Human Nature
Psychoanalysis: Theories of the Unconscious
Contemporary French Studies Environmental Issues Feminist and Gender Studies German Studies Global Health Indigenous Studies Italian Studies Journalism Latin American Studies Linguistics
Renaissance Studies Resource Systems in the American West Revolutions The Ancient World The Arts: Theory and Practice The Book The Luso-Brazilian Studies Urban Studies
Medieval Studies Mediterranean Studies Modern Greece and Its Background Please Note: Many departments also offer a minor option.
Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Race, Ethnicity, and Migration Studies Religion Russian and Eurasian Studies Sociology Southwest Studies Spanish and Portuguese Theatre and Dance
Pre-Professional Programs Pre-Business Pre-Law 3-2 or 4-2 Engineering Pre-Health Advising: Pre-Med Pre-Dentistry Pre-Veterinary Pre-Physical Therapy
What’s distinctive about CC? Our unique program and location make us a special community of passionate, adventurous learners. But don’t take it from us — or from the sources below — visit coloradocollege.edu/virtualtour to discover why we are different:
#3 in Most Innovative Schools U.S. News & World Report #5 Best Undergraduate Teaching U.S. News & World Report #25 National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings U.S. News & World Report
Field Study and Study Abroad 70%
of our students
study abroad at least once
100% of our students participate in
field study
With only one class at a time on the Block Plan, your class doesn’t have to stay in the classroom, or even on campus! Get out, and go learn where it’s more meaningful! • Field study happens within a single class period, for a full day, for a couple days, or even up to a full week or the full block. • 30+ blocks abroad per year — still one class, but where it makes sense to learn the topic. • You can choose from more than 100 preapproved semester- or year-long programs. Our Keller Venture Grants fund thousands of dollars in student research, and our SCoRe (Student Collaborative Research) Symposium brings students, faculty, staff, and community members together at the end of each summer to present their work.
Admission We accept the Common Application, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge Application. Standardized testing is not required for admission, but scores accepted include SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Advanced Placement exams, and International Baccularuate exams. Find a complete list of admission requirements at: co l o ra d o co l l e g e .e d u/a p p l y
Admission & Financial Aid Deadlines Deadline
Binding?
Notification Date
Early Decision I
November 1
Yes
Mid-December
Early Action
November 1
No
Late-December
Early Decision II
January 15
Yes
Mid-February
Regular Action
January 15
No
Mid-March
Note: Financial aid paperwork must be submitted by the date of admission application by round.
Fall 2021 Admission Statistics Total Applicants: 10,969 Total Admitted: 1,564 Total Enrolled: 628
Acceptance Rates: Overall: 14.3% Early Decision I/II: 30.5% Early Action: 18.6% Regular Action: 3.9%
Median Test Scores: ACT Composite Range: 29-33 SAT Composite Range: 1280-1450 * Colorado College is a test-optional school. 50% of the Class of 2025 chose not to submit testing.
Financial Aid International students are eligible for financial aid and merit scholarships. Though we meet 100 percent of need for admitted students as demonstrated by the CSS Profile, financial aid for international students is highly competitive. In submitting your application to CC, you are automatically eligible for merit scholarship consideration. If you wish to apply for need-based financial aid, you must complete and submit both the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and a Certification of Income from an Employer. For more information: coloradocollege.edu/financialaid
Life After CC Pre-Professional Programs CC has pre-professional programs and cooperative programs available in: pre-med, pre-law, pre-business, 3-2 engineering, pre-physical therapy, pre-dentistry. You can get involved regardless of your major.
Career Center Provides individual career counseling; resume workshops; mock interviews; and helps place students in internships locally, nationally, and internationally.
Tiger Link CC alumni database Tiger Link connects you with fellow CC Tigers who want to help you with advice and tips from their sectors of expertise.
Tiger Trek Tiger Trek arranges and sponsors student tours to major cities to connect with prestigious alumni and potential career paths. Recent treks include visits to Amazon, Google, and the U.S. Capitol Building.
After CC: 46% of the Class of 2015 have either completed or are pursuing
additional degrees
67% of the survey responders from the Class of 2015 reported involvement with
community-service or volunteer work
Advanced degree fields in pursuit or attained by the Class of 2015:
21% Healthcare and medicine 11% Law 11% Education (all levels)
Where are CC Grads Now? Aiyu Zheng ’18, an Environmental Science major who participated in the Teaching & Research in Environmental Education (TREE) Semester while at CC, conducted summer research in Alaska before starting a Ph.D. program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. Nicole Jun-Yi Tan ’17, majored in Sociology and was actively involved with the CC Refugee Alliance while she was at CC. She is now working as an office and hiring manager for the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project in New York City. Niyanta Khatri ’17 is a Davis United World College Scholar who majored in Mathematical Economics. Khatri was part of the Big Idea competition, an annual event to pitch a “big idea” with $50,000 in prize money at stake allowing students to put their business plans into action. Along with fellow Davis UWC Scholars John Roy Ballossini Dommett ’18 and Harvey Kadyanji ’18, they took third place. Their business startup venture, Ogugu, was awarded $10,000 and the team was selected to participate in the Clinton Global Initiative University’s annual meeting last year. Khatri is currently working at the global firm Logitech in San Francisco.
Learn more here: coloradocollege.edu/aftercc
2021 Graduates: Top job functions:
Top locations:
•
Education, Teaching, and Training
1. Denver
•
Engineering, Web, and Technology
2. New York City
•
Finance and Consulting
3. Colorado Springs
•
Nonprofits and NGO
4. Los Angeles
•
Healthcare Services
5. Boston
•
Arts, Media, and Communications
6. Chicago
•
Sports and Outdoor Recreation
7. Boulder
•
Public Policy, Government, and Law
Meeting the Challenge Coming into CC, I was surprised by all the opportunities and grants that can be used to start initiatives on our campus, or for independent research and exploration. It feels like an environment that seeks to enable students, and in my experience the faculty and staff are always willing to mentor student projects.
“
I’ve felt so lucky to meet the professors I have at CC. The small class size allows you to get to know your professor well by the end of the block, and I’ve met inspiring mentors who are always willing to take on students as advisees or research assistants. I have not always found it easy to study in America, but the people I’ve met on campus have allowed me to build a sense of belonging, and thanks to them I now feel like I have a home at CC.”
Alex Jennings ’22 Environmental Science Johannesburg, South Africa
What I’ve really enjoyed about the Block Plan is how intimate the experience has been with faculty, and being able to connect with them one-on-one. I also appreciate the way CC pushes you to be a better version of yourself, and pushes you to take on new experiences. My favorite part of being a CC student is definitely the trips and experiences outside of the classroom.
“
The CC community is warm, welcoming, and open to different people and different ideas.”
Saigopal Rangaraj ’22 Mathematical Economics Gaborone, Botswana & Mumbai, India
I have definitely enjoyed my time at CC! I especially love the people and the Block Plan. I have made so many great friends throughout my time here. In fact, I met my current roommates during my first week at CC and we have remained close friends all four years!
“
Additionally, I have felt an incredible amount of support from both staff and faculty at CC, who have gone out of their way to help and support me. I am especially grateful for the support I got when the pandemic first started, and I was unable to return home to Mongolia. I was able to stay on campus and even do research with one of my favorite professors.”
Anudari Sharavdorj ’22 Economics Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
A close-knit & global community. Global Community and Engagement CC’s students come from more than 45 countries. The International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) team, part of the Center for Global Education & Field Study, supports international students and exchange visitors with cultural adjustment, immigration documents, and immigration advising. When you’re ready to study off-campus, the Global Education team can help match you with the right program. With 74 percent of CC students electing to study abroad and more than 125 programs to choose from, we are in the top 10 schools for study abroad in the country according to the Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange.
Housing and Dining Housing is guaranteed to all students for all four years — most (80 percent) live on campus, fostering our strong sense of community. The food on campus is delicious! We use the same dining services as Google: Bon Appetit. We also have our own CC student garden, a Beekeeping Club, a Carnivore Club (they grill veggie burgers too), coffee shops, and more.
Student Safety In addition to our professionally trained Campus Safety team, we look out for each other in a variety of ways: Safe Rides (free shuttle for students); Tiger Watch (student volunteers); and call boxes located throughout campus (use whenever you want help from Campus Safety).
International Student Orientation At the beginning of each school year, the International Student & Scholar Services team holds an orientation program for new international students, designed to provide you with valuable information and facilitate your transition to Colorado College. By participating, you will learn about helpful resources and make new friends from around the world.
CC at a Glance Our College
International Student Representation*
• Colors: Black and Gold
Africa, Sub-Saharan
• Founded in 1874
• Athletics: 16 varsity sports, 15 club, and 16 intramural
East Africa Ethiopia Kenya Southern Africa Malawi South Africa Zambia Zimbabwe
Italy Kosovo Moldova Poland Portugal Romania Slokavia Turkey Ukraine United Kingdom
• Computer labs: five, plus residence halls, departmental, and satellite labs across campus.
Asia
Latin America
• Mascot: Tiger • Total undergraduates: 2,200 • International student representation: 7% • 52 Davis UWC Scholars on campus • Number of faculty: 201 • 80% of students live on campus
Our Office of Accessibility Resources celebrates access, equity, and inclusion across our community. Every student — with every ability — will be welcomed and assisted here at Colorado College.
East Asia China Hong Kong Japan Mongolia South Korea Taiwan South & Central Asia India Nepal Pakistan Southeast Asia Malaysia Myanmar Singapore Thailand Vietnam
Our Antiracism Commitment
Europe
• Study abroad: 70% of CC students study abroad during their four years here. • Campus residences: Traditional residence halls, small houses, themed housing, apartments, and cottages. • Dining options: Rastall Cafe, Benjamin’s, The Preserve, Local Goods, Colorado Coffee, and Susie B’s.
Smoking Policy
CC is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus.
Accessibility
CC is a community committed to progress, to making this a home for everyone, and our growth is ongoing. In 2018, the college began the process of becoming an antiracist institution, commissioning and acting on an external review by experts in the field. This work, across every level of our community, continues today.
Armenia Austria Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Czech Republic Germany Hungary
Central America Costa Rica Guatemala Mexico South America Peru Caribbean Trinidad and Tobago
North Africa Egypt
North America Canada
Oceania New Zealand
*Note: Data from fall 2019
Want to learn more? Admission details: col ora d o c olle g e .e d u/ ad m is s io n Connect with us: col ora do c o lle g e .e d u/ m e e ty ourre p Estimate cost: col ora doco lle g e .e d u/ e s tim ate c o s t Start your application: col orad oc o lle g e .e d u/ ap p ly Schedule a visit: col ora do c o lle g e .e d u/ v is it Virtual tour: col ora docol le g e .e d u/ # v irtualtour
Get social with us! Check out our social media to see what’s happening on campus: WeCha t: cca dmi ss ion s sp ace . bi l i bi l i .com / 59 8 9 54 9 6 4 youtube . com/col o rad oc o lle g e w e b f ac e book.com/colorad oc o lle g e @c ol ora docol l e ge a d m is s ion or @c olo rad o c olle ge @c ol ora docol l e ge
Contact us: Get in touch, we want to hear from you! Office of Admission: +1 (719) 389-6344 Fax: (719) 389-6816 admission@coloradocollege.edu
Mailing Address: 14 E. Cache La Poudre St. Colorado Springs, CO, 80903
Building Address: Cutler Hall 912 N. Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs, CO, 80903
Colorado College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Colorado College is an equal opportunity employer committed to increasing the diversity of its community. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, disability, or sexual orientation in our educational programs and activities or our employment practices.
Notes:
One class at a time at 6,035 feet.
c o l o r a d oc olle g e . e d u /in t e r n a t io nal st ud ent s