New Student FAQs

We recommend that incoming students bring a personal laptop computer.  Many departments integrate in-class laptop use into their courses, and having a personal laptop will be helpful throughout your undergraduate career.Ìý

In general, either a PC or Mac laptop running Windows, OSX, or Linux is fine.  Android, iOS, ChromeOS, or Windows RT based laptops, tablets, or mobile devices are not generally sufficient to satisfy the laptop recommendation.Ìý Please consult the CU Office of Information Technology (OIT) web site and the CU Bookstore's for specific recommendations.Ìý OIT also offers (often free) access to a including programs that many engineering majors need like MATLAB and SolidWorks.

Financial aid options may be available for students who require assistance obtaining a computer. Students who intend to purchase a computer and wish to have its cost included in their financial aid calculations are strongly encouraged to consult the before purchase at 303-492-5091. More information can also be found on their Special Circumstances website.

In addition to a personal laptop, the Engineering Center and other campus buildings include numerous available for student use.

Furthermore, all campus buildings, including the residence halls, have wireless Internet access for student use. Visit the .

For more information, personal laptop questions or computer lab questions, contact the  at 303-735-4357.

Which math course should I take in my first semester?

See the website for guidance.

I've received AP credit for Calculus. How do I know if I'm ready to enroll in the next level math course at CU ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ?

See the  website for details (especially the section "Which Math Class Should You Take?")

How many credit hours should I register for? 

The college's B.S. degrees require 128 credit hours. A four-year plan averages out to 16 credit hours per semester. The college expects undergraduate students to be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester to maintain full-time status. College students in their first semester at CU-ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ are limited to register in no more than 17 credit hours; after the first semester, college students may register for up to 19 credit hours.

What credits do I have from my AP or IB exam scores? 

If your final scores have been received by CU ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ, you should be able to find your credits listed in your Transfer Credit Evaluation. If your final scores have not been received by CU ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ yet, you can refer to the  in the CU ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ catalog to see what credit you should expect (based on the specific exam you take and score you receive).

I want to continue with a foreign language. Is there a placement test that I can take? 

If you want to continue with the same language, for most languages you will need to take the placement test at the New Student Welcome Programs website prior to your enrollment appointment appointment (so you'll know what course to register for).

What are pre-requisites and co-requisites? 

A pre-requisite is a course that you must successfully complete PRIOR to enrolling in another course. The engineering curriculum requires a lot of pre-requisites, because one course's content builds upon knowledge gained in earlier courses. Good preparation is key to your success! A co-requisite is a course that you take concurrently―in the same semester―as another course. For example, students who enroll in CHEM 1221 (Chemistry for Engineers lab) must also enroll in CHEN 1211 (Chemistry for Engineers lecture and recitation).

What is a recitation? 

Many of the 1000-level courses on campus are large lectures, e.g., PSYC 1001 (Introduction to Psychology) and meet in a room that holds 450 people. So in order to enhance the learning experience, multiple sub-sections (recitations) are created to accompany the lecture. These recitations are much smaller and allow for discussion, group work, or to review homework.

Is 10 minutes long enough to get across campus between classes? How do I figure out where my classes meet? 

It takes about 10 minutes at a brisk walking pace to get from the Engineering Center on the east side of campus to the other side of campus. If you have a bike or skateboard, bring it―they are a great way to get across campus.

Locations are noted in the (click on the location to view it in the interactive campus map).

I'm considering changing my major. Who can I talk to about it?

If you want to explore career paths to either confirm your choice of major or consider other possible majors that might be right for you, contact Career Services.ÌýStaff academic advisors and faculty mentors can also help you consider and better understand the options you have.

Want to explore more about different engineering majors and the career and research options they'll open up to you? Have a look at  and the .

How can I change my major?

The Admissions Office manages all major change requests prior to your first day of classes at CU ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ. Students wishing to change majors can log in to their . There, you will see an option to submit a major change request form. Please complete that form to be considered. Major changes are not guaranteed, and there are typically additional steps needed when requesting to change from one college or school into another.

To request a major change after your first day of classes at CU ÌÇÐÄVlogÆƽâ°æ, please follow the guidance found here.