![A KU student walking across Jayhawk Blvd. with two KU busses behind him.](/sites/admissions/files/styles/7_5_placeholder_/public/images/2021/2104718_AW_Spring-Color-A-49-2_2.jpg?h=2a59fa4d&itok=8Ho8tRfF)
Planning for a future at KU
Your journey from being an interested student to an official Jayhawk will involve several steps. We’ve laid out some required and recommended steps below to guide you.
Important steps for all students
Sign up for our mailing list
This is the best way to receive information on how to prepare for a career at KU and why you should be excited to be a Jayhawk.
![A close up view of a student's face with a computer keyboard reflected in her sunglasses.](/sites/admissions/files/images/2020/1903565_AW_Spring-Color-E-234.jpg)
Visit campus
The best way to find out if KU is the right fit is to join us for an interactive info session, ask questions, and hear what life is like as a Jayhawk. Then take our virtual tour to get a glimpse of the state-of-the-art facilities and historic halls on our hilltop campus.
![Tour crossing Jayhawk Boulevard on a fall morning](/sites/admissions/files/images/2020/Crimson-and-Blue-Day-483-%281%29.jpg)
Talk to your rep
How does your favorite subject translate to our majors? What kind of financial aid will you be eligible for? Talk to the admissions rep assigned to your area.
![KU admissions rep Sidney Zavala](/sites/admissions/files/images/2021/2003822_MK_SidneyZavala.0129_2.jpg)
Steps for juniors preparing to apply
August: Schedule classes that fulfill our college prep curriculum
By taking high school courses that fit these criteria, you'll be better prepared for college courses, and you'll satisfy one of our steps for assured admission.
October: Take the PSAT
A PSAT score is required to be named a National Merit Semifinalist, which could increase your KU scholarship offer. Register early for test dates in October.
December: Register to take the ACT or SAT
Register as early as December for a February or April exam — either the ACT (our code is 1470) or SAT (6871 is our code for that).
May: Take AP and/or IB exams
You could receive college credit or higher placement in KU courses based on Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam performance. Take them in May, then send your scores directly to KU.
Steps for seniors ready to apply
July 1: Apply to be a Jayhawk
You have two great ways to apply to the University of Kansas. The KU application opens July 1 for first-time freshmen. Or you can apply using the Common App starting Aug. 1. But please submit only one application. You will also receive a mini KU game day flag with your admit packet when admitted by Oct. 1.
October: File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA will be available in the fall. You must file this form to be considered for federal loans, grants, work-study, and some state and university aid. To qualify for financial aid with limited funds, file by KU’s FAFSA priority date of Feb. 1. KU’s school code is 001948.
Nov. 1: Meet our early action deadline
When you submit an application and are admitted by Nov. 1, you can make progress sooner than most students on housing options, registering for KU Orientation, and other important elements of coming to KU.
Dec. 1: Apply by the scholarship deadline
An application received by Dec. 1 will put you in consideration for KU’s institutional scholarships. A transcript is required for admission and scholarship consideration.
Steps for transfer students
July 1: Apply to be a Jayhawk
Our application opens July 1 for all 2024 terms.
Aug 15: Meet the fall semester application deadline
If you haven’t applied for the fall 2024 semester, do so by Aug. 15.
Dec. 1: Meet the spring scholarship deadline
An application received by Dec. 1 will put you in consideration for KU’s institutional scholarships. You can meet this deadline with self-reported grades, which can be officially verified later by your transcripts.
Jan. 1: File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA will be available by Jan. 1. You must file this form to be considered for federal loans, grants, work-study, and some state and university aid. To qualify for financial aid with limited funds, file your FAFSA as soon as possible. KU’s school code is 001948.
Jan. 4: Meet the spring semester application deadline
If you haven’t applied for the spring 2024 semester, do so by Jan. 4.
May 23: Meet the summer semester application deadline
If you haven’t applied for the summer 2024 semester, do so by May 23.
August 1: Meet the fall scholarship deadline
An application received by August 1 will put you in consideration for KU’s institutional scholarships. You can meet this deadline with self-reported grades, which can be officially verified later by your transcripts.