A KU student walking across Jayhawk Blvd. with two KU busses behind him.

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.

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

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

Steps for juniors preparing to apply

  • 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.

  • Dec. 1: File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

    The FAFSA will be available by Dec. 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.

  • 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