Admissions Process

PLC's application process is guided by our desire to develop well-rounded, extraordinary leaders.

We receive over 600 applications for 50 positions for each incoming class.

Our application, selection and admissions process is as follows:

Application Review:

• All PLC applications are sent to PLC from CU Boulder Scholarship Services on FEB. 15th. 
• Each application is then reviewed and scored by three readers and scored based on the selection criteria.
• Scores and comments are reviewed to select approximately 150 in-state and 50 out-of-state candidates for the interview round.
• You will be notified by email of your interview status.

Interviews:

• These interview dates are set for MARCH 10th or 11th on the University of Colorado Boulder campus.
• We expect applicants to plan for these interview dates ahead of time.
• In-state candidates participate in a 20-minute interview on the CU campus with three to four business, government, and community leaders, as well as PLC staff, alumni, parents, and board members. 
• Out-of-state and international students are given a Skype (preferred) or telephone interviews on MARCH 14-18 (during school day hours, please make arrangements necessary)

While each candidate's interview is different, panelists typically ask about material from your application, observations about your life experiences, your goals for the future, how you believe you will benefit from participation in PLC, what you think you will bring to PLC's community and contemporary public affairs issues.  Click here for more hints on how to prepare for your PLC interview.

By April 1st you will be notified by email as to whether or not you have been selected as a PLC student. Each year's class of 50 students typically includes 35-40 Colorado residents, 10-13 non-residents, and 2 international students. A pool of alternates is also established from which we select applicants if openings occur.

Accepted students must notify the PLC office by May 1st of their intent to participate in PLC the following school year.  If PLC does not hear from an admitted student by May 1, the seat will be vacated and offered to an alternate.