How to Apply

PLP Leadership Studies Program

Thank you for your interest in PLP Leadership Studies Program. This year, DU will accept 88 incoming students to PLP. To be considered for acceptance, please complete and submit the application with careful thought and in accordance with the application deadlines. 

Requirements to Join:

1. Must have applied and been admitted to the University of Denver.
2. Must complete and submit the PLP application by the final deadline. (The PLP application is separate from the undergraduate application for DU.)
3. Must be an incoming, first-year student (Leadership Studies is currently working on offering additional programing and courses for more students. Please stay tuned and reach out if you have questions).

The online application must be fully completed for submission and consideration in the PLP program. Each application will be reviewed in detail and rated based on the following criteria: 

• Demonstration of exposure to positions in leadership or leadership potential.
• A passion for learning.
• Reflection on personal experiences that inform your understanding of leadership. 
• Demonstration of passion for and commitment to serving the greater good.

Please note: Your PLP application and acceptance is separate from your application to the University of Denver. Do not send your PLP application to the Office of Admissions*.

Application Process

After submitting your complete application, we will review your materials an notify you if you are selected to advance to the interview step. 

The application includes the following sections: 

• General Information
• Resume
• Short Answer Essays 

Deadlines

• Application Deadline: Friday, April 3rd, 2026 (Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed based on program capacity).
• Decision Notification Date: Monday, April 20th, 2026

Scholarships

Unfortunately, PLP is not a scholarship program and therefore does not offer financial assistance. This is an academic program with a living and learning component. However, there is no additional cost for participating in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

• Is my PLP application/admittance different from my DU application/admittance?

  Yes. Your PLP application and acceptance is separate from your application to the University of Denver. Do not send your PLP application to the Office of Admission. To apply for the PLP program, please submit the online application form.

  Your DU and PLP application timelines do not need to coincide directly. For example, if you applied by Early Action to DU, you can either apply to PLP by the Priority Application Deadline or the Final Application Deadline. We consider both application deadlines with equal weight.

• Can I apply before I have been accepted to the University of Denver?

  YES! However, your acceptance to PLP is contingent on your acceptance to the University.

• Can you explain PLP housing?

  One of the great benefits to being in PLP is living together. You will make long-term friendships and connections that will last beyond the walls of DU. All first year PLP students live in Dimond Family Residential Village. Once you have been accepted to PLP, you will be sent a contract that requires completion and return. At the same time, you will need to apply for housing through Housing and Residential Education (HRE), as detailed in your DU acceptance packet. You are required to live on the PLP floor to be in the program.

• Can I be in PLP if I am a commuter student?

  We are open to this special circumstance and will consider you if you are a commuter student. Please just let us know after you submit your application that you are a commuter.

• Can I be in PLP and the Honors Program?

  Many of our students are successful in both PLP and the Honors Program. However, to be in PLP, you must live on the PLP floor.

• How do you communicate with students?

  We try to do all our acceptance communication via email. Please be prepared to communicate in this format.

• What is the difference between the Priority vs. the Final Application Deadline?

  The primary benefit to the Priority Application Deadline is to know your PLP application decision status sooner. We consider Priority Applicants and Final Applicants with equal weight. You are encouraged to apply earlier with the Priority Deadline, but if the date has passed, we encourage you to apply by the Final Application Deadline.

• Do you offer scholarships?

  PLP does not currently offer financial assistance for incoming students. However, starting a student's second year in the program, they are eligible to apply for the Leadership Development Fund or the Anne Miller Larsen Memorial Fund to help offset the cost of leadership exploration.

• Can international students apply to PLP?

  Yes! International students are encouraged to apply. However, non-native English speakers' acceptance to PLP is contingent upon passing the University of Denver’s English Proficiency Exam when you arrive on campus.