Automatic Admissions Program Helping Students Reach College Acceptance

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Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) is encouraging eligible high school seniors in Connecticut to apply for the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP).

“The Connecticut Automatic Admission Program is a shining example of measures CSCU and the state have taken to remove barriers to higher education, particularly for first-generation college and minoritized students. Initiatives like CAAP lift up students of all backgrounds by increasing educational access and equity,” said CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng.

“Since the legislation went into effect in 2021 for the graduating class of 2023, CAAP has made a difference in so many students’ lives. This program allows countless high school seniors to apply for and enroll in one of our institutions and receive an affordable, high-quality postsecondary education.”

Through the program, graduating Connecticut high school seniors who have a 3.0 weighted grade point average (GPA) or a 2.75 unweighted GPA are eligible upon application to be automatically admitted to participating colleges and universities.

During the 2024 legislative session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed Public Act No. 24-47, which was signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont, that changed the requirement for a minimum class rank percentile to a minimum GPA for students to qualify for admission to a participating institution of higher education through CAAP.

By simplifying the admissions process and removing application fees, the goal is to make it easier for high school students to seek higher education, particularly among first-generation, low-income, and minority students.

During the last round of admissions offers for the 2024-2025 academic year, according to college officials:

  • 2,706 eligible students were offered direct admission through CAAP. (Eight offers were given to each of the 2,706 students, meaning a total of 21,648 offers were extended.)

  • 1,206 first-generation students were offered direct admission through CAAP.

CAAP is administered by CSCU in partnership with the nonprofit organization Common App. CAAP waives the application fee, student essays, and recommendation letters for participating institutions.

“Common App is thrilled to partner with CSCU for the second year on their Automatic Admission Program to help more students feel worthy and welcome on a college campus,” said Jenny Rickard, President & CEO of Common App. “As we continue to reimagine the admissions process so that all students have the opportunity to enroll in postsecondary opportunities, this partnership is one of many ways we can simplify the admissions process and expand on those we serve.”

CSCU’s four state universities – Central, Eastern, Southern, and Western Connecticut State Universities – each participate in CAAP.  Additional participating institutions include:

  • Albertus Magnus College

  • Goodwin College

  • Mitchell College

  • University of Bridgeport

  • University of New Haven

  • University of Saint Joseph

After applying, Common App sends letters to eligible applicants informing them they have been accepted into participating colleges and universities and encouraging them to make the decision to enroll. This year, students will receive offers on a rolling basis.

For more information on the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program, including instructions on how to apply, visit www.ct.edu/autoadmit.