First year applicants are typically students who have not graduated high school, or have not taken any college classes after graduating high school. Students who are taking college classes as part of the high school experience (in programs like PSEO, CIS, Running Start, Early College High Schools, etc.) should apply as first year applicants.

Transfer applicants are typically students who have taken college classes after high school graduation. This includes students who are currently enrolled in a college degree program, as well as students who have taken classes on an ad hoc basis. Transfer students do not need to be currently enrolled in college to be considered transfer applicants. Students who are taking college classes as part of the high school experience (in programs like PSEO, CIS, Running Start, Early College High Schools, etc.) should apply as first year applicants.