The University Of Utah's Student Selection Secrets

how does the university of utah select students

The University of Utah is a public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was established in 1850 and is the oldest institution of higher education in the state. The university offers a wide range of courses and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 26,827 (as of fall 2023). The application process for the University of Utah differs based on the student's background. For instance, students who graduated from a Utah high school can apply through the Beehive Application or the Common Application, while students from outside Utah must apply through the Common Application. The university uses a holistic admissions process and considers factors such as ACT/SAT scores, GPA, grade trend, rigorous classes taken in high school, and academic achievements. The University of Utah provides various learning opportunities, including community engagement and research, and offers a range of scholarships, grants, and loans to support students financially.

Characteristics Values
Application Process Students can apply using the Beehive Application or the Common Application
Application Fee $55 for domestic students, $65 for international students
Application Requirements Official high school transcripts, official test scores (SAT or ACT), application fee or approved waiver
Undergraduate Enrollment 26,827 (Fall 2023)
Acceptance Rate 62%
SAT Scores (Middle 50% Range) 572.5-680 for evidence-based reading and writing, 570-700 for math, 1150-1370 for the composite
ACT Scores (Middle 50% Range) 22-28 for math, 21-31 for English, 22-29 for the composite
Average High School GPA 3.66
Admissions Process Holistic admissions process that considers standardized test scores, GPA, grade trend, rigorous AP/IB/Honors classes taken in high school, academic achievements, and personal achievements and characteristics

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Application process

The University of Utah, also known as the U of U or The U, is a public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was established in 1850 and is the oldest institution of higher education in the state. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various colleges and schools, including the College of Architecture and Planning, the David Eccles School of Business, the College of Engineering, and the School of Medicine, among others.

The application process for the University of Utah can vary depending on the student's status and previous educational background. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process for prospective students:

Freshman Students:

  • Students who graduated from a Utah high school can apply through the Beehive Application or the Common Application. The Beehive Application is free for Utah high school students, while the Common Application requires a fee of $55 for domestic students and $65 for international students.
  • Pay the application fee or apply for a fee waiver if you meet certain criteria (e.g., financial hardship or a permanent address in Utah).
  • Submit official high school transcripts. Homeschooled students must include their graduation date if applicable.
  • Send official test scores, such as ACT or SAT scores. These scores are required for students from non-accredited US high schools, homeschooled students, or those who took the GED or HiSET exam. For other applicants, submitting test scores is optional but recommended.
  • Track your application status online.

Transfer Students:

  • Students who have previously attended a college or university but have not yet completed a bachelor's degree can apply as transfer students.
  • Complete and submit the Common Application.
  • Pay the application fee or apply for a fee waiver if eligible.
  • Send official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.
  • Submit official test scores, such as ACT or SAT scores, if required.

International Students:

  • International students on a visa, with a permanent resident card for fewer than five years, or with refugee or asylum status have specific requirements.
  • Complete and submit the Common Application.
  • Pay the application fee or request a fee waiver if eligible.
  • Submit official transcripts and test scores, following the same guidelines as other applicants.

The University of Utah also offers other application pathways for specific student categories, such as second bachelor's students, high school university students, and non-degree-seeking students. Additionally, the university provides financial aid and scholarships to support students with their tuition and fees.

Overall, the University of Utah's application process involves submitting the required applications, paying the fees or applying for waivers, and providing necessary documentation, including transcripts and test scores. The university then evaluates the applications based on a holistic admissions process that considers various factors, such as test scores, GPA, academic achievements, and personal characteristics.

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Application requirements

The University of Utah is a public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah, established in 1850. It is the second-largest public university in Utah, with 26,827 undergraduate and 8,409 graduate students as of Fall 2023. The University of Utah is the flagship university of the Utah System of Higher Education and is ranked #136 in National Universities.

The University of Utah uses a holistic admissions process, weighing several factors for prospective students. The application requirements are as follows:

  • Complete and submit the Common Application or Beehive Application (for students from Utah high schools).
  • Pay the application fee of $55 for domestic students and $65 for international students, or obtain a fee waiver.
  • Send official transcripts from your high school. Home-schooled students must include their graduation date if applicable.
  • Submit official ACT or SAT scores if applying from a non-accredited US high school, home school, or if you took the GED or HiSET exam. For all other applicants, ACT or SAT scores are optional but must be submitted within 30 days of submitting your application if you wish for them to be considered.

The University of Utah also offers a range of scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans to make the college experience more affordable for students.

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Application fees

The University of Utah has an application fee of $55 for domestic students and $65 for international students. These fees are non-refundable and must be paid online through the application. Students who will study at the university on a visa are not eligible for need-based fee waivers.

However, the university does offer application fee waivers for students who meet certain criteria. An institutional application fee waiver is automatically given to students who are first-time freshmen with a permanent address in Utah or who attend(ed) a tribal high school in Utah, as well as U.S. military-connected students.

Additionally, application fee waivers may be granted to applicants experiencing financial hardship. To qualify for a fee waiver, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant
  • Received or are eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver
  • Eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL)
  • Family's annual income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service
  • Enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g. TRIO programs such as Upward Bound)
  • Family receives public assistance
  • Live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are homeless
  • Are a ward of the state or an orphan
  • Vocational Rehabilitation or Veteran's Administration is paying part or all of your educational expenses
  • Familial circumstances make the application fee an excessive burden

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Application tracking

The University of Utah has a holistic admissions process, weighing several factors when considering an applicant. These include ACT/SAT standardised test scores, GPA, grade trend, rigorous AP/IB/Honours classes taken in high school, academic achievements, and other "personal achievements and characteristics".

The University of Utah's application tracking system allows applicants to monitor the status of their application. The University will evaluate an application once all the required materials have been received. These include:

  • A completed Common Application or Beehive Application form (Beehive is for students who attended a Utah high school).
  • Payment of the application fee or an approved fee waiver.
  • Official transcripts.
  • Official test scores (an official ACT or SAT score is required if applying from a non-accredited US high school, home school, or if the applicant took the GED or HiSET exam to obtain a high school diploma).

The application fee is $55 for domestic students and $65 for international students. This fee may be waived for applicants who provide documentation of financial hardship.

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Admissions standards

The University of Utah uses a holistic admissions process to select students. The university weighs a variety of factors, including ACT/SAT standardised test scores, GPA, grade trend, rigorous AP/IB/Honours classes taken in high school, academic achievements, and other "personal achievements and characteristics".

For students applying from a non-accredited US high school, home school, or if you took the GED or HiSET exam to obtain a high school diploma equivalent, an official ACT or SAT score is required. For all other applicants, ACT or SAT score submission is optional. If you indicated YES to having scores considered for admission when you applied, you have 30 days from the date of submission to submit your official ACT or SAT scores.

The Beehive Application is free for students from Utah high schools, while the application fee is $55 for domestic students and $65 for international students. The fee may be waived for applicants who provide documentation of financial hardship.

Frequently asked questions

Students who graduated from a Utah high school can select either the Beehive Application or the Common Application. Students who graduated from high school outside of Utah must apply through the Common Application.

To be considered for admission, you must complete and submit the Common Application or Beehive Application, pay the application fee or have a fee waiver approved, send your official transcripts, and send your official test scores.

The application fee is $55 for domestic students and $65 for international students. The fee may be waived for applicants who provide documentation of financial hardship.

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