Q.
|
Why should I think about going to college?
|
A.
|
Getting a higher education is the smartest decision you'll make in life. The power of education is the choices it gives you — choices that can change your life. Going to college, whether in a short-term training program or postgraduate study, is an investment that will pay off financially in many ways. Any level of additional education is helpful, particularly the education that will enhance your skills, talents, and abilities. That education may be one, two, or four years. Here are the facts.
- Higher average annual salaries. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2001 high school dropouts earned $20,746; high school graduates earned $27,160; those who had an associate degree earned $34,564; people with a bachelors degree earned $43,529; and persons having a doctorate earned $70,826.
- Higher lifetime earnings. Lifetime earnings of associate degree holders are 27% higher than the lifetime earnings of high school graduates; lifetime earnings of bachelor degree holders are 60% more than those of high school graduates; and holders of a doctorate earn over 2½ times more.
- Individuals with education beyond high school are better able to keep up with inflation. Only the family incomes of people with five or more years of college outpaced inflation.
- Greater likelihood of staying employed. The unemployment rate for high school graduates is higher than for those who have higher education.
- Greater employability. Starting in 2000, 80% of jobs require some post-high school training.
|
|
Q.
|
When should I start thinking about college?
|
A.
|
It is best to begin thinking about college no later than junior high or middle school. A student who decides to go to college before high school is able to use all four years to help reach his or her goals. Knowing what courses you need to take in high school to be accepted to the college of your choice will let you make certain that the courses you take as a freshman (and maybe even during 8th grade) will prepare you for the ones you need to take later on.
Take control! The decisions you make about your high school studies can influence whether the college you choose will also want you.
Remember, the cumulative GPA includes freshman through senior years of high school. It all counts.
However, it is never too late to start thinking about college. Explore all the options even if you don't think about college until the 12th grade.
|
|
Q.
|
Suppose I know that I want to go to college, but I am not sure what I want to study?
|
A.
|
Sometimes it is difficult to decide, especially for students who enjoy many different things and have the ability to do lots of things well. One thing that can help is to begin thinking about your choices early and to consider all the different aspects of a job. Do some research, find out what jobs are available, and talk to people who work in an area that you think sounds interesting. It may not be necessary to decide on a specific career immediately, but it is a good idea to narrow your choices as much as possible. The Career Planner can help you match careers to your interests.
There are also other interest tests and programs that will assist you in fine-tuning your search for a career path to follow. Check with your high school counselors.
|
|
Q.
|
What high school courses do I need to take to help me get into college?
|
A.
|
Even if they are not required for high school graduation, most colleges require at least three, and preferably four, years of studies in the following core courses:
- English
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
In addition, many colleges require at least two years of the same foreign language. Participation in extracurricular activities is also a good idea in high school. Courses that require study and time outside the classroom (like debate, band, communications, and drama) indicate a willingness to cooperate with others and to put in the effort needed to succeed.
Your grades are important. However, the difficulty of your coursework can also be a significant admissions factor. In general, most colleges prefer students with average grades in tougher courses than students who opt for an easy "A". We encourage students to take rigorous college prep courses.
Computer skills for doing research and project preparation are essential for college courses so a computer science course is helpful but not required.
Use the Admissions Standards & Index to view each school's requirements.
|
|
Q.
|
What else can I do to improve my chances of being accepted?
|
A.
|
Class Rank
Some colleges and universities consider class rank. By doing so, they are looking at the grades you make in relation to your peers.
Standardized Tests
In addition to coursework, grades, and class rank, scores on standardized tests (such as the ACT and SAT) can be included among the criteria for admission to some colleges and universities.
College Credit Before You Start
Often high school students are eligible to receive college credit. Advanced Placement, Concurrent Enrollment, Early College, and applied technology courses are opportunities for students to gain college credit and save on tuition.
Students scoring 3 or higher on AP exams can receive college credit. Ask your high school counselor if AP courses are available in your school.
Early College allows a student to be dual enrolled at both the high school and local college or university. Courses taken allow a student to both fulfill high school graduation requirements and begin working toward a college degree.
Concurrent enrollment courses are courses taught in the high school or on a college/university campus, which have been approved for college credit by some institutions.
Applied technology courses are technology and job-oriented courses offered through the Utah College of Applied Technology as well as some other colleges in Utah.
|
|
Q.
|
What are standardized tests?
|
A.
|
Students interested in attending college should become familiar with three exams associated with college admissions. Community colleges normally do not require completing standardized tests for admission. However, community colleges do administer placement exams to assist students in registering for the appropriate writing and math classes. Students who are already in college and preparing to go on to graduate, business, law, or medical school need to prepare for and take additional exams. Check with your high school counselor or the schools you're interested in attending to find out what test or tests are required for someone in your situation. Also, ask your counselor, contact the testing agencies, or check your local bookstore for samples of past tests to familiarize yourself with the content. You may also want to check out some Internet resources available on testing.
- ACT Assessment
One standardized test used for admissions by colleges is the ACT Assessment. The test is designed to measure achievement in English, math, reading, and science. Scores for each section are averaged to create a composite score. A perfect score on the ACT Assessment is 36. Contact your high school counselor for test dates, locations, and study materials to familiarize yourself with test content and questions, or call the ACT information line at (319) 337-1000.
- PSAT
The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) is a two-part exam that is very similar to the SAT I (Scholastic Assessment Test). The PSAT consists of two 25-minute verbal sections, two 25-minute math sections, and one 30-minute writing skills section. Most people take the PSAT in the fall of their junior year in high school. Some students choose to take it during their sophomore year. Scores on the PSAT are used to determine National Merit Scholars, students who qualify for merit-based scholarships distributed throughout the United States. Talk to your high school counselor for more information or call the PSAT information line at (609) 771-7070.
- SAT
The SAT is one of two standardized tests used by colleges as part of their admissions criteria. The SAT I is a three-hour exam that measures verbal and math reasoning skills. Scores on each section range from 200-800 points. The SAT II consists of more than 20 subject-area tests designed to measure subject-area knowledge. Contact your high school counselor for test dates, locations, and study guides, or call the Educational Testing Service for general SAT information at (609) 771-7600.
|
|
Q.
|
Does it help to take both the ACT and the SAT I?
|
A.
|
Some students do choose to take both the SAT I and the ACT, and some test-takers do perform better on one than the other. Sometimes, however, scores on one aren't much better or worse than the scores on the other. Talk to your counselor or an admissions officer at a college or university before deciding which test to take and whether to take them both. There really isn't any way to know whether you will do better on one or the other until you take them. Utah institutions will use your highest score. All scores must be received prior to admissions and scholarship deadlines.
|
|
Q.
|
What if I don't know to which college or university I want my scores sent?
|
A.
|
Both the ACT and the SAT allow test-takers to send their scores to several different organizations, including scholarship programs, colleges, and universities. Even if you aren't certain which school you want to attend, you can send your scores to those that you think you are most likely to decide to attend. And, if you decide on one that isn't even on your list of possibilities, you can pay to have another report sent there later.
|
|
Q.
|
What if I get a terrible score? Can I take the test a second time?
|
A.
|
Yes, both the ACT and the SAT allow students to take the test several times. A number of students take the tests during their junior year of high school and then again in their senior year. And sometimes scores do improve enough to make the difference for a particular student. But there is no guarantee that a student's scores will improve. If you want to improve your scores, you should see about doing some things to prepare first. Talk to a counselor before you take a test over.
|
|
Q.
|
When do I apply?
|
A.
|
The application filing periods are different for each institution. Check with the school you plan to attend to be certain of the application deadline. Check the Campus Tours in the College Campus Tools module for school-specific information.
|
|
Q.
|
What if I miss the initial filing period?
|
A.
|
Most campuses will continue to accept applications after the initial filing period. However, some majors may be filled. You should talk to a college or university admissions counselor to get specific information.
|
|
Q.
|
Do I have to notify a campus that I will be attending?
|
A.
|
Be sure to carefully check your admission letter to see if an intent response is required, with or without a fee, and be sure to observe the deadline dates specified. If the campus of your choice does not require an intent to register, it is still important to observe any conditions specified in the admission packet.
|
|
Q.
|
What is selective service registration?
|
A.
|
The federal Military Selective Act (the Act) requires most males residing in the United States to present themselves for registration with the Selective Service System within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Most males between the ages of 18 and 25 must be registered. Males born after December 31, 1959, may be required to submit a statement of compliance with the Act and regulations in order to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance under specified provisions of existing federal law.
Selective Service registration forms are available at any U.S. Post Office, and many high schools have a staff member or teacher appointed as a Selective Service Registrar. Applicants for financial aid can also request that information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be used to register them with the Selective Service. Information on the Selective Service System is available and the registration process may be initiated online at www.sss.gov.
|
|
Q.
|
What are the admission requirements for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)?
|
A.
|
Each Utah public-funded campus has an Educational Opportunity Program or Student Support Services program for low-income undergraduate students who are Utah residents and are disadvantaged because of their economic and educational backgrounds. Students with a history of low income who need academic and financial assistance may apply for the program. Some campuses accept EOP students who do not meet regular admission criteria, as well as those who qualify for regular admission. Check with the specific campus for more details.
Because acceptance to the EOP program is limited, you should file your application for admission to the campus and complete your EOP forms early in the filing period.
|
|
Q.
|
How is my residency classification determined?
|
A.
|
Under Utah law, each campus must determine the residence status of all new and returning students. Generally, to be eligible for Utah resident classification, an adult applicant must have established and maintained permanent residence in Utah for at least two years prior to the residence determination date or have completed 60 semester hours as a nonresident student.
Generally, transfer students who have been granted Utah in-state residency by the former public institution will be considered a resident at another Utah public institution. Students can appeal their residency status through the admission office.
Utah nonresidents are required to pay nonresident tuition and meet other conditions. Private institutions do not charge tuition based on residency.
|
|
Q.
|
How do I apply to more than one campus?
|
A.
|
Whether you apply electronically through UtahMentor or by completing a paper admission application, you can apply to more than one institution. If you wish to be considered at more than one campus, you are encouraged to file an admission application to each campus you are considering. Each application filed requires an application fee.
|
|
Q.
|
Where do I send my application?
|
A.
|
If you are completing your application online through UtahMentor, your completed admission application will be routed automatically to the campus of your choice. Paper applications must be sent to the admissions office at the campus to which you are applying.
|
|
Q.
|
How much does it cost to apply?
|
A.
|
Each college/university admission application you file requires an application fee. This fee is nonrefundable and may be different at each institution. Look for the specific application fee for each institution in the Campus Tours in the College Campus Tools module.
|
|
Q.
|
When will the campus contact me after I've filed my application?
|
A.
|
How soon you will hear about your application varies from campus to campus. In all cases, within a few weeks of filing your application, the campus should notify you that your application has been received and is being processed. If the campus was unable to process your application, you will be notified as soon as possible.
|
|
Q.
|
When will I know if I am admitted?
|
A.
|
Each campus has its own timeline for notifying students of admission. Some campuses begin notifying applicants of an admission decision soon after the receipt of an application. Other campuses hold their decisions and notify students at the same time. It is not uncommon for there to be a several-month period before admission decisions are mailed to applicants.
|
|
Q.
|
How do I get more information from the campus?
|
A.
|
Campuses are eager to provide you with more information. You can use this site to link to the campus website to obtain more information. You can also use MentorMail™ or your own e-mail account to contact the campuses in which you are interested for more information. Campuses also appreciate letters asking for more information. Best of all, if you can, be sure to visit the campuses in which you are interested for a campus tour.
|
|
Q.
|
How can I find out about financial aid?
|
A.
|
There are a number of places on the UtahMentor website with financial aid information. For general information visit the Financial Aid Overview, or if you have additional questions visit the financial aid section of the College Q&As. You can also ask your counselor about financial aid opportunities.
|
|
