Freshman Admission Standards

Identifying applicants who are well prepared for academic success is one of the keys to providing our students with an extraordinary undergraduate experience. Each year we have many more students who apply than we can admit. 

Fall 2012 Freshman Class Profile

Ever wondered what an average freshman looks like at the University of Utah? To help you understand what our student body is, here are some Fall 2012 numbers:

Middle 50% of Enrolled First-Time Freshmen

HS GPA

3.30-3.88

ACT Composite

21-27

HS Percentile Rank

55.6% - 89.2%

The admission policy at the University of Utah has changed beginning with applicants for Summer 2013 and later.  Learn about these important changes.

We evaluate applicants through a holistic review. Our holistic review process helps ensure we give all students the best opportunity to present a complete picture of their qualifications. Our holistic review includes consideration of the following:

Academic Preparation & Performance

Personal Achievements & Characteristics
  • Excellence in Academic Achievement, Intellectual Pursuits, and Creative Endeavors
  • GPA/Rigor of High School Curriculum
  • Standardized Test Scores (ACT/SAT)
  • Academic Distinctions
  • Significant Commitment to Citizenship through Public Service, School Activities, Community Engagement, Leadership, or Familial Responsibilities 
  • Satisfactory completion of all high school core course requirements
  • Personal Qualities: Integrity, Maturity, Motivation, and Resilience
  • Significant Commitment to Citizenship through Public Service, School Activities, Community Engagement, Leadership, or Familial Responsibilities
  • Demonstrated Understanding of and Respect for Historically Underrepresented Populations
  • Ability to Contribute to and Benefit from a Culturally and Intellectually Diverse Learning Community

Non-graduates, Home school, Certificate of Completion, and Non-Accredited High Schools

Read the Admission Standards for Non-graduates, Home school, Certificate of Completion, and Non-Accredited High Schools

Different admission standards apply to non-high school graduates, graduates from non-accredited high schools, Home school students, and Utah students who receive a Certificate of Completion from a Utah high school.

In addition to the Admission Application and fees, additional documentation is required:

  • An official high school transcript, including date of graduation. Home schooled students can submit a list of courses completed. 
  • Scores from the General Education Development (GED) test.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Applicant's high school class has graduated.
  • ACT composite score is at least 23 (SAT Critical Reading and Math total score is 1050).
  • GED composite of 550 or higher and all subscores are 500 or higher. Students whose high school class has graduated and who have an ACT/SAT score in the upper quartile (25 ACT, 1130 SAT) are not required to take the GED.  (NOTE: Students who do not graduate from high school may need to take the GED to qualify for financial aid.  Learn more from the Financial Aid Office at 801- 581-6211.)

Read the admission standards for:

Additional Guidelines

Students admitted prior to high school graduation must complete their senior year satisfactorily and have a final high school transcript sent for review.

Likelihood of admission may also depend on the quality of the applicant pool and University enrollment goals.

If you do not meet the above requirements, it is likely you will not be admitted. Consider attending another regionally accredited college or university and reapply after you have 30 semester or 45 quarter transferable credits with at least a 2.6 GPA.

Some applicants not meeting the admission standards may be considered for admission on an exception basis if their special talents or diversity enhances the institution's life and character.

Admission Deadlines

Remember:

Domestic Freshman Fall Priority Deadline is Dec. 1

Application and required documentation submitted for Summer 2013 must be received by April 15, 2013.

Fall:

Apr. 1

Spring:

Nov. 1

Summer:

Mar. 15

See all Deadlines

Applications received after the deadline will be assessed a $30 late fee.

 
Last Updated: 4/22/13