utah state university application essay

Search Utah State University:

Earned admission, we want you at usu.

Not only do we want to welcome you to Utah State, we also want to help you succeed as an Aggie. Please take time to review your next steps  which will  help qualify you for admission and ensure you’re prepared for academic life at Utah State. NOTE: Follow the next steps and requirements based on your GPA.  

Spring 2024 Students

2.0 - 2.79 GPA

1.99 GPA or Below

What Is Earned Admission

If your high school GPA is between a 2.0-2.79, our Earned Admission pathway can help you qualify for admission to Utah State.

With our Earned Admission path, you complete an online, self-paced Preparing for College Workshop prior to the beginning of the semester you plan to start attending USU. In this workshop you will identify your own strengths and challenges, define the habits of mind of a successful college student, meet with an Aggie Advocate, and register for courses that will help you succeed at USU. Upon completion of the workshop, you will have earned admission to USU in good standing.

The Preparing for College Workshop must be completed by the deadline for the semester you plan to enroll at USU. If you are not able to complete the workshop by the completion deadline, you can request to move your admission to the next available term. Please plan accordingly and begin as soon as possible.

There is no cost to the Preparing for College Workshop. However, there are check points along the way that must be completed prior to confirming your enrollment, signing an on-campus housing contract, starting new student orientation, and registering for classes.

If you are not able to complete the student success course by the deadline, you will be dropped from your USU courses and on-campus housing (if applicable).

If your high school GPA is between a 2.0-2.79, our Earned Admission pathway can help you qualify for admission to Utah State. Learn more

• Your Next Steps
• Apply for admission to USU (if you haven't already done so).
• Read the full terms & conditions for the Earned Admission pathway.
• Create your USU password . Your USU password requires you to know your A-Number and is used to log in to most USU systems. 
• Register for workshop .
• Access workshop (after registering).
• Once you’ve completed the required workshop and are admitted to USU, visit our  What's Next  website for more information about confirming your enrollment, signing an on-campus housing contract, starting orientation, and registering for USU classes .
• Deadlines & Timeline

Start today – While you can complete the Preparing for College Workshop at your own pace, you will want to complete the workshop early to ensure the best USU class selection. Also, keep the following deadlines in mind to avoid having to adjust your admission term to a later semester.

• Qualify for Admission — Upon completion of the workshop, you will be admitted in good standing to a four-year program at USU.
• Develop Skills — Identify your own strengths and challenges as it relates to college success.
• Receive Support — You will work with an Aggie Advocate who will help you identify and register for USU classes.
• USU Class Registration — You will be able to complete orientation and register for USU classes on time, with your class (after completing the workshop).
• Student Life — You can sign a contract for on-campus housing after completing the workshop, so you’re ready to live on campus your first semester and experience Aggie life. Make sure to sign up early to get a spot.
• Optional Courses — Y ou also have access to optional study skills, English, and math prep classes to further set you up for success.

Terms and Conditions

Please note that by accepting this Earned Admission pathway you are agreeing to the following:

• I understand that I am admitted to Utah State University only after completing the Preparing for College Workshop by the deadline. Only admitted students can pay the enrollment deposit, sign an on-campus housing contract, begin orientation, and register for classes.
• I understand that I need to enroll in and begin the Preparing for College Workshop by the posted deadline for the semester I wish to enroll.
• I understand that I can work with USU to change my admission offer to the next available semester if needed.
• Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the Earned Admission path students must:

• Have a cumulative high school GPA between a 2.0-2.79
• Be a domestic U.S. student (International students are currently not eligible for this path)
• Be an incoming first-year or transfer student with less than 24 post-high school credits
• Have applied for admission to USU within the past year (Apply at applynow.usu.edu )
• Receive a formal offer from the Admissions Office to participate in the Earned Admission path
• Contact Information

For more information, please contact the Admission Office at 435-797-1079 or [email protected] .

For detailed information about the Earned Admission pathway, schedule a meeting to talk with your assigned admissions specialist .

• Program FAQ

Can all students participate in the Earned Admission path?

• Be a Domestic U.S. Student. (International Students are currently not eligible for this path.)  
• Be an incoming first-time freshman or a transfer student with less than 24 post high school credits.
• Have applied for Admission to USU within the past year. (Please apply at applynow.usu.edu.)
• Have received a formal offer from the Admissions Office to participate in the Earned Admission path. (While lower high school grades will not disqualify a student from being considered for the Earned Admission path, applicants are still required to demonstrate that they meet all non-academic university admissions requirements such as meeting the university’s English proficiency requirement and demonstrating that they can behaviorally be a good citizen at USU.)  

Is there a cost for the Preparing for College Workshop?

Do i receive credit for completing the preparing for college workshop, am i considered to be an enrolled usu student while i take the preparing for college workshop.

No. You will take the Preparing for College Workshop prior to being admitted to Utah State University, so you are not considered to be an enrolled (or matriculated) student while you take this workshop. 

Can I sign an on-campus housing contract before I complete the Preparing for College Workshop?

Can i attend athletic events, use the computer lab, live on on-campus housing, or use various usu student services while i take the preparing for college workshop, what if i don’t complete the preparing for college workshop before the deadline for my first semester, am i fully admitted to usu after i complete the preparing for college workshop, can transfer students and returning usu students do earned admission, how do i sign up for the college success workshop, what happens when i finish the preparing for college workshop, will i be admitted to my chosen major, is there a timeline to finish the preparing for college workshop, how do i move my admission to the next available term, will i receive a usu email account when i register for the preparing for college workshop.

• Optional Courses

The Preparing for College Workshop is required, but you will have access to optional study skills, English, and math prep classes through our partnership with Straighterline (a company that provides self-paced online courses) .

For questions and help with these Straighterline courses, please email our Straighterline student support team at  [email protected] .

Student Success (optional)

English (optional), math (optional), on this page.

• What is Earned Admission
• Terms & Conditions

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

Utah State University Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are Utah State University's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Utah State University and build a strong application.

School location: Logan, UT

This school is also known as: USU

Admissions Rate: 93.7%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Utah State University is 93.7% . For every 100 applicants, 94 are admitted.

This means the school is a nearly open admissions school. They accept nearly all students, so for the most part, you just need to submit an application to get in. But if you don't meet all their application requirements, you'll be one of the very few people who gets rejected.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

Utah State University GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.61

The average GPA at Utah State University is 3.61 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.61, Utah State University requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Utah State University hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Utah State University will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Utah State University SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1180

The average SAT score composite at Utah State University is a 1180 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Utah State University Competitive for SAT test scores.

Utah State University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1070, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1300. In other words, a 1070 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1300 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Utah State University has the Score Choice policy of "All Scores."

This means that Utah State University requires you to send all SAT scores you've ever taken to their office.

This sounds daunting, but most schools don't actually consider all your scores equally. For example, if you scored an 1300 on one test and a 1500 on another, they won't actually average the two tests.

More commonly, the school will take your highest score on a single test date. Even better, some schools form a Superscore - that is, they take your highest section score across all your test dates and combine them.

Some students are still worried about submitting too many test scores. They're afraid that Utah State University will look down on too many attempts to raise your score. But how many is too many?

From our research and talking to admissions officers, we've learned that 4-6 tests is a safe number to submit . The college understands that you want to have the best chance of admission, and retaking the test is a good way to do this. Within a reasonable number of tests, they honestly don't care how many times you've taken it. They'll just focus on your score.

If you take it more than 6 times, colleges start wondering why you're not improving with each test. They'll question your study skills and ability to improve.

But below 6 tests, we strongly encourage retaking the test to maximize your chances. If your SAT score is currently below a 1070, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You don't have much to lose, and you can potentially raise your score and significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Utah State University ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Utah State University likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 24

The average ACT score at Utah State University is 24. This score makes Utah State University Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 20, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 27.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 20 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to Utah State University, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 20.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Utah State University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

This school offers nearly open admissions, which means they give almost every student an offer of admission. To be safe, you should aim for a 1070 SAT or a 20 ACT or higher . If you can achieve this, you're pretty much guaranteed a spot in the incoming class.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Utah State University here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $50
• Fee Waiver Available? Not available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies
• Electives 4

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes Rolling Rolling

Admissions Office Information

• Address: Old Main Hill Logan, UT 84322
• Phone: (800) 488-8108 x8108
• Fax: (435) 797-3900
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Utah State University, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Utah State University.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Utah State University. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Utah State University, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Utah State University, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Utah State University is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

If You Liked Our Advice...

Our experts have written hundreds of useful articles on improving your SAT score and getting into college. You'll definitely find something useful here.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get FREE strategies and guides sent to your email. Learn how to ace the SAT with exclusive tips and insights that we share with our private newsletter subscribers.

You should definitely follow us on social media . You'll get updates on our latest articles right on your feed. Follow us on all of our social networks:

• grade  B+ Overall Grade
• Rating 3.92 out of 5   4,856 reviews

How to Apply to Utah State University

Start your application, application requirements.

• High School GPA Required
• High School Rank Considered but not required
• High School Transcript Required
• College Prep Courses Considered but not required
• SAT/ACT Recommended
• Recommendations Neither required nor recommended

Similar Colleges

See how to apply at similar colleges.

• Rating 3.98 out of 5   3,631 reviews
• CEDAR CITY, UT
• Rating 3.8 out of 5   2,020 reviews
• SALT LAKE CITY, UT
• Rating 3.81 out of 5   4,351 reviews
• Rating 3.78 out of 5   2,258 reviews

Search Utah State University:

Five-paragraph essay format.

The introductory paragraph , which includes a thesis or main idea. The job of the introductory paragraph is to create interest and to introduce the three main points that will be made and supported in the body of the essay.

The second, third, and fourth paragraphs support the main idea presented in the introductory paragraph. Each of these paragraphs deal with one of the specific points introduced in the first paragraph, in the same order. These paragraphs are constructed with a topic or transitional sentence first, followed by an illustration or example of that point, and finally an explanation or application of the specific example. This is the elaboration or development that the reader is looking for. This is called the PIE model: point, illustration, explanation.

The fifth or concluding paragraph , ties it all together and uses new language (to avoid redundancy) to summarize the point made.

• Track Your Application – Admissions Tracker
• Freshman Students

Undergraduate Admissions Standards

• Transfer Students
• Transfer Admission Standards
• Graduate Admissions
• International
• International Freshman Admissions & Undergraduate Costs
• International Graduate Admissions & Graduate Costs
• International Transfer Admissions
• International Non-Traditional
• International Returning Admissions
• International Second Bachelor’s Admissions
• English Proficiency
• I-20 Information
• Returning Students
• Second Bachelor’s Admissions
• Non-Traditional
• Non-Degree Seeking
• High School University Program & Orientation
• Early Admission
• Request Info
• Visit & Engage
• Virtual Campus Tour
• Find Your Counselor
• Meet Our Student Ambassadors
• Upcoming Events
• Admitted Students
• Confirm Intent to Enroll
• Admitted Freshman Next Steps
• Admitted Graduate Next Steps
• Admitted Transfer Student Next Steps
• Admitted Returning Student Next Steps
• Admitted Second Bachelor’s Student Next Steps
• Admitted Non-Traditional Student Next Steps
• Admitted Non-Degree Seeking Student Next Steps
• Financial Aid & Scholarships
• Scholarships
• The Guarantee Scholarship
• Point of the Mountain Scholarship
• Concurrent Enrollment Scholarship
• International Scholarships
• Information & Resources
• Student Life
• Residency for Tuition Purposes
• Prior Learning Credit
• Academic Department Resources
• High School Counselor Resources

Utah Admissions

An extraordinary undergraduate experience begins with you.

An extraordinary undergraduate experience begins with you. Are you prepared for academic success? We assess applicants using a holistic review process that goes beyond GPA to evaluate each student’s individual qualifications and capabilities. Our process includes consideration of the following factors:

Primary Factors

• Rigorous course selection throughout high school career (i.e. Honors, AP, IB, and Dual/Concurrent Enrollment courses)
• Grade trends
• Cumulative unweighted GPA
• Excellence in academic achievement, intellectual pursuits, and creative endeavors
• Satisfactory completion of all high school graduation requirements

Secondary Factors

• Involvement in clubs and organizations, athletics, extracurricular activities, or work
• Family responsibilities
• Extraordinary circumstances
• Significant commitment to community engagement, citizenship, and leadership
• Ability to contribute to and benefit from a culturally and intellectually diverse learning community
• ACT/SAT test scores (for students who want their scores considered or are required to submit them)
• Awards and distinctions

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

Additional Guidelines

If admitted prior to high school graduation, you must complete your senior year satisfactorily and have a final high school transcript sent for review.

If admitted prior to high school graduation, you must:

• Complete your senior year satisfactorily OR receive a diploma equivalent by passing the GED or HiSET
• Have a final high school transcript sent for review

Test Optional FAQs

The University of Utah is Test Optional for freshman applications for admission.

ACT/SAT scores are not required for:

• Standard admission
• Merit scholarships (including department scholarships)
• Direct admission programs (including Engineering)

ACT/SAT scores are required for:

• Home school graduates
• Recipients of a high school equivalency credential through GED or HiSET
• Graduates of a US high school that is not regionally accredited

If you have already taken the exam, you can choose to submit those scores to our office for review. You will not be penalized in any way if you do not submit a test score, nor will you be specifically advantaged for submitting one.

If you respond YES to the Common App question Would you like your official ACT or SAT scores considered for admission to the university? the application will not be considered complete and therefore will not be reviewed for admission or merit scholarships until the official test scores have been received by our office.

You MUST submit an SAT or ACT score if any of the following apply:

• You are homeschooled
• You attend a high school that is not regionally accredited
• You received a GED or HiSET

Applications are only considered complete once all required documents have been received by the Office of Admissions.

Applications that are not complete by December 1 (for Summer/Fall 2023 applicants) will not be considered for merit-based scholarships.

Applicants who have the option of submitting SAT or ACT scores and would like them to be considered will have 30 calendar days from the date of application submission for us to receive their official ACT or SAT scores for consideration. After that time period, or on the day of the application deadline, we will move forward processing these files without test scores and can no longer guarantee that scores will be considered.

We do not have a cutoff GPA for admission, but the middle 50% of our admitted class has between a 3.46 – 3.93 unweighted GPA. That means that 25% of our class has a GPA above this range and 25% of our class has a GPA below this range.

No, the For Utah scholarship is based on Pell eligibility and GPA. You will need to submit a FAFSA by the deadline.

Yes. University merit scholarships do not require test scores for consideration. More information on scholarship consideration can be found  here .

No. Test scores are not required for any direct admissions programs.

ACT/SAT scores are not required. Follow the essay prompts in the Common Application to apply to the Honors College.

Yes. Students who meet one or more of the following criteria will be required to submit standardized test scores:

• Have attended and will graduate from a home school
• Students who will not graduate from high school and have or will earn a GED
• Students who attended and will graduate from a school that is not regionally accredited

All international applicants must provide proof of English proficiency. We know that our international students have the greatest potential for success when they have an effective comprehension of the English language. View approved ways to demonstrate English language proficiency .

An official test score is one that comes directly from the testing agency to the Office of Admissions. Test scores listed on transcripts or sent by anyone other than the testing agency are not considered official by the University of Utah.

It can take a few weeks for scores to be sent by the testing agency and processed by our office. We work as quickly as possible to upload these, but we encourage you to send your test scores as soon as possible if you want to guarantee their consideration.

Please contact your admission counselor and let them know your name, UNID, and the change you would like to make. You can find your admission counselor here: Meet your Counselors | Admissions (utah.edu). If you are requesting to now have your test scores considered, you will be held to the timelines listed above.

Utah State University

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Acceptance Rate

Average SAT

SAT 25th-75th

Students Submitting SAT

Average (25th - 75th)

Reading and Writing

Average ACT

ACT 25th-75th

Students Submitting ACT

Wondering your admission chance to this school? Calculate your chance now

Applications, how to apply, tests typically submitted, similar schools.

More From Forbes

5 strategies to unlock your winning college essay.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 29: People walk through the gate on Harvard Yard at the Harvard ... [+] University campus on June 29, 2023 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that race-conscious admission policies used by Harvard and the University of North Carolina violate the Constitution, bringing an end to affirmative action in higher education. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

The college application season is upon us, and high school students everywhere are staring down at one of the most daunting tasks: the college essay. As someone who has guided countless applicants through the admissions process and reviewed admissions essays on an undergraduate admissions committee, I've pinpointed the essential ingredient to a differentiated candidacy—the core of your college admissions X-factor .

The essential ingredient to your college admissions X-factor is your intellectual vitality. Intellectual vitality is your passion for learning and curiosity. By demonstrating and conveying this passion, you can transform an average essay into a compelling narrative that boosts your chances of getting accepted to your top schools. Here are five dynamic strategies to achieve that goal.

Unleash Your Authentic Voice

Admissions officers sift through thousands of essays every year. What stops them in their tracks? An authentic voice that leaps off the page. Forget trying to guess what the admissions committee wants to hear. Focus on being true to yourself. Share your unique perspective, your passions, and your values. Authenticity resonates deeply with application reviewers, making your essay memorable and impactful. You need not have experienced trauma or tragedy to create a strong narrative. You can write about what you know—intellectually or personally—to convey your enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership. Intellectual vitality shines through when you write with personalized reflection about what lights you up.

Weave A Captivating Story

Everyone loves a good story, and your essay is the perfect place to tell yours. The Common Application personal statement has seven choices of prompts to ground the structure for your narrative. The most compelling stories are often about the smallest moments in life, whether it’s shopping at Costco or about why you wear socks that have holes. Think of the Common Application personal statement as a window into your soul rather than a dry list of your achievements or your overly broad event-based life story. Use vivid anecdotes to bring your experiences to life. A well-told story can showcase your growth, highlight your character, and illustrate how you've overcome challenges. Intellectual vitality often emerges in these narratives, revealing how your curiosity and proactive approach to learning have driven you to explore and innovate.

Reflect And Reveal Insights

It's not just about what you've done—it's about what you've learned along the way. When you are writing about a specific event, you can use the STAR framework—situation, task, action, and result (your learning). Focus most of your writing space on the “R” part of this framework to dive deeply into your experiences and reflect on how they've shaped your aspirations and identity.

NSA Warns iPhone And Android Users To Turn It Off And On Again

‘godzilla minus one’ is coming to netflix this weekend, but there’s a catch, sudden u s dollar collapse fear predicted to trigger a 15 7 trillion etf bitcoin price gold flip as countries go dual currency.

The most insightful college-specific supplement essays demonstrate depth of thought, and the ability to connect past experiences with your future life in college and beyond. Reflecting on your intellectual journey signals maturity and a readiness to embrace the college experience. It shows admissions officers that you engage deeply with your studies and are eager to contribute to the academic community.

Highlight Your Contributions—But Don’t Brag

Whether it's a special talent, an unusual hobby, or a unique perspective, showcasing what you can bring to the college environment can make a significant impact. Recognize that the hard work behind the accomplishment is what colleges are interested in learning more about—not retelling about the accomplishment itself. (Honors and activities can be conveyed in another section of the application.) Walk us through the journey to your summit; don’t just take us to the peak and expect us know how you earned it.

Intellectual vitality can be demonstrated through your proactive approach to solving problems, starting new projects, or leading initiatives that reflect your passion for learning and growth. These experiences often have a place in the college-specific supplement essays. They ground the reasons why you want to study in your major and at the particular college.

Perfect Your Prose

Great writing is essential. Anyone can use AI or a thesaurus to assist with an essay, but AI cannot write your story in the way that you tell it. Admissions officers don’t give out extra credit for choosing the longest words with the most amount of syllables.

The best essays have clear, coherent language and are free of errors. The story is clearly and specifically told. After drafting, take the time to revise and polish your writing. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or trusted friends, but ensure the final piece is unmistakably yours. A well-crafted essay showcases your diligence and attention to detail—qualities that admissions officers highly value. Intellectual vitality is also reflected in your writing process, showing your commitment to excellence and your enthusiasm for presenting your best self.

Crafting a standout college essay is about presenting your true self in an engaging, reflective, and polished manner while showcasing your intellectual vitality. Happy writing.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

• Chair’s Welcome
• Mission & Values
• Diversity Statement
• Why Architecture?
• Career Opportunities
• Reports + Accreditation
• Our History
• Our Facilities
• Dialectic_SoA Journal
• Faculty and Staff
• Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies
• Study Abroad
• Architectural Studies Minor

BSAS Admissions

• Master of Architecture: 2 Year Program
• Master of Architecture: 3+ Year Program
• Master of Science in Architectural Studies
• Dual Master of Architecture (M.Arch)/Master of Science in Architectural Studies (MSAS) Degree
• DesignBuildUTAH
• M.Arch Admissions
• MSAS Admissions
• Transforming Places, Practices and Pedagogies Collaborative (TP3C)
• Resources for Students
• Student Success Center
• Computer Requirements
• Course Catalog
• Student Handbook
• SoA Architectural Design Learning and Teaching Culture Statement
• College Policies

School of Architecture College of Architecture + Planning

Admissions information.

Students may apply to the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BSAS) after completing the pre-architecture requirements and all, or nearly all, the general education requirements at the University of Utah. Questions about the application process may be sent by email ( [email protected] ) or by phone at (801) 585-5354 .

Please note the following requirements for admission:

• Application Form
• Digital Portfolio
• Essay of Motivation
• (2) Letters of Recommendation

All application materials are due by 6pm Friday, May 3rd via email to [email protected]. Applicants will be notified by the dates listed above regarding the outcomes of the admissions process.

Your application and all supporting documents help us get to know your work, your goals, and your abilities as a future architect.

Architecture - M1 (Applying after completing the Design Foundations program)   

May 3rd, 6 PM: All application materials due, including portfolios

May 13th: Spring grades posted

May 17th: Letters sent to students via university email

May 28th, noon: Deadline to accept or decline admission

May 30th: Acceptance letters for waitlisted students begin

June 1st: Application deadline for Volterra program

August 12th: Summer grades due

August 14th: Remaining letters for waitlisted students sent

August 19th: Fall classes begin

Architecture - M2 (Applying as a transfer student after completing the Design Foundations and M1 course requirements)

May 12th: Unofficial transcripts for transfer students due via email 

May 24th: Letters sent to students via university email

June 7th: Deadline to accept or decline admission

June 10th: Acceptance letters for waitlisted students begin

August 12th: Summer grades posted

Applications will be accepted until 6pm Friday, May 3rd, 2024. Applicants will fill out this form online and submit all other materials vie email to [email protected]

School #1 arrowup6

School #2 arrowup6, school #3 arrowup6, school #4 arrowup6.

Digital Portfolio Requirements:

Admission to the undergraduate major in Architectural Studies requires submission of a digital portfolio. The digital portfolio is a demonstration of your skills, ability, and aptitude for the study of architecture. The digital portfolio will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee as partial evidence for your potential success in the program. It should emphasize visual work that demonstrates your spatial and visual design abilities. The committee will be looking at presentation, thought process, definition of concept, ability to develop ideas, and visual/graphic skills.

Digital Portfolio Contents:

• Title page: the title page should include your name, address, phone number, and University of Utah identification number (if you have one).
• Samples of your Creative/Visual Work: the contents may include anything you feel conveys your abilities: architecture, graphics, industrial design, paintings, drawings, sketches, photography, sculpture, ceramics, furniture, engineering studies, creative writing, poems, essays, choreography, musical scores, etc.

Portfolio Templates (Examples):

• InDesign template
• PowerPoint template

You are encouraged to include the best work from your pre-architecture courses, drawing, visual or other classes as well as extracurricular creative projects.

If you include work done in a professional office or studio, please identify the professional’s name, your specific contribution to the project and your level of involvement.

Plagiarized work automatically disqualifies your application.

Digital Portfolio Format:

Email a PDF of your portfolio to [email protected].

Your essay of motivation should articulate why you are drawn to the profession of architecture in general and to the undergraduate program in architecture at the University of Utah. Consider what experience prepares you, as well as what ambitions you have for your potential studies here at Utah, or how you hope to have changed at the end of your time as a Utah student. Limit your response to a one-page PDF file, with a maximum of 500 words. Your file must be clearly named: lastname_firstname_undergraduate_essay.pdf.

Provide two letters of recommendation, at least one from someone who can speak to your potential in an academic setting (i.e., workshop instructor, professor, etc.). Please use the Letter of Recommendation Form provided here: LOR_Form . Your recommenders should email their letters in PDF format to [email protected] . If this is not possible, please ask your recommender to mail them to: Architecture Admissions, College of Architecture + Planning, School of Architecture, 375 South 1530 East RM 332 AAC, SLC, UT 84112-0370.

Provide a one-page digital resume. Provide us with your general background and your educational and employment activities. Your resume should also inform us about your volunteer activities, services to the community and others, and more. Your file must be clearly named: lastname_firstname_undergraduate_resume.pdf.

Transfer Students

If you are not presently attending the University of Utah, in addition to completing the application form, a complete transcript including the current spring semester grades from your current school must be submitted to the University Admissions Office. An unofficial completed transcript should be emailed to [email protected] , no later than May 12 .

Transfer students must also apply to the University of Utah .

Search Utah State University:

Scholarships, admissions scholarship deadline extended.

The Fall 2020 admissions academic scholarship deadline has been extended to June 1, 2020 for new students. Review scholarships for which you may qualify .

Now is the time to apply for USU general and departmental scholarships!

FAFSA is now open ! Need-based scholarships will be available in late February or early March due to the time it will take the federal government and USU to process your FAFSA. Please check back in May 2024 on your Scholarship Application Portal for those awards.

Utah State University provides hundreds of scholarship opportunities to admitted incoming students and current students. Students are encouraged to submit the USU General Scholarship Application. This application uses student information to match students to institutional and private scholarship opportunities. 

• Institutional (USU) scholarships
• Private, Community, and Corporate s cholarships
• College, Department, Major and Campus specific scholarships

Incoming Students

Academic scholarships for incoming first-year or transfer students.

International Students

Access financial resources specific to international USU students. You can also contact the USU Office of Global Engagement.

Undocumented Students

Access financial resources specific to undocumented USU students. You can also contact the USU Admissions Office at [email protected].

State of Utah Programs

The State of Utah provides scholarships to students attending a university within the state.

Have a Private Scholarship? Private scholarship checks can be mailed to: USU Scholarships Office LB 410033 PO Box 35146 Seattle, WA 98124-5146 Learn More

Scholarship Agreements A copy of your scholarship agreement was emailed to you. Check your USU and non-USU email accounts for an email with the following subject line: USU Scholarship Acceptance. If you are still unable to locate your scholarship agreement, please contact [email protected] . Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions You have questions, we have answers! If you need additional clarification or assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment with us. Learn More

Scholarship Appeals If you wish to submit an appeal for a scholarship you applied for, complete the online form linked below. Some reasons students submit an appeal is to request a reduced credit hour requirement, explain extenuating circumstances, using their scholarship during summer term, etc. Submit an Appeal

Workforce Services The Utah Department of Workforce Services helps pay for a college degree for eligible students who are within 2 years of completing their degree. Learn More  

Donor Engagement We appreciate your generous support of our USU students! There are 2 ways to provide your support to our students: 1) Set up an endowment with USU 2) Post your Scholarship in ScholarshipUniverse Learn More

University Agreements University Agreements are created to provide financial support to initiatives that may align with the mission of Utah State University. Learn More