university of utah admissions essay

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University of Utah Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are University of Utah'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 University of Utah and build a strong application.

School location: Salt Lake City, UT

This school is also known as: The U, U of U, Utah

Admissions Rate: 84%

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 University of Utah is 84% . For every 100 applicants, 84 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet University of Utah's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

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University of Utah 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: 3.64

The average GPA at University of Utah is 3.64 .

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

With a GPA of 3.64, University of Utah 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.

University of Utah 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 University of Utah 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.

University of Utah 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: 1285

The average SAT score composite at University of Utah is a 1285 on the 1600 SAT scale.

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

University of Utah SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1190, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1380. In other words, a 1190 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1380 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.

University of Utah has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Sitting."

This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider the SAT score from your single highest test date (the sum of math, reading, and writing).

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and University of Utah only considers your highest score on a single test date, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit your strongest score. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT score is currently below a 1190, 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.

University of Utah ACT Requirements

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

Average ACT: 27

The average ACT score at University of Utah is 27. This score makes University of Utah Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 30.

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 22 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 University of Utah, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 22.

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.

University of Utah 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

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . Aim for a 1190 SAT or a 22 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you'll be a shoo-in.

But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

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?

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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 University of Utah here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for some freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $55
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office April 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies
• Electives 4

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes April 1 Rolling
• Yes December 1 January 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 201 Salt Lake City, UT 84112-1107
• Phone: (801) 581-7200
• Fax: (801) 585-3034
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in University of Utah, 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 University of Utah.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Utah. 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 University of Utah, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for University of Utah, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Utah 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.

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Application Management

The University of Utah

Welcome to the University of Utah, Utah's nationally-ranked flagship university! We're a community of diverse explorers, innovators, and leaders dedicated to improving the world every day. With 100+ majors to explore, our world-renowned faculty and small classes mean you'll get the attention and support you need. We want you to make a difference. We're here to help you do just that.

Academic programs.

• Art & Design
• Communication
• Engineering
• Finance/Accounting
• Government/Political Science
• Health Science
• Liberal Arts
• Performing Arts
• Social Science
• Visual Arts

Student experience

• Disability Services
• Distance/online learning
• Internship Opportunities
• Intramural/Club Sports
• LGBTQIA Services
• Military/Veteran Services
• Night Class Offerings
• On-Campus Housing
• ROTC Program
• Study Abroad
• Undergraduate Research
• Veteran Fee Waiver

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

You are considered a freshman applicant if you have not previously enrolled in a regionally accredited college or university, or you have only enrolled in college courses prior to high school graduation. Items required for a completed freshman application: application, application fee or fee waiver, official high school transcript, and official GED Scores, if applicable.

For more information or to register for an in-person or virtual campus tour, visit https://admissions.utah.edu/visit/ .  We also offer campus tours in Spanish. También ofrecemos recorridos por el campus en español.

Admissions office

201 S 1460 E ROOM 250 S SALT LAKE CITY , UT 84112 , United States of America

[email protected]

Phone number

801-581-8761

For first-year students

Admissions website.

admissions.utah.edu/apply/freshmen-students/

Financial aid website

financialaid.utah.edu/types-of-aid/prospective-freshman-guide.php

Undocumented or DACA students

dream.utah.edu

View more in this region

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University of Utah

Cost & scholarships.

• Essay prompt

Your chances

Acceptance rate, acceptance rate breakdown, applicant breakdown, average net cost after aid.

Published costs and averages can be misleading: they don’t fully account for your family’s finances (for financial aid) or your academic profile (for scholarships).

Want to see your personalized net cost after financial aid and scholarships?

Applications

How to apply, tests typically submitted, enrolled breakdown by gender, race & ethnicity diversity, special academic offering, study abroad, credit for ap exams, offers graduate degree, academic and career counseling, similar schools.

• 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 .

University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts & Tips

• Cracking Med School Admissions

The University of Utah secondary application reflects on the medical school’s values.  The admissions committee wants to recruit a diverse group of medical school students with varied backgrounds and experiences. Through our Cracking Med School Admissions experiences, we’ve seen that the University of Utah favors students who have or have had affiliations with Utah state. You need a compelling “Why University of Utah.” Read more of our University of Utah secondary application tips below. 

The prompts for the University of Utah secondary application change each year, so we would not recommend you to pre-write this. However, please note that there is a two-week deadline once your receive the official University of Utah Medical School secondary application.

Our Cracking Med School Admissions team can help you submit strong University of Utah School of Medicine secondary essays through our secondary essay editing . 

• Personally Tailored Essays
• Edits by Stanford & Harvard-trained Doctors
• We study your application strengths to see what unique attributes we’ll bring to the medical school

University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2023 – 2024

University of utah secondary application: md application essays.

Note: The essay prompts changed from last year’s application

• Tell us why you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. How does our program align with your personal and professional goals? What can you contribute to our exceptional learning experience? (300 words max)
• Describe how health disparities have impacted you, your community, and/or the communities you have served? What lessons have you learned and how do you plan to use this knowledge to address health equity as a medical student at our program and as a future physician? (300 words max)
• (If applicable – re-applicants)  Upon reflection and self-assessment, please share with us your areas of demonstrated growth since your previous application. Please highlight examples of your continued commitment to medicine. (300 words max)

University of Utah Secondary Application: RUUTE Scholars Essay Prompts

• According to your experiences, what does rural and underserved mean to you? (200 words max)
• How would participation in RUUTE help you fulfill your career aspirations? (150 words max)
• Why do you believe this program will be a good fit for you? (150 words max)

University of Utah Secondary Application: Population Health Program Essay Prompts

• Please share your interest in the Population Health Program  (no word count limit)
• What are your career interests and future professional goals? (no word count limit)
• Please describe how you have demonstrated commitment to Population Health concepts during your academic and professional experiences: (no word count limit)
• What does Population Health mean to you and how do you plan on implementing it into your future education and professional career? (no word count limit)

Tips to Answer University of Utah Medical School Secondaries

  University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Tip #1: It is extremely important to convey University of Utah School of Medicine in your secondary application. That’s why it’s the University of Utah Medical School secondary application’s essay #1!

• Read our HIGH-YIELD blog post  Why this Medical School? Secondary Essay Example   for more tips on how to answer “Why University of Utah School of Medicine.”
• Read more about the University of Utah Medical School pathways here . 

University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Tip #2: The strongest University of Utah medical school secondary applications we have read are ones in which the applicant tells stories . We think you can write stories about patient care or community work in all of the MD essays. 

University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Tip #3: RUUTE scholars are part of the Rural & Underserved Utah Training Experience curriculum. It is important to discuss your interests in rural medicine and the underserved. To answer the University of Utah RUUTE Scholars essays strongly, you should write about your experience with working in rural areas and with underserved communities. As stated in our other tips, it is important to tell stories. In this case, we would tell at least one story of a clinical experience in a rural setting. Additionally, if you want to discuss other individuals or personal experiences living in rural areas, that would make you a strong candidate. Finally, you should convey your aspirations and vision to work in rural Utah or underserved areas of Utah. 

University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Tip #4:  If you are a re-applicant, it’s very important to discuss the following in the re-applicant essay:

• Reflections about why your application was not as strong last cycle. 
• How you addressed the weaknesses. 
• Clinical opportunities you’ve improved. Reflect on what you learned about patient care.
• Any activities (clinical experiences, extracurricular activities, volunteering) that you have completed in Utah since the time of your previous application.

University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Tip #5: Get our help to edit your University of Utah secondary application essays. We can help you through our secondary essay packages . Have questions about how you can stand out? Contact us below.

[ Read Other Secondary Essay Tips:  University of Colorado, University of Vermont , University of Washington ]

Your medical school application Coaches, Mentors, & Cheerleaders

We Personally Advise Every Student We Work With.

Rachel Rizal, M.D.

Changing the trajectory of people’s lives.

Undergraduate Princeton University, cum laude

Medical School Stanford School of Medicine

Residency Harvard, Emergency Medicine

Awards & Scholarships Fulbright Scholar USA Today Academic First Team Tylenol Scholarship

Rishi Mediratta, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.

Advising students to attend their dream schools.

Undergraduate Johns Hopkins University, Phi Beta Kappa

Residency Stanford, Pediatrics

Awards & Scholarships Marshall Scholar Tylenol Scholarship Global Health Scholar

stand out from other applicants with our secondary essay edit packages

Download your secondary essay guide.

Use this essay guide and workbook to write standout secondaries.

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University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2022 – 2023

• n 2019 the UUSOM began a strategic transformation process to emphasize community, relationships, and professionalism in the learning culture. How does our program align with your career goals? How will you contribute to this learning culture?  (150 words max)
• The School of Medicine aims to create a culture of inclusion and anti-racism in health education and healthcare delivery. How have you promoted or advocated for health equity in your experiences? How do you envision contributing to the UUSOM and the communities we serve? (150 words max)
• Reflecting on the past few years of the pandemic, what has the impact of COVID-19 been on you and/or your community? What lessons have you learned about yourself? (150 words max)

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University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2021 – 2022

• Explain why you are choosing to apply to the University of Utah School of Medicine. (200 words max)
• Share any disruptions in your academic, volunteer, work, and/or personal life related to COVID-19 that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider.
• What was one of your biggest lessons learned about yourself and how this lesson effected your outlook on the role of medicine?
• Share creative ways in which you were able to serve your community during the crisis.
• What hardships have you faced as a result of the global pandemic
• What does health equity mean to you? Please comment on your personal commitment and attributes towards your definition of health equity and how it will impact the future of medicine. (200 words max)

RUUTE Scholars

University of utah medical school secondary application questions: 2020 - 2021.

• For non-Utah residents : Explain why you chose to apply to the University of Utah School of Medicine. Please indicate if you have a connection to the state of Utah. (1,000 characters max)
• If you are interested in becoming a RUUTE Scholar : What does rural and underserved mean to you? (3,300 characters max)
• (Optional) Explain how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted you. You may use this space to reflect upon your experiences during this time period. (1,500 characters max)
• If you are a reapplicant : Explain what you have done to strengthen your application. (500 characters max)
• If you marked that you will not be enrolled in courses from 2020-2021, explain your activities. (1,000 characters max)

University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2019 – 2020

• Community/Volunteer Service
• Physician Shadowing
• Patient Exposure

University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2018 – 2019

There were no essay prompts for the 2018-2019 cycle.

University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2017 – 2018

There were no essay prompts for the 2017-2018 cycle.

University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2016 – 2017

There were no essay prompts for the 2016-2017 cycle.

University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2015 – 2016

• The essay question is an opportunity for you to present yourself and your motivations for pursuing a career in medicine to the Admissions Committee. Please describe the concept of professionalism.  (2,000 characters max)

University of Utah Medical School Secondary Application Questions: 2014 – 2015

• Tell us about a difficult or challenging situation that you have encountered and how you dealt with it. In your response, identify both the coping skills that you called upon to resolve the dilemma and the support person(s) from whom you sought advice.
• At the University of Utah School of Medicine, we are committed to building a superb educational community with students of diverse talents, experiences, and opinions. What would you as an individual bring to our medical school community?

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Honors College

The Honors College seeks intellectually curious students who are concerned with the world around them. The Honors Curriculum and Community is designed to engage students in a breadth and depth of study culminating in a thesis in the student’s major.

For more than fifty years, the University of Utah has offered Honors programs. The Honors College Curriculum and Community give students unique opportunities to learn to think critically and to develop excellent communication skills and problem solving skills applicable to any and all fields of study and careers. Special Honors-only opportunities include year-long theory into practice (Praxis) Labs, close work with faculty, and thesis projects grounded in a student's major. Only students in the Honors College have the opportunity to earn an Honors Bachelor degree from the University of Utah, the highest degree conferred on an undergraduate.

Liberal Arts and Sciences at the Honors College : Rooted in an interdisciplinary approach to the Humanities, Natural and Social Sciences, and Mathematics, an Honors education aims to contribute to the development of the individual rather than the focus of a specific profession. At the Honors College, we believe that venturing out of your comfort zone is crucial to that individual development. If you are accepted, you’ll take courses in which you encounter complex readings and ideas, and maybe a history role-playing game, that require you to read, think and write in new ways. Your Honors courses will span the Liberal Arts and Sciences, and you will be invited to participate in a diverse range of Praxis Labs addressing current social issues. You’ll be part of a vibrant community that will support you as you work toward completing your Honors degree. Expect stretches of confusion between moments of clarity, knowing that the intellectual struggle from perplexity to understanding can foster some of the deepest learning.

HONORS APPLICATION TIMELINE

How to apply.

Incoming first year and transfer students : You may apply through the University of Utah General Admissions application. We use the Common App essay prompts. The prompts are provided within the application. Upload essays via the U application. Applicants who submit completed applications, pay application fees (or have them waived through the Office of Admissions) by the priority November 1 date or the hard deadline, February 1 will be considered. The University of Utah is Test Optional for freshman applications for Fall 2022 admission. ACT/SAT scores are not required for admission, merit scholarships (including department scholarships), or direct admission programs (including Engineering). Freshman applications to the University of Utah for Fall 2022 will be evaluated using a holistic review process that takes into consideration factors such as a student’s high school GPA, course rigor, etc.

*Note: if you are an incoming student who did not apply to the Honors College via your transfer or Common App application, you may utilize the application form linked here, to apply for your entering semester. The form is typically used for current student applications but we will use your uploaded essay to update your incoming application. https://stage.honors.umc.utah.edu/admissions/current-students/

HOW IS MY APPLICATION REVIEWED?

The Honors College admissions process is highly competitive. During the holistic review process, readers are looking for bright, socially responsible students who show an interest in engaging in our tradition of a liberal arts and sciences curriculum, a breadth and depth of study, and the Honors community. Each application is reviewed by Honors College readers who carefully evaluate applicant’s rigor of coursework, grades, essays, extracurricular activities, demonstration of intellectual curiosity, and overall fit with Honors mission and goals. Readers consider quality of engagement over sheer quantity, applicant's self-awareness and reflection on extracurricular involvement, and an application's authenticity.

HOW CAN I TRACK MY APPLICATION?

Those applying to the U can track their application online to see if all the portions have been received.

Track Application

WHEN WILL I FIND OUT ABOUT MY HONORS ADMISSION DECISION?

First-time Freshman applicants who apply by the November 1, 2021 priority date for Summer or Fall 2022 will be mailed a University of Utah general admissions decision in mid-January. Accepted, wait-listed, and not-accepted students who meet this priority date will also receive an Honors decision by email in mid-January in coordination with the general admissions decisions.

Incoming Summer and Fall 2022 applications received after the November 1, 2021 priority deadline (up until February 1, 2022) will be notified by early-April (pending the release of the general University of Utah admissions decision).

• Incoming Freshman and Transfer students are encouraged to apply by our priority date of November 1, 2021 for the Summer or Fall 2022 start. The final deadline is February 1, 2022.
• Priority Application Date: November 1, 2021. Applicants who submit final application, and transcripts to the University Admissions Office by this date are reviewed most favorably (Applications open in August 2021 for Summer and Fall 2022).
• Freshman and Transfer students who wish to begin with us in Spring of 2022 must apply by November 1, 2021.
• Current University of Utah students are admitted each semester. Interested applicants should submit their application by December 27, 2021, for Spring 2022 admission.

• Welcome to Admissions

Application Process

College of pharmacy, admissions cycle, here at the university of utah, college of pharmacy we participate in a rolling admissions cycle. due this type of admissions cycle, we accept applications all throughout the year starting in july, and going until june of the following year. admission to the doctor of pharmacy program is highly selective and competitive . students meeting our required criteria will be invited to interview for a seat in our upcoming class. please reach out to our pre-pharmacy and admissions advisor for more information how you can secure a seat in our class..

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by our staff and Admission Committee members. The Admissions Committee will select individuals that they would like to interview for our program. Selection of applicants is based on the pre-requisite grade point average, the Admissions Committee's assessment of the candidate's personal statement, sustained community service, demonstrated sustained leadership ability, pharmacy/healthcare experience, and strong letters of recommendation. If your application meets requirements, and is deemed competitive, it will move forward through the admissions process.

Applicants will be notified, by email, about the current status of their application.

Students will be invited to interview throughout the admissions cycle, depending on when they apply. A personal interview will be scheduled by the Committee to further assess those factors, as previously listed, as well as communications skills, maturity and career goals. Individuals chosen to interview will be given 2-4 weeks to prepare travel arrangements for an in person interview. After the interview process is complete, each applicant will be notified with a decision from the Admissions Committee within 1-2 weeks, via phone call and/or email. 

The full deposit amount required is $500.00. To hold your seat in this class, please pay this deposit within two weeks of receiving your acceptance notification. The $500.00 deposit is nonrefundable ; however, it will be applied to your Fall Semester tuition. You may pay the required deposit with either a credit card, a cashier's check, a personal check, or a money order.

Once an applicant has accepted their admissions offer, they will receive instructions of the next steps needed. Those steps will include: a criminal background check through Certiphi, completion of the Graduate School application, updated and current record of immunizations, and more.

Important Information

In Response to the COVID-19 Situation:

The College of Pharmacy acknowledges there can be many perspectives and emotions regarding decisions to vaccinate. Those students who are admitted to the PharmD program will be expected to comply with CDC vaccination and immunization guidelines. There is a narrow process in the University that students can follow to obtain an authorized medical exemption from vaccination. It is the responsibility of a student seeking an exemption to follow the necessary steps within the University. In addition, students should be aware that many clinical training sites do not allow participation by students who have been exempted from vaccination.

Application Deadlines

The first step to admission to the pharmd program is contacting the college of pharmacy  advising office  for assistance in the application process. additionally, please ensure you have started your pharmcas application. with the help of the advising office, please ensure you have a thoroughly completed application prior to final submission. it is your responsibility to make certain that all items arrive at the office of admissions. we will consider your application complete and proceed with an admissions review as soon as we receive all required documents. applications for the each admissions cycle will open mid july. please check  pharmcas.org  for more information in the year you plan to apply..

Start the application process

Early Assurance September 1st

Priority admission november 1st, standard admission february 1st, late admission april 1st, application process at a glance.

Meet with Pre-Pharmacy advisor

Meeting with our Pre-Pharmacy advisor can make the admissions process less stressful, and they will ensure that you are prepared and ready to submit an application. They are willing to help go over the admissions requirements, your personal statement, and general questions you might have about applying. By meeting with an advisor, applicants can feel confident that when they are to submit their application they have the best opportunity of admission. You can set up an appointment with our current Pre-Pharmacy advisor by clicking the link below:

Complete PharmCAS Application.

Applicants must complete the PharmCAS Application . Submissions are accepted at any point during our rolling admissions process, please reference the dates above for additional information. Applications must be submitted no later than June 1st to be reviewed by our Admissions Committee.

Pre-Pharmacy Requirements.

A Bachelor’s Degree is not required to apply to University of Utah’s College of Pharmacy. Applicants are required to complete all prerequisite courses prior to starting the program. To see a list of our pre-requisite courses,  click here . The minimum OVERALL GPA required for applicants to be considered for admission to the program is 2.75. The minimum PREREQUISITE GPA required to apply is 2.8.

NOTE: All prerequisite courses MUST be completed with a final grade no lower than a C. Students may retake a course one time to fulfill this requirement and that retake grade will be used for admission review. Courses completed over ten years prior to the application year may not be considered for application. 

Statement of Purpose.

Applicants will submit a Statement of Purpose through PharmCAS in an essay format with a limit of 4500 characters. It is required that your Statement of Purpose should address the following prompts: 

• Why you selected pharmacy as a career? 
• How does the Doctor of Pharmacy degree relate to your immediate and long-term professional goals?
• Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

The Statement of Purpose is a vital piece of your application and MUST cover these questions thoroughly. Please ensure that your statement is thoroughly edited for grammar, spelling, and formatting.

It is recommended that if there are gaps  (poor semesters, break in academics, unique circumstances, etc.)  that they be addressed in the personal statement.

Two Letters of Recommendation.

Two (2) recommendation forms and letters of recommendation are required and must be submitted through the PharmCAS application. The University of Utah College of Pharmacy requires a minimum of two letters of recommendations and will accept up to a total of four letters. These letters should come from a source who can speak to your professional demeanor, accountability and maturity and who you have had a relationship with over an extended period of time. This ability to provide insight into these principles is more important than the title or role of the letter writer. Letters may come from an employer or volunteer supervisor, professor, teaching assistant, or healthcare professional who you have associated with in a professional setting. The committee will NOT accept letters from family members, friends, fraternity/sorority advisors, clergy, personal health care providers, high school faculty/advisors, or job shadow only professionals.

The goal of the PharmD program is to develop individuals into excellent pharmacists who provide leadership in their organizations and service to their community. Experiences outside the classroom are essential to becoming this type of pharmacist and include employment (in and out of healthcare), leadership roles, service/volunteer activities. While not required healthcare and pharmacy related experience is highly recommended, and will strengthen your application. Consistent and long-term commitment to service is the preferred form of volunteerism. Leadership in multiple arenas is welcome and encouraged. Be sure to list  all  your paid work experience, volunteer, or extracurricular experiences in the Experiences section of your PharmCAS application, not just pharmacy or healthcare related experience.

• Pharmacy or healthcare experience isn't required, but is preferred and will strengthen your application.
• Approximately half of each incoming class has experience as a pharmacy technician.
• Pharmacy experience also includes shadowing or interviewing practicing pharmacists.
• Include all employment experiences in your application.
• Focus on helping people and creating positive change demonstrates the ideal traits of a pharmacist who can provide service to their community after graduation.
• Demonstrated commitment to community service and volunteerism is to key to a strong application.
• Long term commitment to a cause and consistency is preferred.
• Please list all service/volunteer experience on your PharmCAS application.
• Leadership centers on working with others to accomplish shared goals and comes from a variety of life experiences and roles including but not limited to work, student organizations, volunteer work, school, home, etc.
• Leadership experience should be noted in the Leadership section of your PharmCAS application and, in addition, can be expressed in your personal statement.
• Professional or academic experience in employment or undergraduate settings is encouraged and reflects a commitment to discovering new knowledge.
• Research publications can be uploaded to your PharmCAS application as supplemental information.

Please contact the advising office to discuss your experience section in order to strengthen your application. The committee takes a holistic approach in review of files so including all the experience listed above with improve your application.

Information regarding ESL Students

An applicant whose first language is not English will be required to take some sort of English Literacy Exam. To be considered for admission, applicants will need to submit a test score for whatever test/exam they choose. Listed below are approved forms of English literacy and the scores an applicant will need to meet the requirement .  For more information, you may contact the University of Utah, Graduate School Admissions with questions about international matters.  A waiver may be granted in place of an English literacy exam if the applicant received a high school diploma from a United States institution, otherwise one of the following exams will be required:

• TOEFL iBT: 80 or higher
• DUOLINGO: 105 or higher
• ACT English score of 18 or higher
• SAT Reading score of 27 or higher

Information regarding the PCAT Test:  Starting with the 2021-2022 academic year, the PCAT is NOT required for admission to the University of Utah College of Pharmacy.

Non-discrimination policy.

The University of Utah College of Pharmacy is fully committed to policies of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity, and vigorously pursues affirmative action in all programs, activities, and employment with regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, and status as a person with a disability. Religion, sexual orientation, and status as a disabled veteran are also protected under nondiscrimination and equal opportunity employment policies.

Checking Application Status

After you submit your application, you are welcome to contact our Pre-Pharmacy Advisor to check your application status. During each step of our process you will receive an email to update you regarding your application’s current status. Please note: Not everyone will receive notification at the same time. The file review process varies depending on date received from PharmCAS, pending documentation, etc. Should we have questions regarding your file we will contact you via e-mail. Please confirm receipt of any e-mails from the admission committee.

If you are curious or concerned about your application being competitive, please contact our Pre-Pharmacy advisor to discuss your options or steps moving forward. 

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After DEI bill, this is what Utah’s college presidents fear will be the next target of lawmakers

“there’s deep concern among academics,” said university of utah president taylor randall..

(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) University of Utah President Taylor Randall looks over campus from a balcony on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. Randall said on Thursday, March 21, 2024, that he believes general education curriculum at the state's public colleges and universities will be the next target of the Utah Legislature after the anti-DEI bill.

Utah’s higher education leaders are bracing for what will be “next in the firing line” after the overhaul of campus DEI programs — with several saying they feel that’s just the start of the state trying to assert more control over public colleges and universities.

The target they say is now being locked in: the curriculum that professors teach, mainly around general education classes.

“I think we ought to learn from the DEI thing and get out ahead of it in a meaningful way,” said University of Utah President Taylor Randall. “There’s deep concern among academics.”

Randall and other school presidents shared the same worries during a meeting last month of the Utah Board of Higher Education , as members talked about the recent legislative session and what’s expected to come in the interim.

Geoff Landward, who had serving as the interim commissioner over higher education for the state and was officially named to the post during the meeting — subject to Utah Senate confirmation — said those fears are justified. About state lawmakers, he said: “They are watching.”

The U. was the focus of a bill that came up late in the legislative session — and failed — that would have forced the school to establish an independent School of General Education to instruct all students for their required introductory coursework. Sen. John Johnson, R-North Ogden, who ran the legislation, outlined that he wanted the focus on western civilization, mainly European communities, and to specifically include “the rise of Christianity.”

There were also to be several courses on the “principles, ideals, and institutions of law, liberty and civic virtue that underpin the American constitutional order.”

Randall spoke out about the measure during the one committee hearing, where it didn’t move forward after a 2-5 vote. And the Utah System of Higher Education issued a rare rebuke of the legislation, saying that lawmakers should work directly with university and college presidents to solve issues.

The bill would have been an unprecedented move by the Legislature to dictate specific college curriculum. And officials don’t believe they’ve seen the end of it.

Landward said the idea was to start with the U. and then “it would be expanded to the entire system.”

Randall said the U.’s general education curriculum already includes 85% of what Johnson wanted. The president said there also are broad options available for students that cover “viewpoint diversity” — a large focus of the DEI bill.

But, he said, legislators have told him they would like to see a more unified experience that all students get when completing the general education requirements. And there was some discussion, Randall noted, that the current offerings are indoctrinating students to a certain perspective. Professors at the U. have spoken out against that.

Utah Valley University President Astrid Tuminez also challenged the idea. “I think the characterization that general education is an indoctrination of minority views is wrong,” she said. “The bulk of what we offer is classic.”

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Astrid Tuminez, president of Utah Valley University, speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, July 13, 2021.

Still, Randall suggested the curriculum focus would follow a similar path as the DEI measure, which is when he called the issue “next in the firing line.” The diversity bill was first brought up late in the 2023 legislative session, and failed, before being resurrected this year, passed and signed into law by Gov. Spencer Cox.

HB261 prohibits the eight public colleges and universities in the state from using the words “diversity, equity and inclusion,” or DEI, in the name of a central campus office; those must be transitioned to “student success and support centers.” They are also required to open any specific race- or gender-based programs to all students. And any questions about diversity or diversity statements are prohibited in the hiring process for faculty and staff.

The measure extends, too, to K-12 schools and government offices.

Both Landward and Randall said the push here came out of national conversations from Republicans.

Landward said higher education staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help shape Utah’s bill and soften it. The original draft, he said, was a full ban of anything DEI-related, including eliminating those staff positions. And it included limits on curriculum before those were negotiated out, he said.

But the bill does require faculty over mandatory university courses to publish their syllabi online “on the institution’s website in an online database readily searchable by the public,” according to the text of HB261.

To many, that also signals the start of more rigorous vetting of curriculum by the state.

“The publication of syllabi has some worried,” said Weber State President Brad Mortensen.

The commissioner said he was satisfied with the final version, but he warned college presidents to follow the measure or risk possibly facing more strict DEI requirements next year “because they (lawmakers) are unhappy with our compliance.”

Currently, the Utah System of Higher Education is drafting a document with attorneys to help schools comply with the law; and Landward acknowledged that it would take time to implement the changes.

So far, Utah Valley University has changed the name of its DEI center — the first in the state to do so — to the Office of Institutional Engagement and Effectiveness. Other college presidents said during the meeting that they have started shifting staff around and restructuring their offices.

“We’re pivoting,” said retiring Salt Lake Community College President Deneece Huftalin.

But, she said, the bill and the anticipation of what’s to come is causing stress. She worries that students of color won’t get the message that they are welcome at SLCC. Some faculty are leaving over it.

She added: “There’s a lot of fear still.”

(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake Community College President Deneece Huftalin speaks on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022.

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What is Atlas Shrugged?

The astounding story of a man who said that he would stop the motor of the world—and did.

Tremendous in scope, breathtaking in its suspense, Atlas Shrugged is unlike any other book you have ever read. It is a mystery story, not about the murder of a man’s body, but about the murder—and rebirth—of man’s spirit.

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Every three months there is a new seasonal entry round, with its own unique essay prompt. You may compete in any or all of these entry rounds.

The top three essays from each season will be awarded a cash prize. The first-place essay from each season will advance to compete for the annual grand prize.

The first-place essay from each season will be eligible to contend for the annual first-place title, with the opportunity to secure a grand prize of $25,000.

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Each entry round features a unique topic designed to provoke a deeper understanding of the book’s central themes and characters.

Essays must be written in English only and be between 800 and 1,600 words in length.

Questions? Write to us at [email protected] .

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Our graders look for writing that is clear, articulate, and logically organized.  Essays should stay on topic, address all parts of the selected prompt, and interrelate the ideas and events in the novel. 

Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of Atlas Shrugged .

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Atlas Shrugged  is a mystery novel like no other. You enter a world where scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and inventors are inexplicably vanishing—where the world is crumbling.

And what you discover, by the end, is an uplifting vision of life, an inspiring cast of heroes, and a challenging new way to think about life’s most important issues.

Learn more and request a free digital copy of the book today.

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Curious to know what makes for a winning essay in the Atlas Shrugged   contest? Check out some of the essays written by our most recent grand-prize winners. 

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Jacob Fisher

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Stanford University

Stanford, California

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Mariah Williams

Regis University

Denver, Colorado

Nathaniel Shippee

University of Illinois

Chicago, Illinois

Samuel Weaver

St. John’s College

Annapolis, Maryland

Patrick Mayles

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Universidad Nacional de Colombia

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University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana

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More From Forbes

4 college admissions trends shaping top schools’ decisions in 2024.

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Locust Walk with students in fall, University of Pennsylvania, University City area, Philadelphia, ... [+] PA, USA

Ivy Day 2024, the day when top schools' admissions decisions are released, is a pivotal moment to explore the evolving landscape of college admissions and anticipate future directions. This year’s transformations are reshaping college application strategies in profound ways. Let's dive into the latest developments.

Return To Standardized Testing

The return to SAT and ACT requirements by institutions such as Dartmouth, Brown and MIT is a sign that many highly selective institutions may go back to requiring standardized tests. In a slight modification to the testing requirement, Yale’s test-flexible policy allows students to submit Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate scores in lieu of the standard SAT or ACT. This shift may be in response to a decline in college readiness benchmarks ; for instance, ACT exam scores are at their lowest in 30 years, even as GPAs in core subjects rise. This gap highlights a discrepancy between students' perceived readiness and their actual preparedness.

Although I foresee more colleges reinstating standardized testing requirements, I also expect the continuation of test-optional and test-blind policies. These policies serve not only to broaden application pools from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups but also as a strategy for financially challenged institutions to attract more applicants.

In other testing news, the College Board launched the first digital SAT earlier this month , introducing a significant shift from its traditional format. This new version is adaptive and adjusts the difficulty level of questions based on the student's responses, a departure from the fixed difficulty level of previous exams. Notably, students report that the math section was more challenging than anticipated, diverging from their experiences with practice exams. Unlike the SAT, which has transitioned to a fully digital format, the ACT continues to offer both digital and traditional paper-and-pencil options.

It's advisable for students to undertake diagnostic practice exams for both the SAT and ACT to ascertain which exam aligns better with their abilities. Should the practice scores be comparable, I recommend leaning toward the ACT. This preference stems from its stability in format over the years and the choice it offers between digital and paper-based exams.

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Given the evolving landscape of testing policies, including recent SAT modifications, students should embrace a two-pronged approach: rigorously prepare for standardized tests while remaining flexible to the possibility of not submitting scores where test-optional policies prevail.

Rethink The Importance Of The College Essay

Duke University has made significant changes to its admissions process by no longer assigning numerical ratings to applicants' standardized test scores and essays . This adjustment took effect in the current application cycle. Previously, Duke assigned values from one to five for essays and test scores, contributing to a holistic score on a 30-point scale. Now, the point system is applied only to curriculum strength, academics, recommendations, and extracurricular activities.

The move to eliminate numerical scores for essays arises from concerns about the rise in AI-generated submissions and the possibility of essays being ghostwritten. Christoph Guttentag, the dean of undergraduate admissions, noted that although essays play a pivotal role in comprehending an applicant's profile, their reliability as indicators of a student’s actual writing skills has diminished.

This adjustment is not a response to the Supreme Court's ruling against considering race in admissions decisions. Nonetheless, essays have frequently been a focal point in discussions about fostering diversity through admissions. It is expected that other institutions may similarly de-emphasize essays, thereby elevating the significance of academic transcripts, the depth of extracurricular activities, and the relevance and demand for the selected major .

Apply Early

The number of early applications (a combination of early decision and early action) has jumped by 1 million, a 60% increase, over the last five years according to Common Application data in a New York Magazine report . In contrast, applications filed during the regular decision period increased by 26% over the same timeframe. This suggests a growing trend among high school seniors to leverage early application options as part of their strategy for college admissions, reflecting the competitive nature of securing admission to top institutions.

Navigate The FAFSA Challenges

The recent overhaul of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid has led to significant delays, affecting students who rely on financial aid to make college decisions. This FAFSA situation has left many students in limbo, uncertain about their financial aid packages and, consequently, their college choices. Some colleges and universities are extending decision deadlines to accommodate the delays, but the fear remains that this could deter a significant number of students from matriculating.

Alongside the FAFSA, it is imperative for families to engage early with platforms such as the College Board’s CSS Profile. They can help unlock a broad spectrum of financial support options, from federal aid to merit-based scholarships offered by institutions. For example, utilizing tools like the Federal Student Aid Estimator and individual college’s net price calculators can provide early insights into eligibility for federal financial assistance, guiding strategic financial planning for college.

Master Your College Admissions Strategy

As the 2024 college admissions landscape poses its share of complexities, students and families are encouraged to embrace a multifaceted approach tailored to the evolving standards of higher education. From adapting to the reemergence of standardized testing requirements at esteemed institutions like Dartmouth, Brown, and MIT, to addressing the challenges posed by the digitalization of the SAT and the nuanced evaluation of college essays at Duke, it's clear that flexibility and strategic planning are paramount. Furthermore, the rise in early application submissions highlights the importance of proactivity and informed decision-making in securing a favorable college admission outcome. By fostering a thorough understanding of these trends and deploying an informed application strategy, students can enhance their prospects of achieving their academic and career aspirations in this dynamic admissions environment.

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Students will hear from Ivies on Thursday. Will demographics change since the Supreme Court ruling against race-conscious admissions?

Some predict fewer students from underrepresented minority groups will be admitted.

Students who applied to the eight Ivy League universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton, were to find out Thursday whether they got in.

They will also be the first group of students to be admitted following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last year to ban the use of race as a factor in admissions decisions, forcing colleges to find new ways to achieve diversity in their classes. Many other selective colleges in the Philadelphia area, including Dickinson, Haverford, Villanova and Swarthmore, have already released their acceptance decisions. The six other Ivies expected to announce Thursday were Brown, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Dartmouth and Cornell.

Over the next month or so, students will decide where they want to enroll. That freshman class — and, specifically, its demographics — will undoubtedly be compared with prior years’ to gauge what impact the court’s decision has had.

» READ MORE: What Philly-area schools are saying about the SCOTUS ruling to end race-based admissions in colleges

What did the Supreme Court decision say?

The court ruled in June that colleges could not use race as a factor in deciding whether students should be admitted. It overturned more than 40 years of admissions policy at many of the nation’s campuses, raising concern that it could reduce the number of Black and Latino students at many elite colleges and harm schools’ efforts to create diverse classes.

» READ MORE: Colleges are bracing for a court decision on affirmative action. Here’s what Princeton’s president is doing to prepare.

The lawsuits were brought by Students for Fair Admissions, a group founded by Edward Blum, a conservative activist who has spent years battling affirmative action policies. Plaintiffs had accused both Harvard and the University of North Carolina of discriminating against Asian and/or white students through the use of race-conscious admissions policies.

Even before the court’s decision, considering race was already barred in certain states, including California and Michigan . In those two states, some colleges have reported a decline in Black and Latino students as a result.

» READ MORE: Penn students lament SCOTUS decision on race-based admissions: ‘All of our progress is disappearing’

How did the Supreme Court decision affect the admissions process this year?

Both Penn and Princeton declined to discuss the impact, as more lawsuits are expected to be brought against colleges in the coming months and years over their admissions practices.

But Whitney Soule, dean of admissions at Penn, said in a recent interview with the school’s alumni magazine that Penn had trained staff and adapted its process to adhere to the law.

» READ MORE: Colleges should shoulder the burden of SCOTUS admissions ruling, not students, say Philly college advisers

“Do we know the race or ethnicity of applicants, like we did before? No, we don’t,” she told the Pennsylvania Gazette . “Yet we’re reading every detail that they provide, and we’re trying to understand how they see themselves and how they want to contribute.”

Penn also collaborated more with Heights Philadelphia , an organization that helps Philadelphia school students get into and through college, said Sean E. Vereen, co-president of Heights. Penn’s provost, John L. Jackson Jr., also joined the Heights board, he said.

“There is already a long partnership there, but we’re also deepening that partnership,” he said.

Adam Nguyen, whose company, Ivy Link , advises students on getting into the Ivies and other elite colleges, said many colleges introduced new or altered essay questions to learn more about applicants.

Did students of color mention their racial background in their essays?

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. outlined in his decision a way that race still could come into play, particularly in the admissions essay portion of an application: “... nothing prohibits universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected the applicant’s life, so long as that discussion is concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability that the particular applicant can contribute to the university.”

Admissions experts said some students of color chose to write about their racial backgrounds as it related to their identities.

“There were students who spoke to it in their essays and really thought it was an important part of their identity,” Vereen said. “And I think there are some students [who had] some real trepidation ... and really did not talk about race in their application.”

Jess Lord, vice president and dean of admission and financial aid at Haverford College, said that “probably more” students “made reference to many aspects of their identity including their race and ethnicity.” But, he said, “not substantially more.”

“We did consider it in the context of students connecting their racial identity to experiences they’ve had and qualities and characteristics they had developed that were in some way connected to their racial identity or their experience with that identity,” Lord said.

Nguyen said students were advised to weigh whether including it enhanced their narrative.

“We have to take each student and their background and look at the race component in the full context of who they are and what they achieved,” he said.

Was it possible to see applicants’ race during admissions?

No, Penn’s Soule told the alumni magazine: “Anybody involved with application review and selection in Penn Admissions does not have access to any reporting or data fields that are related to race — in aggregate or at the record level. We just can’t see it.”

But the Common App, which many students use to apply to college, still gives students the option to indicate their race, but colleges are able “to hide (that is, “ suppress ”) the self-disclosed race and ethnicity information from application PDF files for both first-year and transfer applications,” a spokesperson said. “That means when they receive an application PDF from Common App, the race and ethnicity data will not be visible.”

Common App said it could not share how many colleges chose to suppress that information. Applications from underrepresented minority applicants increased 10% this year, Common App said.

When will we know the racial makeup of the incoming class?

It’s not clear when colleges will release that information. Some colleges may attain and release the information about their accepted students; others may wait until after May 1 when students declare whether they will accept the offer of admission and enroll; and others may wait even longer, until after the wait-list process when their final class is formed.

The Harvard Crimson, Harvard’s student newspaper, reported this week that the university isn’t expected to release its details until this summer.

Under federal law, colleges eventually must report the racial makeup of their classes, and that’s when a comprehensive look at colleges’ admitted classes will be possible.

“You will get data maybe in the fall,” Nguyen said.

When Penn issued a statement on its acceptance decisions last year, it did not give a racial breakdown. But the school said the group collectively represented “ the most diverse group of admitted students in Penn’s history in terms of racial and ethnic background, socioeconomic diversity ... and those who are the first generation in their family to attend a four-year college or university.”

What the university will say this year remains to be seen.

Do experts expect the diversity of the incoming class to be impacted?

“I’m concerned that this will have a negative impact on the racial diversity of the incoming class,” said Lord, the Haverford dean.

Heights’ Vereen, who worked in admissions at Penn from 2008 to 2012, predicted declines in diversity at more selective colleges on a national level.

“It’s a little bit of the Wild West for the next couple years,” he said. “Everyone is trying to calibrate to what is the new reality.”

Given Penn’s strong commitment to students in the Philadelphia area, those declines may be tempered there, he said.

Nguyen also predicted a dip in diversity, at least in the first year.

“When the [court] decision came out, colleges were scrambling to respond,” he said.

Cara McClellan, a Penn associate practice professor of law, said last year that the percentage of students from underrepresented groups at Harvard was expected to drop by 50% without race-conscious admissions. She worked on Harvard’s case at the appellate level for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and at that time, Black students made up 14% of Harvard’s incoming class, and Latino students and students from other underrepresented groups made up another 14%.

But John E. Jones III, president of Dickinson College in Carlisle, said he is “guardedly optimistic” that the diversity of the class will be similar to last year, when 25% were students of color. Dickinson reached out to organizations, including Heights, for more assistance in getting students of color to apply, he said. It had even started doing that before the court decision, he said.

“Anecdotally, what we believe is that has been extremely helpful in getting our name out there and connecting us with students and that will add to the diversity on campus,” he said.

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Admission Requirements

Application requirements.

Are you one of the following? In order to be considered for admission to the University of Dallas, you must:

Incoming Freshman

• Complete the online Common Application , including the essay. (You may also use ApplyTexas .)
• Complete the counselor recommendation (via the Common Application).
• Complete the University of Dallas Short Answer Questions (via the Common Application).
• Send your official high school transcript.
• REQUIRED: Send your official ACT, SAT and/or CLT score reports.* ACT and/or SAT score reports appearing on official high school transcripts are acceptable. Our ACT school code is 04234. Our SAT code is 6868.
• If you have taken college or university courses during high school, have an official copy of your final transcript forwarded directly to the University of Dallas.
• Submit your $50 application fee or an official fee waiver form. When completing your online application, you may submit payment electronically.

Transfer Student

• Complete the online institutional application. This includes a completed essay of approximately 500-650 words on the topic of why you are interested in transferring to UD. If you have questions, please contact the Transfer Counselor,  German J. Lopez)
• Letter of recommendation from a college instructor. This letter must be submitted by the recommender, not by the student. If you are unable to provide a recommendation from an instructor, please email the Transfer Counselor to notify who will be providing a recommendation for you.
• Look over the Academic Advising Sheet to see what courses/credits will or will not transfer.
• Have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Submit official college transcripts for each institution attended. Transcripts must be sent directly by your institution to UD; transcripts submitted by the applicant will be considered unofficial and will not fulfill this requirement.  
• If you have fewer than 24 hours of college credit, you are required to send a final official high school transcript. 
• Submit your $50 application fee or an official fee waiver form . You may submit payment electronically.

Accredited Homeschool Student

If you use an accredited homeschool program, you must submit the following items in order to be considered for admission to the University of Dallas:

• Complete the online Common Application  or ApplyTexas application , including the essay. 
• Counselor recommendation (via the Common Application or ApplyTexas).
• OPTIONAL: Teacher recommendation (via the Common Application or ApplyTexas).
• University of Dallas Short Answer Questions (via the Common Application or ApplyTexas).
• Request a copy of your most recent high school transcript. The transcript is typically sent directly to the University of Dallas from the accredited high school, along with the counselor recommendation.
• REQUIRED: Send your official ACT, SAT and/or CLT score reports.* ACT and/or SAT score reports appearing on official high school transcripts are acceptable. Our ACT school code is 04234. Our SAT code is 6868. 
• If you have taken college or university courses during high school, you must have an official copy of your final transcript forwarded directly to the University of Dallas. 
• Submit your $50 application fee or an official fee waiver form . If completing an online application, you may submit payment electronically.

Common accredited programs include Kolbe Academy, Mother of Divine Grace, Seton Home Study, Regina Caeli Academy, Texas Tech ISD, Angelicum Academy and Our Lady of Victory.

Non-Accredited & Self-Designed Homeschool Student

• Complete the online Common Application , including the essay. (You may also use  ApplyTexas ) 
• Complete the counselor recommendation (via the Common Application or ApplyTexas).  Click here  for more information on the requirements and composition of this recommendation.
• OPTIONAL: Teacher recommendation (via the Common Application  or ApplyTexas).
• Complete the University of Dallas Short Answer Questions (via the Common Application or ApplyTexas).
• Use the one-page document provided by UD . (You can view a completed sample here .) Submit this document by printing, signing and mailing a sealed copy to: University of Dallas Office of Undergraduate Admission, 1845 E. Northgate Dr., Irving, TX 75062. This document can also be uploaded via the Common Application. 
• Use a self-designed template. (Beside the sample listed above, additional templates can be found on the HSLDA website.) This must be no more than one page and must include:
• Courses organized by year. (If organized by subject, the years in which the courses were completed must be clearly noted.)
• Place where course was taken (e.g., self-designed, co-op, dual-credit, private instructor, &c.).
• GPA -- must include GPA per year as well as cumulative. (100.0 or 4.0 scale accepted.)
• Basic demographic information of the student (DOB, contact address, phone number).
• Estimated graduation date. (If the transcript submitted is the student's final transcript, it must include the actual graduation date, not estimated.)
• Signature of the primary educator (most often a parent). 
• Use FastTranscripts.com to submit your one-page transcript easily and safely.

(Please note: the grading scale submitted on a student's original transcript will be used to calculate GPA throughout the entire application process. UD reserves the right to re-calculate a GPA as deemed necessary.)

• Send your  Book List & Course Description . The Book List & Course Description document helps UD to understand the academic background of the applicant. It must include the course name, place taken, synopsis of the course, list of texts used in the course and the final grade. There is no specified length, but this document typically ranges from 5-15 pages. Please see a completed sample here .

(Any transcripts or Book Lists that do not contain all the required information outlined above will be considered incomplete and returned to the applicant.)

• REQUIRED: Send your official ACT, SAT and/or CLT score reports.* Our ACT school code is 04234. Our SAT code is 6868. 
• Submit your $50 application fee or an official fee waiver form . If completing an online application, you may submit payment electronically. 

International Student

• The online  Common Application , including the essay. (You may also use ApplyTexas .)
• Counselor recommendation (via the Common Application).
• University of Dallas Short Answer Questions (via the Common Application).
• Official transcripts (with certified English translations), showing all secondary and post-secondary courses and grades. 
• Submit national examination results and/or official notification of successful school completion.
• Official transcripts showing all secondary and post-secondary courses and grades. International transcripts must be sent through an approved transcript evaluation service .
• TOEFL minimum scores for application review: 80 for Internet-based test only.
• IELTS minimum score for application review: 6.5.
• Duolingo English test minimum score for application review: 110
• Conditional admission not offered by the University of Dallas. Students must apply English-ready. 
• Note: If you are from a non-English speaking country and choose to submit SAT or ACT scores, this score will take the place of the English language proficiency exam requirement.
• Submit your $50 application fee or an official fee waiver form. If completing an online application, you may submit payment electronically.
• Submit a copy of your passport (if available).

If you still have questions about applying as an International student, visit our  International Student Frequently Asked Questions page or contact our admission office at [email protected]

Once admitted, international students must complete the Confirmation of Financial Resources Form , certified by a bank official (not required for lawful permanent residents or those of H-4, E-2, G-2, L-2 status).

Seminarian Student

The Undergraduate Admission Office processes applications for prospective seminarians for Holy Trinity Seminary, Redemptoris Mater Seminary and the Vietnamese Redemptorist Seminary. Typically, students wishing to enter one of these seminaries have already obtained approval from their diocese or the rector of the desired seminary or are in the process of doing so.

For Holy Trinity seminarians

If you are planning to begin the propaedeutic stage of formation in the upcoming academic year, you should apply here . If accepted, you will be a non-degree seeking student during the propaedeutic stage. In the following year you would apply for admission to UD as a full-time student.

If you are currently completing the propaedeutic stage of formation at Holy Trinity Seminary and you plan to begin the discipleship stage of formation at Holy Trinity Seminary in the upcoming academic year, you should apply here . If accepted, you will become a regular full-time student at UD as either an undergraduate or a pre-theologian.

If you will have completed the propaedeutic stage of formation at Holy Trinity Seminary prior to the upcoming academic year somewhere else besides Holy Trinity Seminary, you should apply to UD as:

• An incoming freshman, if you have not completed any college coursework after high school (please apply here , using the Common App). For a checklist of all the things needed to apply as an incoming freshman, click here ).
• A transfer student, if you have completed some college coursework after high school (please apply here . For a checklist of all the things needed to apply as a transfer, click here ).
• A pre-theologian, if you have completed a bachelor’s degree (please apply here ).

For all other seminarians

If you will be receiving formation at Redemptoris Mater Seminary or the Vietnamese Redemptorist seminary, you should apply as a regular freshman, a transfer student, or a pre-theologian, depending on your prior academic history. You should follow the usual procedures for doing so. Please speak to your rector or religious superior in order to clarify your classification and the right application process for you.

If you have any questions about applying to UD as a seminarian, please contact the Undergraduate Office of Admission or Matthew Walz , the Director of the Philosophy & Letters and Pre-Theology Programs.

Non-Degree Seeking Student

• Complete the non-degree seeking application .
• Submit your  $50 application fee .
• Submit official college transcripts for the most recent institution attended.

Readmission

• Students who have previously attended the University of Dallas and wish to re-enroll should complete the readmit application .

Send all documents to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission & Financial Aid 1845 E. Northgate Drive Irving, TX 75062

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