College Application

Utah Colleges and Universities

College Application 101

-Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply to College (Google Document)

Check and be aware of important dates and deadlines for applications, scholarships, and FAFSA!

Always check each college’s website for specific requirements
Fee waivers are available for CommonApp, Coalition, and many colleges
Start early—especially for QuestBridge and competitive schools

-Frequently Asked Questions in College Applications → UCAW Brochure (PDF)

Common Application Sites

–CommonApp

Good for (almost) all colleges and universities outside of Utah

–Coalition Application

Accepted by many selective colleges and universities, including some Ivy League schools

–QuestBridge National College Match

Designed for high-achieving, low-income students applying to highly selective colleges (including schools like MIT, Stanford, Yale, etc.)
Offers the opportunity to earn a full four-year scholarship through the National College Match
- Application opens late summer/early fall (earlier than most other applications)
- Extensive application (more detailed than CommonApp, includes multiple essays and financial information)
If not matched, students can still apply to partner schools through QuestBridge Regular Decision or convert to CommonApp/Coalition

Which Application Should I Use?

-Applying to colleges in Utah?

Apply directly to schools. Find your school’s application site (Google Document).

-Applying to a mix of colleges across the U.S.?

Use CommonApp (most widely accepted and easiest for multiple schools)

-Applying to selective/private colleges (including some Ivy League schools)?

Use CommonApp or Coalition Application (Tip: Most students should just stick with CommonApp unless a school specifically prefers Coalition)

-High-achieving student with significant financial need?

Apply through QuestBridge FIRST (early fall)
Designed for high-achieving, low-income students applying to highly selective colleges (including schools like MIT, Stanford, Yale, etc.)
Offers the opportunity to earn a full four-year scholarship through the National College Match
- Application opens late summer/early fall (earlier than most other applications)
- Extensive application (more detailed than CommonApp, includes multiple essays and financial information)
If not matched, students can still apply to partner schools through QuestBridge Regular Decision or convert to CommonApp/Coalition

Send Transcripts Through Parchment

-Students can send official transcripts through Parchment.

Enter personal email (NOT student email)
Create password
Confirm personal info & enter contact info
Scroll down to “Transcript” and click the green button that says “Order” to the left of it
Type in the desired destination of the Transcript (ie. Name of college) and hit “Search”
Confirm the destination you want to send your Transcript to and hit “Select”
Confirm if you are sending immediately or holding for grades
- “Send now” – you are applying NOW and the Transcript is part of the application
- “Hold for grades” – you have decided to attend this college, and they need your final grades ‘
Sign the page and type out full name (parent signature needed if you are younger than 18)
Confirm consent for Parchment to disclose personal information
Click “Continue”
Done!

Getting lost? See step-by-step Parchment instructions (PDF).

-All high school seniors in Granite School District can request transcripts free-of-charge now through June of their graduation year. Be sure to use your Granite email so the charge is removed.

Send Concurrent Enrollment Transcripts

Order SLCC Transcripts

Use MySLCC by searching “Transcripts” OR
SLCC’s National Student Clearninghouse

Other college transcripts can be sent through Parchment.

Click green “Order Now” Button
Type institution in search bar (ie. University of Utah), and follow same steps listed in above section.

Contact Registrar or Career Center for help.

I’ve Applied…What’s Next?

–With the online portion of your application complete, there are a few more steps you need to finish. Read about steps following college application (PDF).

-Students may request letters of recommendation (PDF) from teachers, counselors, and other adult mentors.

-If you are requesting a letter of recommendation, ask your counselor several weeks in advance. It is also kind to write a thank you letter for those who help you in your pursuit of college.

Make an appointment with your College Access Advisor if you need help or have questions about college applications.(Edit)

Utah Colleges and Universities