Next Stop, College!

College-ready means you have the academic skills, habits, and mindset to succeed in college-level classes without needing remediation. It also means you're aware of the steps needed to apply, enroll, and transition to college life.

Not at all! College can include 4-year universities, 2-year community colleges, technical schools, or trade programs. What matters is choosing the path that fits your goals, interests, and budget.

Here are a few key steps:

• Take challenging classes in high school

• Keep your GPA strong

• Prepare for and take the ACT or SAT

• Explore careers and majors

• Visit colleges (in person or virtually)

• Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

• Apply for scholarships and financial aid

• Meet with your school counselor regularly

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is how you apply for grants, loans, and work-study programs. Utah students can apply starting in December of their senior year. It’s a key part of making college affordable!

FAFSA Website

• Start with local scholarships—ask your counselor for a list

• Use websites like Scholarships.com or UtahFutures

• Check with the colleges you apply to—many offer their own scholarships

• Apply early and often!

That’s an amazing achievement! Many colleges offer First-Gen support programs to help you navigate the college experience. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—your school counselor can guide you every step of the way.

If you want to play NCAA Division I or II sports, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and meet specific academic and amateurism requirements. This includes taking the right core courses, earning a qualifying GPA, and submitting your SAT/ACT scores (if required).

Start early! Talk to your counselor by sophomore year to make sure you're on track with coursework and eligibility.

NCAA Eligibility Center

Most colleges in Utah accept either the ACT or SAT, and many are currently test-optional—meaning you can choose whether to submit scores. However, a good score can strengthen your application and may help you qualify for scholarships or honors programs.

Ask your counselor or check with the colleges you're applying to for their current testing policies.

Most students take the ACT or SAT for the first time in spring of junior year, and again in fall of senior year if they want to improve their score. It's a good idea to prep beforehand using free resources like:

• Khan Academy SAT Practice

• ACT Test Prep

• Shmoop (Utah students get free access)

You can register online for both tests. Make sure you choose a test date and location that works for you, and give yourself time to prep beforehand!

• To register for the ACT:
  Go to act.org and create a student account. From there, you can choose a test date, location, and pay the fee (fee waivers are available—ask your counselor!).

• To register for the SAT:
  Go to sat.org and create a College Board account. Select a date and test center, and follow the steps to complete registration. Fee waivers are also available.

TIP: Don’t forget to upload a photo and bring an acceptable ID on test day!

Your counselor is your college coach! They can:

• Help you explore careers and majors

• Guide you through the college and FAFSA application process

• Write recommendation letters

• Connect you to scholarships and campus tours

• Support you emotionally and academically

Make an appointment to start planning today!