Senior Success

Getting Started


Watch the entire Senior Success series

Welcome high school seniors! You've worked hard to get to this point, and USU STARS! GEAR UP is thrilled share these resources to keep you on track. The information found in this section will help you make a smooth transition from high school to college and beyond.

The topics covered here include:

Select a topic to get started. Each page opens up to more detailed instructions and information to help you learn about planning, applying, and attending a college or university.

College Terms

It's important to understand the lingo as you search for a college that's right for you. This page defines some of the most common terms you'll encounter as you journey towards higher education.

Senior Success Calendar

Make the most of your senior year with these monthly tasks and checklists. GEAR UP has collected a list of important steps to prepare for college. The Year at a Glance calendar gives you the whole picture of what is coming in future months.

Select a month from the dropdown menu for a more detailed monthly list.

Colleges & Universities

Find all the information you need to apply to a college or university in Utah all in one place. Compare ACT and GPA requirements for these schools on this downloadable College Index Comparison

Technical Colleges

Compare the list of programs offered by major technical colleges in Utah. These programs focus on specialized skills to perform a specific job. Earning a certificate from a technical college typically takes less time than earning a degree from a university.

Deferments

Plan for college, even if you are not able to attend directly after high school. These checklists will help you stay on track as you take a gap year to work, travel, intern, volunteer, or perform military or religious service.

Learn how and what is needed to set up a deferment (pre-deferral) and know who to contact and what to do when you (return home) and enroll in classes.

Pre-deferral

This checklist is a general guide for deferring your university or college enrollment. Please contact your chosen university or college for specific procedures and other details relating to deferred enrollments.

University/College Admissions

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Assigning a Delegate

If you have assigned a delegate for yourself while away, gather the following information for your delegate and have them keep the list where it can be easily accessed. Most student passwords expire within 1 year and your delegate will need to renew it for you.

Returning Home

This checklist is a general guide to use when returning to your university or college. Please contact your chosen university or college for specific procedures and other details relating to deferred enrollments.

You may ask your delegate to take care of your returning home checklist if you would otherwise miss the required deadlines for admission, housing, registration and financial aid. Keep in mind that registration for summer semester is in early April, fall semester is in mid-April, and spring semester is in mid-November (approximately).

If you change the dates of your return, for example returning home early from a mission, you must contact the school and scholarship providers immediately as the terms of the deferment are now void. Ask for assistance in submitting a new deferment request. Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of scholarships and admissions.

University/College Admissions

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Fillable PDFs

Get organized and stay on track with your education. These forms cover everything from admissions and FAFSA, to letters of recommendation and college deadline tracking. USU STARS GEAR UP and your school have you covered to make sure you are ready for college after high school.