College Spotlight: Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University (UVU) has exploded in the past 20 years, becoming the largest university in the state in terms of student population.  Usually, people think that the U of U is the largest, but the U was eclipsed a few years back by UVU.  And it isn't just numbers--the UVU's diversity of programs and student services rival any other college in the state.

Here's a few things you should know about UVU, their application, and deadlines, in no specific order.  Be sure to read the entire list!  

• The ONLY way that UVU gives an application waiver is for students who attend an Open House--and the last Open House is on December 1st, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.  The fee is $35, and you get a chance to see a little more about UVU to decide if it is a good fit for you.  
• By the way, I think that every student should tour the colleges they are thinking about attending.  There is no substitute for being on campus and making sure it's a good fit for the individual that will be attending.

• February 1st is a huge deadline!
• FAFSA deadline for UVU
• Scholarship Deadline
• Including:  Academic Meric Awards, general scholarships, and need based 

• Scholarship Application Tip:  be sure to fill out the extra section for "general scholarships" AND "need based".  
• You will automatically be looked at for academic scholarships--but you need to fill out the other application COMPLETELY to be considered for the others

• Be sure when you complete the application, that you check the "Undergraduate Student" Box.  You are not a Graduate Student.  :-)

• Be sure that you complete your online application AND submit the supplementary materials (transcripts) within a few days.  Long delays between the two create problems.
• By the way, they are okay with ACT scores on the high school transcript

• Common mistake:  residency.  Many students put an incomplete response.  
• If nothing is listed here:  listed as nonresident.  
• Half answer:  "Utah" (also not enough information to qualify you as a "resident" to gain "in-state tuition"
• Correct response:  Put down start and end dates, that you've been here for more than 3 years.  
• Be sure to take time with this--it's a cumbersome process to change from non-resident to resident. 
• A note:  It makes it a lot easier if a student has a Utah Driver's License or a State ID Card.  Get one!  This will help establish residency.  

• Once a student is accepted, they are required to have orientation before they can register.  
• Students watch an orientation video online, then attend orientation on campus (2 parts required--but this is a good thing! It helps you be prepared to succeed!)
• THEN...a student can register for classes

• UVU is great at serving 1^st generation and underrepresented populations. You won't be alone in navigating the system!

• Big Service-Learning Initiative
• Students can receive distinction that they have participated in service-learning.
• This can be a great thing for students planning on Graduate School 
• Also--students involved with service-learning can receive extra scholarships

• UVU—teaching is the primary focus of faculty.  Even though they do a lot of research—focus is on teaching.  Class:  average is 23 (there are larger classes, but this is an average)