College Readiness

The SSHS counseling team intends to help every student be college/career-ready by graduation. We know college takes many different forms. For some, it may be an apprenticeship or working toward a work-ready certificate, while for others, it may mean working toward a university degree.

Whatever form college will take for you, let us help you reach your goals. Check out the College Guide from USHE (Utah System of Higher Education) for tips on how to prepare for college, the different types of colleges and degrees, how to pay for college, and more!

College Visits

One of the best ways to discover what college experience will be best for you is by taking a campus visit. Click on any of the colleges below to find information on setting up a campus visit.

College Applications

Most students must complete their college applications in the fall of their senior year. South Summit High participates in Utah College Application Week. Counselors will visit your senior English classes to help you navigate the application process and prepare to apply for financial aid. Drop by the counseling office to visit with Ms. Regan, the College Access & Readiness Advisor, if you have questions about college applications.

Applications for Local Colleges

We are lucky to live in a state with so many excellent options for college.

For students wishing to apply to out-of-state colleges, visit that college’s website and fill out your application online. Many out-of-state colleges use the Common App.

Scholarships

College & Institutional Awards
The vast majority of scholarship money offered to high school graduates comes directly from the college a student plans on attending, although South Summit has many outside scholarship opportunities. We recommend that students start their scholarship search on the scholarship web page of the college they plan on attending before looking at outside sources. The following links will take you to the corresponding college’s scholarship page:

Additional Scholarships
Here, you will find information on scholarships that may be of particular interest to SSHS students. These lists may be long, and will be updated regularly, so check back often and take your time to look through these scholarships closely! Remember that local scholarships will not be active until the spring of your senior year.

Local Scholarship Opportunities

State-Wide Scholarships

National Scholarships

Scholarships for Younger Students

Sterling Scholar
A Sterling Scholar is a high school senior who is publicly recognized and awarded for the pursuit of excellence in scholarship, leadership and citizenship in the State of Utah. A potential Sterling Scholar presents an all-encompassing portfolio on their work in a specific category and is interviewed by judges in the category’s field. SSHS seniors may apply to be a Sterling Scholar in the fall of their senior year.

Scholarship Search Sites
Scholarship opportunities are everywhere. Here are some of the national scholarship search sites you should try.

College Entrance Exams

Standardized testing can strike fear into the most intelligent and confident of students. However, with preparation and knowledge of what to expect, students can conquer this hurdle. All juniors at SSHS will have the opportunity to take the ACT for free in the spring. We recommend that students take the ACT at least twice and suggest that, if possible, you take it in the spring/summer at the end of your junior year. Those students who qualify for free/reduced lunch or come from economically disadvantaged families, may use an ACT fee waiver to take the test up to four times for no charge. See Ms. Regan in the Counseling Office for a fee waiver.

Learn more on these sites:

Exam Prep

There are many options available for students who want to bump up their ACT score, but SSHS students have access to these in particular: