First Ascent Program Application

Application Requirements

  • Current high-school senior
  • Applied or will apply to the University of Utah (scholarships will only be awarded to students admitted to the University of Utah)
  • Intended Major in Business
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Significant financial need to attend college

Application Process

Complete Application Form — Fill out the entire Application Form. When you are done, make sure that you digitally verify the application.

The application form will ask for the following:

  • Transcript — You will upload a copy of your current academic transcript.
  • Essay
    • What goals have you set for yourself in pursuing a college degree? How do you feel the First Ascent Scholars Program will help you achieve those goals? (250 word minimum)
    • What do you feel you are capable of when you think about yourself as a college student? What tools/skills do you feel you have that will aid you and others in the program? (250 word minimum)
    • Describe a time when you persisted through a challenging situation. What specific factors helped you persevere despite barriers? What did you learn from it? (250 word minimum)
    • OPTIONAL: Is there anything else you would like the committee to know about you that would let the committee know you better?
  • Two Letters of Recommendation — You will enter the names of your references into the application form. A separate form will be sent to them individually to submit. (Do not include relatives as references.)
    • One letter must be from a member of your school’s faculty, staff or administration.
    • One letter can be from a person you know through academic, employment, or community leadership experience.
  • Proof of demonstrated financial need — one of the following may be used:
    • SAR report from FAFSA
    • Copy of parent/guardian(s) employment and salary records
    • CSS Profile

Letters of Recommendation

Recommenders will receive an email with a link to complete the recommendation form AFTER the applicant submits the application. The form requires recommenders to respond to the following questions. Separate letters of recommendation are not accepted and recommenders are asked to complete the form they receive.

Based on your experience, please comment below. Does this student have the confidence to…

  • Make it through college graduation
  • Achieve set goals
  • Handle new challenges

Based on your experience, please comment below. Does this student show awareness of…

  • Strengths and weaknesses
  • Self-change and growth
  • Learning from feedback and challenges

Based on your experience, please comment below. Does this student understand…

  • How to overcome challenges in an effective way
  • How to navigate the “system” be it school, society, etc.

Based on your experience, please comment below. Does this student know how to…

  • Set academic and personal goals
  • Plan for the future
  • Outline intermediate steps necessary to achieve goals

Based on your experience, please comment below. Does this student have…

  • A strong support system
  • A willingness to reach out for help

Based on your experience, please comment below. Does this student have the qualities to…

  • Take on a leadership role
  • Influence others
  • Take action

Based on your experience, please comment below. Does this student…

  • Show a commitment to their community