Skyline High School recently participated in Utah College Application Week (UCAW), a statewide initiative aimed at increasing college enrollment rates among high school Seniors. The event, which took place during the week of October 21, provided students with valuable resources and support to navigate the complex college application.
Josie Burke, the College Access Advisor at Skyline High School, spearheaded the organization of this year’s UCAW. “Our main goal is to increase the number of college applications completed at Skyline by setting time aside to specifically get them done,” Burke explained. “We know Seniors are already doing so much, and college can be a big source of stress for them, so by providing time and space for students to work on applications and to be there to answer questions, more students feel encouraged and supported.”
The event offered a range of activities and resources for students. Seniors and juniors graduating this year were given appointment times to visit the Career Center during UCAW. They had access to representatives from colleges across Utah, who provided information packets and promotional items. Counselors were also on hand to assist students with their applications.
Burke highlighted the importance of early preparation, noting, “Since a lot of colleges have an early deadline of November 1, we want to give students time in their busy schedules before then to ask questions, write essays, and submit applications.”
One of the most significant benefits of UCAW is the opportunity it provides for students to work on applications in a supportive environment. “Applications can be confusing, overwhelming, and stressful,” Burke said. “We create an environment in the Career Center with students who are working on similar things, college reps who know specific answers about applications, and counselors who help kids every year navigate application processes.”
This year’s UCAW featured representatives from several Utah institutions, including Utah Valley University, University of Utah, Utah Tech, Westminster, Utah State University, Brigham Young University, and Southern Utah University. Their presence allowed students to ask specific questions about each school and gain insights into their application processes.
A notable aspect of this year’s event was the introduction of admitutah.org, a new website that helps students discover which Utah schools they are already guaranteed admission to. Burke emphasized the usefulness of this resource, especially for students who are unsure about where to begin their college journey.
UCAW also addressed the needs of first-generation college students. Burke explained, “First-generation students are the first in their families to attend college, meaning their parents haven’t had to go through the confusing process of applying for college. UCAW means we can give these students an opportunity to ask questions to people who are intimately familiar with the college application process.”
The event was not limited to just filling out applications. Students who had already completed their applications used the time to research scholarships, create StudentAid.gov accounts for FAFSA, and work on resumes. A bingo game and a door decorating contest with the theme of “College Majors” added an element of fun to the week’s activities.
Looking ahead, Burke plans to organize additional workshops, including one for using Parchment to send transcripts and another for creating StudentAid.gov accounts before the December 1st opening of the 2025-2026 FAFSA.
While it’s too early to gauge the full impact of this year’s UCAW on college enrollment rates, Burke noted a higher attendance rate compared to previous years, which she sees as a positive sign. “Without applications, there is no enrollment,” she said, emphasizing the crucial role UCAW plays in the college admissions process.
As Skyline High School continues to support its students in their post-secondary education pursuits, events like Utah College Application Week remain vital in ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity and resources to pursue higher education.
