1. Academics and Curriculum

2. Accommodation and Housing

3. Admissions

4. Contacts

5. Graduation

6. Visa

7. Student Life

8. Money

Academics and Curriculum

What is the average class size?

Classes are small, usually between 15 and 25 students. In addition, every professor you have offers office hours when you can meet one-on-one.

Who are the Pathways teachers?

All the Pathways teachers are University of Utah professors or fully qualified graduate students at the University of Utah.

What qualifications do I earn when I graduate from pathways?

You will receive a Certificate in Undergraduate Pathways Studies. In addition, you will receive an official transcript from the University of Utah listing the courses you took and the grades you received.

Accommodation and Housing

What are my options on where to live?

You can live in an apartment off-campus alone, with friends or roommates, or you can live with a host family in or near Salt Lake City. Details about the many housing options will be provided when you receive notification that you have been accepted to Pathways in your Offer Letter. Of course, if you have family or friends in the area you can choose to live with them.

Will I have to share a room?

That will depend on where you choose to live and your budget. If you prefer an apartment you'll have the choice of living alone or having a roommate. If you prefer to live with a U.S. family in a "homestay," you'll probably have your own room.

What about living in a dormitory on campus?

During the Pathways Program, a few, on-campus dormitory rooms will be available. Please contact us for more details.

Where can I find Internet access?

Most of the University of Utah campus is wired with free, high speed Internet access. In addition, many of the apartments and homes where you can live already have Internet access.

Admissions

How do I apply?

In brief, you need to complete the Pathways Application and send it along with your official transcripts from your high school, results of your English proficiency exam (TOEFL or IELTS) and your personal statement. Please see the detailed instructions on how to apply to the Undergraduate Pathways program.

Should I apply directly or use your representative in my country?

It's best to apply with the assistance of one of our representatives in your country as they can guide you through the admissions process, including getting your U.S. visa. However, you can send your completed application with all support documents in one envelope to the address listed on the back of the application.

What must I send in with the application?

You must send in one envelope the completed application, your high school transcripts, results of your English proficiency exam (TOEFL or IELTS) and your personal statement. All of these documents should be translated into English. Please download the application. All applicants to Pathways must also submit proof of financial responsibility. Applicants prove financial responsibility by providing one of the following documents: Bank Statement and Sponsor Statement. Proof of Financial responsibility enables the University of Utah to generate an I-20 form, which the U.S. government requires in order to grant you an F-1 student visa. If you are already attending a college or university in the U.S. and have a valid F-1, you must also have the institution complete the Transfer-In form. If you are on a J1 visa, please contact an Immigration advisor to determine what steps are necessary for transfer.

By what date must I apply?

In general, we need to receive your complete application package in one envelope at least 6-8 weeks before classes start. That gives us enough time to respond to your application and for you to secure a U.S. visa. See the timelines for the Undergraduate Pathways programs.

Does my application have to be completed in English?

Yes, the Pathways Application must be completed in English

When will I know if I've been accepted to Pathways?

As part of the application we ask for your email address. We will send you email notification within 7 business days after we receive your completed application file. Written notification by post will follow a few days later.

Contacts

Who do I contact if I have any further questions about Pathways?

You are welcome to send us an email at utahpathways@kaplan.com Better yet, you might want to contact our representative in your country who can speak to you by phone or even meet with you.

Graduation

What degrees am I eligible to earn after I finish Pathways?

When you graduate from the Undergraduate Pathways Program you will enter the second year of one of the University of Utah’s bachelor degree programs. Depending on which major area of study you will earn a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Science. The University of Utah offers majors in 75 subjects. The type of degree you receive will depend on the major you select. The transition to the University of Utah is different for each college.

What University standards or rules must I comply with in order to graduate?

All students at the University of Utah agree to observe all the rules and regulations of the University of Utah including financial, behavioral and immigration status while you are a U of U student. Financial compliance means that you have met your financial obligations, i.e. tuition, fees, fines, rents, parking citations, etc. Behavioral status means that you are in compliance with city, state and federal laws as well as in compliance with the University of Utah's Student Code of Conduct. For more information, see http://sa.utah.edu/dos/what_we_do/studentConduct.htm. Immigration status means that you are in compliance with the terms of your U.S. visa.

Visa

I've heard it's difficult to get a U.S. visa; is this true?

After September 11, 2001, the number of foreigners studying in the U.S. declined a bit. Fortunately, this trend has been reversed. In the most recent academic year for which data is available (2005/2006), 565,000 foreign students attended U.S. colleges and universities, according to the Institute of International Education (IIE).

How do I apply for a U.S. visa?

All applicants to Pathways must also submit proof of financial responsibility. Applicants prove financial responsibility by providing the following documents: Bank Statement and Sponsor Statement. Proof of Financial responsibility enables the University of Utah to generate an I-20 form, which the U.S. government requires in order to grant you an F-1 student visa. If you are already attending a college or university in the U.S. and have a valid F-1 visa, you must also have the institution complete the Transfer-In form. If you are on a J1 visa, please contact an Immigration advisor to determine what steps are necessary for transfer. A few days after you are accepted to Pathways you will receive a package of information from the University of Utah. One document is the "I-20", which confirms that you have been accepted to the University of Utah Pathways Program. You must present the I-20, along with a few other pieces of information (e.g. your passport) to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. In general, you should receive your "F-1" student visa within six weeks, although processing times vary on a case by case basis. For additional information about the U.S. student visa process, please see: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html. Our representative in your country can assist you with this process.

How much time must I allow before I receive my visa?

"F-1" student visas usually are processed within six weeks, but this can vary.

Student Life

What is the biggest challenge about student life at the University of Utah?

For some students the biggest challenge is balancing your academic load with all the fun attractions that The University of Utah and Salt Lake City have to offer. For other students, it's being far from home. Fortunately, our Pathways Student Advisors' job is to help you manage these challenges.

What clubs and organisations can I join?

The University of Utah offers many opportunities for the international community to be actively engaged in the campus community. Joining a club is a good way to become more connected to your new surroundings, gain leadership experience, and make friends. The U offers over 15 international clubs and over 200 student organizations to get involved with from the day you reach campus.

Are sports available?

If you're athletic you'll have many choices both to watch sports and play sports. The University has many collegiate teams (basketball, football, baseball, hockey, track, etc.). Also, there are informal intramural leagues you might be able to join for friendly competition with other students. And if you just want to get some exercise our sports facilities are unmatched and range from modern swimming pools and exercise rooms to numerous soccer fields, tennis, volleyball, squash and basketball courts and yoga studios. The international community has cricket matches, badminton tournaments, and soccer events on a weekly basis.

Do I need to open a U.S. bank account?

It's not a requirement but we strongly recommend you do. It will make managing money in the U.S. much easier. When you arrive at the University of Utah, we can help you do this. The International Center hosts banking workshops at the start of each orientation program, which will help you through the process.

Will my computer and other electronics work in the U.S.?

If you come from a country where 220/240 volts is used, most of your electrical appliances, such as computers and iPods will work in the U.S. Many of them already have the ability to work with the U.S. electrical current (110/120 volts) and do not require a transformer. However, we recommend that you first check with the manufacturer of the device before using it in the States. Depending on the appliance you might need a plug adapter to fit a U.S. electrical outlet. These are inexpensive and can be purchased in the U.S. or on the Internet.

What will happen if I get sick?

All Global Pathway students are required to buy University of Utah’s Health Insurance Plan. As a Pathways student you have use of University Student Health Center and University Counseling Center. Our physicians, nurses and counselors are committed to both your physical and mental health. If you're sick they'll do everything they can to bring you back to health when you're not feeling well.

I have dietary or religious restrictions about what I can eat; what do I do?

You have many, many choices. Whether you are a vegetarian, trying to lose (or gain) weight, observe Kosher, Halal or prefer one particular nation's cuisine you will find what you want on or near campus. The choices are endless.

Where can I buy food from my country?

Salt Lake City is a city that includes many nationalities. Throughout the city we can help you find the kinds of markets you're looking for.

Money

Is it expensive to go to school in Salt Lake City?

How expensive Salt Lake City is, in part, depends on the country you're coming from and how strong your currency is relative to the U.S. dollar. In comparison to many other big cities in the United States Salt Lake City has a very reasonable cost of living.

Do I need to bring or buy a computer?

The University of Utah has many desktop computers available in various libraries and lounges around the campus. This is great for quickly checking your email or visiting an Internet site. However, for doing your homework and research it's more convenient for you if you have your own computer. You'll likely find a laptop computer more convenient than a desktop computer. If you bring a computer with you, be sure to check the computer's instruction manual to see if it can work on the U.S.'s electrical current – many computers will. Of course, you can buy a computer when you're in the U.S. and get a student discount when you purchase. Computer equipment can be far less expensive to purchase in the U.S. than in many foreign countries. Both PC's and Macintosh computers are used at the University of Utah.

How much does it cost to apply to Pathways?

It is free to apply to the University of Utah Pathways Program. There are no application fees. However, you are required to submit your score on a recognized English proficiency test such as TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC. The test provider in your country may charge you a fee to take this exam, however, this fee does not go to the University of Utah.

If I'm accepted how much tuition do I pay?

The Undergraduate Pathways tuition costs is $23,800 for 3 terms. Tuition is due four weeks before the start of the semester. Tuition is payable to Kaplan and must be paid by U.S. bank draft, credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or electronic transfer. Directions regarding your deposit will be in your offer letter, which you'll receive shortly after your acceptance into the Pathways program.

What are University Fees?

All University of Utah students pay certain fees that cover major non-academic costs such as athletic facilities and international student services. These fees are included in your tuition.

Are scholarships available?

Please speak to our representative in your country. A limited number of scholarships may be available depending on your qualifications and how early you apply.

Can I work and earn money while I'm attending Pathways?

Yes, Global Pathways students can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. In order to work on-campus, you must apply for work authorization through the International Center. If you are in lawful status and are a full-time student, the International Center will prepare a letter verifying your eligibility to work on campus. Global Pathways students will be able to seek employment after they have completed their first semester. The University of Utah’s Career Services Center can assist you with preparing your resume and provide training on interviewing for a job.