WSU Early College FAQs

WSU Early College Admissions and Eligibility

• How can I get more information about the WSU Early College Program?

  Attend an Early College Information Session.

• Am I eligible to apply for Weber State's Early College Program?

  You are eligible to apply for the WSU Early College Program if you are a high school sophomore, junior, or senior (or equivalent if home-schooled) and meet the following criteria:

  Sophomores must have an index score of at least 110 and a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA

  Junior and Seniors must have an index score of at least 106 and a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA

  Index scores are calculated using your high school GPA (recorded on an accredited high school transcript) and ACT/SAT scores. 
  
  For home-schooled students, ACT/SAT scores determine eligibility. A home-schooled student must have an ACT score of at least 23 or an SAT score of at least 1070 in order to apply to the program.

• Are the admissions requirements for the WSU Early College Program the same as the requirements for regular admission to WSU?

  No. All students admitted to the WSU Early College Program must meet a higher criteria than for regular WSU admission. Regular admission to WSU can take place by meeting one of the following: (1) graduation from an accredited high school; or (2) completion of a General Educational Developmental (GED) exam with a passing score. If you have not met the above criteria for WSU's Early College Program and/or regular admission to WSU, then you can contact the Director of Admission for special consideration under university policy.

• Is there a deadline to apply to the WSU Early College Program?

  There is not a deadline for applying to the WSU Early College Program. However, WSU Early College scholarships are awarded on a first come, first-served basis. The WSU Early College Scholarship application opens Sept. 1 for the upcoming academic year. The first deadline for review of the scholarship applicants for the fall semester is May 1. The first deadline for review of the scholarship applicants for the spring semester is Dec. 1.

• Do I have to apply to Weber State?

  Before you can take courses through the Early College program, you must apply and be accepted to WSU as an Early College student. See the Early College Admissions page for more details.

• I’m a sophomore in high school (or equivalent if home-schooled). Can I participate in WSU’s Early College Program?

  You may take courses through the Early College Program starting the fall of your 10th grade year of high school (or equivalent if home-schooled). If you begin Early College as a sophomore, you will be limited to only taking seven credits or two classes each semester.

• I haven’t taken the ACT yet. Can I take it at Weber?

  WSU offers a residual ACT for students wishing to only use the scores at WSU. Contact with your high school counseling center for information about national ACT dates, costs and possible financial assistance.

  Due to the effects of COVID-19 on the availability of ACT/SAT testing, a Modified Admissions Policy for the WSU Early College Program has been implemented for the 2020-21 Academic Year for those who need to utilize alternative assessments. 

• Do I have to attend an Early College Information Session? I just want to talk to an Early College advisor.

  Once you attend an Information Session with one of our Early College advisors, you will be eligible to apply to the Early College Program and meet with your Early College advisor one-on-one. You are required to bring a parent/guardian to this hour-long session.

• Do I have to attend a WSU New Student Orientation as an Early College student?

  All Early College students must complete the mandatory WSU New Student Orientation before participating in the Early College Program. We also strongly encourage parents/guardians to attend.

• Will I be a “real” Weber State student?

  Early College students are real Weber State students. You will attend WSU classes, pay tuition and student fees and have access to all the resources available to other students (as long as you have parental permission to use these services). Early College students with parental permission may use the gym, computer labs, Health Center and many other student resources.

Early College Costs, Tuition, Fees & Scholarships

• How much does Early College cost?
  Early College students pay tuition and fees just like regular WSU students. The amount of tuition and fees depends on the number of credit hours for which you register.
• Am I eligible for financial aid and scholarships?
  Although Early College students are not eligible for Federal Student Aid, you can apply for the WSU Early College Scholarship for NUAMES High School. View the Early College Scholarship page to review the eligibility requirements.
• Will I have to pay out-of-state tuition if I am not a Utah resident?

  Early College students who have not established Utah residency are subject to non-resident tuition rates. Students who live outside of Utah are non eligible to participate in the WSU Early College Program. 

• Do I need to purchase a parking permit?

  Early College students who plan to park on campus (before 4 p.m.) must purchase a permit to avoid parking tickets. If your campus course starts after 4 p.m. you do not need a parking pass. Having a permit will help you get to your WSU classes on time.

  What is the New Century Scholarship?

  The New Century Scholarship is administered through the Board of Regents. It is awarded to eligible Utah scholarship applicants who earn an associate’s degree by the day they graduate from high school (or by June 15 of the year their peer group graduates from high school for home-schooled students) and comply with all Board of Regents requirements and deadlines. Your Early College advisor can help you work towards this scholarship.The scholarship may be used at any four-year public college or university in the Utah System of Higher Education for up to four semesters.

Course Options

• What is the difference between Early College and Concurrent Enrollment?

  Concurrent Enrollment courses are college classes taught at high schools by high school instructors. The Early College Program allows high school students to take regular Weber State courses from university instructors either on campus or online. Both Early College and Concurrent Enrollment courses can fulfill high school graduation requirements.

• Can I take Concurrent Enrollment courses, AP classes, and courses through the Early College program during the same school year?

  Yes. You can use a variety of early college credit options to accelerate your education. Be sure to coordinate this information between your high school counselor and your Early College advisor.

• I'm a WSU Early College student and I want to know what courses I should take.

  Once you have been accepted into program, you’ll work closely with your Early College advisor and your high school counselor to plan your coursework. Once admitted, call 801-395-3480 to schedule an appointment with your Early College advisor.

Academic Standards

• What are the Early College Academic Standards?

  Early College students are required to maintain a cumulative WSU GPA of 2.5 and earn passing grades in all WSU classes. (Note: Passing grades for general education requirements differ; consult the catalog for specific grade requirements.)

• What if my cumulative WSU GPA falls below a 2.5?

  If your cumulative WSU GPA falls below a 2.5, you will be dismissed from the Early College Program until you have raised your cumulative WSU GPA to at least a 2.5 through Concurrent Enrollment (CE) classes.

• What if I don't earn a passing grade in a class?

  If you earn an E (failing grade) or UW (unofficial withdrawal) you will be placed on Early College probation and will be required to repeat the failed class the following semester. Failure to repeat a failed class may result in dismissal from the Early College Program.

• Who do I contact if I have questions about my Early College academic standing?

  If you are unsure about your Early College academic standing or if you are in need of referrals to helpful WSU resources, contact your Early College advisor. If you have been dismissed from Early College and you feel this is in error, see your Early College advisor to review your record.

Additional Questions

• I attend NUAMES (Northern Utah Academy of Math, Engineering, and Science). How can I get more information about the Early College Program?

  Visit the WSU Early College for NUAMES High School website for information about admissions, orientation, scholarships and registering for courses.

• I’m a high school counselor and I have questions about Weber State’s Early College Program. Who can help me?

  The Early College advisor working with your school district would be happy to assist you.

• I’m the parent/guardian of a home-schooled student and I have questions about Early College. Who can help me?

  The Early College advisor working with home-schooled students would be happy to assist you.

• Am I able to give my parent or guardian access to my grades, class schedule, scholarship application and other student information?

  Yes. A student may fill out the Student Information Release Form, granting another individual (e.g., parent, guardian, spouse, etc.) access to student records.

• I have a hold on my account. What do I do?

  Contact your Early College advisor as soon as possible!

• How do I file a petition for an exception to Early College policy?

  If you would like to file a petition for an exception to Early College admission, academic standing or scholarship eligibility, please first contact your Early College advisor to determine if you have a petitionable request. Early College petitions can be accessed here.

Updated: 4/23/2021