Applying for ACCESS Scholars
The College of Science ACCESS Scholars is a first-year community, research and scholarship program for students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Who is eligible?
- First-year and transfer students majoring in the College of Science
How ACCESS students are selected:
A team of STEM faculty and administrators evaluates each applicant using a holistic review process that considers application essays, extracurricular experiences, high school course load and rigor, a letter of recommendation, and GPA.
Your ACCESS Application Must Include:
Curiosity
As an undergraduate at the University of Utah you will have many opportunities to join various programs and communities. Why would you choose ACCESS Scholars to help you succeed as an undergraduate in the sciences? Highlight your interests as well as your academic and career goals. (250 words max)
Leadership
Please share your experience with community engagement (eg. leadership, volunteering, advocacy, work experience, etc.) that have had the strongest impact on you and explain why. (250 words max)
Belonging
ACCESS Scholars seeks to build a close-knit cohort with individuals from different backgrounds to support each other throughout their time at the U. Describe the importance of belonging in the STEM fields. (250 words max)
We are especially interested in students who have taken rigorous science courses (high school and/or college level).
This upload can be an unofficial transcript.
This letter should address your scientific interests and/or abilities, your leadership skills or potential, and your capacity to contribute to a supportive community. Letters from teachers or other academic mentors strongly preferred.
You will be prompted to submit your recommender's name and email address in the application. Please ensure that their name and email address are spelled correctly. Once you submit their contact information, they will be sent an email with a link to upload their letter directly to your application. If you or your recommender has any questions about this process, please reach out to Sam Shaw (sam.shaw@utah.edu).
Questions about ACCESS or the application process?
Email ACCESS Program Manager, Sam Shaw at sam.shaw@utah.edu