23-24 School Counselor Guide

SCHOOL COUNSELOR GUIDE

IT’S ON.

School counselors play a critical role in developing the young adults who will be our future leaders. Your support during this exciting time is reflected in the quality of the applications we read. As more amazing students apply to our University each year, it becomes increasingly difficult to select the next great class of Huskies — but we like a challenge.

In this guide, you’ll find the details you need to help your students navigate the college search and application process. With your guidance and support, becoming #UConnBound is within their reach.

By the numbers:

4.1

Years to Graduation

Fastest time to degree of any public university in the country

50%

Among the nation’s public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report

700+

TOP RANKED clubs and organizations

Nearly

24,000

16:1 undergraduate students across all campuses

Student-Faculty Ratio

There are fewer than 30 students in the majority of UConn’s undergraduate classes

OF ENROLLED STUDENTS*

Middle Combined SAT

1260-1410

Storrs Main Campus

1100-1290

Regional Campuses

Composite ACT

29-33

Storrs Main Campus

25-30

Regional Campuses

* Standardized test ranges represent applicants who elected to submit test scores as part of their application materials. UConn is a test-optional institution through fall 2026.

80+ 21 NCAA Division I Athletics Teams

RESEARCH CENTERS AND INSTITUTES

HUSKIES HAVE WHAT IT TAKES.

Our goal is to select future Huskies who will contribute to our inclusive community, not only through their academic pursuits, but also through their leadership, integrity, and perseverance. Applications are reviewed using a holistic approach, meaning that consideration is given to the entire application. This allows us to gain a full understanding and measurement of a student’s potential to be a successful UConn Husky.

Admission Requirements

A strong academic foundation is the key to a successful admission application. The following college preparatory courses are required for all first-year applicants:

4 years of English

3 years of math (Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry or their equivalents)

2 years of social studies (including 1 year of U.S. History)

2 years of a single foreign language (3 years strongly recommended)*

2 years of laboratory science

3 years of electives

School of Nursing applicants: High school chemistry is required. School of Engineering applicants: High school chemistry and physics are required.

*UConn requires two years of documented foreign language study for students whose native language is English. For those whose native language is any other language, English serves as a foreign language. UConn accepts most commonly offered languages, including American Sign Language but excluding computer science. Foreign language courses at the middle school level will be recognized, so long as the study of that same language continues into high school. Applicants from schools that do not offer foreign language study, or who have been advised against language study due to a learning difference, will still be considered for admission, but will need to complete two years of foreign language study at UConn to satisfy a degree requirement for graduation.

A completed first-year application includes:

1. A Completed Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir

All first-year applicants must complete either the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir.

2. Application Fee

Submission of the $80 application fee (non-refundable) is available through the chosen application. Applicants who indicate fee waiver eligibility on the application will have the fee waived upon receipt of the fee waiver.

3. Essay & Two Optional Letters of Recommendation

The required personal essay, ranging between 250 and 650 words, allows a student to demonstrate writing ability while adding a unique voice to the application. Two letters of recommendation are optional, but strongly recommended.

4. Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) or Official High School Transcript

To ensure all applications are reviewed on a common academic scale, UConn accepts the Self-Reported Academic Record from students attending a U.S. high school. Students are encouraged to use the SRAR to report their academic records.

Students who do not complete the SRAR option will submit an official high school transcript(s), which should include senior year classes, class rank (if applicable), and latest grades earned. Postsecondary official transcript(s) from each institution attended are also required whether or not credit is desired or expected. Transcripts must be submitted to UConn directly from the secondary institution, either electronically or by mail in a sealed envelope.

First-year applicants who do not submit the SRAR will have their grade point average recalculated by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a part of the admissions review process.

5. Standardized Test Scores (Optional)

First-year applicants may choose whether or not to submit results from standardized tests through the fall 2026 admission cycle. No admission decision shall be impacted, and no student disadvantaged, if a standardized test score is not provided. Applicants will still be considered for all majors, merit scholarships, and Honors Program admission, regardless of test score submission. Students who wish to have test scores considered must submit official scores directly from the test provider.

Institutional Codes: SAT – 3915 ACT – 0604

6. Immigration Status

The University of Connecticut is an immigration-blind institution. All students applying to UConn are encouraged to disclose their immigration status, which allows us to correctly process an application and provide certain benefits associated with a student's immigration status.

7. English Proficiency Requirement (International Applicants Only)

International applicants whose primary language is not English must submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo scores.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR FALL SEMESTER

(including international)

November 1 (Connecticut students only)

Application Deadline for Day of Pride Scholarship and Nutmeg Scholarship Applicants

November 8 (Connecticut students only)

Supplemental Application Deadline for Day of Pride Scholarship and Nutmeg Scholarship Applicants

November 15

Application Deadline for Special Programs in Law, Medicine, and Dental Medicine

December 1

Priority First-Year Application Deadline for Merit Scholarship & Honors Consideration

January 15

Storrs Main Campus First-Year Application Deadline

February 15

FAFSA Deadline for Financial Aid Eligibility

March 1

Notification of Admission and Offers of Financial Aid Begins

May 1

Regional Campuses Application Deadline

Fine Arts Applicants

Programs in the School of Fine Arts require additional components paired with the undergraduate application for admission consideration. Requirements may include an audition or interview, or the submission of an essay or portfolio. Admission decisions to the School of Fine Arts will not be made until the Office of Undergraduate Admissions receives the results of a student’s additional requirement(s).

Home-Schooled Applicants

Home-schooled applicants should follow the first-year application instructions and may also be asked to provide a comprehensive outline of their academic curriculum including syllabi, a portfolio or learning log, and official college transcripts, if applicable. Home-schooled students will also have the option to self-report coursework through the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). Applicants should indicate whether the curriculum has been conducted under an accredited program, and documentation should verify that the home-school program meets the high school graduation requirements of the applicant’s hometown.

Where unlimited potential meets endless opportunity.

TRANSFERRING CREDIT TO UCONN

majors and 120+ minors

115+ 10

schools and colleges offering undergraduate degrees

Enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), UConn Early College Experience (ECE), or Advanced Level (A Level) courses while in high school is an excellent way for students to begin to prepare themselves for the rigor of college work. UConn provides transfer credit opportunities for these courses, as long as a certain score is achieved on the exam. For more information on our transfer credit guidelines, visit admissions.uconn.edu.

ON TO ASKING BIGGER

HONORS PROGRAM

We invite those students with a record of significant academic success and engagement into the Honors Program, one of several enrichment programs available at UConn. A tight-knit community of high achievers, Honors Program students throughout all 10 schools and colleges work closely with outstanding faculty in rigorous classes. The well-deserved perks: faculty mentors, priority course registration, graduate-level library privileges, and Honors housing. There is no separate Honors Program application as all firstyear applicants are automatically considered for the program, including those who do not submit standardized test scores.

1476

Average combined SAT score for Honors Program admission (2023)*

* Standardized test averages represent applicants who elected to submit test scores as part of their application materials. UConn is a test-optional institution through fall 2026.

THE QUESTIONS

Approximately

570

HUSKIES ENROLLED IN THE HIGHLY SELECTIVE HONORS PROGRAM*

* Statistics represent the Class of 2027 at the Storrs Main Campus. UConn admits a diverse and multi-talented class to the program each year.

Decisions.

UConn has a single decision-release day of March 1 for our Storrs Main Campus. Students applying to UConn are asked to select a first- and second-choice campus. If a second-choice campus is not selected and we are unable to offer an invitation to the first-choice campus, an applicant may receive an acceptance letter with an alternative campus chosen for them.

CENTER FOR ACCESS AND POSTSECONDARY SUCCESS (CAPS) (Connecticut students only)

The Center for Access and Postsecondary Success (CAPS) introduces students who are first-generation to college, and/or from populations underserved in higher education, to the academic rigor of a university environment while lending support to ease the transition from high school to college. Students are conditionally admitted to UConn based on their participation in CAPS. Successful completion of the CAPS Summer Program is required for these students to attend UConn in the fall. Students participate in an intensive, five-week summer program, enrolling in two UConn courses for which they may earn up to six credits toward their undergraduate degree. CAPS at Storrs is a residential program and requires students to live on the main campus during the five-week session. Regional campus programs are non-residential, with students participating weekdays only. For more information, visit caps.center.uconn.edu.

Storrs Spring Admission Program (Connecticut students only)

The Storrs Spring Admission Program allows students to begin their UConn career at a regional campus, and then seamlessly transition to the Storrs campus starting in their spring semester. This unique opportunity enables us to accommodate some of our most outstanding in-state applicants that we could not accept immediately to the Storrs campus. To learn more, visit admissions.uconn.edu/spring-admission.

48,000+

first-year applicants across all campuses

decision appeal process

Admission to UConn is competitive. Students who wish to appeal an admission decision must present significant new academic information that was not present at the time of their application review. This information should validate the application as stronger than when originally reviewed. For complete details, visit admissions.uconn.edu/apply/appeal

GAP YEAR AND DEFERMENT REQUESTS

We understand that there are many reasons why a student may need to delay the start of their UConn education; whether it be to pursue a unique travel opportunity, to serve in the military or public service, or due to chronic illness, admitted students can request a deferment for up to one year by submitting the Gap Year/Deferment Request Form found in their applicant portal. It is possible for a student’s merit scholarship award amount to vary from the amount stated in the initial offer of admission, and merit scholarship awards are not guaranteed to students choosing to defer admission. Scholarship offers by academic departments, Promise Grants, and offers of need-based financial aid are not subject to assurance under the gap year/deferment policy.

FUNDING A UCONN

The University of Connecticut is committed to supporting all students — academically, socially, and financially. In fact, 68% of UConn undergraduate students receive gift aid in the form of grants and scholarships.

For maximum aid consideration, eligible students should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by UConn’s on-time filing deadline of February 15 using Federal School Code 001417.

Storrs MAIN Campus Estimated Direct Cost of Attendance

(includes tuition, fees, residence hall based on standard double, and value meal plan)

Connecticut Students $34,362

Out-of-State Students $57,030

Regional Campus Estimated Direct Cost of Attendance

(includes tuition and fees)*

Connecticut Students $17,458

Out-of-State Students $40,126

* Students attending UConn Stamford and living in on-campus housing will have their estimated cost of attendance increased by $13,716.

IN-STATE TUITION FOR CONNECTICUT UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Undocumented students who are Connecticut residents may be eligible for in-state tuition and institutional aid (e.g. University Grants) at the University of Connecticut. To qualify, a student must have attended at least two years of high school in Connecticut and graduated (or received the equivalent of a high school diploma) from a Connecticut high school, or be enrolled at a public institution of higher education in Connecticut. For full details, visit financialaid.uconn.edu/undocumented-students.

EDUCATION

Merit Scholarship, Award, and grant Opportunities

All first-year applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships administered by the University of Connecticut. UConn has a series of renewable merit scholarships for high school seniors with a record of high academic achievement and leadership. Offers of merit scholarships are generally awarded for fall semester entry. In addition to these scholarship, award, and grant opportunities, a student’s financial package may also include departmental, state, and external scholarships.

AVAILABLE TO CONNECTICUT APPLICANTS

Day of Pride Scholarship*

Nutmeg Scholarship*

President-to-President Scholarship

Presidential Scholars Award for Valedictorians and Salutatorians***

Stamps Scholars Award

UConn Promise Grants****

AVAILABLE TO CONNECTICUT AND OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANTS

Academic Excellence Scholarship

Leadership Scholarship

STEM Scholarship

UConn Award

AVAILABLE TO INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

Global Distinction Award**

Global Excellence Award**

Global Leader Award**

* Supplemental application required. Eligible applicants must be a Connecticut resident graduating from a Connecticut high school. Selection is highly competitive.

** International students who are studying in Connecticut and have a valid visa may qualify for these awards.

*** School counselors are asked to submit valedictorian and salutatorian names to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

**** UConn Promise Grants are reserved for Hartford, New Haven, and Waterbury Promise Scholars.

Day of Pride scholarship and Nutmeg Scholarship (Connecticut students only)

At the University of Connecticut, we seek to keep the brightest and most talented students here in our state, which is why we are proud to award the Day of Pride Scholarship and the Nutmeg Scholarship to some of Connecticut’s most deserving students each year. Any eligible Connecticut resident attending a Connecticut high school who wishes to be considered for these highly competitive awards may apply for either the Day of Pride Scholarship or the Nutmeg Scholarship (not both).

Learn more about these merit scholarships and awards at admissions.uconn.edu/cost-aid/scholarship

All about

We don’t really believe in limits. At UConn, rigorous academics can be found in any of our 115+ majors. If a student is undecided or their passion can’t be found on this list, we offer options to explore our programs or customize their own.

OPTIONS

Accounting Analytics and Information Management

Acting

Africana Studies

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Allied Health Sciences

American Sign Language Education

American Sign Language Studies

American Studies

Animal Science

Anthropology

Applied Data Analysis

Applied Mathematical Sciences

Arabic and Islamic Civilizations

Art

Art History

Biological Sciences

Biology Education

Biomedical Engineering

Business Administration*

Business Data Analytics*

Chemical Engineering

Chemistry

Chemistry Education

Chinese

Civil Engineering

Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies

Cognitive Science

Communication

Computer Engineering

Computer Science

Computer Science and Engineering

Data Science and Engineering

Design and Technical Theatre

Diagnostic Genetic Sciences

Dietetics

Digital Media and Design

Earth Science Education

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Economics

Economics of Sustainable Development and Management

Electrical Engineering

Elementary Education

Engineering Physics

English

English Education

Environmental Engineering

Undecided?

Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

Environmental Sciences

Environmental Studies

Exercise Science

Finance

Financial Management*

Financial Technology*

French

French Language Education

General Science Education

General Studies

Geographic Information Science

Geography

Geoscience

German

German Language Education

Health Care Management

History

History and Social Studies Education

Human Development and Family Sciences

Human Rights

Italian Language Education

Italian Literary and Cultural Studies

Journalism

Judaic Studies

Landscape Architecture

Latin/Classics Language Education

Latino and Latin American Studies

Linguistics/Philosophy

Linguistics/Psychology

Management

Management and Engineering for Manufacturing

Management Information Systems

Mandarin Chinese Language Education

Marine Sciences*

Maritime Studies*

Marketing

Marketing Management*

Materials Science and Engineering

Mathematics

Mathematics Education

Mathematics/Actuarial Science

Mathematics/Actuarial Science/Finance

Mathematics/Physics

Mathematics/Statistics

Mechanical Engineering

Medical Laboratory Sciences

Molecular and Cell Biology

Multidisciplinary Engineering

Music

Music Education

Natural Resources

Nursing

Nutritional Sciences

Pathobiology

Pharmacy Studies

Philosophy

Physics

Physics Education

Physiology and Neurobiology

Plant Science (Associate Degree)

Political Science

Psychological Sciences

Puppetry

Real Estate and Urban Economics

Robotics Engineering

Social Work*

Sociology

Spanish

Spanish Language Education

Special Education

Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Sport Management

Statistics

Statistical Data Science

Structural Biology and Biophysics

Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems

Theatre Studies

Turfgrass Science (Associate Degree)

Urban and Community Studies

Urban Forestry and Arboriculture (Associate Degree)

Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

* All of UConn’s majors may be completed at the Storrs Main Campus, except Business Administration, Business Data Analytics, Financial Management, Financial Technology, Marine Sciences, Maritime Studies, Marketing Management, and Social Work, which require coursework at other UConn campuses.

Many students are still exploring their options when they arrive at UConn. The Academic Center for Exploratory Students (ACES) is an advisory program that provides a well-defined plan to explore a number of possible majors before committing to one. An experienced advisor helps students develop an academic plan based on their skills, interests, and goals. Students choose a major by the end of their fourth semester. ACES also serves as the academic home for students not yet accepted to UConn’s professional programs, such as education and social work.

Individualized Majors

Students can create a customized major that’s right for them, taking classes in any of UConn’s schools and colleges and graduating with an interdisciplinary degree from the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources or Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Special Programs in Law, Medicine, and Dental Medicine

Students may apply to one of our Special Programs for a coordinated curriculum that includes four years of undergraduate preparation with the ability to further their educations and achieve advanced degrees within the fields of Law, Medicine, and Dental Medicine.

the power of The pack.

Having one of the highest percentages of students living on campus of any public university in the nation means UConn students build closer relationships with faculty and staff, become more involved with their peers, and learn what it means to be part of a community.

Learning Communities, including 20 residential

of first-year students participate in a Learning Community

30+ 45% 99

residence halls on the Storrs Main Campus, including traditional, suite, and apartmentstyle living options

residency requirement

At UConn, the on-campus living experience is an integral part of a student’s education. That’s why we’ve developed the Residency Requirement for all first-year and undergraduate international first-year students admitted to the Storrs campus. For details and exemption request information, visit reslife.uconn.edu.

learning communities

Through guided courses and co-curricular activities that are academic, experiential, and social, Learning Communities provide students with the opportunity to investigate areas of interest based on their major or an interdisciplinary theme. For a full listing of Learning Communities, visit lc.uconn.edu.

One community, many cultures.

Students from 85+

countries and 46 U.S. states

Students from different states, countries, and continents choose UConn for more than just prestigious academics. They also come for our inclusive campus community, full of diverse viewpoints, histories, and perspectives. Here, we practice compassion, understanding, and respect. We embrace and celebrate students for who they are. Together, we’re committed to supporting each other as Huskies.

UConn’s seven cultural centers/programs support the social and cultural needs of our students, offering an atmosphere of support, guidance, and advocacy, along with numerous resources for the entire community. They also host some of our most popular student events.

African American Cultural Center

Asian American Cultural Center

Middle Eastern Cultural Programs

Native American Cultural Programs

Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center

Rainbow Center

Women’s Center

UConn also celebrates religious diversity, with active places for worship and observance, as well as faith-based student organizations, on campus.

Providence

Driving Time From Storrs

Hartford – 0.5 hours

Boston – 1.5 hours

Providence – 1.2 hours

New York City – 2.5 hours

Washington, D.C. – 6.5 hours

UNITED BY PRIDE

The intellectual and cultural resources of UConn, and our location close to the major hubs of New York City and Boston, make for a stimulating and inspiring environment for our students. Our picture-perfect Storrs Main Campus has everything they need (or want!) and a vibrant downtown is just steps away. Regional campuses located throughout Connecticut offer the same outstanding education. University housing is offered at our Storrs Main Campus or at UConn Stamford.

Storrs Main Campus

REGIONAL CAMPUSES

Students at UConn's regional campuses can select from UConn’s 115 + majors, completing their first 54 credits (typically two years) at a regional campus and then seamlessly transitioning to UConn’s main campus in Storrs to finish their bachelor’s degree. Or, students can choose from select four-year programs to complete their entire degree at a regional campus. Certain programs may require coursework across other campuses to complete an approved plan of study.

STAMFORD

In the center of a robust business community, UConn Stamford students gain tremendous access to internships and employment. Students can apply to live in new, apartment-style housing located just steps from campus.

AVERY POINT

On Long Island Sound at the mouth of the Thames River, UConn Avery Point challenges students with specialized programs that take advantage of its waterfront location and delivers an outstanding education in more traditional areas of study.

HARTFORD

At its downtown campus, UConn Hartford combines top-tier academic programs with the vitality and unique educational and service opportunities offered by Connecticut’s capital city.

WATERBURY

UConn Waterbury students grow and achieve through rigorous academic programs and community engagement in modern facilities at the heart of the city’s revitalized downtown.

CONTACT A REGIONAL CAMPUS

UConn Avery Point averypoint.uconn.edu

860.405.9000

UConn Hartford hartford.uconn.edu

959.200.3500

UConn Stamford stamford.uconn.edu

203.251.8400

UConn Waterbury waterbury.uconn.edu

203.236.9800

The University of Connecticut, a land-grant institution, recognizes and respects Native peoples as traditional stewards of lands. View our Land Acknowledgment statement at: s.uconn.edu/landstatement.

Undergraduate Admissions

2131 HILLSIDE ROAD, UNIT 3088

STORRS, CT 06269-3088

860.486.3137 admissions.uconn.edu

beahusky@uconn.edu

Important Contacts

Academic Achievement Center (AAC) achieve.uconn.edu

860.486.4889

Academic Center for Exploratory Students (ACES) aces.uconn.edu

860.486.1788

Center for Access and Postsecondary Success (CAPS) caps.center.uconn.edu

860.486.4040

Center for Career Development (CCD) career.uconn.edu

860.486.3013

Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) csd.uconn.edu

860.486.2020

Counseling and Mental Health Services counseling.uconn.edu

860.486.4705

Dining Services dining.uconn.edu

860.486.3128

UConn Early College Experience (ECE) ece.uconn.edu

860.486.0042

Enrichment Programs enrichment.uconn.edu

860.486.4223

First Year Programs & Learning Communities fyp.uconn.edu

860.486.3378

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) studentaid.gov

800.433.3243

Honors Program honors.uconn.edu

860.486.4223

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) isss.uconn.edu

860.486.3855

Lodewick Visitors Center uconn.edu/visit

860.486.4900

Office of the Bursar bursar.uconn.edu

860.486.4830

Office of Student Financial Aid Services financialaid.uconn.edu

860.486.2819

Office of Undergraduate Admissions admissions.uconn.edu

860.486.3137

Residential Life reslife.uconn.edu

860.486.2926

Student Activities studentactivities.uconn.edu

860.486.8151

Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) studenthealth.uconn.edu

860.486.4700

The University of Connecticut complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action, including the provision of reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UConn does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religious creed, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran status, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to reproductive systems, gender identity or expression, or political beliefs in its programs and activities. Employees, students, visitors, and applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to address limitations resulting from a disability. For questions or more information, please contact the Associate Vice President, Office of Institutional Equity, 241 Glenbrook Road, Unit 4175, Storrs, CT 06269-4175; Phone: (860) 486-2943; Email: equity@uconn.edu; Website: http://www.equity.uconn.edu.