Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

No — Strong Start is optional, but highly encouraged for admitted first-year students to get a jump start on academics, campus life, and building community before the fall.  

Application for Strong Start Summer 2027 will open on January 15, 2027, and close on April 1, 2027.

Students must first apply and be admitted to the University of Utah for Fall 2027 before participating in Strong Start.

Once the application opens, eligible students can apply through the Strong Start website.

Strong Start courses are official University of Utah college courses and become part of your academic record.

If you don’t complete the summer classes, you don’t gain the credits, but you should meet with the program director.

To be considered for financial aid for Strong Start, students should complete the 2026–2027 FAFSA. This allows the University to determine eligibility for aid such as the Pell Grant, which—if awarded—can be applied toward Strong Start tuition and housing costs. To be eligible, complete the 2026–2027 FAFSA here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

After Strong Start, students will transition into the fall semester. Details about break housing for Summer 2027 into Fall 2027 are not yet available. Depending on availability, students may stay on campus in break housing or return home until fall move-in. General break housing information can be found on the University Housing website. 
https://www.housing.utah.edu/housing-during-break/ 

For any questions about the Strong Start Summer Bridge Program—please contact us at strongstart@utah.edu