Counseling Corner

Welcome to the Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts Counseling Corner. We strive to ensure that you have all the resources needed to succeed during your time at SPA and help prepare you for life after high school. We have compiled resources on this website to help you prepare for graduation, apply for college, and more! Feel free to contact us via email or phone with anything you may need help with!

SPA Counseling Department Commits to:

Welcome and support the needs, feedback, and voices of all students.

Helping support the success of all students.

Provide a safe space for all students to thrive academically and within their art forms.

Connect students with community outreach opportunities.

Encourage students to be their authentic selves at school.

Offer guidance, training, and mental health resources yearly.

College and Career Readiness (CCR) is one of our primary focuses. Holding annual CCR meetings allows us to reach every one of our SPA students through student, parent, and counselor collaboration to help our students feel confident and well equipped for their future.

SPA Counselor

  • (801) 466-6700 ext 149
    wberger@saltlakespa.org

College Information

College and Career Readiness

Graduation Calculator

How to Pick a College

Letter of Recommendation Request Form

Transcript Request

College Application Process

Understanding what documents to submit for your college and scholarship applications is important to know well in advance. All colleges will require an application and official transcript. Most colleges will require your ACT score. Some colleges and scholarships will require additional materials.

Application documents may include:
 

  • Application - Each college will require an application; The length of the application can vary. Most applications are now online, allowing you to start, save and edit as necessary. Might as well start early!

     

  • Transcript - All colleges will want an OFFICIAL copy of your transcript. An official copy means it comes directly from the school. It is a good idea to review your "Historical Grades" on PowerSchool to make sure all grades are included and accurate. 


     

  • ACT/SAT Scores - Most colleges will want a copy of your ACT (or SAT) scores. Some colleges use it to accept or decline admission. Others use it for class placement only. Scores must be sent directly from ACT. See more information below in our ACT/SAT testing section.

  • Letters of Recommendation - Some schools and scholarships require letters of recommendation. Consider a counselor, teacher, coach, supervisor, etc who knows you and can speak to your strengths and character. It is also helpful to provide a resume to the person writing your letter in order to give additional information. You can use the following form. Please give at least 2 weeks notice. Remember - you are not the only one requesting a letter of recommendation.
     

  • Essay/Personal Statement - Some colleges, honors programs, or scholarships require an essay or personal statement. This is an opportunity to show the college something special about you and also demonstrate your writing skills. It is recommended that you take your time in developing this piece. Proper use of grammar, punctuation, and spelling are important. When possible, show with examples rather than just telling. Here are some tips:
     

  • Audition/Portfolio/Interview - Some colleges or programs will require an audition, portfolio, or interview. Each program will have specific requirements that may differ greatly from one program to the next. It is very important to start preparing audition and portfolio pieces early. Contact the school or program to learn the details of what is required.

Request a Transcript

 PLEASE USE THE PARCHMENT LINK BELOW TO REQUEST A TRANSCRIPT:

 

Requests may be placed anytime, but our Office Hours for checking the requests and processing are Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Please also check the school calendar for closures.

Please note: Students/past students age 17 and under may have a legal guardian request and pick up transcripts. Students/past students age 18+ must sign the request form themselves and if requesting to pick up the transcripts in person, must do so themselves.

Any questions, please contact our Registrar Kim Dahle by email. kdahle@saltlakespa.org

 

EDUCATION VERIFICATIONS:

​MAKE SURE THAT ALL VERIFICATION REQUESTS INCLUDE:

  • Student's name

  • Student's Date of Birth

  • Student's Graduation Date: Day, Month, and Year (self-reported)

  • Signed Release (may be electronic)

  • Your company information and contact person

 

HOW TO SUBMIT A REQUEST:

EMAIL: bskaggs@saltlakespa.org

Financial Aid Information

ACT Testing

Students will take the free ACT test provided by the school during their Junior year. It is encouraged that students take the ACT multiple times during their junior and senior years. Colleges look at a combination of ACT scores and GPA to determine whether a student will be admitted as well as for scholarship eligibility.

Cost:

ACT (no writing): $55 Includes report for you, your high school, and up to four colleges if you provide their school code when registering.

ACT with writing: $70 Includes report for you, your high school, and up to four colleges if you provide their school code when registering.

​For more information about the writing portion of the ACT, please follow this link.

Please reach out to Angela Pontious at apontious@saltlakespa.org for questions relating to the free ACT Test.

Class of 2025 Graduation Information

Jostens Cap and Gown Orders:​

This year, students will be able to keep their caps and gowns. Because of this, all gowns will be custom made to your student's measurements. To allow Jostens enough time to make your student's gown, please submit your cap and gown orders by December 13th directly to Jostens.

Mental Health Resources

SAFE UT HOTLINE (CRISISLINE) or call 1-800-273-8255

The SAFEUT app is also available for free from any app store. Students can use this app to report bullying, harassment, suicidal thoughts or ideation, or any troublesome behavior. Reporting here is anonymous.

Click on links below to access services and additional resources:

University of Utah Health Care via the University Neuropsychiatric Institute

Available 24/7 even on holidays

PROVIDES CRISIS INTERVENTION AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)

Utah Pride Center

Indian Training Education Center

United Way 211

Children's Help Insurance Program

Utah Youth Suicide Prevention

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP)

The SALT LAKE EDUCATION FOUNDATION provides a list of services and support for families. Here are the links to their information: Fact Sheet; Contact List; School Resource Handbook