Admissions Criteria

Self-Screening Tool

The Aggies Elevated and Eagles Elevated programs serve students whose primary or secondary diagnosis is Intellectual Disability. For eligibility purposes, we define Intellectual Disability as an IQ of 75 or below. In addition, some students with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury are eligible. We accept students between the ages of 18 and 26.

If you have a high school diploma with at least a 2.5 GPA and an ACT score, regular admission to Utah State University may be a better option for you.

If you have a diploma but require academic support or accommodation, we would be happy to help you access the appropriate services. You may also be eligible to enroll in selected Aggies Elevated coursework.

Admission Criteria

Potential participants must apply for admission through the Aggies Elevated website. Students do not complete a traditional USU admissions application. Consideration for admission will be given to individuals who meet the following criteria:

1. Have been enrolled in a high school special education program that may or may not lead to completion of a regular high school diploma and that does not allow students to complete requirements necessary for regular admission to the University. Evidence of significant limitations in intellectual and cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior must be included with the application.
2. Demonstrate adequate skills to interact with others and navigate campus. Examples may include the following:
   
   • Oral and/or written communication skills with or without the use of assistive technology.
   • Responding to peers when appropriate.
   • Phone skills.
   • Willing and able to accept correction and constructive criticism.
   • Setting safe boundaries for yourself and others.
   • Ability to navigate a paper or electronic schedule or calendar (getting up independently, getting to class/study groups/meetings on time, ability to add events to schedule/calendar).
3. Demonstrate safe and socially acceptable behavior that will allow a favorable experience on campus. Appropriate safe and socially acceptable behavior may include the following:
   • Appropriate social communication with peers.
   • Appropriate eating habits.
   • Personal hygiene.
   • Appropriate touch.
   • Body awareness, including appropriate standards of attire.
   • Emotional independence.
   • Some experience with overnight trips away from home (camp, sleepovers with friends, etc.).
   • Structuring long periods of free time without having someone tell you what you should be doing.
   • Adapting to new environments relatively easily.
4. Be adequately motivated to learn and benefit from their university experience. Motivation may be shown in the following ways:
   1. High grades in high school.
   2. High attendance record in high school.
   3. Participation in high school, church or community events.
   4. Participation in sports or hobbies.
   5. Having volunteer or paid work experience.
   6. Having career and personal goals.
5. Aggies Elevated requires documentation of the student’s disability and adaptive functioning
6. Evidence of student's ability to make safe decisions without 24/7 supervision and structured programming on the weekends.
7. Must be free of behavioral issues, including (but not limited to): aggressiveness, defiance, running away, self-injury, or stealing.
8. Have an expressed interest in living and working as independently as possible in their community after completing the Program with support from families or caregivers to do so.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: As stated above, Aggies Elevated does not provide 24/7 supervision for our students. The safety of our students drives every decision made by our staff. A student may be dismissed from the program if, in the professional opinion of our staff, the student is displaying behavior that could endanger him/herself or someone else.