College and Career Readiness

Skill Development for College & Career Readiness

High school is not only a time for academic learning, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to build the skills that colleges, employers, and communities value. At Park City High School, students develop essential skills that prepare them for success in school, the workplace, and life.

PCHS PBIS: Building Skills Through Positive Supports

Our school-wide PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program anchors skill development around four core pillars:

• Q1 | Prepared: Organization, readiness to learn, and personal responsibility.
• Q2 | Compassionate: Kindness, empathy, and consideration for the school community.
• Q3 | Hard-working: Perseverance, effort, and dedication in all activities.
• Q4 | Safe: Contributing to a supportive and secure environment for everyone.

Students are recognized for demonstrating these skills, earning tickets that can be exchanged for snacks and entered into a quarterly raffle for additional prizes.

Skill Building Opportunities

Skill-building is an intentional journey at Park City High School, where students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones to prepare for life after graduation. Whether through collaborative classroom projects, involvement in clubs, activities, athletics, or real-world experience in CTE pathways and PCCAPS, students consistently develop critical skills needed to successfully navigate any situation. School counselors help guide this journey during classroom lessons and individual CCR meetings. Our goal is to ensure every student leaves PCHS prepared, compassionate, hardworking, and safe - fully equipped for success in college, career, and life.

Resources

• SchooLinks – Access the Explore tab to take your Top Skills Assessment and discover your strengths.
• 10 Essential Soft Skills – Learn the most important "human skills" for high school success.
• Critical Thinking Guide – Tools to help you analyze information and solve complex problems.
• Change to Chill – Stress management and mental health tools designed specifically for teens.
• NUE Calming Room – A virtual space for relaxation, breathing exercises, and refocusing.
• Insight Timer – Extensive library of free guided meditations.
• Calm – Best for sleep stories and anxiety reduction.
• Headspace – Simple, science-based mindfulness and focus exercises.
• Aura Health – Personalized daily wellness and coaching tracks.

Career Exploration 

Career exploration helps students understand their strengths, interests, and the opportunities available beyond high school. Beginning early in high school, Park City High School counselors guide students as they learn about the world of work through assessments, intentional course planning, and real-world experiences. Exploring careers now empowers students to make confident decisions about their futures.

How to Get Started

1. Know Yourself - Understanding your personality, interests, and strengths provides a foundation for exploring careers that fit you well. Take a step back from your daily routine to focus on self-discovery as the first step in your development.

2. Explore Career Options - SchooLinks is the college and career readiness platform used at PCHS. Through this interactive experience, students can:

• Explore hundreds of careers with details on tasks, salaries, and education levels.
• Review career cluster summaries aligned with personal assessment results.
• Take interest, personality, and strength assessments to find potential pathways.
• Watch videos featuring industry professionals to hear about their daily experiences.
• Build a personalized career list to share with counselors and families.

3. Connect Exploration to Experience - Hands-on learning is one of the most powerful ways to explore your interests. At PCHS, students can engage through:

• CTE Pathways: Focused coursework in engineering, business, health sciences, and more.
• PCCAPS: Working directly with local industry partners on real-world professional projects.
• Course Planning: One-on-one counselor support to select classes aligned with long-term goals. See the "4-Year High School Planning" tab below.

Your Counselor Is Here to Help - Career exploration is a journey, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. PCHS counselors provide guidance and planning support every step of the way, helping you move from identifying interests to successfully entering college or workforce pathways.

College Research

Choosing the right college is about finding the best "fit" for your academic goals, your lifestyle, and your family's budget. Use this guide to move from curiosity to a finalized application list.

Choose Your Path: 1, 2, & 4-Year Options

Before you start your research, it is important to know that "college" looks different for everyone. Depending on your career goals, you might pursue:

• 1-Year Programs (Certificates & Diplomas): These are highly focused, technical programs that prepare you for a specific job quickly. Think welding, cosmetology, or medical assisting. Often found at technical colleges or through CTE courses.
• 2-Year Programs (Associate Degrees): Earned at community or junior colleges (like Salt Lake Community College). You can earn an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) to transfer to a 4-year school later, or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) to enter the workforce immediately in fields like nursing or technology.
• 4-Year Programs (Bachelor’s Degrees): These provide a broad education with a deep dive into a specific major. You’ll graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS). This is the traditional path for careers in business, engineering, education, and more.

STEP 1: Research Your Colleges of Interest

The best way to start is by casting a wide net. Before you fall in love with a school, do your homework.

• Visit (Virtually or In-Person): Nothing beats the "vibe" check of a campus. Use SchooLinks' Virtual Reality Campus Tours to explore from home, or check the SchooLinks Events tab to see when college reps are visiting PCHS.
• Location & Climate: Do you want four seasons or endless summer? Consider travel costs, the surrounding city (urban vs. rural), and local internship opportunities.
• Programs of Study: Use the School Search filters in SchooLinks to find schools that offer your specific major or interest area.
• Campus Life: Look into clubs, intramural sports, and student organizations.
• Size: Know the difference between a large research university and a small liberal arts college. Each offers a different level of faculty access and social atmosphere.
• COST: Be realistic. Use the FAFSA Forecaster and the Net Price Calculator (found on every college’s Financial Aid page) to see what your family might actually pay.

SchooLinks Tip: Use the School Search tool to filter by size, location, and majors. When you find a school you like, click the Heart Icon to save it to your Favorites list!

STEP 2: Understand Admissions Criteria

Once you have a list of schools you like, it’s time to see what it takes to get in. You can find this information directly on the college’s website. This is the best place to research application requirements.

• How to Apply: Read the "How to Apply" page carefully. Do they use the Common App, or do they have their own portal?
• Course Requirements: Does the school require a 4th year of math, specific lab sciences, or world language credits?
• The Numbers: Check the average GPA and ACT/SAT scores of admitted students.
  • If the school is Test Optional: Research what other evidence (like portfolios or extra essays) they prioritize.
• Components: Note if they require:
  • Supplemental Essays
  • Letters of Recommendation (and from whom—Teacher? Counselor?)
• Deadlines: Mark your calendar for Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), or Priority Deadlines.

SchooLinks Tip: Check the Scattergrams in SchooLinks to see how PCHS students with similar GPAs and test scores have fared at these schools in the past.

STEP 3: Get Organized!

A good college list is a balanced college list. Do not wait until the last minute—aim to finalize your list at least one month before your first deadline.

Create a Balanced List: Aim for a mix of the following in your SchooLinks Final List:

• 1–2 Likely Schools: Your academic profile is above their average (guaranteed or highly likely admission).
• 1–2 Target Schools: Your profile is right in line with their average admitted student.
• 1–2 Reach Schools: Admission is highly competitive or your profile is slightly below their average.

Communicate with your Counselor: Once your list is in SchooLinks, communicate with your PCHS Counselor. This ensures we have plenty of time to send your transcripts and recommendations.

College Applications

The college application process officially kicks off in the fall of senior year, and the PCHS Counseling Department is here to ensure you have the tools and support you need to cross the finish line and plan for life after high school.

Park City High School uses SchooLinks to manage the entire application process. This platform is where you will track deadlines, request transcripts, and manage your recommendation letters. Counselors visit senior English classes in early September to help students get started with this process. Review the SchooLinks College Application Manager Guide for more information. 

Requesting Letters of Recommendation

Some colleges require one or two letters of recommendation from teachers and/or a counselor who can speak to your academic strengths and character.

• Ask Early: You should ask your teachers at least 3–4 weeks before your first deadline. The best time to ask is at the very beginning of your senior year.
• Ask in Person: Always have a face-to-face conversation before sending a formal request through SchooLinks.
• Provide Context: Once they agree, complete the "Brag Sheet." This helps your teacher and counselor write a personalized letter that highlights your specific achievements.
• Formal Request: After your teacher says yes, you will send the official request through the SchooLinks Recommendation tool. The counselor's letter is automatically requested for you.

Counselor Support

Your PCHS School Counselors are your advocates and guides. They oversee the submission of your School Report and Counselor Recommendation, and they are available to help you navigate tricky application questions. How we support you:

• CCR Meetings: We meet with every senior to review graduation status and post-secondary plans.
• Utah College Application Week: Keep an eye on the school calendar for UCAW, where you can get hands-on help, speak directly to admissions reps from Utah colleges, and more.
• Ongoing Support: We help you beyond submitting applications. Once admitted, there will be additional steps for you to take, and counselors can support you throughout the year.

Visit the Scholarships and Financial Aid tab for information about paying for college. 

Standardized Testing Overview

The ACT and SAT are standardized tests commonly taken in the spring of junior year. These tests are an important part of college admissions, though some colleges now have test-optional policies.

Tip: Always research the admission requirements for the colleges you plan to apply to. Some schools are test-optional, while others may still require or recommend scores.

The state of Utah covers the cost for 11th grade students to take the ACT at no charge. This is a unique opportunity for students to take the ACT on their own high school campus.

• PCHS administers the ACT to all Juniors in March (includes optional Science section). Registration for the PCHS ACT test is completed at school. This is the only chance to take the ACT at PCHS.
• All other ACT and SAT tests are held at national testing centers in the Salt Lake Valley or Heber City. Visit the ACT or SAT website for registration information and dates.

Test Prep Resources

Prepare for your ACT or SAT with the following tools and strategies:

• Pre-ACT/PSAT Scores: Use your scores to identify areas to focus on.
• Official Guides: Visit the test prep pages of the ACT and SAT websites for free study guides and practice tests.
• Shmoop: Free online prep with the Magic Word: FRYSAUCE.
• Prep Courses: Check the PCHS PTSO newsletter, local companies, or online programs for ACT/SAT prep options.

4-Year High School Planning

Success after graduation begins with a thoughtful plan. At Park City High School, we believe that intentional 4-year course planning is essential for preparing students for life after graduation—whether the goal is a four-year university, specialized career training, military service, or entering the workforce.

Personalized Support & Guidance

Students are never expected to navigate their high school journey alone. Our Counseling Department provides structured support throughout the year to ensure every student stays on track:

• Class Registration Presentations: Each year, school counselors visit classrooms to provide grade-specific guidance on course options, prerequisites, and graduation requirements for the upcoming year.
• Annual Individual CCR Meetings: Every student participates in a yearly College and Career Readiness (CCR) meeting. This is a dedicated one-on-one session where the student and counselor review academic progress, refine the 4-year plan, and discuss post-secondary goals.

Building a Strong Foundation

A well-rounded 4-year plan demonstrates a commitment to both academic rigor and practical application. Admissions officers and employers look for students who balance the following:

1. Core Academics & Specialized Electives

• Core Requirements: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages.
• Career-Focused Electives: Explore pathways in Technology, Arts, Business, Health Sciences, and Career & Technical Education (CTE).
• Work-Based Learning: Gain a competitive edge through internships and PCCAPS (Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies) courses.

2. Making Purposeful Choices: Four Things to Keep in Mind

• Strengths & Interests: Challenge yourself in areas where you excel or want to grow.
• Future Goals: Match your classes to your intended college major or career path.
• Academic Balance: Maintain a healthy GPA by balancing rigorous courses with your extracurricular commitments.
• Real-World Experience: Seek out project-based courses and service learning to stand out.

Graduation vs. College Admission Requirements

It is important to understand that meeting PCHS graduation requirements earns you a diploma, but it may not automatically meet the admission requirements for every college. Admissions officers often look for "additional rigor" beyond the baseline needed to graduate. To be a competitive applicant, your 4-year plan should consider the following:

• World Languages: While not a PCHS graduation requirement, most four-year universities require at least 2 consecutive years of the same world language.
• The 4th Year of Math: While graduation requires 3 credits of math, most colleges (and the Utah "College & Career Ready" standard) strongly recommend or require a full year of math during your senior year.
• Lab Sciences: Competitive programs often look for a foundation of lab sciences: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Digital Planning Tools

We provide several digital resources to help students visualize their progress and explore their options:

• SchooLinks Course Planner: Our primary digital tool for mapping out four-year plans, tracking graduation requirements, and exploring CTE pathways.
• PowerSchool: Use the Graduation Plan Progress screen to view real-time credit completion and remaining requirements.
• PCHS Course Catalog: Access detailed descriptions of all elective and career-focused offerings to make informed registration choices.

Key Takeaway: A 4-year plan is more than just a checklist; it’s a portfolio of your growth. By using resources like SchooLinks and making intentional choices during your CCR meetings, you are building the skills needed to move confidently toward your future.

Getting Involved at PCHS

At PCHS, getting involved is a vital bridge between your education and your future. Engaging in clubs, sports, and the arts provides a unique platform for self-discovery, allowing you to identify your strengths and passions while building a lasting community.

Beyond the classroom, these experiences are essential for college and career readiness. By taking on new challenges, you develop the leadership, grit, and teamwork skills that modern universities and employers demand. Ultimately, jumping into PCHS life is about finding your "people" today while building the confidence and professional foundation you need to lead tomorrow.

A Note on Balance: "Involvement" doesn't mean "doing everything." It means doing something that matters to you. Quality of experience always beats quantity. Choose the activities that make you feel energized, not exhausted.

Finding Your Fit

There is no "perfect" way to get involved—the best way is your way. Whether you're looking for a high-intensity team or a low-key hobby group, the goal is to find a community that supports you and challenges you to be your best self.

Explore Your Options

Think of the PCHS Athletics & Activities pages as your roadmap. Head over to the website to see the full lineup of sports, clubs, and organizations currently looking for new members. From the arts and academics to competitive sports, there’s a place for everyone to thrive!

Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? Start it yourself! PCHS is a place where student initiative is celebrated, and we make the process of launching a new club simple and accessible. Pick up an application in the main office to get the ball rolling.

CTE Pathways & Career/Technical Student Organizations

Many of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways are paired with Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). These organizations are specifically designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional world.

Joining a CTSO gives you a significant head start by providing:

• Direct Industry Insight: You get a "behind-the-scenes" look at specific industries, helping you decide if a career path is the right fit for you before you invest years into training or further education.
• Real-World Work Experience: Through CTSOs, you engage in project-based learning that mimics the actual work done by professionals in the field.
• Networking with Professionals: You’ll have opportunities to meet and learn from local Park City business leaders and industry experts who often serve as judges, mentors, or guest speakers.