ENGAGE Application Process

Open for the Fall 2024-Spring 2025 academic year

 

 

Admittance into the program is based on staff availability, support needs, and a completed application. Once the application has been submitted, ENGAGE staff will contact you for next steps.

 

The mission of UNT ENGAGE is to improve the quality of life for neurodivergent students by supporting their academic, vocational, social, and personal success at the University of North Texas and beyond. This program is most beneficial to students who can independently complete college-level work, are motivated to complete a four-year post-secondary degree, will actively participate in the program, and are interested in pursuing a professional career. 

Please review the admission process, as it has been updated. After you have completed all of the steps below, we welcome you to apply!

 

Admission Process Timeline:

February 5th: Admission process opens

May 20th: Last two weeks to submit admission materials/communicate with ENGAGE staff

May 31st: Admission process closes

June 10th-June 21st: Interviews

June 28th: Admission decisions communicated via email

TBD August: One-day student and parent orientation

 

Admissions Process:

 

To be considered for the ENGAGE program, applicants will need to:

 

Step One: Meet eligibility criteria

Step Two: Apply to the ENGAGE Program

Step Three: Receive admission decision

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Step One: To be eligible for the ENGAGE program, applicants will need to do the following:

 

  • Apply and be accepted into the University of North Texas
    • Rationale: ENGAGE provides services to four-year degree-seeking students on UNT’s campus.

 

  • Secure funding options for services on a per semester basis
    • Schedule an interest meeting to discuss funding options with ENGAGE staff.

 

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Step Two: Apply to the ENGAGE program:

 

Complete an ENGAGE Application which includes the following documents:

 

  • Request two electronic Letters of Recommendation - from former teachers, employers, or other significant individuals (other than relatives) who have known you for at least one year (your application is not complete until they are received.) The Letter of Recommendation Form is located here https://unt.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3z7wjwn8pcUxsrk . Both completed Letters of Recommendation must be received by UNT ENGAGE in order for your application package to be complete 

 

 

  • Copy of acceptance letter into UNT.
  • The rationale behind submitting a copy of the acceptance letter shows that the student meets the criteria of being an accepted student at UNT. Due to the timing of students being added to the system, the acceptance letter is the quickest way for us to verify acceptance into the university.

 

  • Unofficial transcript(s) from high school and any previous college(s)/university(ies).
  • The rationale behind having to submit an unofficial transcript is to verify credits and hours received at other educational institutes and to review previous successes and attention areas. 

 

  • Letter of Intent - Describe in 2-3 paragraphs, in the student's own words, why they would like to participate in ENGAGE.
  • The rationale behind submitting a letter of intent is to inform the ENGAGE team of the student's interest in the program  and provide insight as to what the student hopes to gain from participating in ENGAGE. 

 

 

After submitting the above documentation, staff will review and send an encrypted email to request your psychological evaluation documents. This process is to ensure your data remains secure and encrypted. After you receive the encrypted email, reply to the message with your psychological evaluation attached. Do not change the subject line, as this will break the encryption.

 

  • A copy of your most recently completed psychological evaluation (within the last 3 years). The evaluation should be printed on an official letterhead and contain the psychologist’s contact information and should include the following information: a diagnosis; academic levels in reading, writing, and math; any mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, etc.); and possible communication and processing challenges you may have. Although FIE, IEP, and ARD paperwork are appreciated, they do not meet the requirements of a full neuropsychological evaluation from a qualified provider.
    • The rationale behind having a psychological evaluation is to inform the ENGAGE team of evidence-based assessments that provide a more well-rounded view of the student's strengths and areas that might need to be addressed once the student arrives on campus.

 

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Step Three: Receive admission decision.

 

All materials must be received in order for your application to be considered complete. Students applying to ENGAGE will be reviewed holistically based upon their completed application. As open spots become available, ENGAGE staff will reach out to schedule interviews. The interview team will consist of ENGAGE staff members.

The interviews will include questions related to college readiness and provide an opportunity for the student/parent(s)/guardian(s) to understand the expectations of ENGAGE. Separate interviews can be held with the prospective student's parent(s)/guardian(s) given the student’s written consent.

Official interviews must be completed before a decision is made regarding acceptance to ENGAGE. Students officially admitted into the ENGAGE program will receive an email with an official letter, students that are not accepted or put on the waitlist will receive an email with additional campus and community resources.

ENGAGE reserves the right to accept or deny applicants based on the holistic review of their completed application, required accompanying documents, official interviews, and staffing availability.