University of Arkansas System Admission Requirement
Admission Requirements
To be admitted as a new freshman, all students must meet minimum admission requirements, including completion of a minimum of 16 high school academic units (year-long courses).
High School GPA and Test Scores
New freshman applicants should have a high school grade point average of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale and should submit ACT or SAT scores as indicated by our Test Score Policy. All GPAs will be recalculated to a standard 4.00 scale. Exceptions may be made for applicants who have extenuating circumstances, special talents, or are interested in programs with availability and strong student support. Out-of-state applicants applying after the priority application deadline may be required to meet higher standards, depending on demand.
Beginning January 15, all out-of-state applicants applying as a new freshman or new freshman transfer students must have a minimum 20 ACT, 1030 SAT, or 260 Accuplacer scores to be considered for admission.
Applicants Without Qualifying ACT or SAT Scores
The University will continue to implement test-optional and test flexible alternatives for admission purposes for Fall. Please note, regardless of admissions status, applicants must submit ACT or SAT test scores by February 1 to be considered for most merit-based scholarships and fellowships. All admitted students must have ACT, SAT, or Next Generation Accuplacer scores on file by May 1, for placement and enrollment purposes during orientation due to state requirements. Scores from the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) will not be accepted for placement and enrollment.
Test Optional
Applicants with a 3.20 high school GPA or higher (on a standard 4.00 scale) will be reviewed for admission to the University without a qualifying test score, but must submit ACT, SAT, or Next Generation Accuplacer scores by May 1, 2022, for placement and enrollment purposes and to meet state reporting requirements. Scores from the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) will not be accepted for placement and enrollment.
Test Flexible
Applicants with a 3.00 to 3.19 high school GPA (on a standard 4.00 scale) may elect to take the Next Generation Accuplacer Test (available online 2-3 times a week) in lieu of the ACT or SAT for admission and placement purposes. Applicants that score an average of 260 or higher on the Next Generation Accuplacer Test will be fully admitted to the University.
Applicants with a 2.75 to 2.99 high school GPA (on a standard 4.00 scale) are encouraged to apply for consideration and may elect to take the Next Generation Accuplacer Test (available online 2-3 times a week) in lieu of the ACT or SAT for admission and placement purposes. The Admissions Committee will conduct a holistic review of the applicant’s file, including optional personal statement prompts on the application for admission.
Test Required
Applicants with a 2.74 or lower high school GPA (on a standard 4.00 scale) are encouraged to apply to be considered for the Transitions Academic Program and are required to submit an ACT or SAT test score for admission and placement purposes. The Admissions Committee will conduct a holistic review of the applicant’s file, including optional personal statement prompts on the application for admission.
16 Core High School Academic Units
All new freshman applicants graduating from an Arkansas public school or Arkansas public charter school should be in the process of becoming a Smart Core Graduate as established by the Arkansas Department of Education. Freshman applicants who did not graduate from an Arkansas public school or Arkansas public charter school should complete (or be in the process of completing) a minimum of 16 high school academic units as follows:
4 units of English
- English courses may include English Literature, Grammar, English Composition, Mythology, etc.
- Courses not included: Drama, Journalism, Communications/Speech
4 units of Math
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Algebra II
- A fourth unit which is a:
- Math course that is determined to be beyond Algebra II or
- a Computer Science course that is founded in the study and digital application of computational thinking, problem solving, data analysis, and algorithmic development, implementation, and evaluation.
- Courses not included: Business Math, General Math, Algebraic Connections
3 units of Sciences with lab experience
- 1 unit – Biology
- 1 unit – chosen from Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics
- 1 unit – chosen from:
- an additional Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics or
- a Computer Science course that is founded in the study and digital application of computational thinking, problem solving, data analysis, and algorithmic development, implementation, and evaluation.
- Courses not included: Animal Science, Plant Science, or any Agricultural Science
3 units of Social Science
- 1/2 unit – Civics or American Government
- 1 unit – World History
- 1 unit – U.S. History
- 1/2 unit – Economics
Other Subjects
- 1/2 unit of Oral Communication
- 1/2 unit of Physical Education
- 1/2 unit of Health and Safety
- 1/2 unit of Fine Art
(Any core requirements not met before university enrollment must be satisfied by courses taken during freshman year. Comparable concurrent credit college courses may be substituted where applicable. )