New Freshmen

General Admission Guidelines

The University of Arkansas considers applications from new freshmen and those transfer students with fewer than 24 transferable credit hours based on several factors, including high school GPA, official transcript, and, in some cases, test scores and additional academic materials. As approved by the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, depending on the applicant’s high school GPA, the applicant may be eligible for test-optional admission.

Out-of-state applicants must meet general admission requirements and may be required to meet higher standards, depending on demand. Students not meeting general admission requirements are still encouraged to apply and will be reviewed for possible admission by the Admissions and Appellate Board.

Keep in mind, the Office of Admissions evaluates applicants' GPAs using a 4.00 scale that only weights AP, IB, and clearly indicated concurrent/dual enrollment courses with one extra grade point. GPAs from schools that include additional weight, weighted honors, or weighted pre-AP courses may be recalculated.

Test and Test Scores

The University of Arkansas continues to require test scores for most scholarship opportunities, placement, and reporting purposes, and the state of Arkansas requires ACT or SAT scores for Arkansas students applying for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship. Scores from state-administered exams, such as the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2), will not be accepted for placement and enrollment.

Test Optional: 3.20 high school GPA or higher

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, 2025, for placement and enrollment purposes and to meet state reporting requirements. Applicants who would like for their test scores to be considered in the holistic review process should contact the Office of Admissions. Scores from the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) will not be accepted for placement and enrollment.

Test Required: less than a 3.20 high school GPA

Applicants with less than a 3.20 high school GPA should submit ACT, SAT, or Next Generation Accuplacer scores at the time of application. Test scores are also required for home schooled applicants, applicants with a GED or equivalent, and for applicants attending high schools that provide narrative transcripts.

College Preparatory Curriculum

The University of Arkansas strongly recommends that new freshmen and those transfer students with fewer than 24 transferable credit hours complete the following college preparatory curriculum in high school:

16 Units Total

  • English – 4 units
  • Mathematics – 4 units (Units must be equivalent to or higher level than Algebra I. Computer Science accepted.)
  • Social Studies – 3 units
  • Natural Sciences – 3 units
    • 1 unit general sciences and 2 units lab sciences (Choose two courses from biology, chemistry, and physics laboratory. Two years of principles of technology will meet one unit of natural sciences [physics]. Two years of applied biology/chemistry will meet one unit of natural sciences [biology]. Computer science accepted.)
  • Others – 2 units
    • Oral Communication – 1/2 unit
    • Physical Education – 1/2 unit
    • Health and Safety – 1/2 unit
    • Fine Art – 1/2 unit

Please refer to the New Freshman site for additional information.