Arkansas State University Admissions: A Comprehensive Guide
Applying to college is an exciting time, and Arkansas State University (A-State) offers a diverse and dynamic environment for students from across the globe. A-State prides itself on its caring faculty, a wide array of academic programs, and a welcoming community. This guide provides a detailed overview of the admission requirements for prospective students.
Why Choose Arkansas State University?
Arkansas State University is ranked among the best universities in the South. The university is located in a rapidly growing city that embraces its hometown university. Students come from nearly every state and around 70 countries, representing diverse backgrounds and experiences. A-State offers 156 fields of study and boasts over 100,000 alumni transforming communities worldwide.
At A-State, you can innovate, research, explore, and push your limits. If you're undecided about your major, don't worry; you'll have the opportunity to find your path while receiving a quality education.
Application Process
Applying to A-State is simple. During Free Application Weeks, you can apply without paying the application fee. Just click the "Apply Now" button and fill out the application. If prompted to pay, simply skip the payment step and submit.
Who is Considered a Freshman Applicant?
Any current high school senior or applicant with 12 or fewer college hours after graduating high school or earning a GED will be considered a freshman for admission.
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Required Documents for Freshman Admission
- Official High School Transcript: An official high school transcript sent directly from the high school or the result of the state-approved high school equivalency examination sent directly from the State Department of Education is required. Hand-carried documents are not considered official unless submitted in a sealed, stamped school envelope.
- Standardized Test Scores: Official ACT or SAT scores sent directly to the university from the testing institution or the high school.
Automatic Admission for Freshmen
Freshmen applicants who meet specific criteria receive automatic admission to Arkansas State. However, those who do not meet these standards may be admitted upon approval of the Undergraduate Admissions Appeal Committee and will participate in the Transition Studies leadership-based support program.
Admission by Exception
Prospective students who demonstrate exceptional talent, ability, accomplishment, or potential in athletics, leadership, performance, or similar contributions to the university community may be granted admission by exception. Colleges/Departments desiring to utilize "admission by exception" must provide documentation in support of the student’s extraordinary talent, ability, accomplishment, or potential via petition to the Undergraduate Admission Appeals Committee for consideration. Prospective first-time student-athletes admitted by exception must satisfy the National Collegiate Athletic Association initial eligibility standards under Division I guidelines, and prospective transfer student-athletes must satisfy the National Collegiate Athletic Association transfer eligibility standards under Division I guidelines to petition for admission via the Undergraduate Admission Appeals Committee.
Transfer Students
Any applicant with 13 or more transferable college hours earned after high school graduation or GED completion is considered a transfer student. Transfer students are encouraged to apply for admissions the semester prior to enrolling in classes.
Requirements for Transfer Students
- Cumulative GPA: You must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA on ALL transfer work.
- Transcripts: Final official transcripts from all colleges attended, including courses taken concurrently during high school and courses taken the summer immediately after high school graduation, should be sent to the Office of the Registrar, P.O. Box 1570, State University, AR 72467.
- College-Level Courses: Proof of successful completion of College Algebra and English Composition I or qualifying entrance exam scores.
Admission for International Students
Arkansas State University provides access to a quality education for international students at an affordable cost, in a caring and supportive environment. A citizen of a nation other than the United States of America wishing to apply for admission to Arkansas State University should write to the International Admissions, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 1890, State University, AR 72467. The International Student Services office is responsible for the admission of all international students, as well as students coming for one or two semesters from one of A-State’s international exchange partners.
Requirements for International Students
- Application and Processing Fee: Web application for admission, accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee. Evaluation of academic records and subsequent issuance of the I-20 will not begin before the processing fee is received.
- Official Academic Records: All undergraduate applicants must submit a scanned copy of their high school grade report and diploma or equivalent credentials with translation in English if English is not the native language. The official copies must be brought with the student upon arrival to the University. The GPA should be a minimum of 2.3/4.0.
- English Proficiency: English proficiency requirement may be waived for countries whose official language is English.
- Health Insurance: International students must maintain continuous health insurance coverage (including the summer months) while attending A-State and are required to enroll in the University’s international student health insurance program.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Individuals who wish to pursue courses of special interest without submitting academic credentials may register for a maximum of six hours per semester (or three per summer term) accumulating up to 12 semester hours of undergraduate non-degree credit. Non-degree students should not enroll in courses required in the general education program and must meet the same course prerequisites as other students. Non-degree students are generally not eligible to participate in financial aid programs. Visiting students may be required to show proof of qualifying test scores or completed pre-requisite courses to enroll.
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Post-Degree Students
Students who have earned a bachelor's degree and plan to enroll in additional undergraduate coursework should apply as a post-degree student.
Readmit Students
Students who have previously attended A-State but have not completed a bachelor's degree should apply as a readmit student. Final official transcripts from all colleges attended after last enrollment at Arkansas State University, if any, should be sent to the Office of the Registrar, P.O. Box 1570, State University, AR 72467.
Transient Students
Students who have not earned a bachelor's degree, are enrolled at another institution, and plan to transfer coursework back to their home institution should apply as a transient student. Transient students are required to meet the same course prerequisites as other students.
Academic Requirements
High School Course Requirements
- NATURAL SCIENCE: 3 units with laboratories chosen from Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
- MATHEMATICS: 4 units including Algebra I and II, Geometry, and an advanced math course.
Health Requirements
- Proof of two measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines. The first immunization must have been administered after the applicant’s first birthday and after 1/1/68.
Standardized Testing
Arkansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Half the applicants admitted to Arkansas State University who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 970 and 1190 or an ACT score of 18 and 24. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.
While Arkansas State University does not require standardized tests for admission, submitting scores can strengthen your application.
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- SAT: The 25th percentile SAT score is 1010, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1180. Arkansas State University uses "superscoring," meaning they will combine your highest section scores from multiple test dates to form your Superscore.
- ACT: The 25th percentile ACT score is 18, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 24. Most colleges do not superscore the ACT, and it is likely that Arkansas State University does not either.
It is important to note that per Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) policy, Arkansas State University requires a composite score of 15 or higher on the ACT for admissions purposes.
Remedial Course Requirements
When an entering freshman subject ACT score, SAT score, or TSWE (College Board’s Test of Standard Written English) score requires the student’s enrollment in a developmental course(s) in accord with the Arkansas State Board of Higher Education Policy, enrollment in the appropriate developmental course(s) shall be mandatory for the student’s first semester of enrollment at Arkansas State University.
Mathematics
Students who score below 19 on the mathematics section of the Enhanced ACT (American College Testing Program’s ACT Assessment Test), or equivalent score on the SAT (College Board’s Scholastic Aptitude Test) must successfully complete one of the following: (1) the co-requisite model of MATH 0013 - Intermediate Algebra and MATH 1023 - College Algebra, (2) the co-requisite model of MATH 0013 - Intermediate Algebra and MATH 1043 - Quantitative Reasoning, or (3) all modules in the pre-college level mathematics course, MATH 0173 - Developmental Mathematics I. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in MATH 0173 - Developmental Mathematics I before enrolling in college-level mathematics courses.
English and Reading
Students who score below 19 on the English or reading sections of the Enhanced ACT, or equivalent score on the SAT (College Board’s Scholastic Aptitude Test), TSWE (College Board’s Test of Standard Written English), ASSET (American College Testing Program’s Assessment of Skills for Successful Entry and Transfer) Language Use Test, ASSET Reading Skills test, or Accuplacer test are required to take developmental courses in reading and/ or writing either as a pre-requisite or as a concurrent enrollment in ENG 1003 - Composition I. Placement will be determined by the Transition Studies Department. Students who score below 16 on the English section of the Enhanced ACT or equivalent score on SAT must complete UC 0143 - Writing Fundamentals, with a “C” or better prior to taking ENG 1003 - Composition I.
GPA Considerations
GPA is a very important academic factor. The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes.
Additional Information
Recommendation are considered by admissions officials at Arkansas State University. The application deadline at Arkansas State University is rolling.
Communications concerning admission to traditional programs of the university for domestic students should be addressed to the Office of Admissions, P.O. Box 1800, State University, AR 72467.
Other Opportunities at A-State
- A-State Online Services (AOS): Offers undergraduate and graduate-level degrees to students across the country and around the world through fully online course programs of study.
- The English Learning Academy: A-State’s English as a Second Language Program is designed to help college-aged students from around the world learn and build the necessary English language skills to succeed in university courses at A-State. The ESL program is comprehensive in design and structure, implementing a multi-pronged approach focusing on communicative language instruction.
- Study Abroad: Study Abroad serves as an information and advising resource for students, faculty, and staff exploring educational opportunities at an international level. Short-term study programs led by A-State faculty are offered during spring break or summer sessions. Long-term programs consist of semester- and year-long exchanges. Programs exist for students in all majors.
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