• U of A
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Apply
• Standardized Tests
• Test Scores and Applying for Admission

Test Scores and Applying for Admission

The University of Arkansas offers a test-optional application for admission for students with a 3.2 GPA or higher. 

Test scores are required for most scholarship opportunities, 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. 

All admitted students are encouraged to provide ACT, SAT, or Next Generation Accuplacer scores to the Office of Admissions no later than January 1, 2023, for admission to the spring semester and May 1, 2023, for the fall semester for placement and enrollment purposes. Scores from state-administered exams, such as the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2), are not accepted for placement and enrollment.

ACT or SAT

Arkansas is considered an "ACT state," and the majority of our applicants submit ACT scores. However, we do not have a preference between the ACT and SAT. In fact, we often recommend that students attempt each test at least once and take either the ACT or SAT multiple times. The Office of Admissions does not require that students submit the essay component of either test.

2022-2023 Test Dates

Submitting Your Test Scores

Submit your scores using our ACT code (0144) or SAT code (6866). Send your test scores directly from ACT or SAT. In some cases, we will also accept test scores from your high school transcript, paper score reports, or, as a last resort, screen prints of your online score report as long as your name appears in the image.

Superscoring

The University of Arkansas superscores the ACT and SAT for admission and scholarship consideration purposes. Superscoring allows us to combine a student's highest ACT or SAT section (or subtest) scores, regardless of test date. Students should submit individual reports for each exam they complete. The super composite ACT score is calculated as the average of the best ACT English, Reading, Math, and Science subject scores.

Please note, superscores are not considered for fellowship eligibility or admission to the Honors College.

ACT on Campus

University of Arkansas applicants can also take the ACT on Campus exam. This is a residual ACT given on the U of A campus. Your score can only be used at the U of A and cannot be sent to other institutions.

Next-Generation Accuplacer Test

Admitted students who have been assessed developmental course placement or applicants who have not yet had the opportunity to take the ACT or SAT test have the option to take the Next-Generation Accuplacer through Testing Services, either in-person or online. Scores from the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2) will not be accepted for placement and enrollment.