Test Score Policy
Test "Optional" and "Flexible" for Summer and Fall 2021
Due to COVID-19 test cancellations, many Fall 2021 prospective students may not have had the ability to take an ACT or SAT test during the spring and summer of 2020. However, we recognize that many students are eager to apply to the University of Arkansas and be considered for admission early. To accommodate these requests and continue to comply with State of Arkansas' placement and reporting requirements, the University of Arkansas will implement "test optional" and "test flexible" alternatives for admission and placement purposes for Summer 2021 and Fall 2021.
Please note, applicants must submit ACT or SAT test scores by February 1, 2021, to be considered for most merit-based scholarships and fellowships. Admitted students must have ACT, SAT, or Next Generation Accuplacer scores on file by May 1, 2021, for placement and enrollment purposes during orientation. See Admission Requirements for full details regarding admission without test scores.
Due to the evolving nature of testing availability nationwide, the University of Arkansas will continue to monitor students’ ability to test, which may result in additional modifications to our use of standardized test scores for admissions.
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.
Generally, throughout the admissions and scholarship process, all scores are expressed as ACT or as an ACT equivalent. See our ACT/SAT concordance chart for additional information.
2021 Test Dates
ACT Dates and Registration
Saturday, September 12, 2020
Sunday, September 13, 2020
Saturday, September 19, 2020
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Saturday, October 17, 2020
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Saturday, June 12, 2021
Saturday, July 17, 2021
SAT Dates and Registration
Saturday, August 29, 2020
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Saturday, October 3, 2020
Saturday, November 7, 2020
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Saturday, March 13, 2021
Saturday, May 8, 2021
Saturday, June 5, 2021
ACT on Campus (Residual)
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Friday, September 18, 2020
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Additional Dates will be Added
Next Generation Accuplacer
Various - check the Testing Services Accuplacer page. Online and in-person options available.
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, scholarship consideration, and New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award purposes. Superscoring allows us to combine a student's highest ACT or SAT section (or subtest) scores, regardless of test date. The super composite ACT score is calculated as the average of the best ACT English, Reading, Math, and Science subject scores. Beginning in September 2020, students are encouraged to send us their ACT test scores using the Superscore reporting option.
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 Fall 2021 applicants who have 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.