Test Scores 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 new freshmen and transfer freshmen are required to provide ACT, SAT, Next Generation Accuplacer, or Classic Learning Test scores to the Office of Admissions for placement and enrollment purposes. Students admitted to the spring semester should submit scores no later than January 1, 2026. Students admitted to the fall semester should submit scores no later than May 1, 2026. Scores from state-administered exams, such as the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2), are not accepted for placement and enrollment.

If admitted test-optional, submitting test scores for placement and enrollment purposes will not affect your admission status.

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. The University of Arkansas does not require the science reasoning section of the ACT for scholarship, placement, or enrollment purposes. Students may choose to submit test scores with or without the science reasoning section.

2025-2026 Test Dates

Submitting Your Test Scores

Submit your individual scores (not superscores) 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 full name appears in the image.

Superscoring

The University of Arkansas calculates ACT and SAT superscores for admission and scholarship consideration purposes but does not accept the superscores directly from ACT. 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 (if applicable) 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.