Waitlist Frequently Asked Questions
Each year, some applicants to the University of Arkansas are invited to join our waitlist because the U of A regularly receives more applications from highly qualified students than there is enrollment capacity for the entering class. We will admit additional students from the pool as we know how many students have accepted an offer of admission. Students who indicate they wish to continue on the waitlist will be reviewed for possible admission on a regular basis.
What does it mean if my admission decision is “waitlist" or I’ve been waitlisted?
A waitlist is a list of first-year applicants who will be considered for admission as enrollment capacity allows. Students on the waitlist are qualified and prepared to succeed at the University of Arkansas but are not admitted yet due to the anticipated class size. Since admitted students have until May 1 to accept their admission and register for orientation and housing, enrollment capacity in the incoming class may become available during that time. The Office of Admissions typically admits a select number of waitlisted students.
I am on the waitlist – what do I do now?
Complete the waitlist response form in your New Student Center as soon as possible. The final deadline for accepting your spot on the waitlist is April 1. You can also reach out to the Office of Admissions if you have any questions or would like guidance.
If the freshman class is full, why were other students admitted after I was placed on the waitlist?
While applicants who submit their application and required credentials by the November 1 priority deadline are given the greatest consideration in the admissions process, students who apply after the priority deadline may also be admitted to fulfill one or more of our enrollment objectives.
Why did I get placed on the waitlist when students with lower grades and/or test scores than me were admitted?
Although a student’s high school GPA is the best predictor in determining a student's ability to succeed at the University of Arkansas, the Office of Admissions considers other academic and non-academic factors and evaluates each applicant in order to meet our enrollment objectives.
Can applicants on the waitlist submit additional information?
Waitlisted students may send updated transcripts and/or test scores as they are available. The waitlist reply form also provides the opportunity to share any additional information we may need to make an admission decision. To ensure all applicants have the same opportunity, information contained on this form is the only additional information we will review beyond updated transcripts and/or test scores. We do not consider letters of recommendation.
If I change my major, do I have a better chance of getting admitted from the waitlist?
No. Students who have been waitlisted are not allowed to change their major while on the waitlist. However, please be assured you will be able to change your major if you are admitted from the waitlist.
Am I committing to attend the University of Arkansas if I accept my spot on the waitlist?
No. Accepting your spot on the waitlist does not commit you to the U of A in any way. If we offer you admission, you will have the option to decide if you would like to enroll.
What are my chances of being admitted from the waitlist?
The number of students admitted from the waitlist varies from year to year depending on a variety of factors. While the Office of Admissions closely monitors the number of students completing their housing contracts and registering for orientation throughout the spring semester, we sometimes do not know if we will admit a student from the waitlist until later in the spring. We are committed to letting applicants know their final admission decision as early as possible.
I have a classmate who was admitted, but they are not going to attend the University of Arkansas. Can I have their spot? Can you take me off the waitlist?
Unfortunately, an admitted student cannot offer their spot to another student.
Will I be disadvantaged if I am selected off the waitlist? What will I have missed?
If you are admitted from the waitlist, you will not be at a disadvantage. Orientation sessions for first-year students occur throughout the month of June, and August options are also available. Housing is available for all freshmen, and housing assignments are made throughout the summer. Your eligibility for financial aid will not change, and students admitted from the waitlist with a 3.20 or higher GPA (as calculated by the Office of Admissions) will still be eligible for the New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award.