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Smart Start

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Amanda Seidenzahl

Get a Head Start on your College Journey

 The Smart Start Early College Program allows high school students to earn college credit while still in high school, helping them save time and money while preparing for academic success. Through this program, students can choose from a variety of general education courses that are part of the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS). College credits earned through UAFS help students fast-track their degree and get ahead in their education.

Apply for Smart Start

Course Options

Smart Start students can select from a variety of courses that build a strong academic foundation, including:

  • Composition I and II
  • U.S. History II
  • College Algebra
  • Speech
  • Psychology
  • Physical Science
  • Probability and Statistics I
  • Plane Trigonometry
  • And more!

For details on the Arkansas Course Transfer System, visit the ACTS webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Save Money – Earn college credits at little to no out-of-pocket cost to students and families.
  • Graduate Sooner – You could start college with 18 or more credit hours, allowing you to finish your degree early.
  • Build Confidence – Experience real college coursework while still having the support of your high school.
  • Easily Transfer Credits - Earn college credit from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. Credits can be used toward programs at UAFS or transferred to public colleges and universities in Arkansas. 

The Smart Start Early College Program is open to high school juniors and seniors who meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • College-level placement scores (based on ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer)
    Minimum 2.5 high school GPA at the time of enrollment
  • Maintain a 2.0 GPA throughout the program

If you meet these requirements, you can start earning college credit while still in high school.

Students at the following schools are eligible to participate in Smart Start:

 Fort Smith Area Schools

  • Southside High School
  • Northside High School
  • Union Christian Academy
  • Future School of Fort Smith

River Valley Schools

  • Greenwood High School
  • Hackett High School
  • Lavaca High School
  • Mountainburg High School
  • Grace Academy
  • Booneville High School

Other Arkansas Partner Schools

  • Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts

If your school is not listed, contact us to see if Smart Start is available to you!

Apply to Smart Start Program
Contact Your High School Guidance Counselor