First-Time Freshmen
Welcome!
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith admissions team is here to help you through all aspects of the admission process and connect you with the many resources available to our students.
Admission Requirements
For detailed policies and procedures, see the UAFS Academic Catalog.
Required Documents
You must send the following documents:
- Application for admissions AND
- Official placement scores (ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer) AND
- Immunization record with two MMR vaccines (Mumps, measles, and rubella) and the date each vaccine was received, a titer test showing immunity to MMR, OR an exemption letter from the Arkansas Department of Health (renewed each year), AND
- Proof of high school diploma or GED
- Official high school transcript with at least 6 semesters (if you have not yet graduated) AND Official final high school transcript after graduation (required to complete your file), OR
- Official GED test
"Official" means that the academic document is sent to Admissions directly from the school or testing center.
- If a paper document is sent, it must be in the original, unopened envelope provided by the school or testing service.
- If an electronic document is sent, it must be sent directly to Admissions and cannot be forwarded from the student or parent.
Admission Standards
Students enrolling in the university for the first time after high school graduation must meet one of the following admissions standards.
- All new freshman applicants graduating from an Arkansas public school or Arkansas public charter school should be a Smart Core Graduate by high school graduation, as established by the Arkansas Department of Education, OR
- Freshman applicants who did not graduate from an Arkansas public school or Arkansas public charter school should complete or be completing a minimum of 16 high school academic units as listed on the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education website.
Full Admission
To earn automatic, full admission to UAFS, first-time freshmen must have ONE of the following:
| OPTION | College Placement Exam | HIGH SCHOOL GPA |
| Option #1: No Minimum Test Score | No minimum requirement; official placement scores are needed for scholarships and registration | 3.00 |
| Option #2: No Minimum GPA |
|
No minimum requirement; official high school transcript is needed for application |
| Option #3: High School Graduation Placement | No minimum requirement; official placement scores are needed for scholarships and registration | No minimum requirement if high school graduation placement in the top 50% of applicant's graduating high school class |
| Option #4: College Ready Minimums on Accuplacer |
|
No minimum requirement; official high school transcript is needed for application |
Lion Scholars Admission
If you do not meet one of the admissions standards listed above, you can still be admitted to UAFS with the requirement that you participate in the Lion Scholars program. In Lion Scholars, you will take part in extra support services plus enroll in classes that will prepare you to be successful in college.
| OPTION | ACT | HIGH SCHOOL GPA |
| Option #5: Lion Scholars Program |
15 ACT composite score AND 13 Math, 15 Reading, 15 English, OR Accuplacer equivalent |
2.25 |
Acceptance Deadlines
Submit your application and documents for admission by the following deadline to get an admissions decision for the corresponding term.
| TERM | DEADLINE |
| Spring 2025 | Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 |
| Summer 2025 | Wednesday, May 7, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 |