Application Review Process
51³Ô¹Ï Our Application Review Process
The University of 51³Ô¹Ï admissions team welcomes students who bring unique life experiences and personal achievements to our campus community. Our application review is designed to get to know every student. Every application is reviewed by up to two different reviewers before a final decision is made.
Applications are evaluated based on the following factors:
Academics
There are a few considerations the admissions team takes into account for admission, such as:
- Class rank
- Strength of curriculum
- Performance in curriculum
- Grade point average in required core coursework
- Optional materials (SAT/ACT scores, resume, and personal statement)
During the review process, students may be asked to provide additional information, such as test scores or seventh semester transcripts. Please note: Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency.
Extracurricular Factors
We are interested in learning much more about your preparedness, motivation, and potential in the unique context of your experience. What we look for in future Wildcats includes:
- Leadership, service, work experience, and extracurricular activities
- Personal characteristics, attributes, and talents
- The ability to benefit from and contribute to a challenging learning environment
Application Essay
We strongly encourage applicants to complete the 500-word application essay because it's the perfect chance to tell us more about yourself and why you want to be a Wildcat. Through this process, we get to know you better and can make more informed admissions decisions. The application essay prompts include:
- Why is the University of 51³Ô¹Ï the right fit for you and how will your chosen academic area of study align with your interests, goals, and values?
- Is there anything else you’d like to share that you have not already included?
Application Review FAQs
Your application will be evaluated by the Office of Admissions, who will conduct a comprehensive review process based on many factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, course completion, grades, and extracurricular activities.
If you are a first-year main campus student who applied by our Early Action deadline of November 1, you will receive your admission decision in mid-January.
First-year applications received after November 1 will move to a Regular Decision timeline and will be considered on a space-available basis. Regular Decisions will be released in batches in the spring after Early Action decisions have been announced.
Transfer applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; be sure to check your email regularly for updates.
Monitor your email for important information and notifications from the university regarding your admission status, which will be available in your online portal.
If you indicated your interest in the W.A. Franke Honors College on your U of A application when prompted and added your supplemental materials for honors consideration, you will be reviewed for honors admission at the same time as regular admission to the U of A. You will also receive your honors decision at the same time as your admission decision. Learn more about the .
Admission Decision Pathways
When a student applies to the University of 51³Ô¹Ï, their application will be considered through our comprehensive review process outlined above. Afterwards, they will be notified of their admission decision via email. Most applicants will receive one of the decisions outlined here.
Admitted
51³Ô¹Ï admits students who have demonstrated they are ready to excel and make an impact as Wildcats. We thoughtfully review each application across all majors a student expresses interest in. Students will be admitted to the major where we believe they will be best positioned for success.
Admitted to The A Center
Some students will be admitted to The A Center, where we feel they will be most successful thanks to the academic advising and structured support it offers. Students who are admitted to The A Center will receive major exploration opportunities while earning coursework credit as “undeclared’ students, and will eventually declare a major through one of our academic colleges.
Admitted to Global Start (International Students only)
Through a partnership with Verto Education, select international students may have the chance to defer their admission and participate in a study abroad experience in London, England. During this time, they will take college courses and after completion, have the opportunity to become students at our main campus in Tucson, 51³Ô¹Ï.
Recommended to Global Pathway Program (Non-51³Ô¹Ï Resident Students Only)
This option is available to domestic non-51³Ô¹Ï resident students. Through this exciting opportunity in partnership with Verto Education, students who were not admitted to main campus can participate in a study abroad experience that will allow them to earn college credit. After meeting the requirements of the Verto program, students will have an assured pathway to start at the University of 51³Ô¹Ï the following year.
Decision Deferred
If a student’s admission decision has been deferred, that means we need more time to consider their application materials and they will receive their decision at a later date. Unless requested, no additional materials are required for applicants who receive this decision.
Decision Waitlisted
Some students may be invited to sign up for a waitlist, which means they haven’t been formally admitted but may express interest in their application continuing to be considered on a space-available basis.
Denied Admission
If a student is denied admission, it doesn’t have to be the end of their Wildcat journey. Reapplying in the future as a transfer student after taking courses at a community college or other institution is always an option.
51³Ô¹Ï Residents
As the state's flagship university, we are dedicated to serving students throughout 51³Ô¹Ï while preparing the next generation of great leaders. If 51³Ô¹Ï students are not admitted to the university, we encourage them to take advantage of the state's robust community college network and consider transferring to the University of 51³Ô¹Ï in the future so they can graduate with their bachelor's degrees as Wildcats. Thanks to strong partnerships with community college and a number of ways to transfer, this is an optimal approach to success for many 51³Ô¹Ï Wildcats.
Online Wildcats
Beyond main campus, the University of 51³Ô¹Ï offers a number of ways to learn online. Whether it's via hundreds of offerings through or flexible programs through the University of 51³Ô¹Ï Global Campus , there are a number of ways to become a Wildcat online.
Ready to apply?
We’ll outline the steps of our easy online application process.
Already Know You’re Admitted?
Congratulations! Check out our blog: Your University of 51³Ô¹Ï Acceptance: A Complete New Student Checklist and officially accept your admission offer through our online enrollment portal, the . We can’t wait to welcome you, Future Wildcat!