Admission Standards: Become a Donaghey Scholar
3.5 GPA · 24 ACT or 1180 SAT · About 25 chosen each year
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~25
Scholars chosen each year
Not based on income
Study any major
Apply by Jan 15
About 25 students join the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program at UA Little Rock each year. To apply, you need at least a 3.5 GPA and a 24 ACT or 1180 SAT. Freshmen, transfer, and international students are welcome.
Donaghey admission standards at a glance
- Minimums to apply: a 3.5 GPA and a 24 ACT or 1180 SAT, plus admission to UA Little Rock.
- Admitted scholars have a median 3.9 GPA and 30 ACT, but scores alone shouldn't stop anyone from applying.
- Your academic record carries the most weight. The committee also weighs activities, essays, recommendations, and an interview.
- Transfer and current UA Little Rock students can apply with fewer than 36 hours of college credit.
- For fall 2027 entry, January 15, 2027 is the priority date and February 15, 2027 is the final deadline.
Donaghey Scholars admission requirements
| Measure | Minimum to apply | Admitted median |
|---|---|---|
| High school GPA | 3.5 | 3.9 |
| ACT | 24 | 30 |
| SAT | 1180 | Not published |
| Scholars selected each year | About 25 | |
The medians are well above the minimums, but they shouldn't decide whether you apply. If you meet the minimums and want to talk through your chances, you can contact us to set up a meeting with the program director.
Freshman, transfer, and international eligibility
- Incoming freshmen who have been admitted to UA Little Rock. Most scholars start this way.
- Transfer students and current UA Little Rock students who meet the GPA and test score minimums and have completed fewer than 36 hours of college credit. Only college courses taken after high school count toward the 36 hours. AP scores and concurrent credit earned in high school don't.
- International students who have been admitted to UA Little Rock.
Every major is welcome.
How applicants are selected
An admissions committee of faculty, staff, and current scholars reviews every application and invites the most promising applicants to interview. The committee considers:
- High school performance, including coursework and GPA
- Activities outside the classroom and community involvement
- ACT or SAT scores
- Recommendations
- Work in college courses, if you've taken any
- Written essays
- A personal interview
All of these count, but your academic record (coursework, GPA, and test scores) carries the most weight.
How to apply
- Apply for admission to UA Little Rock.
- Send official ACT or SAT scores and high school transcripts, plus college transcripts if you've taken college courses.
- Complete the Donaghey General Data sheet.
- Complete the aid application in ScholarshipUniverse.
- If invited, submit three essays and teacher recommendations.
For fall 2027 entry, January 15, 2027 is the priority date, when review and interview scheduling begin. February 15, 2027 is the final deadline. Decisions go out in mid to late March.
Essays and interview
Invited applicants write two short essays of about 350 words and one longer essay of up to 800 words that defends a position on a contested issue. Top applicants then interview for about 45 minutes with the program's director or associate director, a faculty or alumni member of the Policy Council, and a current scholar. Interviews start in late January and are usually on campus, with a virtual option if travel is a problem.
For essay tips and what the committee looks for, see merit scholarships. For everything the award covers, see full ride scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
What GPA and test scores do I need to be a Donaghey Scholar?
At least a 3.5 GPA and a 24 ACT or 1180 SAT. Admitted scholars have a median 3.9 GPA and 30 ACT, but scores alone shouldn't stop you from applying.
Can transfer or international students apply?
Yes. Transfer students and current UA Little Rock students can apply if they meet the minimums and have completed fewer than 36 hours of college credit, not counting AP or concurrent credit from high school. International students can apply once they're admitted to UA Little Rock.
What matters most in selection?
Your academic record, meaning your coursework, GPA, and test scores. The committee also weighs activities, community involvement, recommendations, essays, and an interview.
How many students are admitted each year?
About 25 new Donaghey Scholars are selected each year.
Apply to be a Donaghey Scholar
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