First-Year Applying & Requirements
LET'S DO THIS
Apply Today.
Thank Yourself Forever.
Here's how to become an Arizona Wildcat.
Before You Begin
There are certain high school classes you have to take before you’re ready for college. You can double-check that you’ve fulfilled our admission requirements by reviewing the Core Competency Requirements.
Here's How to Apply
STEP 1
Start Your Application
It’s comprehensive, convenient, and fully online.* When completing your application, it’s helpful to have a copy of your high school transcripts and around 30 minutes. Need to take a break and finish later? You can save your progress and pick up where you left off any time.
Main Campus Application Deadlines
| Starting Semester | Application Open | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | May 6, 2024 | November 1, 2024 |
| Summer 2025 | July 1, 2024 | May 1, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | July 1, 2024 | May 1, 2025 |
*To request a paper application, contact us at 520-621-3237 or admissions@arizona.edu Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time).
Deadlines vary for Near You Network locations and Arizona Online.
The short answer: no. However, the optional 500-word personal statement is the perfect chance to provide information that we may need. Whether you started a club, dealt with a family emergency that made your grades slip, or have big dreams that you want us to know about, the personal statement is your opportunity to tell us more about yourself.
Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are not required for general admission to the university, merit scholarship eligibility, or admission to our more selective programs such as the W.A. Franke Honors College. If a student chooses to submit official SAT/ACT scores, they may be used to assist with class placement at orientation or to help fulfill our Core Competency Requirements.
To join the remarkable students of the W.A. Franke Honors College, indicate your interest while filling out the general admission application to the university. You will then be able to complete a separate Franke Honors application by logging into your Future Wildcat account. Learn more about the Franke Honors application process.
STEP 2
Report Your Grades and Finalize Your Application
On your application, you will be asked to self-report your grades. This means you should enter your courses and grades exactly as they appear on your high school transcripts, including any in-progress senior year coursework. Remember earlier when we said it’s helpful to have a copy of your high school transcripts? This is where they’ll come in handy.
Don’t worry about sending us your official transcripts yet – you don’t need to do that until after you’re admitted and finish your senior year of coursework.
If you still have questions about self-reporting your grades, check out our Admission and Application Requirements section on our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
A complete application also includes payment of the application fee, which is $50 for Arizona residents and $80 for non-Arizona residents or residents of other U.S. states. This application fee is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Unsure if you qualify to apply as an Arizona resident? Learn more about residency classification. If you do not live in Arizona but you are a member of one if its 22 federally recognized tribes, you may qualify for resident status by completing the Native American Residency Classification Exception [PDF].
We believe everyone who wants to be an Arizona Wildcat should have the chance to apply. If the application fee is a burden due to your family’s financial situation, you may qualify for a fee waiver that can be requested as you are completing your application.
Since you self-report your grades on your application, don't worry about sending us your official high school transcripts until you are admitted and complete your senior year of coursework. At that point, we'll use your official transcript to make sure you've met our admission requirements.
Did you get a head start on college credits while in high school? If you did, we have a handy tool to see how your coursework will transfer. Visit our transfer credit tool.
STEP 3
Get Excited
Once your application is submitted, our review process typically takes about 2-3 weeks. Be sure to check your Future Wildcat account for status updates on your application.
I'm in! Now What?
Congratulations! When you’re finished doing your happy dance, you can officially join our incoming class by visiting your Next Steps Center.
Still Have Questions?
We're Here to Help.
Check out our Additional Resources for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students, home-educated students, military and veterans, non-residents with Arizona high school degrees, and U.S. citizens who have attended an international institution.