university of arizona admission essay

University of Arizona

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at University of Arizona?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

University of Arizona’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

Writing Personal Statements

Most college and scholarship applications require students to write a personal statement.  This one- to two-page document is an opportunity for you to shine in ways that weren’t possible in other parts of the application.  So then, how do you make your personal statement shine?  Here are a few suggestions that should help:

Say What Your Application Does Not 

Reread your application/resume and ask yourself these questions:   Are my best attributes clearly shown – or do I need to say more?   Is it obvious that I am ready for academic rigor?  Is it clear that I persevere in the face of challenges?  Is it clear that I have strong time management and people skills?   If not, consider what life experiences could be shared to reflect these attributes.

Imagine a Reviewer has to decide between two equal applications

What might you share in your personal statement that would give you the edge?  What makes you unique?

Explain the Red Flags

(e.g. weak grades during a particular semester, or a lack of community service experience)?   How might you explain this in a way that highlights some of your strengths?  How might you tell a story which shows your ability to persevere despite challenging circumstances?

Reflect on Your Major Life Experiences

Draw a timeline of your life and make note of the most meaningful experiences.  Circle the top five.  Which ones reflect how your strongest attributes either developed or were used in an important way.  

Write a Draft Using Specific, Descriptive Language

Either tell a story that shows how you were transformed by specific experiences – or use a variety of specific examples that demonstrate the person you are.

Revision Is Everything

Instead, focus on what they don’t already know – especially the stories and images which best demonstrate your character.  As you reread your work, make sure to: 1) omit all vague words; 2) read your work aloud, adding in punctuation and transitions when needed, and combining or dividing sentences when they sound awkward; 3) ask other adults to read your draft and make suggestions; and, 4) ask your teacher to read your final draft.  Avoid saying anything obvious (e.g. “My name is John Doe and I’m writing this letter with hopes of being accepted at The University of Arizona”).

More Resources

“Personal Statement Workbook.”  UA Office of Admissions  

“Scholarship Essay Writing Tips.”  UA Office of Financial Aid.

 “College Application Essay Resources.”  UA English Department    

”Personal Essay Tips.”  UA Honors College  

“Tips for preparing an effective personal statement.”  Harry Truman Scholarship Foundation        

“Writing Essays.”  Swathmore College.  

 “Writing your story: The application essays.”  Reed College.  

“Resources for Writing Autobiographical Essays”  Michigan State University James Madison College          

“Writing the Personal Statement.”   Purdue Online Writing Lab

College Essay Writing Tips for UA Applicants

Freshman and transfer applicants to UA will be required to write short responses to questions in the application . These tips will help you prepare your best pieces of writing.

The Big Picture

A great application essay will present a vivid, personal, and compelling view of you to the admission staff. It will help you stand out from other applicants whose grades, activities, and awards are comparable to yours. The application essay can influence not only admission decisions but also scholarship awards, so the time you invest in it could literally pay off.

The first step is to decide what to write about. No matter what the essay prompt, remember that your first priority is to give your reader insight into the character traits, personal values, or future goals that will bring you to the college campus. You can begin to plan for your college essays before you start to fill out your application forms. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Make a single point that illustrates who you are.

Your application will list your classes, grades, activities and awards. The essay should round out this information in a more personal way by showing how an experience has shaped you and why it matters. In your response, you should concentrate on one main idea and maintain that focus from beginning to end. Depth rather than breadth is your goal here.

Too general: “During my junior year, I was voted MVP of my basketball team, served on the student council, maintained a 3.4 GPA, traveled to Mexico…” etc. Your application already reflects these basic facts.

Instead: “Traveling to Chihuahua, Mexico taught me to appreciate my U.S. high school experiences in a new way.”

The proof is in the details.

Once you have a main idea in mind, prepare to elaborate with details that prove your point. You’ll want to lead the reader to agree with your main point by using vivid and specific facts, quotations, examples, and/or sensory details to illustrate it.

Too general: “I like to be surrounded by people with a variety of backgrounds and interests.”

Instead: “As a volunteer at our community center, I sang the theme song from Casablanca with a former baseball coach who thinks he’s Humphrey Bogart, discussed the war in Iraq with a middle-aged woman whose son is a soldier, and learned more than I ever wanted to know about another woman’s cactus garden.”

The Nitty Gritty

When you have a draft of your essay that you feel is sufficiently focused and detailed, you’ll want to reread it and edit it with these principles in mind:

Variety is the spice for your essay.

Variety in your sentences plays an important part in keeping your reader interested in your writing. Try reading your essay aloud to notice if your sentences sound repetitive.

Repetitive: “I am the first person in my family born in this country. I am also the first person who will go to college. I want to be a role model for my younger brothers and my cousins.”

Instead: “As the first in my family to be born in this country and pursue higher education, I want to be a role model for my younger brothers and cousins.”

Pump up your word choice.

It may be tempting to use a thesaurus to make your essay sound more sophisticated. If you do, you run the risk of misusing unfamiliar words and you also might interfere with the personal voice that makes your essay interesting to read. When you find wording you’d like to improve, first search your mental thesaurus to spice up your essay with synonyms that are part of your own vocabulary.

Before thesaurus: “Although I did a lot of activities in high school, my hard work got me through it.”

With thesaurus: “Although I participated in a plethora of activities in high school, my assiduous efforts enabled me to succeed.”

With your own vocabulary: “Although I juggled many activities in high school, my persistence helped me to succeed.”

Be concise.

You have a limited amount of space to indicate who you are. Eliminating unnecessary words frees up space to take your reader deeper into your experience.

Too wordy: “Over the years it was pointed out to me by parents, friends, and teachers- and I have even noticed this about myself, as well- that I was not the neatest person in the world.” (37 words)

Instead: “I was sloppy and everyone knew it.” (7 words)

Your readers are not English teachers, but they are college-educated people who value learning and want to see that same value in the students they admit to college. Errors in spelling and grammar may indicate carelessness or lack of attention to details. Use your computer’s spell check, but also read your own work carefully to catch typos like these:

“After I graduate form high school, I plan to work for a non-profit organization.”

“From that day on, Daniel was my best fried .”

Based on tips from the College Board ( www.collegeboard.com ) and The University of Arizona.

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Apply Guide: Undergraduate Main Campus Options

Apply Guide:

Undergraduate Main Campus Options

There are four options for applying to our main campus in Tucson, Arizona. Choose the one that describes your situation.

Apply to Main Campus as a First-year undergraduate student

First-year undergraduate students have a 3.00 (recalculated) GPA from a secondary school, have at least three years of high school work, and present a completed high school diploma or certificate. Some programs and colleges may require additional information.

Apply to Main Campus as an Undergraduate transfer student

Undergraduate transfer students who want to attend main campus must have a minimum 2.50 GPA and earned 12 or more transferable college credits post-high school from an accredited college or university. Some programs and colleges may require additional information.

Apply to Main Campus as a returning undergraduate student

A returning undergraduate student wishing to attend main campus will need to meet specific criteria depending on their academic standing. Please follow the guidelines at the link to decide if this option is for you.

Apply to Main Campus as a Non-degree seeking student

Non-degree seeking students are defined as students who are not seeking a degree from the University of Arizona. This includes exchange and CESL University Track participants.

Do you have questions about which one to choose? Your Enrollment Counselor can help you decide.

Find My Enrollment Counselor

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University of Arizona Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are University of Arizona's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into University of Arizona and build a strong application.

School location: Tucson, AZ

This school is also known as: U of A

Admissions Rate: 86.7%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at University of Arizona is 86.7% . For every 100 applicants, 87 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet University of Arizona's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

University of Arizona GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.53

The average GPA at University of Arizona is 3.53 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.53, University of Arizona requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes. This will help boost your weighted GPA and show your ability to take college classes.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

University of Arizona hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to University of Arizona will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

University of Arizona SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1245

The average SAT score composite at University of Arizona is a 1245 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes University of Arizona Competitive for SAT test scores.

University of Arizona SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1140, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1360. In other words, a 1140 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1360 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

University of Arizona has the Score Choice policy of "Contact School."

This means that the school wants you to contact them to learn more about their Score Choice policies. Keep reading - we may have extra notes about this from our own expert research.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

University of Arizona ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, University of Arizona likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 25

The average ACT score at University of Arizona is 25. This score makes University of Arizona Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 21, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 21 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to University of Arizona, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 21.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

University of Arizona considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . Aim for a 1140 SAT or a 21 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you'll be a shoo-in.

But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of University of Arizona here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $50
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office May 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 1

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes May 1 August 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: PO Box 210066 Tucson, AZ 85721
• Phone: (520) 621-2211 x2211
• Fax: (520) 621-9799
• Email: [email protected]

Our Expert's Notes

We did more detailed research into this school's admissions process and found the following information:

The Colleges of Engineering, Architecture, Fine Arts, and Nursing have additional admission requirements. More application requirement info, including those extra requirements, are here.

There is assured admission for Arizona residents who meet certain requirements: if they are an Arizona resident, attend a regionally accredited high school, rank in the top 25 percent of their graduating class, and have no course work deficiencies as prescribed by the Arizona Board of Regents. Read more about admissions here Finally, consideration for the honors college is automatic.

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in University of Arizona, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to University of Arizona.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Arizona. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for University of Arizona, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for University of Arizona, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Arizona is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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University of Arizona Secondary Application Essay Prompts – Tucson and Phoenix

• Cracking Med School Admissions

There are two University of Arizona has two campuses: 1) University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and 2) University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. The location influences the clinical experiences and patient population you will serve throughout medical school. Tucson, Arizona is more suburban and near rural areas whereas Phoenix is more metropolitan. University of Phoenix Arizona also has a sprawling suburb area it serves. Throughout Arizona, there is a diverse immigrant population, especially from Mexico, and University of Arizona’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is in the forefront of the school’s mission. 

We strongly suggest student pre-write UofA secondary essays that have not changed each year.  Our Cracking Med School Admissions team has a track record of helping our mentees receive acceptances to University of Arizona College of Medicine year after year. Get started and read our University of Arizona Medical School secondary application tips below. Reach out if you have questions about how to tailor your secondary essays to a strong U of A secondary med application through our Secondary Essay Editing Packages . 

• Personally Tailored Essays
• Edits by Stanford & Harvard-trained Doctors
• We study your application strengths to see what unique attributes we’ll bring to the medical school

University of Arizona Secondary Application Questions: 2023 – 2024

University of arizona phoenix medical school secondary application md essay prompts.

• Throughout your application you have given us a sense of how you intend to contribute to the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix. We would now like to know about how you anticipate the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix will contribute to your goals and passion for medicine. What aspects of our program and community appeals most to you, and how do you plan to make use of specific resources and opportunities here? (1,000 characters max)
• What achievement are you most proud of in your life? What aspect(s) of this achievement will you bring to our medical school?  (1,000 characters max)
• The UA College of Medicine – Phoenix practices Inclusive Excellence, which celebrates the differences, talents, and unique qualities of all individuals. Please describe how you will pursue Inclusive Excellence in your studies while contributing to the collaborative environment at the College of Medicine – Phoenix.   (1,000 characters max)
• Servant Leadership is a Core Value and Attribute we deem essential for our students to possess. To us, it is service to others where one possesses personal humility along with a strong professional will. Describe a time where you have practiced this skill or have seen this in another. What traits were exemplified, and how will you apply these traits to your career in medicine?  (1,000 characters max)
• New Question: Throughout your application you have given us a sense of how you intend to contribute to the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix. We would now like to know about how you anticipate the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix will contribute to your goals and passion for medicine. What aspects of our program and community appeals most to you, and how do you plan to make use of specific resources and opportunities here? (1,000 characters max)
• Optional:  Were there any significant disruptions in your academic, volunteer, work, or personal life related to COVID-19 that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee?  (1,000 characters max)
• Optional:  Please reflect on your entire application, is there anything you would like to further share with the Admissions Committee? Items to consider: connection(s) to Phoenix and/or our medical community, why College of Medicine – Phoenix, your plan during this application season, gap(s) in your education, personal and/or academic challenges. Do not repeat any information already mentioned in the primary or secondary applications.  (1,000 characters max)
• (If applicable – re-applicants) I previously applied to any medical school yes/no (select yes if you submitted a primary or secondary application). If yes, please provide specific examples that illustrate how you are a stronger applicant this cycle.  (1,000 character max)

University of Arizona Tucson Medical School Secondary Application MD Essay Prompts

• Please share a meaningful experience you have had working or volunteering in the health professional field or a time in your past in which you were responsible for the care and well-being of someone else. What did you learn from this as it relates to becoming a physician? (350 words max)
• Discuss a time in your life in which you have failed at something other than an academic experience. How did you confront the failure and what did you learn from it? Please describe how you typically approach challenges that you face in your life. (350 words max)
• “The mission of the University of Arizona College of Medicine Office of Admissions is to select a diverse cohort of students who will become the future leaders in advancing health care to the distinct communities that comprise Arizona and the United States. Consistent with the mission of The University of Arizona College of Medicine, selection of individuals with a demonstrated commitment to serve as care providers, physician scientists, clinical leaders, medical educators and/or public health experts, including advocates for rural and urban underserved populations, is highly valued. Applicants seeking admission should exhibit qualities of altruism, academic excellence, leadership and dedication to becoming lifelong learners through research endeavors and academic development.” Please describe the role(s) you can play in helping the College of Medicine to achieve its mission. (350 words max)
• Describe the effect that your experiences with engaging diversity have had on your own growth and development. Provide an example and describe how it will impact your career in the medical profession. (350 words max)
• Optional: Share any disruptions in your academic/volunteer/work/personal life related to COVID-19 that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider.  (no limit) 

Tips to Answer University of Arizona Secondary Application Essays

  University Arizona Pre-Writing Guidance: Questions for University of Arizona Medical Schools change slightly year after year.  We would look at the past few years and suggest pre-writing essays that are the same each year. Since this is a state school, you should work on this medical school’s secondary application essays sooner than most private schools’ secondary applications. However, this is not the most time sensitive school.

• Download our  Cracking Med Secondary Essay Workbook and Examples .

University of Arizona Secondary Application Tip #1: It is extremely important to write stories throughout your University of Arizona secondary applications. Arizona LOVES stories that highlight your clinical experience and your community service. Consider writing stories for the following prompts:

• Meaningful clinical experience (Tucson secondary)
• Time you failed (Tucson secondary)
• A time you displayed altruism (Tucson secondary)
• How you’ve practiced inclusivity or collaboration (Phoenix secondary)
• A time where you practiced servant leadership (Phoenix secondary)

For all of these stories, make sure to add reflections for each story.

University of Arizona Secondary Application Tip #2: Highlight your leadership, passion to change healthcare, and impact on society. After reading your entire University of Arizona secondary applications for both campuses, the reader should understand: what is your vision to improve healthcare . 

University of Arizona Secondary Application Tip #3: For the University of Arizona Tucson Medical School secondary prompt, “ Discuss a time in your life in which you have failed at something other than an academic experience. How did you confront the failure and what did you learn from it? Please describe how you typically approach challenges that you face in your life,” these questions will help you convey all necessary elements of a strong response:

• Write a story about the challenge or failure? Do not write about a low grade in a class.
• Why do you consider this situation a failure? 
• How did you overcome the challenge?
• What did you learn from this experience?
• What will you do differently in the future?

University of Arizona Secondary Application Tip #4: For the University of Arizona Tucson Medical School secondary prompt, “ Describe the effect that your experiences with engaging diversity have had on your own growth and development. Provide an example and describe how it will impact your career in the medical profession, ” we’ve seen the essays that stand out more incorporate stories.  Our students who work with us through our medical school application packages write anecdotes from their diverse childhood and anecdotes from individuals from diverse backgrounds they have interacted with as a pre-med in college or their gap years. Additionally, you can reflect on diversity. For example, how can you help others combat systemic discrimination. What are your thoughts about barriers to care for marginalized or low-income individuals? 

• Read more about healthcare disparities in our healthcare current events blog post . 

University of Arizona Secondary Application Tip #5:  Answer as many optional questions as possible. We know this secondary application is long, but you will stand out from the rest of the applicant pool if you put as much quality information and reflections about yourself in the U of A secondary med application. 

For the optional question in the University of Arizona Phoenix Medical School Secondary Application, Please reflect on your entire application, is there anything you would like to further share with the Admissions Committee?,  this is a great opportunity to write “ Why University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix. “

• Read our HIGH-YIELD blog post  Why this Medical School? Secondary Essay Example   for more tips on how to answer “Why University of Arizona College of Medicine.”

University of Arizona Secondary Application Tip #6: If you have any affiliations and experiences in Arizona, please mention them. Almost all our students who have been accepted mention family and personal connections in Arizona. Additionally, students discuss their community work (both clinical and non-clinical) in Arizona. Both medical schools are invested in their communities. Contact us  below if you have questions or want our editing help through our  secondary essay packages . 

University of Arizona Secondary Application Tip #7: Ask us for help with  tailoring and personalizing both of your University of Arizona School of Medicine secondary applications.  We have a track records of our students receiving acceptances at University of Arizona for the past several years! 

University of Arizona Secondary Application Tip #8: The University of Arizona School of Medicine Admissions Committee puts a lot of weight into how you do during your Multiple Mini Interview. Make sure you prepare with the best resources! If you are a resident of Arizona, start preparing for the Multiple Mini Interview through Dr. Rachel Rizal’s Mastering the Multiple Mini Interview course . It will help you for traditional interviews and the CASPer as well!

Your medical school application Coaches, Mentors, & Cheerleaders

We Personally Advise Every Student We Work With.

Rachel Rizal, M.D.

Changing the trajectory of people’s lives.

Undergraduate Princeton University, cum laude

Medical School Stanford School of Medicine

Residency Harvard, Emergency Medicine

Awards & Scholarships Fulbright Scholar USA Today Academic First Team Tylenol Scholarship

Rishi Mediratta, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.

Advising students to attend their dream schools.

Undergraduate Johns Hopkins University, Phi Beta Kappa

Residency Stanford, Pediatrics

Awards & Scholarships Marshall Scholar Tylenol Scholarship Global Health Scholar

stand out from other applicants with our secondary essay edit packages

Download your secondary essay guide.

Use this essay guide and workbook to write standout secondaries.

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University of Arizona Secondary Application Questions: 2022 – 2023

• NEW PROMPT: Throughout your application you have given us a sense of how you intend to contribute to the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix. We would now like to know about how you anticipate the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix will contribute to your goals and passion for medicine. What aspects of our program and community appeals most to you, and how do you plan to make use of specific resources and opportunities here? (1,000 characters max)
• Servant Leadership is a Core Value and Attribute we deem essential for our students to possess. To us, it is service to others where one possesses personal humility along with a strong professional will. Describe a time where you have practiced this skill or have seen this in another. What traits were exemplified, and how will you apply these traits to your career in medicine?  (1,000 characters max)

University of Arizona Phoenix Medical School Secondary Application Re-Applicant Essay Prompt

• I previously applied to any medical school (select yes if you submitted a primary or secondary application). If yes, please provide specific examples that illustrate how you are a stronger applicant this cycle. (1,000 characters max)
• Optional: Share any disruptions in your academic/volunteer/work/personal life related to COVID-19 that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider.  (1,000 characters max) 

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University of Arizona Secondary Application Questions: 2021 – 2022

• If you were to describe the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix to someone else, what would you share with them? (1,000 characters max)
• Why are you a stronger applicant this year?  (1,000 characters max)

University of Arizona Secondary Application Questions: 2020 - 2021

• Share any disruptions in your academic/volunteer/work/personal life related to COVID-19 that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider.
• What achievement are you most proud of in your life? What aspect(s) of this achievement will you bring to our medical school? (1,000 characters max)
• The UA College of Medicine – Phoenix practices Inclusive Excellence, which celebrates the differences, talents, and unique qualities of all individuals. Please describe how you will pursue Inclusive Excellence in your studies while contributing to the collaborative environment at the College of Medicine – Phoenix. (1,000 characters max)
• Servant Leadership is a Core Value and Attribute we deem essential for our students to possess. To us, it is service to others where one possesses personal humility along with a strong professional will. Describe a time where you have practiced this skill or have seen this in another. What traits were exemplified, and how will you apply these traits to your career in medicine? (1,000 characters max)
• Were there any significant disruptions in your academic, volunteer, work, or personal life related to COVID-19 that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee? (1,000 characters max)
• Please reflect on your entire application, is there anything you would like to further share with the Admissions Committee? Items to consider: connection(s) to Phoenix and/or our medical community, your plan during this application season, gap(s) in your education, personal and/or academic challenges. Do not repeat any information already mentioned in the primary or secondary applications. (1,000 characters max)

University of Arizona Secondary Application Questions: 2019 – 2020

• Re-Applicant Essay (350 words max)
• (Optional) Please reflect on your entire application; is there anything you would like to further share with the Admissions Committee? Items to consider: connection(s) to Phoenix and/or our medical community, your plan during this applicant season, gap(s) in your education, personal and/or academic challenges. Do not repeat any information already mentioned in the primary or secondary applications. (1,000 characters max)

University of Arizona Secondary Application Questions: 2018 – 2019

• I previously applied to any medical school ( Select YES if you submitted a primary or secondary application).
• (Optional) If yes, how are you a stronger applicant this cycle? (1,000 characters max)
• What is the most important quality you seek in a medical school, and how does the UA College of Medicine – Phoenix embody that for you? (1,000 characters max)
• What achievement are you most proud of? What aspect of this achievement will you bring to our medical school? (1,000 characters max)
• The UA College of Medicine – Phoenix practices Inclusive Excellence, which celebrates the differences, talents, and unique qualities of all individuals. Describe a circumstance where you sought to learn about a culture, group, or idea different than your own and how that impacted you. (1,000 characters max)
• (Optional) Please reflect on your entire application, is there anything you would like to further explain to the Admissions Committee? Do not repeat any information already mentioned in the national or secondary applications. (1,000 characters max)
• (Optional) Please reference the Work/Activities section. If any of the competencies were unmatched, please provide an explanation below. (1,000 characters max)

University of Arizona Secondary Application Questions: 2017 – 2018

• The UA College of Medicine – Phoenix values its culture, curriculum, and the community it serves. Which aspect(s) do you value the most? (350 words max)
• How have the last 12–18 months confirmed your desire to pursue a career in medicine? (350 words max)
• UA College of Medicine – Phoenix, in part, defines diversity as “Inclusive Excellence”. How will you add value – in these terms – to our learning community? (350 words max)
• What else should the Admissions Committee know about you? Note: please do not repeat any aspect of your primary application or essays provided above. (350 words max)

University of Arizona Secondary Application Questions: 2016 – 2017

• I believe I fit within the UA COM – Phoenix culture because (350 words max) :
• I feel that the last 12-18 months have confirmed my desire to pursue a career in medicine because (350 words max) :
• I understand that diversity is defined in many ways at the UA COM – Phoenix and I feel that I would add value to the diverse learning environment and mission because (350 words max) :
• I feel that the Admissions Committee should know this about me (note: do not repeat any aspect of your primary application or essays provided above) (350 words max) :

University of Arizona Secondary Application Questions: 2015 – 2016

• I previously applied to the UA COM – Phoenix Yes or No
• I believe I fit within the UA COM – Phoenix culture because: (350 words max)
• I feel that the last 12-18 months have confirmed my desire to pursue a career in medicine because: (350 words max)
• I understand that diversity is defined in many ways at the UA COM – Phoenix and I feel that I would add value to the diverse learning environment and mission because: (350 words max)
• I feel that the Admissions Committee should know this about me (note: do not repeat any aspect of your primary application or essays provided above): (350 words max)

University of Arizona Secondary Application Questions: 2014 – 2015

• Have you previously applied to The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix? If answered yes, why do you feel you are a stronger applicant this year? (350 words max)
• After learning more about our mission and values as a medical school, share how you fit within the UA Phoenix Med culture. (350 words max)
• Elaborate on what has occurred in the last 12-18 months that has influenced your goal and preparation for a career in medicine. (350 words max)
• What unique or challenging factors in your background (childhood/adulthood) have enhanced your character? (350 words max)
• What is important to you that you want to make sure the Admissions Committee knows about you that is not already included in your application? (350 words max)

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Application Process

Our holistic admissions process focuses on assessing candidates as unique, multidimensional individuals.

Beyond evaluating a set of scores, we consider the academic and personal history and an applicant’s overall fit with the mission and values of the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine.

Applications are managed through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) and should be submitted to VMCAS no later than 11:59 pm EST on September 18.

Deadlines are subject to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) and the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine changes based on the ever-evolving environment for future applicants. This page will reflect updates to our process as information becomes available.

Start your Application

The College Admissions Committee develops the admission policies and procedures. The Committee uses evidence-based evaluation approaches in alignment with the College of Veterinary Medicine values while meeting the legal requirements set by the State of Arizona and the AVMA Council on Education Accreditation Standards.

1. Review the Essential Qualifications for Veterinary Medicine Students

To ensure incoming veterinary medical students can complete the entire curriculum established by the Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, the College requires each student to meet the technical standards defined in the document below.

Students will be expected to sign a document indicating their understanding of the essential qualifications required of veterinary medical students.  If you need an accommodation during the application process, please get in touch with admissions at:  [email protected]

Essential Qualifications

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

All students must possess the capability to complete, with or without reasonable accommodation, the entire curriculum established by the College of Veterinary Medicine, which is required to achieve the D.V.M. degree. The veterinary medical curriculum requires demonstrated proficiency in a variety of cognitive, social, and behavioral skills. To achieve these proficiencies, the College of Veterinary Medicine requires that each student be able to meet the following:

Intellectual-Conceptual Abilities

Students must be able to assess, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize subjective and objective information. In addition, students must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures. Problem-solving, a critical skill demanded of veterinarians, requires all these intellectual abilities. Students must be able to perform these problem-solving skills in a timely fashion.

Motor Skills

A student should have sufficient motor function to execute movements required to provide general care and treatment to patients in all health care settings. Specifically, students must be able to:

• Elicit independently information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers, laboratory tests, and diagnostic procedures.
• Safely execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients, such as, but not limited to, airway management, placement of intravenous catheters, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of pressure to control bleeding, suturing of wounds, other surgical procedures, and the performance of obstetrical maneuvers. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional use of the senses of touch, hearing, and vision.
• Perform routine restraint procedures and to lift patients, tissues, or equipment with or without assistance.

Sensory/Observation Skills

A student must be able to acquire the information presented through demonstrations and experiences in the basic and clinical sciences, including but not limited to information conveyed through physiological and pharmacological demonstrations in animals and microscopic images of microorganisms, and gross and microscopic evaluation of normal or pathological tissues.

Specifically, the student must be able to:

• Observe a patient accurately, at a distance and close at hand, acquire information from written documents, and visualize information as presented in images from paper, films, slides, video and other media.
• Perceive and interpret signs of fear, aggression, and other potentially dangerous behaviors made by various animal species; sense and interpret warning sounds and signs in the veterinary health care environment.
• Interpret radiographs and other graphic images, and digital or analog representations of physiologic phenomenon (such as EKGs) with or without the use of assistive devices.

Such observation and information acquisition necessitate the functional use of visual, auditory, and somatic sensation while being enhanced by functional use of other sensory modalities including smell. In any case where a student's ability to observe or acquire information through these sensory modalities is compromised, the student must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to acquire and demonstrate observation skills.

Communication Skills

Students must be able to observe patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in behavior, activity and posture, and perceive non-vocal communications. Students must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing with clients and colleagues. Students must be able to sense and respond to directions given in emergency situations and during clinical and surgical procedures. Such communication skills require the functional use of visual, auditory, and somatic senses, enhanced by the functional use of other sensory modalities. When a matriculant’s ability to communicate through sensory modalities is compromised, the matriculant must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to meet the communication skills. A student must communicate effectively, sensitively and rapidly with other students, faculty, staff, animal companions, and other healthcare professionals. A student must demonstrate a willingness and ability to give and receive feedback, and to communicate information on the patient’s status with accuracy and in a timely manner to members of the healthcare team. A student must be able to elicit information from patients, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications.

Behavioral/Social Skills

A student must possess the ability to exercise good judgment, and to complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients in a wide variety of environmental contexts. In addition, the student must maintain mature, sensitive, and effective and harmonious relationships with patients, caretakers, owners, students, faculty, staff, and other professionals under highly stressful situations. The student must have the ability to function effectively under stress and to adapt to an environment that may change rapidly without warning and/or in unpredictable ways. The student must be able to exhibit empathy, integrity and concern for others.

Professional Conduct

The student must abide by professional standards of practice. The student must be able to engage in patient care delivery in diverse settings and be able to deliver care to all patient populations.

2. Complete VMCAS Application

The VMCAS general application portal opens in January, with college selections beginning in May.

Apply Today

Letters of Recommendation

VMCAS requires at least three but no more than six electronic recommendations (eLORs) submitted through VMCAS. At least one recommendation should be from an individual who can speak to your professional (not personal) interactions/experiences with animals. The reference could be a veterinarian, site coordinator, clinic manager, etc. VMCAS does not accept eLORs by email, express mail, or postal mail.

Prior Experience

VMCAS requires applicants to share their experiences (animal, research, veterinary, employment, and volunteer experiences) and achievements (awards, honors, scholarships). We do not specify the number of hours nor the type of experiences an applicant may offer. Each applicant will have something unique to share.

Personal Essay Prompts

In addition to the personal statement needed by VMCAS, we require one supplemental essay about your fit with the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine values . This essay is a part of the VMCAS application program materials under The University of Arizona application questions. Responses play a significant role in determining whom we select to interview. Therefore, we encourage you to be thoughtful and reflective and suggest you ask someone you trust to proofread your responses for clarity, syntax, grammar, and spelling.

Standardized Test

We do not require a standardized test (i.e., GRE) for admission to the Arizona DVM program, nor will any standardized test be considered. However, international students may need to provide proof of English Proficiency.

3. Applicants who meet GPA and prerequisite requirements will be invited to complete a supplemental assessment. *

*There is a nonrefundable $50 fee plus tax for this assessment.

• To earn a supplemental assessment, you must meet our prerequisite requirements and obtain a 3.0 cumulative, science and prerequisite GPA.
• Applicants with a cumulative, science or prerequisite GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 may receive an additional review to determine their eligibility for a supplemental assessment. Individuals are screened for evidence of the candidate’s ability to navigate the rigors of our veterinary medicine curriculum. Selected candidates will progress to the supplemental assessment, while others will be denied.
• We encourage applicants with a cumulative, science, or prerequisite GPA below 2.75 to meet with a pre-health advisor to discuss options for satisfying our minimum requirements.

4. Complete the MMI process

Invitations to our multiple-mini interview process will be sent following the VMCAS application and supplemental assessment review.

5. Applicants are notified of acceptance, denial or waitlist status and must finalize their choice by April 15. *

*A refundable seat fee may be imposed for accepted students.

Speak to Our Admissions Team

Contact our Admissions team to learn more about our program and the recruitment and application process.  

Prerequisites

We seek committed candidates who are prepared to thrive in our rigorous program. Review the complete list of prerequisites to make sure you are on track.  

Our Selection Process

High School Competency Requirements

Ready for College? Let's Find Out

Before you can be admitted to the university, you must complete required courses as determined by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR).

Admission Requirements at a Glance*

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of mathematics
• 3 years of lab science
• 2 years of the same second language 
• 2 years of social sciences (1 year of American history) 
• 1 year of fine arts or 1 year of career and technical education (CTE) 

*See below for additional course details.

Do you have a GED or alternate high school diploma?

Jump to equivalency requirements »

Additional Details

All first-year and transfer applicants under age 22 must satisfactorily complete the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) core competency requirements. Refer to the table below for the high school coursework requirements, specific scores or college courses needed. Please note some programs or colleges may require additional information and/or admission requirements.

English Composition or Literature - 4 units

Abor requirements.

English I English II English III English IV

Or SAT Score

SAT Reasoning Test: Critical reading score of 530 or above pre-March 2016; or 580 or above March 2016 or later

Or ACT Score

English sub score of 21 or above

Or College Coursework to Offset Deficiencies

One 3-credit English course

Mathematics -  4 units

High school coursework requirements.

Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Advanced Math for which Algebra II is a prerequisite

SAT Reasoning Test: Math score of 540 or above pre-March 2016; or 570 or above March 2016 or later

Math sub score of 24 or above

One 3-credit course at the college algebra level or higher

Laboratory Science - 3 units

Three distinctive units from the following areas: biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, integrated lab science (may include advanced study in one area)"

SAT Subject Test scores: chemistry—600 or above; biology—590 or above; physics—620 or above

Natural science sub score of 20 or above (Test scores may be used to demonstrate competency in one (1) science only)

Three 4-credit lab science courses (only two may be in the same field)

Social Science - 2 units

One unit of American history; one additional unit from: (European/world history, economics, sociology, geography, government, psychology, anthropology)

SAT Subject Test scores: American history/social studies: 560 or above; European/world culture: 580 or above

Equivalent not available

One 3-credit American history course and one 3-credit social science course

Second language - 2 units

Two units of the same language

Or SAT & ACT Score

Attain a minimum score on a national standardized language test, such as AP or CLEP Examination scores; or earn certified placement into third college-level semester of higher based on an exam given by an accredited institution of higher education; or other forms of verification are available.

One year of study in the same language; includes American Sign Language

Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education (CTE) -  1 unit

One unit or any combination of two semesters of high school fine arts or the same CTE program

One 3-credit fine arts class or 3-credit CTE course approved by the Arizona Department of Education

A deficiency is defined in one of two ways, missing a unit of coursework or falling below a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in a specific subject area. Applicants must have an unweighted overall grade point average of 2.0 (A = 4.0) in each subject area and may not have more than two deficiencies. Students may not have deficiencies in both math and laboratory science or in the same subject area.

Assured Admission

You are assured admission to the University of Arizona if you attended a regionally accredited high school and:

• Rank in the top 25% of your graduating class, OR
• Have a 3.0 unweighted GPA through your sixth semester in the core competency requirements.

Comprehensive Review

If you don’t meet the requirements for Assured Admission, that’s okay. We utilize a comprehensive review process, which means we consider many factors when reviewing your application.

Application Review Process »

A Note About SAT/ACT Scores

SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission to the University of Arizona. 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 Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) core competencies. Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency.

GED and Other High School Equivalency Tests

Your GED test scores will fulfill the high school transcript requirement, so you do not need to fill out the high school coursework section of our application. Enter General Education Development (GED) and select “High School” as the level of study under “Add Institution” in the Academic History section of the application.

GED 5th Series (2014-Present)

Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Math

≥ 170 on each test component with

Overall Battery Average ≥ 680

GED 4th Series (2002-2013)

Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Science, Math

Overall Battery Average ≥ 500

GED 3rd Series (1988-2001)

Writing, Interpreting Literature and the Arts, Socials Studies, Science, Math

GED 2nd Series  (1978-1987)

Ged 1st series (1943-1977).

Correctness and Effectiveness of Expression, Interpretation of Reading Materials in the Social Studies, Interpretation of Reading Materials in the Natural Sciences, Interpretation of Literacy Materials, General Mathematic Ability

HiSet – High School  Equivalency Test

Grading Scale 1-20 on 5 subtests, with score of 1-6 on essay portion.

California Proficiency –  CHSPE

English and Mathematics subtests only.

Grand Canyon High  School Diploma - GCHS

A valid, recognized high school diploma available to Arizona students who demonstrate college and career readiness in all core subject areas before they leave high school.

TASC – Test Assessing  Secondary Completion

Language Arts Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies.

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Here are some of the questions we hear most often.

If you still can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please call us at  520-621-6901  or email  [email protected] ., how do i apply to the w.a. franke honors college.

Please visit the Application Process page under the Admissions tab of our website.

What are the admissions criteria for the W.A. Franke Honors College?

The W.A Franke Honors College doesn't require standardized test (SAT/ACT) scores and does not have a minimum required GPA. Admission is competitive and we have a thorough and holistic review process. Learn more about required application materials and admission averages here . 

I am a current student at Arizona. Can I join the W.A. Franke Honors College?

Yes. If you are a current University of Arizona student and you have at least three semesters remaining until graduation, a cumulative UArizona GPA of 3.4 or better, and have completed at least 12 credits at Arizona, you may apply for admission into the W.A. Franke Honors College through the Current Wildcat application process. To learn more, visit the Application Process page under the Admissions tab of our website.

Do you require ACT or SAT test scores?

The W.A. Franke Honors College is test-free. Even if SAT or ACT scores are submitted to the University of Arizona, we will not see them as part of your Franke Honors application.

I received a Wildcat Excellence Scholarship, Arizona Excellence Scholarship, Regents High Honors (AIMS) Scholarship, or other award. Does this mean I was admitted to the W.A. Franke Honors College?

Not necessarily. Students who receive these awards might not qualify for W.A. Franke Honors admission, which is a separate application and evaluation process.

I am entering the university with some college coursework already completed. How do I know if I will be considered a transfer student or an incoming freshman?

To be considered a transfer student, you must have graduated high school or earned a GED, and completed 12 or more units of college credit by the time you apply to UArizona. Students who have completed fewer than 12 units or who have not yet finished high school at the time of application will apply as freshmen.

I am in an international baccalaureate program. How does that benefit me?

At the W.A. Franke Honors College, we know that students who participate in international baccalaureate programs are especially well-prepared for the opportunities we offer. IB students have the ambition and passion that we recognize as necessary characteristics in Honors students. They are ready to seize research options, interaction with faculty and the benefits of a tight community.

For admission purposes, the W. A. Franke Honors College considers the challenge of your high school transcript in addition to an unweighted GPA other metrics. This means that if you have a high number of IB courses, you could stand out as someone with a solid work ethic and a talent for learning.

The University of Arizona recognizes the challenge that goes into IB courses and awards credit based on each IB exam. Most exams are awarded credit if they are higher-level exams. A current chart with more details is  available online .

Additionally, the university offers an  IB Tuition Scholarship  available to both Arizona and non-Arizona resident students who graduate high school with an IB Diploma and earn a minimum of 24 IB units.

I have taken Advanced Placement courses. How does that benefit me?

The goal of honors courses is to give students the chance to do hands-on, interactive work with faculty members and like-minded peers. Students who have excelled in Advanced Placement classes are ready to engage in this kind of study, as they already have the support of an education that has honed their skills in comprehension and analysis.

We know AP classes are challenging and we want to reward you for that effort. The W.A. Franke Honors College considers the number of AP and other advanced courses on your transcript, as well as your unweighted GPA and other metrics when making an admissions decision.

Many of our students bring in college credit from their AP exams in order to maximize their hard work. A current chart explaining transfer credit from Advanced Placement exams is  available online .

The  Dean’s Distinction Award  offered by the University of Arizona is an additional scholarship opportunity for Arizona resident students who challenged themselves with a rigorous curriculum in the 16 core courses.

What are the requirements to graduate with an honors diploma?

To graduate with honors from the University of Arizona, you must be a member of the W.A. Franke Honors College who has:

• A cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or higher at the time of graduation.
• Completion of honors courses.
• Completion and submission of an honors thesis or capstone.

For more detailed information, please visit this page .

If I’m accepted into the W.A. Franke Honors College, do I have to live in the Honors Village?

There is no requirement for students to live in the Honors Village, but we suggest that students consider living in the Honors Village as one of their housing options. Please contact the Honors recruitment team for more information.

Do you participate in Early Decision or Early Action?

No. There is no Early Decision or Early Action at the University of Arizona.

Are the application essays the same every year?

The essay topics may change from year to year. Be sure to check back in the fall of your application year for the current essay or personal statement topic.

Can I come in for a tour of the W.A. Franke Honors College?

We are currently offering limited in-person visit options.  Please check out our  Visit Us  page for more information.

I’m not sure if the W.A. Franke Honors College is right for me – who can I speak with?

Please contact the Franke Honors College at 520-621-6901 and we will help direct you to one of our Recruitment and Admissions staff.

I decided I do not want to be in the W.A. Franke Honors College anymore, but still want to attend the University of Arizona. What do I do next and will declining Honors affect my acceptance to the university?

It is recommended that you speak with someone about the W.A. Franke Honors College. If you would like to opt out, please email us at [email protected] . Declining the W.A. Franke Honors College will not affect your admission to the university.

Can I pick any major when I’m a part of the W.A. Franke Honors College?

Yes, we have students from almost every major from science to fine arts to engineering (and many students double major or pursue a dual degree). We can work with any major or combination of majors.

Do you require letters of recommendation?

One recommendation is required for Honors consideration. The letter can come from a teacher, counselor or community member.

What are the steps I should take after I have been admitted to the W.A. Franke Honors College?

After you’ve been admitted, take the next steps toward becoming a Franke Honors Wildcat by paying your enrollment fee, signing up for housing and registering for orientation in your  Next Steps Center .

How do I know if I've been admitted to the W.A. Franke Honors College?

Incoming first-year students who complete a Fall semester application by 11:59pm Arizona time on the  posted due date  will be notified in their Future Wildcat account one month after the deadline. Admission packets will also be mailed to students' home addresses. We are unable to accept applications after our deadline.

Is there an additional cost to be part of the W.A. Franke Honors College?

The fee is $475 per semester or $950 per academic year. If the fee is a financial burden, you may be eligible for a fee scholarship if you are a U.S. citizen and have completed the FAFSA. To learn more about your financial aid options, please visit the Cost and Aid page of our website.

Accelerated Pathway to Medical Education (APME)

The Accelerated Pathway to Medical Education (APME) program offers a unique educational experience for talented students anticipating a career in medicine or medical science. APME is a combination undergraduate-graduate program that will take a student seven years to complete and will result in an MD degree upon graduation. Students apply to APME once they have entered their senior year of high school, have been accepted at the University of Arizona and meet the eligibility criteria. Declaring a science major is recommended to satisfy the undergraduate requirements for the MD program. Out of hundreds of applications, five students are accepted each year to the program.

Students will be required to complete required premedical courses during their undergraduate coursework. Students aren’t required to receive a bachelor’s degree but they will complete the undergraduate coursework that will prepare them for the MD curriculum before matriculating into the College of Medicine – Tucson after their third year in undergrad.

Being conditionally admitted to the program allows students to earn a reserved spot at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson MD program provided they meet specific academic, non-academic and professional requirements annually. The MCAT exam is not required for students in the APME program upon application or admission.

Hour-long Zoom sessions with opportunities for your questions to be answered

Upcoming Sessions

Why Choose APME

Student development.

During their three years of undergraduate studies, APME students will participate in programming and workshops that focus on four crucial components for incoming medical students: community service, research, clinical work and leadership. They will complete a required number of hours in each category as well as workshops based on clinical experience, professional development and much more.

Medical School Resources and Networking

APME students will enjoy the resources offered at the College of Medicine – Tucson to help acclimate them to the College of Medicine – Tucson environment. They will meet current medical students, faculty and Banner personnel, have access to our simulation lab, and be able to join medical student clubs and affinity groups. Based on interest, APME students can be connected with a range of faculty or staff in a given specialty area to explore the field and potentially gain research opportunities.

The College of Medicine – Tucson thrives on peer and faculty mentorship. Students help the classes below them as well as with their own class as they navigate medical school. Each cohort of APME works with the one below, and each APME student is given a medical student mentor and a College of Medicine – Tucson faculty member mentor.

Admissions Criteria

Students must be a high school senior (or equivalent) admitted to the University of Arizona. Students cannot take a gap year before applying to APME, and transfer students are not accepted.

We recommend students apply early to receive a decision earlier in the admissions process. The undergraduate application opened July 1, 2023, for students starting Fall 2024. Application processing time varies depending on the time of year and volume of applications. After September 15, decisions are released on a rolling basis two to four weeks from submission. The University of Arizona does not offer early admissions or early decisions.

Students must be a citizen of the United States or a U.S. permanent resident with a Form I-551, I-151 or I-551C. We accept both in-state and out-of-state students with no preference given to either group of applicants.

Students must have a minimum unweighted high school GPA of 3.7. SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission to the APME Program. If included in the application, an official College Board score will be required.

Application and Admissions Process

Before you apply.

Applicants must first apply to the University of Arizona and have an official admission decision. Applicants can select any undergraduate major on campus. APME students will commit to seven years in Tucson at the University of Arizona. APME does not offer gap years or transfers into the program.

Application Details

The application for the 2024-2025 cohort of APME will open in Fall 2023. Students will only see the application once all criteria are met and our system updates their application status, which may take at least 48-72 hours.

Once admitted, applicants will see APME under their Supplemental Applications tab, among the SALT Center, W.A. Franke Honors College and the Fine Arts applications. Applicants can view this both in their Common App and in the Future Wildcat Portal. Applicants will see all instructions once the application is available to them.

Once an application is submitted or the deadline has passed, we will not accept any changes or updates to applications, nor will we be able to provide any updates on application status.

What is on the application?

Each application includes:

• Personal statement (5,300 characters)
• Video introduction (optional)
• 4 essay questions
• 3-5 letters of recommendation 
• Unofficial high school transcript

Admissions Process

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson reviews applicants with a holistic approach when selecting incoming students. A single component of an application will not push a student ahead or hold them back. All materials will be reviewed to promote a fair and equitable consideration of an application, including the experiences, attributes and metrics. One portion of an application does not carry weight over another portion. Our admissions office looks at applicants beyond metrics to ensure that each student is a good fit for our mission and values and has a passion for medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to apme.

What is conditional admission? Earning admission into the APME program means that applicants earn early conditional admission into the College of Medicine – Tucson. This admission is based on successfully completing APME requirements during the three years in the undergraduate program to secure the conditional admission along with other program requirements.

Who should letters of recommendation come from and how many should be submitted? A minimum of three letters should be submitted from someone you have interacted with in an employment, volunteer or clinical setting. We recommend letters from teachers, professors or mentors who can best speak to your academic qualities and why you would be a good fit for the program. Applicants are allowed a maximum of five letters.

The supplemental questions state a minimum of 350 words but I’m able to submit more. Will my answer be cut off? Your entire answer will be included in the application; however, the goal is to provide your answer in 350 words or less.

When will interviews take place? Interviews will take place on March 8, 2024, and will be held via Zoom with about 30 applicants. We will not hold makeup interviews.

When will applicants be notified of their acceptance into the program? Applicants will be notified on March 29, 2024, and will need to commit to the APME program by April 12, 2024.

What happens if I am not admitted to APME? If you are not admitted to APME, you can work to potentially gain admission to the Honors Early Assurance Program (HEAP) , which allows for academically talented students to gain early admission to the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson.

Do I still have to wait three years to start the MD program if I come in with a year or more of AP credit or dual enrollment/transfer credit? Yes, you will still take three years of undergraduate courses. If you have your College of Medicine – Tucson prerequisites done, you can explore other areas you may be curious about.

If I am awarded a scholarship or have things to add to my application after I have submitted it, how can I add them? Once your application is submitted, you will not be able to add, remove or change any content. Timing of application submission does not have any impact on chances of being admitted, so we recommend students take their time when completing their application.

Undergraduate Studies

Will students receive a bachelor’s degree in three years? Earning a bachelor’s degree is not required in APME, but a student can choose to do so. They will complete undergraduate prerequisite coursework that will prepare them for the MD curriculum. After successfully completing the APME program, students will receive their MD degree in an additional four years.

APME students can choose to work toward their bachelor’s degree, but must earn their degree in the three years of their undergraduate studies, which could result in a heavier course load and potentially taking courses outside of the traditional fall/spring semesters.

Do I have to declare a College of Medicine – Tucson major? No, you do not have to be in a College of Medicine – Tucson undergraduate major to participate in APME. However, there are courses that the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson requires for admission . Science-based majors are typically recommended to ensure all required courses are covered.

Are there additional fees or tuition for APME? No, there are no outside fees or additional tuition in the APME program. While a student is in the first three years of their undergraduate studies, they will be charged tuition like any other student and nothing will look different for them. The same goes for when APME students begin medical school. There will be no additional fees, only the required tuition for all medical school students. APME students will be eligible to apply for scholarships, loans and grants while they are in the undergraduate classes as well as the medical school.

If you have additional questions, contact Camille Chavez Assistant Director of Admissions Pathways [email protected] 520-626-6214

Nevada Today

Iranian culture celebration event, the first iranian culture celebration event to be held on april 18, at the university of nevada, reno.

The College of Liberal Arts and the City of Reno invite you to the first Iranian Culture Celebration Event at the University of Nevada, Reno, on Thursday, April 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Knowledge Center Rotunda.

Neda Khalafi, a Department of Art, Art History, and Design lecturer, idealized this family-friendly event to introduce Reno citizens to Iranian culture and traditions, including poetry, music, dance and art.

"The event is free for everyone, from parking to some sweet samples of Iranian/Persian pastries!" Khalafi said. "The main purpose of this event is to highlight our culture and some of the disciplines encompassed in the arts of Iran. The works of some ancient Iranian thinkers have been very influential in the fields of philosophy, architecture, art literature, medicine, sciences and mathematics. These concepts are taught in classrooms every day. I expect people will walk away thinking there is so much they did not know about our awesome community and rich culture."

The public can expect to get information about the poetry, arts, and literature of Iran, experience a virtual reality tour of some of the famous tourist destinations of Iran, listen to some traditional live music, see a dance performance by a lovely group of Iranian students at the University of Nevada, Reno, look at some beautiful crafts from Iran, take a photo in a traditional photo booth, have a little taste of Iranian/Persian sweets, have their name written in beautiful Farsi Calligraphy, and meet some talented individuals who are ready to tell them about all these things.  

"I absolutely believe, in today's world, we need to be more understanding and compassionate toward one another. The world has so much hurt, and division among groups seems to be spreading," Khalafi said. "Lack of knowledge leads to making assumptions about others that are untrue. Educating ourselves and helping our fellow human beings become better informed can be an important and impactful step toward understanding and having more empathy and respect for each other, no matter what part of the world we come from. This event is not connected, in any way, to any political or religious ideology. It is simply meant to showcase and inform our attendees about our Persian culture. We hope the community takes advantage of this opportunity to learn some interesting facts about the Iranian community in the Biggest Little City and where we have come from."

Interim Dean Isabelli shared that the College of Liberal Arts sponsors events that elevate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts that align with the college's mission.

"Through the college's donor-sponsored Diversity Fund, we are able to support collaborative efforts that aim to foster a more inclusive community," Isabelli said. "This event will provide an invaluable opportunity for our community to engage with and learn about different cultures and traditions. The Iranian Culture Celebration is a part of our broader effort to not only discuss but actively contribute to making DEI a central pillar of our institutional identity. We encourage everyone to participate in this enlightening event."

Event information:

Thursday, April 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Knowledge Center Rotunda.

Free admission, no ticket required.

Free parking is available on the 4th floor at the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex.

Family-friend event, appropriate for all ages.

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Each April, more than 100 volunteers help transform the University's campus into a hub for jazz, music education and innovation

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Admitted Students

Welcome admitted students.

Take your next steps to join UArizona and the iSchool.

Go to the UArizona Next Steps Center

Congratulations on your admission to the University of Arizona iSchool!

We are excited to welcome you as part of our next incoming cohort at the University of Arizona School of Information, UArizona's newest college.

We know the decision about where to attend college is significant, and we are here to help you make an informed decision. Use this page as a resource for more information about the iSchool, our students and the upcoming events you'll want to attend to learn more about the transformative educational experience awaiting you at Arizona's iSchool.

Associate Dean Diana Daly Welcomes You to the iSchool

Your Next Steps

Now that Admitted Student Day has passed, head over to the University of Arizona Next Steps Center, where you'll: 

• Get your UArizona NetID
• Learn all of the steps you need to make your transition to the UArizona and the iSchool as seamless as possible   

Go to the Next Steps Center

MEET iSCHOOL STUDENTS

Vivian Huynh, BSIS '26

Vivian Huynh, a first-generation student from Casper, Wyoming, is passionate about data science's societal impact. As someone who changed her major after comig to UArizona, she believes the iSchool experience holds profound significance because "it represents a journey of discovery, growth and transformation towards a bright future."

Elijah Parent, BSGDD '25

Elijah Parent will graduate from the BS in Game Design and Development with minors in music and computer science in 2025. Learn about his passions for sound design in games, the need to find the right community when first joining college, the success of the UArizona Esports program and more.

Jacquie Kuru, BSIS '23, MSDS '25

Jacquie Kuru, who joined the iSchool's MS in Data Science program after graduating from the BS in Information Science in 2023, is originally from Gilbert, Arizona. She came to UArizona to study medicine, but found her passion for information science after taking an iSchool social media course.

View All iSchool Profiles

LEARN MORE ABOUT iSCHOOL MAJORS

As Arizona's iSchool, we are dedicated to your success, delivering a world-class, cross-disciplinary education that empowers you with the skills and knowledge you need to begin your dynamic career and shape the future information.

Bachelor of Arts in Games & Behavior In the BA in Games and Behavior, offered on campus, you'll gain hands-on understanding of important artistic and design principles and human behaviors in games, as well as the implications of gamification in society, without the need for extensive knowledge of computer programming.

Bachelor of Science in Game Design & Development With the BS in Game Design and Development, offered on campus, you'll get the hands-on design and development skills necessary to create interactive, virtual environments that span devices and platforms, whether for games or virtual reality applications in education, business, healthcare and beyond.

Bachelor of Science in Information Science In the STEM-designated BS in Information Science, offered on campus, you'll explore information systems and computational methods used to transform data and information into knowledge, from machine learning and data science to artificial intelligence. Two emphasis areas are offered: Data Science, and Interactive and Immersive Technologies.

Bachelor of Arts in Information Science & Arts With the STEM-designed BA in Information Science and Arts, offered on campus, you'll explore creative coding, human-computer interaction, virtual reality, user experience, interactive art, sound technology, multimedia design and game development.

Bachelor of Arts in Information Science & eSociety In the STEM-designed BA in Information Science and eSociety, offered on campus and online, students explore social network theories and analysis, digital storytelling, information manipulation and propaganda, digital discourse, web design, and the impact of social media on daily life.

Have a question, or ready to learn more about the University of Arizona School of Information or your next steps?

Contact Rene Lozano, recruitment manager:

Thursday, April 11

Previous issues, submit a tip.

Admitted students talk role of ChatGPT in essays amid changing admissions policies

Princeton admitted students to the Class of 2028 on Dec. 14 as part of its Single Choice Early Action round.

Louisa gheorghita / the daily princetonian.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is receiving a growing focus at Princeton, serving as the subject of the Class of 2028 Pre-Read and spurring the creation of the Princeton Language and Intelligence Initiative (PLI) in September 2023. ChatGPT’s growing popularity has recently sparked conversation about its place in the classroom and whether it can be accurately detected .

Questions about the role of AI in essay writing and the weight essays should hold in the admissions process remain, during an admissions cycle already upturned by the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action. These concerns have already resulted in Duke University’s decision to abandon the practice of scoring applicant essays.

The newly admitted Class of 2028 is the first Princeton class to have access to this controversial technology during the admissions process. The Daily Princetonian spoke to admits on their perspective on the usage of generative AI during the college application process, and a professor with expertise in the field.

All three incoming members of the Class of 2028 interviewed by the ‘Prince’ said that they had not used any form of AI in their essays, though one student experimented with AI during the essay-writing process.

They expressed that they felt the personal focus of the essay made it an ill-fit for AI assistance. 

“I don’t really know what it would help with because you’re supposed to write about yourself, and it doesn’t know anything about you,” Jacob Emerson ’28 said.

Jamie Creasi ’28 expressed a similar sentiment. “There’s no way for it to communicate the challenges I’ve experienced, or what kind of life I have,” she said.

Hemant Sharma ’28 described his experience with attempting to use AI. He found that his essay “lost its emotional touch” so he ended up reverting to his old essay. “[ChatGPT] just made everything worse,” he said.

The University shares this position. In a written statement to the ‘Prince,’ University Spokesperson Jennifer Morrill wrote, “An essay generated by an AI platform is unlikely to be as rich and nuanced as a student’s own words.”

The ‘Prince’ spoke with Associate Professor of Computer Science Arvind Narayanan about ChatGPT's writing abilities. Professor Narayanan said that while AI may be capable of writing a passable essay, it likely would not be any easier than writing an essay without AI assistance. 

Professor Narayanan said, “If the use of AI assistance causes [the college admissions essay] to matter even less, I see it as an entirely positive development,” finding the essay to be “an exercise in performative authenticity.” 

The new admits differed in opinion about regulating generative AI use in the college admissions process. Creasi likened the usage of ChatGPT to a calculator which helps conduct simple calculations in order to allow a focus on more complex tasks. 

“At first, people saw calculators as a way of cheating because you don’t have to do a lot of the equations that you once did or use your mind in the same sort of way. But since then, we’ve adapted to calculators … we can do higher level math or physics,” he said.

Conversely, Sharma felt that detection of AI usage in a college essay should be allowed, stating, “I think there should be at least a minor punishment because it’s easier if we curb it now so that it doesn’t hurt anyone later in the future.” 

However, even if schools agreed to take action against students suspected of unauthorized AI use, Professor Narayanan believes AI-identification technology is not at the “level of accuracy that would make it justifiable to penalize applicants for using AI assistance.”

Although the University did not respond with explicit rules about the use of generative AI in the college application process, Morrill wrote that all applicants “sign a statement acknowledging all information in the application (including the essays) is their own work.”

Claire Meng is a News contributor for the ‘Prince.’

Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.

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