The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts has officially opened the search for the Classes 2022 and 2023. Beginning this application cycle, all early applicants will receive the benefit of receiving an ACT voucher to take the test at no cost.
Applicants who have completed the online application for admission to ASMSA by Dec. 1 will receive a voucher for the February 2020 ACT test date as part of the school’s upwARd Promise program. Applicants will also receive access to prep tools to improve their understanding of the exam. A valid ACT or SAT score is required as part of the application process, which also includes essay questions, teacher recommendations and an interview on campus. The standard application deadline is March 1.
“The rigorous application process assists our staff and faculty in identifying well-rounded young Arkansans—students who possess a strong sense of character, actively give to their communities, seek out the most challenging coursework available, and apply themselves to the best of their abilities,” said Charlie Feick, interim director of admissions.
ASMSA’s upwARd Promise is a five-part commitment to access and success for all Arkansas high school students with additional structures to support low-income and first-generation college pathway students. In addition to the ACT voucher, the program provides students who attend ASMSA the opportunity to:
- earn a minimum of 30 hours of college credit while finishing high school. Recent graduates have averaged 50 hours—or three full semesters of college study— during their time at ASMSA. These courses save families roughly $14,000 in tuition and fees. The $500 annual concurrent credit assessment is waived for students with financial need.
- live in a residential setting alongside 230 talented and motivated peers with no additional cost for housing, meals and textbooks. All students have access to other specialized technology throughout campus, including gigabit wireless internet.
- the chance to explore the world and experience other cultures through ASMSA’s Global Learning Program. More than 400 students have participated in study abroad, cultural exchanges, language immersion and other global learning opportunities.
- receive college planning and coaching that positions students to compete for admission to top universities and major scholarships. ASMSA alumni have been offered nearly $250 million in college scholarships. ASMSA’s Student Success Office assists all students find the school and opportunities that are the best fit. Students with need are positioned to compete for the QuestBridge National College Match, U.S. Presidential Scholars, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship Program and other prestigious awards.
Admissions representatives from the ASMSA Office of Admissions are sharing information about the program with students at schools across the state through in-person visits.
“The ASMSA Office of Admissions is on the road, taking great pleasure in meeting with talented and driven students and supportive educators throughout Arkansas,” Feick said. “We enjoy connecting with young people and informing them of the myriad opportunities ASMSA is able to offer to them through our research, entrepreneurship, and artistic experiences, global learning program, and a unique residential experience where students are able to live, learn, and grow together.”
Multiple events allow students interested in ASMSA to visit campus. Preview Weekends, Preview Days, Focus Weekends provide students opportunities to be immersed in a hands-on activity with faculty members and to take a tour of ASMSA. Science and Engineering Institutes—both on campus and across the state—engage participants in fun learning activities.
“We hope to see all prospective students and their families on campus,” Feick said. “Visiting campus affords the opportunity to engage directly with current students, faculty, and staff and to get a feel for the warm and welcoming culture of the ASMSA community.”
To RSVP to attend campus events, go to visit.asmsa.org. For more information on the application process and the upwARd Promise program, visit asmsa.org/admissions.