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There are some considerations that students and families should keep in mind when planning for the college application process.  Some of those considerations include understanding the admission review process and understanding your options when it comes to transfer pathways.

Note: All students — even undocumented students and regardless of citizenship status — can apply for college admission. There can be challenges, but there are also great resources to ensure that all students can plan for college. And the University of Arizona has countless resource centers and student services available to help all students achieve their goals.

Paths to a University Degree

There are two main paths you can take to ultimately get into a university in the state of Arizona: students can work to gain admission by being a well-rounded student or they can begin at a community college. Each path accommodates and considers different kinds of students and educational experiences. College awaits, no matter which road you take! 

The Direct Path: Holistic Admission

At the University of Arizona, student admission applications are reviewed through a process called holistic review. This is a complete look at the whole student, which means it is often better to have a well-rounded experience in high school. Below you will find some insights into the areas upon which you may be evaluated for admission. These same factors are also evaluated when the student is being considered for university merit-based scholarships.

• Grades and GPA (Grade Point Average): while holistic review specifically works to understand the student beyond their grades, a student's academic performance in high school can provide a forecast of how the student may perform in a college or university setting.
• Rigorous Courses: Taking more challenging courses strengthens your transcript and makes you better prepared for college-level courses. Consider enrolling in courses such as honors, dual enrollment and/or AP (Advanced Placement).
• Involvement and Leadership: Participation in clubs, sports or other activities (both in and out of school) can speak to your development as a person and can offer opportunities to gain leadership. Such involvement and leadership can help you gain valuable experience and develop relationships that can lead to future letters of recommendation.
• Essays: Some applications give you an opportunity to write a short essay or personal statement. This is a chance to highlight your accomplishments and goals for the future or to share what makes you uniquely qualified for admission. In special circumstances essays may offer an opportunity to share challenges you have overcome.
  • The essay prompt for students applying for admission to the University of Arizona in August of 2026 - Why is the University of Arizona the right fit for you and how will your chosen academic area of study aligh with your interests, goals and values?
• Tests: Arizona universities do not require students to take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. If a student chooses to submit official SAT/ACT scores, they may be used to clear course deficiencies or assist with class placement.
• Work: work experience can often shape the direction a student may take in their academic journey and may impact the level of involvement that they may have in their school or community.
• Summer Programs: just as extracurricular activities allows students to grow in their academic or social interests, so do summer programs.  

The Alternate Path: Transfer Pathway

Arizona community colleges may be the best route for you to begin working toward your 4-year degree. There are also programs where you can attend both a university and a community college at the same time. There are strategies to ensure your time is transferable at an Arizona university, but all methods begin with a visit to an advisor at your community college.

• AGEC: The Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) is a series of 36 units (about 12 classes) that you can take to transfer to a university in Arizona. Because the community colleges have an agreement with the universities, all units in these programs transfer to your new institution. There are three types of AGECs, depending on the 4-year degree you want to attain: “A” for liberal arts majors, “B” for business majors and “S” for science majors.
• Associate’s Degree: Another way to guarantee yourself admission as a transfer student is to complete an associate’s degree. Although the number of transferrable units varies from program to program, simply completing an associate’s degree is your key to university admission through the transfer pathway. If you meet with an advisor at your community college, you can ensure as many units as possible transfer, and that your degree program is aligned with requirements at the university.