How to Apply – Admission Process

Getting Started

To apply to the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program:

  1. Complete the online application for admission to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Once you have been accepted to the university, you will receive a Student ID number from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
  2. Have your official test scores for the ACT/SAT sent to UA Little Rock.
  3. Have your official high school transcripts and, if applicable, your college transcripts sent to UA Little Rock.
  4. Complete the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program General Data sheet
  5. Complete the Donaghey scholars application found at this link: Fall 2025 Donaghey Scholars Program Application. Please make sure you meet the minimum academic requirements listed in the application.
    • In the application you will be able to submit your essays and will receive directions regarding your letters of recommendation. We strongly suggest that your letters of recommendation come from teachers.

Questions? Contact us at dsp@ualr.edu or by phone at 501-916-3389.

Priority deadline is January 15. Final deadline is February 15.

Admissions Essay Topics

Applicants must complete one long and two short essays. Note, if invited for an interview, you will be asked to elaborate on these essays, so please do not write about anything you would be uncomfortable discussing.

1) Read about the Donaghey Scholars Honors curriculum on our website. How do you hope these courses and this approach will help you to achieve your goals and ambitions? (350 words)

2) Choose one and answer in 350 words.

  • A) If you had a summer to learn about something (academic or not) unrelated to your career goals, what would it be? Why? With money as no object, what would you do?
  • B) Those we call great will usually point to some adversity, setback, or failure in their lives as a pivotal moment leading them to their successful path. Tell us about a time in your life which overcoming obstacles propelled you toward success.

3) Choose a contentious issue about which you feel passionate and defend your position in no more than 800 words. Be sure to acknowledge the opposing side and support your argument with citations. (Note: your bibliography is not part of your word count.)

Interview Process and Decisions

Beginning in late January, interviews are arranged for the most promising applicants. The candidate interviews with three people from the admissions committee: the Director of the Scholars Program, a faculty member from the Policy Council, and a student representative from the Student Committee. Interviews typically last 45 minutes.

In March, after further review, the admissions committee decides which students will receive an offer from the Program. The admission standards are holistic, and decisions are based on academic record, test scores, leadership ability, community service, interest in other cultures, recommendation letters, the essays the student has submitted, and the interview.

The Program will notify selected students in late March.