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 T- 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 (including fall semester 2022) and if applicable, your college transcripts, sent to UA Little Rock.
  4. Complete the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program General Data sheet
  5. Login to the ScholarshipUniverse application by following these directions. If you have met the minimum academic requirements you will be able to find the application for the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program under Scholarships.
    • In the application you will be able to submit your essays and send a request to your recommenders for their letters of recommendation. We strongly suggest that your letters of recommendation come from teachers.
    • If you are not matching to the Donaghey Scholars Program in ScholarshipUniverse and believe you should be, please reach out to Financial Aid at financialaid@ualr.edu.

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:

1) Choose one and answer in 250-300 words.

  • Beyond your impressive academic credentials and extracurricular accomplishments, what else makes you unique and colorful? What aren’t we seeing elsewhere in your application?
  • Those we call great will usually point to some challenge, setback, or failure in their lives as a pivotal moment leading them to their successful path. Tell us about a time in your life in which adversity propelled you toward success.

2) Choose one and answer in 250-300 words.

  • Tell us about a topic that has fascinated you recently – either inside or outside of the classroom. What made you curious about this? Has this topic connected across other areas of your interests? How has this experience shaped you and what encourages you to keep exploring?
  • “What Does the Fox Say?” asked Ylvis. Pick a question from a song title or lyric and give your best answer.

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.