When applying for college, most schools require at a minimum an official high school transcript, placement test scores, and proof of two MMR vaccinations, which Career Coaches will send for the student upon request. Some schools require an application fee as well. If a student's family qualifies for free/reduced lunches, SNAP, Medicaid, or other benefits, a fee waiver might be available (see your Career Coach). All Paragould High School seniors get a free application to Arkansas State University. 

Some colleges and departments require other documents depending on the school and degree a student wants to pursue. All of this information should be readily available on the university's Admissions page or on individual department pages. Other documents that might be required include but are not limited to:

• Statement of Purpose or College Essay

• Letters of Recommendation from teachers or employers

• Resume

• Other vaccination records & proof of liability insurance (Medical professions)

• Signed contracts regarding student behavior

• College transcripts (if the student has college credits)

Most 4-year universities still have a GPA and test score requirement for admission, which varies from school to school and even from program to program, though many have moved to a test-flexible admission policy. If a student does not meet the high school GPA requirement, that student can still attend a 2-year community college and then transfer to the university of his or her choice based on his or her college GPA, assuming it meets the requirements. Students can also qualify for transfer scholarships as well. Attending a 2-year community college with the intent to transfer to a university can be very cost-effective, but only if done correctly. See the article titled Understanding Different Types Of College Courses on the College & Major Research page of this website to learn about transferring credits from school to school. 

Your Career Coach can help you register for the ACT if you need assistance. 

• A student must register online with ACT. Click here to register or create a new account. Don't lose your login information! You will need to use the same account every time you take the ACT for your ACT Superscore! (What's an ACT Superscore?)

• The ACT test registration fee is paid online to ACT by using a debit/credit card. See your Career Coach to find out if you qualify for a waiver that covers that cost. Students who qualify are eligible to receive a total of four (4) fee waivers.

• Juniors will take a free ACT test at school in February or March. Make sure you complete the Opt-In paperwork before the test so you can create an online account with ACT, and your scores can be found in your online account. Failing to complete the Opt-in form will result in your scores being mailed to you, and your scores from this test won't be superscored with retakes.