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Freshman Requirements

The University of Alabama will not require standardized ACT or SAT scores from students applying through the Fall 2025 Semester. Admission consideration for freshman entering through the Fall 2024 Semester will be based on a holistic review. Holistic admissions at UA includes both academic and non-academic criteria. Academic components considered include high school GPA, performance in core subjects, academic honors and standardized test scores, should a student elect to submit them. Non-academic items include leadership experience, volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, employment and non-academic honors. All students must complete the minimum unit requirements.

Minimum Unit Requirements

Most first-time, main campus freshmen applying for summer or fall admission who meet the January 15 priority deadline can expect an admission decision by late March, if not sooner.

Course CategoryNumber of Units
English4 units.
Social Sciences4 units, should include world history or a comparable course. A second foreign language unit will satisfy one of the four required units.
Mathematics3 units, should include algebra I, algebra II, AND 1 unit of either geometry, trigonometry OR calculus.
Natural Sciences3 units, should include two courses with lab components.
Foreign Language1 unit, If foreign language is not a graduation requirement or there is not a foreign language program in your school system, UA will accept courses that reflect an enhanced understanding of global and cultural perspectives.
Other Academic Courses5 units, UA recommends courses in fine arts or computer literacy, with additional courses in mathematics, natural sciences and foreign language.

Test Scores

The University of Alabama will not require standardized ACT or SAT scores from students applying through the Fall 2024 Semester. The presence of a score will not create an unfair advantage or disadvantage to students applying for admission. If you are unsure whether or not to submit a standardized test score, contact your high school counselor or UA recruiter.

For students who do not wish to submit a score:

  • If you indicate that you do not want your test scores included in the review of your application for admission, you may still submit test scores for automatic merit scholarship consideration.

For students who wish to submit a score:

  • If you indicate that you want your test scores included in the review of your application for admission, your application will remain incomplete until official test scores are received from ACT/SAT.
  • Visit the ACT or College Board (SAT) website to have your test scores sent to UA. Our ACT code is 0052 and our SAT code is 1830.
  • For admission consideration UA will use the highest section score from any test dates of the same exam. 
  • For automatic merit scholarship consideration UA will use composite scores only. 

Scholarships

There are two ways students can be eligible for scholarships under UA’s current test optional admission policy.

  • Competitive Scholarships – The competitive scholarship application is part of your application for admission. Students are eligible for competitive scholarship consideration if their application for admission and all supporting documents are received by the Competitive Scholarship Deadline.
  • Automatic Merit Scholarships – To qualify for automatic merit scholarships, students must provide a test score and official transcript. Applicants may indicate that they do not want their test scores included in the review of their application for admission and still submit test scores for automatic merit scholarship consideration.

For information on scholarship deadlines and policies, visit afford.ua.edu/scholarships.

Transcript

Transcripts may be submitted by mail or through an electronic transcript provider and should be sent to UA directly from your high school. We accept transcripts electronically through the following providers: Parchment/Naviance, E-Scripts, Scribbles, Overgrad, NeedMyTranscript, SCOIR and National Student Clearinghouse. If the school is mailing your transcript(s), please use this address:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
The University of Alabama
Box 870132
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0132

Your transcript(s) may also be emailed to our office at hstranscripts@ua.edu. Please note that emailed transcripts must be in a PDF format and sent directly from the school/counselor to be considered official.

Academic Lapse Time

If you have had a lapse between graduating from high school and applying for admission as a first-time freshman that lasted six or more months, additional information may be required. You may be asked within your application portal to provide a brief statement listing any academic activities since graduation. 

Statement on Admission

The University of Alabama reserves the right to refuse admission or re-enrollment or to place conditions on admission or re-enrollment of applicants and former students who it determines represent a safety risk to University students, employees and University property. Applicants have the right to appeal any such decision to the Undergraduate Admissions Advisory Committee within seven business days of the date the notice was received.

Withholding information or giving false information may make you ineligible for admission to, or continuation at, the University. Therefore, by submitting this information, you certify that it is true, correct and complete. Also, by submitting this application, you give permission for the University to obtain additional information from others pertinent to your record prior to attending the University.

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