University of Central Arkansas

Many recent studies indicate that the first few weeks of a student’s college experience are the most important in determining whether or not he or she becomes a successful student. As parents, you should be aware of the specific issues your student is facing as a first-year-student, and what you can do to help. Keep in mind, the freshman year can be very challenging. But if parents are sensitive to their students’ needs, many typical problems can be avoided.

What is the criteria for keeping an academic scholarship?

Students with an Academic Scholarship at UCA must maintain at least a 3.25 GPA for the academic year (fall/spring) on at least 30 credit hours. Students with a Transfer Scholarship must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for the academic year (fall/spring) on at least 30 credit hours. Students should note that this requirement is based on each academic year, not on the student's cumulative GPA. Students are also required to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA for the fall semester in order to continue the scholarship for spring. For additional information, please see the Academic Scholarships site.

If a student loses the scholarship, can he or she get it back?

The tuition and fees portion of a lost scholarship may be reinstated once a student attains a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Please see the Undergraduate Studies website for complete details on loss and reinstatement of a scholarship at http://www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/undergradstudies/scholarships/losescholar.htm

What percentage of students loses their scholarship?

Thirty to forty percent of first-year students lose their academic scholarship after their first year.

What are the most frequent reasons given by students for losing their scholarships?

The majority of students who lose their scholarship admit that they were unable to meet the requirements because of difficulties in managing their time. Adequate preparation for classes requires approximately two hours of study outside of class for every hour in class, or roughly twenty-five to thirty hours per week of study time. Students who work excessive hours (more than fifteen to twenty hours per week), or who spend large amounts of time involved with sports or extracurricular organizations (fraternities, sororities, religious groups, academic clubs) often do not set aside the time needed to study. Students caring for children or other family members also face difficulties in allocating sufficient time in their day to study.

In addition to time management issues, some scholarship students find that they do not have the prerequisite academic background necessary to succeed in some first-year courses, particularly science and math courses. Students who enter UCA intending to declare a major that requires such courses in the first year should carefully discuss their high school coursework with their academic advisor when creating their course schedule.

What suggestions do you have to help students keep their scholarships?

All college students, but especially those students trying to maintain an academic scholarship, must make coursework their first priority if they are going to succeed academically. Although there is much more to college life than simply academics, jobs and social activities must come second to studying. Parents and family members can help by asking students about their study habits, encouraging them to make studying their top priority and, as difficult as this might be for mom and dad, even encouraging students to stay on campus over the weekend if this will help them study with friends or in a study group. (And if they do come home for the weekend, make sure they not only have books with them but that they open them while at home!) Support and interest from family can go a long way toward ensuring that students succeed in college.

What academic scholarships are available and what is the academic criteria (High School GPA and ACT/SAT scores) for receiving them?

The academic scholarships are based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores. UCA awards scholarships to entering freshman in five categories (Deans, Presidential, Trustee, Foundation, and Transfer). The scholarships start out with a score of a 27 and a cumulative GPA of 3.25. Click here for more information.

What is an ACT super score, and how does it affect an academic scholarship at UCA?

UCA does not accept ACT Superscores in awarding scholarships.

What is the final date for a student to apply for an academic scholarship?

The final date to apply for scholarship is March 15th. Scholarships will be awarded as funds are available. A student can, however, start applying for scholarships beginning October 1st.

If my student does not receive an academic scholarship the freshmen year, but does very well academically, can he or she receive an academic scholarship in later years?

The academic scholarships are only available to entering freshmen.

How does an academic scholarship work if my son or daughter decides to live off campus?

For scholarships received in the Fall of 2007 and after, the student may receive up to the full award amount as needed to cover the cost of tuition, general fees, on-campus housing, and meal plans. Students residing off-campus will receive up to the full award amount as needed to cover the costs of tuition and general fees. For example, if a student receives the Presidential Scholarship (up to $4000) and does NOT live on campus, he or she will only be awarded the amount needed to cover tuition and general fees. The remainder cannot be used for other expenses, nor will it carry over into the next semester.

For information on other sources of financial aid, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. There you can obtain a free application for federal student aid. For specific questions about the FAFSA, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or 1-319-337-5665. If you are hearing-impaired and have questions, please contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913.

AND FINALLY… If we have failed to answer a question here, please e-mail us at parentsupport@uca.edu for questions about anything and you will receive a personal reply in just a few days from an expert here at UCA, or see Parent Information for more information.