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Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located at UALR?

Our offices are located on the third floor of Dickinson Hall (the building behind the Cooper water fountain). Our mailing address and phone number are:
Donaghey Scholars Program
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
2801 South University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204
501-569-3389

I scored 25 on my ACT. Could I still apply to the Donaghey Scholars Program?

Yes. You should apply. The median ACT score for students who become Scholars is around 28, but students who demonstrate a strong academic record are still competitive applicants. The median GPA for Scholars is about 3.8.

I've already had some college. Do I have to take all of the DSP core classes?

Upon the recommendation of the Director, students in the Scholars Program with prior college hours may petition the governing board of the Program, the Policy Council, for exemption from a Scholars core course. The student will need to fill out the Exemption from a Core Course Form and provide the Policy Council with a list of the courses the student has already taken that would justify him or her not taking the core course. Since the Scholars core courses are interdisciplinary, the student would need to have courses from disciplines used in the core course to present a favorable petition.

Does your program provide for housing/dorm expenses?

Students who enter the Scholars Program receive a stipend (currently it is at least $4000 per year, $2000 per semester). The stipend can be used for housing, on or off campus. For more information about student housing at UALR, see the website at http://housing.ualr.edu/.

I am currently enrolled in another college/honors program. Can I still apply to yours?

You certainly can. The Donaghey Scholars Program admits students with previous college hours, but the student should be advised that his or her graduation date may be delayed due to the time it could take to complete all of the requirements of the Donaghey Scholars Program. Though a student may have transfer hours, the Scholars core courses are interdisciplinary, and the student will be required to take most, if not all, of those courses, and complete the other requirements. (See Requirements)

Will becoming a Donaghey Scholar affect my other scholarships/grants?

A Scholar can receive up to eight semesters of funding (tuition and fees and stipend) as an undergraduate student. If the student has been awarded other scholarships, The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid determines the total amount of funding the student may receive.

How does your application process work?

Applications should be received in the Scholars Program by February 1st to receive priority attention. Applications received between February 1st and March 1st are generally accepted and reviewed without penalty. Beginning in mid-to-late February and continuing through mid-March, interviews are arranged for the strongest and most promising of the applicant pool. The candidate interviews with three people from the admissions committee:the Director of the Scholars Program, Dr. Earl Ramsey, a faculty member from the Policy Council, and a student representative from the Student Committee who is serving on the admissions committee.The interview is about 45 minutes.

The student's application material is also reviewed by three other admissions committee members (so the applicant is reviewed by six different people). In late March, the admissions committee makes its decisions about the applicants, basing those decisions on academic record, test scores, leadership ability, community service, aptitude for foreign languages, interest in other cultures, recommendation letters, the essays the student has submitted, and the interview.

I have sent in my application. When can I expect a reply?

If we receive your application by February 1st, and if you are selected for an interview, you will hear from us during mid-to-late February. If you submitted the application by March 1st and you are selected for an interview, you will hear from us soon after March 1st It is certainly appropriate for applicants to contact the Scholars office to ensure that we have received all of your materials.

I am already fluent in another language. Will I still be required to study a foreign language?

If English is your second language, the Donaghey Scholars Program will not require you to study a foreign language. (However, the university may require that you demonstrate your language proficiency if your major has a language requirement.) If English is your native language, but you have acquired fluency in another language through academic study, you may be asked to demonstrate your language skills through an oral proficiency exam.

My question was not covered on this list.

While we've done our best to compile and answer some of our most frequently asked questions, we understand you may have concerns not addressed above. Please feel free to contact us regarding your questions. If you contact us by email, please use Prospective Applicant in the subject heading.